Osprey’s backpacks may seem all similar at first glance. However, they’re marketed for different purposes because they’re not all meant for the same use.
For example, the Nebula and Tropos may look strikingly similar. But, going into their details, you’ll notice that they’re designed for different uses.
Here’s a complete comparison of Osprey Nebula vs Tropos, so you know which one is right for you.
| Preview | Product | |
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Osprey Tropos Laptop Backpack, Black | VIEW ON AMAZON |
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Osprey Nebula Commuter Backpack, Silver Lining/Tunnel Vision Pop | VIEW ON AMAZON |
A Brief Review of the Tropos
The Tropos is a perfect bag for all kinds of trips, including hiking and commuting. It’s pretty durable, and it’s large yet lightweight enough not to tire you out. Not to mention, its laptop compartment is convenient, so you can carry everything you have in one bag instead of taking a separate sleeve.
If you’re not filling the bag to its brim, you can always use the compression straps to shrink it. Then, expand it again when you want to fill it. This feature comes incredibly in handy during trips.
The Tropos is highly versatile, designed to be used for different purposes. You can carry it on a bike, use it for commuting, or take it to outdoor activities like hiking. For biking, there are attachments on the bag’s back that allow you to carry a helmet.
A Brief Review of the Nebula
The Nebula is designed for everyday use, and it’s perfect for it. The way it’s designed with many storage pockets and a separate laptop compartment makes it ideal for users who carry a lot of items.
Using the Nebula, you’ll be able to collect your laptop, cards, books, cables, and tablet in one place, so your hands always stay free.
The bag also features AriSpeed, a cooling technology that keeps the bag ventilated in the hot weather. That way, your back doesn’t get too warm when you’re carrying it in the summer.
Osprey Nebula vs. Tropos: The Key Differences
The Nebula is better for everyday use, and the Tropos is better for trips. Let’s see why:
Specifications
Tropos
- Dimensions: 21 x 13 x 11 inches
- Weight: 2 lbs. 11 oz.
- Capacity: 34 liters
- Laptop size: 17 inches
Nebula
- Dimensions: 18.91 x 12.21 x 11.82 inches
- Weight: 2 lbs. 7 oz.
- Capacity: 34 liters
- Laptop size: 17 inches
Design
Tropos
Osprey meant the Tropos for urban use; that’s why it’s designed with cushioning to protect laptops and other screen devices inside. Its laptop compartment is also highly convenient, but we’ll get into that later.
The way the Tropos backpack is designed, it stands vertically even when it’s not full—all thanks to a feature that Osprey calls the kickstand. The feature is simply an interior frame that’s hard enough not to slack when the bag is empty. It goes on the front and around the bag’s back.
That means you can fill only a third of the bag, and it’ll still be standing upright, protecting everything inside. It also protects the exterior frame from crumbling over time.
Nebula
The Nebula doesn’t have the same kickstand feature as the Tropos. Instead, it features padding on its back panel that protects your belongings inside. The thing here is, the Nebula doesn’t have the same curve as the Tropos.
The Tropos doesn’t stay on your back as you’re carrying it, thanks to its curved-inwards design. I can’t say the same about the Nebula, though, which sticks to your back for the whole time.
While this is a seemingly minor difference, it can affect the quality of your trip if the weather is hot.
Laptop Compartment
Laptop compartments are a big deal in Osprey backpacks. The Nebula and the Tropos have well-designed compartments that fit 17-inch laptops and iPads or other screen devices.
Tropos
Tropos backpacks come with separate sleeves designated for laptops, and they’re separated from the main compartment. That way, you can store your computer without compromising the room you have for other belongings.
In these backpacks, you’ll find the laptop sleeves on the back. They come with padding and hardback panels to protect the laptops inside. Not only that, but the sleeves are also elevated, so the laptop doesn’t come in contact with the ground under any circumstances.
You can roll the bag down a hill if you want to, and the laptop won’t budge.
Lastly, there’s a small pocket in the laptop sleeve, designed to carry cables and other related items.
Nebula
Like the Tropos, the Nebula backpack has a separate laptop sleeve to leave room for your other belongings. It also comes with another small pocket for the cables and such.
The Nebula’s sleeve has leverage over the Tropos, though, making the bag more suitable for airport trips. It opens flat, which allows you to pass it through airport screening without removing the laptop. In most airports, they won’t ask you to remove the laptop if the bag opens flat.
It’s worth noting, though, that opening the bag completely flat may cause the zippers to get stuck.
Storage Pockets
Tropos
The Tropos’ main compartment is large enough for all your belongings, having a 34-liter capacity. If you’re carrying water bottles or thermal mugs, there are two mesh pockets on the side for that purpose.
On top of that, there’s a pocket on the front with organizational slots for your small items, like cards and money.
Nebula
The Nebula backpack has the same organizational pocket on the front for small items and cards. It also features a holder for keychains and an open slash pocket for your phone.
To add to the convenience, there’s an open pocket with quick access. It’s ideal for carrying wet gear or food, so you can reach in and get them quickly.
The Final Verdict
If you want a bag for everyday use and commuting, the Nebula is the right one for you. With its many storage pockets and convenient laptop compartment design, it’ll carry all your things effortlessly.
On the other hand, the Tropos is ideal for trips and outdoor activities, thanks to its compression straps and curved back panel.