This post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you click on a link, we may receive a small commission, at no cost to you. Please read our full policy below, thank you for your support!
Osprey Transporter 40 Duffel Bag Review
Cost: $110
Capacity: 40 liters
Dimensions: 20.9 x 12.2 x 10.6″ (53 x 31 x 27 cm)
Style: Convertible duffel bag
Weight: 2.7 lbs (1.2 kg)
Laptop: No
Materials: 840 denier TPU coated nylon, lockable YKK main zip
Origin: Manufactured in Vietnam
A great little convertible duffel worthy of adventure travel. The Osprey Transporter 40 Duffel Bag has ultra-durable fabric, and carry on friendly dimensions, convertible backpack straps. A great choice for travelers looking for a tough-as-nails minimalist carry on duffel bag with multiple carry options.
Materials, Colors, and Size
Material and Aesthetics
The pictures on the official website don’t do it justice, but the fabric is a sturdy TPU laminate coated nylon. Thick, durable, and firm, this duffel keeps its shape even when not fully packed. The laminate is forward-facing on the top and sides of the pack, but inside the fabric on the underside. This increases the abrasion resistance properties on the bottom of the pack while not sacrificing water resistance.
As far as aesthetics on travel packs go, this bag is pretty LOUD. If you’re looking to keep a low profile on the road, this is not the bag for you. I chose the grey color in an attempt to get a color that was a little more subdued. Imagine my surprise when blasted with bright yellow/orange buckles, and huge “OSPREY” logos adorning the pack. Nobody will ever be in doubt of your affiliation with this pack.
Size and Color
Like many other travel duffel bags in the “adventure travel” category, the Osprey Transporter 40 comes in a variety of vibrant colors. They have more interesting color names like Ruffian Red, Sub Lime, and Kingfisher Blue, and the less vibrant Keystone Grey (pictured here), and Boring Black. I made that last name up, but seriously if you don’t want to stand out as a mega tourist, just go with black.
In addition to the carry on friendly dimensions of the 40 liter version. The Osprey Transporter Duffel Bag is also available in a 65, 95, and 130 liter version. You would have to check each of these larger sizes, as they are too big for carry on dimensions. But I wouldn’t recommend going with anything bigger than the 40 liter version if you are going to be carrying this duffel on your back for extended periods.
External Components
External Organization
This is a minimalist pack, so you will only find one small pocket on the outside of the Osprey Transporter 40 Duffel Bag. Instead of being located on the front like most bags, this small gear pouch is located on the top end. The zippered pocket opening is barely noticeable hidden under a waterproof rain flap. It’s small, but big enough for easy access items like chargers, keys, and a notebook.
Compression Straps / Buckles
This duffel bag doesn’t have exterior compression straps, but you shouldn’t need them. Like the Patagonia Black Hole Duffel Bag, the ultra-stiff TPU coated fabric keeps its shape when under-packed.
There are two additional yellow buckles on the corners of the lid that don’t serve much of a purpose. They aren’t adjustable so you can’t use these as compression straps. They attach the lid to the bag, but it’s already secured with a big zipper. My only guess to their purpose is they help keep the rain flap in place, and add a small amount of flair to the top of the pack.
Water Bottle Pocket
Like all of the other travel duffels we’ve reviewed so far on One Bag Travels, the Osprey Transporter 40 Duffel Bag does not come with a water bottle pocket. There are several lashing points located on the exterior of the bag where you can easily attach a bottle, or use something like the Vapur Water Bottle, which is foldable and has a carabiner attached.
Waterproofness
Osprey does a good of a job at keeping the Transporter 40 Duffel Bag water resistant, but it’s not waterproof. The TPU coated nylon easily repels water, while storm flaps cover the zippers to prevent leakage. The only steps they overlook are waterproof zippers, and sealed seams. You won’t need a rain cover in normal situations, but you will encounter leakage during a downpour.
