Osprey Transporter 65L - Review 2025

• Outoria Score: 4.7/5
• Construction: 4.7/5
• Storage: 4.5/5
• Water and Impact Protection: 4.7/5
• Price/Quality: 4.7/5

Osprey is known for their top-quality backpacks, so it comes as no surprise that the Transporter is one of the better-made duffels. It sits comfortably on your back thanks to their contoured and well-padded shoulder straps.

The Transporter is available in 4 sizes, 40, 65, 95 and 120 liters. The 40 liter can pass as a carry-on, while the 65 might not, especially when fully packed. I managed to fly with the 65 packed to 60% capacity. On my return flight, I checked it in and stowed the straps away, demonstrating its versatility.

As a sports bag the Transporter 65L has a lot of space. That means you won’t have to struggle to stuff your towel, change of clothes, etc. and worry about crushing your lunch or whatever slightly more fragile item. This has its virtues for travel too.

Read about how we used and tested this 65-liter variant on a two week, open sailing and camping trip down below.

Construction

The Osprey Transporter is made with tough TPU laminated 800D nylon, which makes the bag capable of withstanding some tough love from traveling. The base is constructed from the same material making it incredibly durable.

The high-quality zippers are easy to grasp, opening and closing seamlessly. They’re not the kind to malfunction or break easily.

These zips are also lockable and will accept most luggage padlocks, so you can ensure your belongings are kept safe from prying hands.

The Transporter also features several buckles and clips securing the opening of the bag and attaching the shoulder harness.

Storage

A U-shaped lid of the Transporter makes the bag easier to pack and access its contents without having to dig around. It comes with two adjustable internal compression straps that hold everything in place when you’re on the move.

In terms of storage, the Transporter comes with one large main compartment and an internal mesh pocket for accessories.

This doesn’t allow for much organization so we would recommend picking up a few packing cubes to keep your bag organized and maximize the space you have available.

The external end pocket is great for storing items you need quick access to. When you’re not using the duffle it packs into a small storage case, but this may be harder than it seems. It definitely will get easier with practice but if you use this as your main luggage you won’t need to pack it away that often.

Osprey Transporter’s Purpose

Thanks to its double-coated 840-denier nylon with a TPU coating on each side, the Transporter does an excellent job of repelling water.

The seams are all internally reinforced with an extra layer of material making them more durable and preventing moisture from entering.

It’s important to remember that this bag is water-resistant and not waterproof. While it will protect your belongings if you get caught in a rainstorm we can promise it won’t be as effective if you submerge it with water.

For canoe tripping or sailing you can always pack some of your belongings in plastic bags for extra precaution.

Space and Features

The Osprey Transporter 65L duffel bag features a spacious main compartment with a large u-zip opening for easy access and packing. I found, and so did the others who tested this, that this type of zippered opening adds value when packing and unpacking every day for a week or more.

Anecdotally, I found finding items was easier with this type of u-zip lid.

A large mesh pocket under the lid helps keep smaller items accessible, while dual-zippered side pockets provide additional storage for separating toiletries or wet items.

The exterior of the Transporter 65L includes a zippered end pocket for quick access to essentials like travel documents or snacks. Padded shoulder straps allow the bag to be carried as a backpack, which I find to be the standard requirement for using duffels for camping or longer weekend trips.