Osprey Transporter 65L Duffel Review

Bottom Line

The Osprey Transporter is one of the most well-designed bags specifically for backpack-style carry. We shouldn’t be surprised since it’s made by a company whose bread and butter is backpacks. 

It’s also one of the most capacious duffels we tested this year. As a result, while there may be fewer carry options overall, those who prefer to haul gear mostly on their shoulders will find the padded straps (with sternum strap) ultra comfy for longer periods. 

But even if you don’t plan to have it on your back for extended periods, when testing it over a weekend of bikepacking in Utah, we loved how easy it was to pack and unpack each night and morning and slide in and out of rooftop cargo boxes in the support vehicle.

Chronic overpackers are bound to love this bag, too. Two interior compression straps that help keep soft goods cinched down so you can close the burly zips on the lid with ease. That’s not all: two medium-sized accessory pockets help keep small items easy to find.

Carry Comfort

If you are in search of a duffel that you know you’ll carry as a backpack as opposed to over the shoulder, the Osprey Transporter is for you. After all, Osprey is known for its backpacks; this one is one of the most comfortable duffels we tested for backpack carry.

The straps are padded, adjustable, and include a sternum strap to help manage heavy loads. Plus, the straps are stowable in a dedicated zipper pocket in the lid when not in use, like when checking the bag as luggage. The shoulder straps are the primary way to carry this bag, though. There’s no sling strap or grab handles, but we did manage an over-the-shoulder carry in a pinch by loosening the pack straps all the way. There are sturdy and comfortable cargo handles on each of the four sides, which make grabbing this duffel easy.

Compressibility & Packability

The Transporter 65 holds all of our essentials for bikepacking trips. We love the two internal compression straps that help cinch down soft goods like clothing and sleeping bags. 

It is also easy to pack and unpack thanks to a spacious, wide-mouth opening that hinges at one of the short ends. During packing and unpacking, the straps, when attached, are minimally obstructive when fully opening the lid.

When empty, the duffel packed fairly easily into its separate sack for easy storage. The presence of plenty of external lash points also means the bag is easy to secure or attach to anchors or other duffels, say in a truck bed or cargo rack.

The only thing that could be designed better (in our opinion) is the placement of the compression straps. They’re attached to the interior bottom side seams, so if we don’t pull them upward and arrange them so they are hanging over the sides during packing, they are hard to dig out after we’ve packed the duffel full of clothing and gear.

Durability

We’ve been dragging this bag around the desert full of gear, and there is hardly a scratch or scuff on the Bluesign-approved recycled nylon. The outer material, which features a TPU coating, is incredibly durable and robust, and even resists dirt and mud. Plus, because the material is smooth, it is easy to wipe down or hose off.

What’s more, the grab handles are seriously heavy-duty. Just because they’re burly, they are still comfortable to carry when the bag is loaded down. The lockable zippers move smoothly and are easy to use. We have no problem zipping the bag shut, even when it is packed to the brim.

Weather Resistance

The Osprey Transporter is treated with PFAS-free waterproofing, and the TPU coating repels moisture well. Even still, this duffel was hardly the most waterproof bag we tested. That’s primarily due to the zippers, which aren’t waterproof, but covered with a large fabric flap. Unfortunately, that wasn’t enough to keep the contents dry for even a few minutes in heavy rain.

While the exterior pocket can keep its contents completely dry, the main compartment will get damp along the sides and the bottom. Our clothes got a little soggy after a rainstorm. Packing sensitive gear in water-resistant packing cubes may not be a bad idea.

Organization

While this bag may not be an organizational powerhouse, compression straps inside the main compartment are a welcome addition for chronic overpackers. They were a godsend on one trip where we had to cram in bulky winter sleeping bags and puffy jackets alongside plenty of other camping gear.

There are no large separate compartments for shoes or dirty clothing, though, and only one accessory pocket on the outside and one inside. They are helpful for stashing headlamps and bathroom kits, but it can take a little longer to find smaller items within the bag. The interior pocket isn’t the easiest to use, especially when the bag is packed full, due to its placement under the lip of the bag.

Should You Buy the Osprey Transporter Duffel?

The Osprey Transporter is on the pricier end of the duffels we tested. Still, for those looking for a duffel bag with plenty of storage space, this is a winner. The best part is that it’s also comfortable to carry as a backpack for long periods. We appreciate being able to have a big bag on our back so our hands are free for other bags or better walkability.

On the flip side, if you prefer a duffel bag with more carry options, organizational pockets, or separate compartments for dirty gear, your new favorite duffel will likely be found elsewhere.

What Other Duffels Should You Consider?

If you’re not sure the Osprey Transporter is right for you in any of the available sizes, you may want to consider one of the other stand-out duffels we’ve tested.

Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler Review: Made of highly durable materials and more large pockets for bulky gear like boots or helmets, this bag is still easy to pack, plenty spacious, and comfortable to carry.

Cotopaxi Allpa Duo Review: One large main compartment and removable shoulder straps make it similar to the Osprey Transporter, but with the addition of a bottom zippered compartment for dirty clothing.

Patagonia Black Hole Review: For a more traditional duffel, consider the classic Patagonia Black Hole. The large single opening, limited pockets, and several carry options make it a solid choice for many travelers.