I just got this pack a few weeks ago with the intent to "one-bag" it to New Zealand this fall. I "tested" it on a short cross-country flight, and already love it. I'd heard how well it fit into the airline overhead, but still marveled at the ease with which it slipped effortlessly into that compartment (it probably could even fit under your seat if it isn't fully packed).

The main compartment of the bag is nice & roomy, and is easily cinched down on the outside, making the pack more compact and more manageable. Organized packers will be amazed with how much they can fit inside this bag. Two roomy outside pockets hold your 3-1-1 bag and a book, or even a pair of shoes. I could have used maybe one more smaller outside pocket, perhaps for keys, just for organization's sake, but it isn't a dealbreaker.

The shoulder straps are comfortable. I haven't really used the waist straps a whole lot, since they aren't padded and seem to be there mostly to keep the bag close to the body rather than support the load. Both the shoulder & waist straps slip easily into the back of the pack.

There are carrying straps everywhere you'd want one; my favorite are the two on the loading side of the bag that make it easy to pick up out of a trunk, or to lift while the bag is unzipped and still being packed. In addition, there are bigger, more padded straps on the top and side.

So far, this seems like a very well-designed and thought-out pack. I'm looking forward to taking it on more trips!

If you plan to do any traveling without checking luggage than this pack is for you. It is very well built and has thoughtful touches that make it easy to load and handle. There is plenty of space for a light-traveling week plus trip. It fits perfectly into standard overhead bins. The hidden backpack straps work well and are easy to get set up. They are not the most adjustable, but they do their job. The straps are plenty comfortable, but might become not so if you try and pack really heavy loads. Truth be told I am sure that I will eventually find something that I don't like about this pack. However, the best thing I can say about it is that I wish I had found it years ago!

The 46 is small enough to to be placed on the back seat with all my gear in place. Just in case of an emergency. It can also can double as a back pack(padded shoulder straps)Do not over load and it will work just fine.. The compression strap system works great for keeping inside load in place and also for placing extra gear(Trekking poles)when not in use. Can also fold down to be placed inside The porter 90 if need be. The Porter 46 has served me will in travel and in the field. Hydration bag can be placed in outter long front compartment... ""Do Not over load when using as back pack, This gear hauler is not a backpack.... But you will appreciate its versatility..

Pick your size 45-60-90... you won't be disappointed. The pack conforms perfectly to the body and doesn't cause the body to contort to the pack instead of the other way around. very secure strapping system and the straps tuck away nicely. A top quality bag. I'm buying my second (the 90) very soon.