I've always been a fan of Osprey backpacks and holdalls. My 6 month round the world trip back in 2012/2013 was done with an older 55 litre backpack, and that saw everything from the heights of Bolivia to the smog-ridden cities of Eastern China.
In my opinion, Osprey are consistent in the rucksacks and holdalls they produce. They are always durable, reliable and comfortable, and the new Transporter 95 'adventureproof' holdall/rucksack hybrid continues this trend.
I put the Osprey Transporter 95 to the test during a long weekend to Coniston in the Lake District, in the North West of England, and didn't mess around when it came to throwing into onto the floor, into and out of the car, and around the rooms of the YHA Coniston.
Have a peek at the video below for the full unboxing. As you'll see in the video, the Osprey Transporter 95 packs down to a ridiculously small size when empty.
The first thing I noticed is how incredibly rugged and durable all the materials are, from strong zips, water-resistant materials and tough handles which almost encourage you to throw the holdall around.
It's probably a good thing then that Osprey say: "The construction patterns and materials of Transporter have been chosen to provide a high level of weather resistance and the ability to withstand a lot of punishment."
The Transporter 95 has four large grab handles around the bag, and hidden away carry straps that convert it into a backpack.
The Transporter is pitched as an expedition-style duffel bag. When you think about your journey to that expedition, it takes on all forms - being chucked around on luggage carousels and baggage handlers at the airport, then you might give it to a coach driver who chucks it onto a pile of other bags in the diesel-fulled belly of his vehicle.
During your journey, your bag is on a journey of its own. Being tested for strength and durability, rips and strains.
In each corner of the Transporter 95 holdall, there are four clips, which pin down the corners of the bag. The backpack straps neatly fold away into a zipped compartment (clever), so the probability of straps, zips and loose material to get snagged is pretty low with the transporter.
Then, when you arrive and need to put the bag onto your bag, you get the straps out of the zipped compartment, and swing it round onto your back, and allow the standard Osprey straps to hug you comfortably, and for the pack to fit snug against your back.
As I was heading to the Lake District for a walking weekend, one trick I used was saving some of the space in the main compartment for a day sack. This means I only needed to lug around one holdall for the main parts of my journey, and use the day sack for walks. You could use the same trick for cabin and hold luggage at the airport.
Whilst my 55 litre old Osprey pack was ideal for backpacking, the 95 litre version of the Transporter isn't is a full-on 'travel round the world' or expedition backpack. It's ideal for carrying lots of luggage on long trips, but not the best solution if the pack is going to be on your back most of the time.
The Osprey Transporter 95 costs £130 and is a fantastic, versatile, well-built, rugged holdall, with the advantage of a converting into a usable large rucksack. You can buy it on Amazon, or directly from Osprey.
*The pack also gets the thumbs up from Pip :)
Reviewed on by Simon Heyes
Osprey Transporter 95 holdall
A versatile, durable, water-resistant, rugged option as a holdall / backpack hybrid.
The Transporter 95 is a brilliant all-round travel pack, offering the performance and durability of an expedition holdall, with the comfort, build quality and innovative features that Osprey is known for.
Rating: 5
Disclaimer - The Osprey Transporter 95 holdall was gifted to me by the Osprey team. Whilst I didn't pay for the pack, the views and opinions I present here are explicitly my own.
In my opinion, Osprey are consistent in the rucksacks and holdalls they produce. They are always durable, reliable and comfortable, and the new Transporter 95 'adventureproof' holdall/rucksack hybrid continues this trend.
I put the Osprey Transporter 95 to the test during a long weekend to Coniston in the Lake District, in the North West of England, and didn't mess around when it came to throwing into onto the floor, into and out of the car, and around the rooms of the YHA Coniston.
Have a peek at the video below for the full unboxing. As you'll see in the video, the Osprey Transporter 95 packs down to a ridiculously small size when empty.
The first thing I noticed is how incredibly rugged and durable all the materials are, from strong zips, water-resistant materials and tough handles which almost encourage you to throw the holdall around.
It's probably a good thing then that Osprey say: "The construction patterns and materials of Transporter have been chosen to provide a high level of weather resistance and the ability to withstand a lot of punishment."
HOLDALL / BACKPACK HYBRID
The Transporter is pitched as an expedition-style duffel bag. When you think about your journey to that expedition, it takes on all forms - being chucked around on luggage carousels and baggage handlers at the airport, then you might give it to a coach driver who chucks it onto a pile of other bags in the diesel-fulled belly of his vehicle.
During your journey, your bag is on a journey of its own. Being tested for strength and durability, rips and strains.
In each corner of the Transporter 95 holdall, there are four clips, which pin down the corners of the bag. The backpack straps neatly fold away into a zipped compartment (clever), so the probability of straps, zips and loose material to get snagged is pretty low with the transporter.
Then, when you arrive and need to put the bag onto your bag, you get the straps out of the zipped compartment, and swing it round onto your back, and allow the standard Osprey straps to hug you comfortably, and for the pack to fit snug against your back.
TRANSPORTER 95 FEATURES
- Backpack harness carry straps
- Backpack harness stows in main cover pocket
- Durable and water resistant fabric
- External end pocket
- ID card holder pocket
- Internal mesh pockets
- Internal mesh side pocket
- 4 grab handles
- Lockable zips
- Sternum strap with emergency whistle
- Can fit a Springer Spaniel inside*
FINAL TIPS
As I was heading to the Lake District for a walking weekend, one trick I used was saving some of the space in the main compartment for a day sack. This means I only needed to lug around one holdall for the main parts of my journey, and use the day sack for walks. You could use the same trick for cabin and hold luggage at the airport.
Whilst my 55 litre old Osprey pack was ideal for backpacking, the 95 litre version of the Transporter isn't is a full-on 'travel round the world' or expedition backpack. It's ideal for carrying lots of luggage on long trips, but not the best solution if the pack is going to be on your back most of the time.
The Osprey Transporter 95 costs £130 and is a fantastic, versatile, well-built, rugged holdall, with the advantage of a converting into a usable large rucksack. You can buy it on Amazon, or directly from Osprey.
*The pack also gets the thumbs up from Pip :)
Reviewed on by Simon Heyes
Osprey Transporter 95 holdall
A versatile, durable, water-resistant, rugged option as a holdall / backpack hybrid.
The Transporter 95 is a brilliant all-round travel pack, offering the performance and durability of an expedition holdall, with the comfort, build quality and innovative features that Osprey is known for.
Rating: 5
Disclaimer - The Osprey Transporter 95 holdall was gifted to me by the Osprey team. Whilst I didn't pay for the pack, the views and opinions I present here are explicitly my own.
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