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After hours of thoughtful research trying to find the perfect carry-on luggage, I was beginning to lose hope of discovering something that is stylish, functional, and durable. Then I found the perfect option from a brand I already know and love: Osprey. They’re well-known for making extremely reliable backpacking bags that can take some serious abuse. Plus, Osprey’s warranty is fantastic—they’re known to honor it either for free or for a small fee, which gave me extra peace of mind.
Osprey Transporter 4-Wheel Hybrid Carry-On Materials
This luggage is unique because it’s not just a hard shell or a soft side—it’s both. The hard shell on one side offers excellent protection, while the soft side allows for expansion if you need more space. The soft side is made from 100% recycled materials and features larger, more durable YKK zippers than most other options on the market.
- Main Material: 80% recycled post-consumer polycarbonate
- Bottom Material: bluesign-approved, recycled 450D polyester, PFC-free DWR, TPU coated
Dimensions:
- Volume: 2197 in³ / 36 L
- Dimensions: 9H x 14W x 21.5D in.
- Weight: 6.59 lbs.
Wheels:
The 2.7-inch (70MM) roller wheels are much larger than those on other luggage I’ve used. Made from hard plastic and secured with sturdy metal framing, these wheels glide effortlessly in any direction and can even handle high-pile carpet with ease.
Handles:
The top handle is made of hard plastic, which feels incredibly sturdy and sits flush with the luggage’s body. There’s also an extra fabric handle that makes lifting the carry-on into an overhead bin super convenient.
Extendable Handle:
The extendable handle is comfortable to hold, even while the luggage was fully loaded. However, one hesitation I have is with its sturdiness. The handle has some twist and flex to it, which makes me wonder how well it would hold up to the rough handling that often occurs during airline loading and unloading. That being said, this is just an assumption.
Osprey Transporter 4-Wheel Hybrid Carry-On Storage
Pockets:
With 36 liters of storage capacity and an optional 5-liter expansion, I fit everything I needed for a long weekend getaway. The exterior pocket includes a padded compartment that securely held my 16-inch laptop, along with three stretch pockets and one zippered pocket. If you use all three, just double-check that your luggage still meets carry-on size limits. Additionally, there’s a conveniently placed top pocket, ideal for a passport or other essentials that require quick access while traveling.
Main Luggage Compartment:
The main compartment is split into two halves. I assume this design is intended to help travelers separate clean clothes from dirty ones, although one side is significantly smaller than the other. I appreciate that there’s no liner inside the luggage. In my experience, liners tend to get dirty, but with the Transporter, the hard plastic interior can be easily wiped clean providing peace of mind for clean freaks like myself.
Osprey Transporter 4-Wheel Hybrid Carry-On Performance
The build quality is superb. The Osprey Transporter 4-Wheel Hybrid Carry-On felt sturdy and well-built as soon as I took it out of the packaging. The zippers work smoothly, and I especially love that the main zipper is oversized for added sturdiness. The wheels roll so smoothly that there’s little to no resistance, and I don’t foresee any future issues with them. The soft portion of the luggage feels really strong, likely to resist scratches and weather damage. While the hard portion feels extremely durable, I worry that it might get scratched or dented if checked with any airline, but for carry-on use, I anticipate no major issues.
I packed enough clothing for a 4-day trip, including layers for each day to handle Michigan’s unpredictable weather. Along with my clothes, I fit a cosmetics bag, an extra pair of sandals, and hair tools, and still had room for souvenirs. For a warmer destination, I’m confident I could fit nearly a week’s worth of clothing with smart packing.
Final Thoughts
I’ve been pleasantly surprised with my experience with the Osprey Osprey Transporter 4-Wheel Hybrid Carry-On. It’s made by a well-known company that stands by its products. The bag is priced well for its quality at only $320, and I’m confident it will provide me with years of reliable use. If you would like more info or are interested in checking one out for yourself you can do so by visiting osprey.com or amazon.com.