Carry Options
Backpack straps
Osprey makes backpacking packs, so they know how to make a good shoulder strap. These are foam padded, curved and comfortable, with an adjustable sternum strap for added comfort. The straps are not removable, but they can be detached from the bottom of the pack and stored in a hidden zippered pocket. This keeps them out of the way when you’re carrying the bag with the carry handles or shoulder strap.
The shoulder straps are comfortable for short trips, but a lack of back padding makes this bag uncomfortable over long durations. Items located inside the bag will press on your back, and a lack of foam padding or ventilation channels will keep your back sweaty.
Shoulder Sling Strap
Duffels really need a shoulder sling, and they include a great one with the Osprey Transporter 40 Duffel Bag. It’s a long, adjustable nylon strap with super comfy sliding padded. You can remove the padding if you want to save weight, or just detach the entire strap if you don’t need it. This is a great improvement over similar duffels that don’t have a shoulder strap like the Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler and REI Big Haul Duffel, and the Patagonia Big Hole Duffel
Top and Side Handles
Unfortunately there is no standard top carry option with this duffel. You can use the backpack straps together as a handle in a pinch, but this isn’t a great option. It isn’t a comfortable way to carry the bag, and feels awkward. Not a good solution for long duration carrying.
The bag does come with 4 other side and top handles, but I would consider these to be more like “grab handles” than carry handles. You can carry the duffel in briefcase mode using the two side handles. They are moderately padded and comfortable. But I really like to see a better top carry handle option with duffel bags.
Interior Components and Design
Packing Style
The Osprey Transporter 40 Duffel Bag packs easily with a huge spacious duffel compartment. The stiff fabric help support the bag and keep its form when packing. It can be used with packing cubes, or without, and internal compression straps help keep your items in place.
Interior Organization
There is only one interior mesh pocket in this travel duffel bag. Instead of being located in the top lid like the Patagonia Black Hole Duffel Bag, it’s found on the end of the interior compartment. It’s a large spacious pocket, perfect for small items like keys or electronics. But the location inside the pack makes it more difficult to access.
Laptop Compartment
Again, this duffel bag lacks a dedicated laptop compartment. Most travelers who enjoy the use of duffel bags know this and make due without. The interior is large enough to store pretty much any sized laptop, you just need to use a padded laptop sleeve.
Packing The Bags
The 40 liter capacity is similar to what I usually carry for one bag travel, so I packed this bag with my usual gear list. Click the drop down menu below to bring it up. The bag is spacious, and a cinch to pack. All my gear fit easily inside, and the packing is straightforward and easy. If you don’t want to lose things inside the pack, consider using a couple of small or medium sized packing cubes.
Summary
This is a solid little duffel best used for adventure travel. It’s sleek, simple design and large capacity will appeal to minimalist travelers. If you want a solid no-frills duffel without any frills to be the workhorse of your collection, this is a great option. Casual travelers who want the added comfort of back padding, or hip support will be let down by this duffel.
Best Features
- Durable water resistant construction
- Large internal capacity
- Hide-away backpack straps
- Included shoulder sling strap
Worst Features
- No back padding or ventilation
- Vibrant color options make you stand out as a tourist
- Lack of a hip belt
- Too much Osprey logo branding
Affiliate Disclaimer
I run One Bag Travels as an independent website, I am not directly associated with, nor do I take payments from any of the companies featured on this site. My opinions are based on my personal experience with these products, as well as years of experience as an independent traveler.
Any revenue I receive from One Bag Travels is from affiliate marketing relationships, meaning if you click on one of the product links, I may receive a small commission at no cost to you. I strive to review products that I like, or are popular in the one bag/minimalist travel community, not just brands that I receive a commission on. Sometimes a company will send me a free product to review, I am however under no incentive or obligation to give them a favorable review.
The continued existence and success of One Bag Travels relies on the support of my readers. I believe providing thorough, honest, unbiased information is the best way to grow this support. I put a lot of work into my reviews, if you find this information was helpful in your decision, we encourage you to purchase through one of our affiliate links, at zero extra cost to you. This support allows me to continue providing the best reviews and content for you. Thank you for your support!
