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Osprey Farpoint 40 Review

The Osprey Farpoint 40 is a capable one-bag travel backpack loaded with features, comfort, and space, though the outdoorsy aesthetic may not be for everyone.

Our Verdict

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  • Materials are durable and water resistant
  • Ample size main compartment for one-bag travel
  • Comfortable harness system even with a full pack
  • Almost no internal organization to speak of
  • The hip belt isn’t removable
  • No dedicated water bottle pockets

Technical Details

Carry-on compliance.

View 54/145 Airlines

Disclaimer: We take the measurements of the bag provided by the manufacturer and compare them to the allowance listed on airline websites. This should be used as a guideline rather than a rule. Bags can change size as you pack them out, and every airline's interpretation of compliance is different. Just because a bag is listed as carry-on compliant here doesn't mean that the airline will interpret it that way.

Like the Look

Polled on Instagram

Weight (lb)

3.486 lb (1.6 kg)

22 in x 14 in x 9 in (55.9 x 35.6 x 22.9 cm)

Notable Materials

Polyester, DWR Coating, YKK Zippers

Manufacturing Country

Laptop Compartment Size

Warranty Information

All Mighty Guarantee

Buying Options

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Full Review

At Pack Hacker, and for travelers across the globe, the Osprey Farpoint 40 has always been a fan favorite. It utilizes durable materials, has ample storage for one-bag travel, and doesn’t break the bank.

Osprey Farpoint 40 V2 Handle 2

We took the first iteration of this pack to nearly 20 countries and could count on it for any trip. The new model remains in the same vein as the old—but we’re curious if any changes will unsettle how much we love this pack. Buckle up; this is going to be a long one. Let’s dive in!

External Components

If you’ve ever searched the internet for the best travel backpack or found yourself wandering around your local sporting or camping goods store, chances are you’ve come across the Osprey Farpoint series before. Being highly reviewed and widely available to try-before-you-buy at stores is an excellent reason to try this pack, but the Osprey Farpoint is so much more. After testing the previous version for over a year and running around with the new model for a few weeks, we like to think we know it quite well!

Osprey Farpoint 40 V2 Full

The second iteration is crafted from 450D recycled twist dobby polyester. It has a PFAS-free DWR coating, which means it’s free of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. These chemicals break down excruciatingly slowly in the environment and are thought to cause health effects. We dig that Osprey doesn’t include them in the DWR coating of this pack and many others we’ve tested.

In addition to removing harmful substances from our ecosystems, the main pack material on the Farpoint is bluesign approved. This means the materials are sustainably sourced, which is becoming the norm.

Osprey Farpoint 40 V2 Brand

The primary pack material holds up well—we’ve had no issues with it puncturing, fraying, or allowing water to soak our gear. It’s a transition from the 210D nylon on the first iteration, but we’re happy with the update so far. If this changes, we’ll modify the usage timeline below!

Now, this bag looks like a travel backpack, which is fine because, well…that’s exactly what it is. It does not attempt to look like a slick modern city pack; you either like this style or you don’t. It makes it easier to throw around on the back of buses or lay in the dirt when necessary. In our opinion, a travel backpack always looks best when it looks like it’s been through some stuff; every splash of mud and crinkle is a story to tell.

After over a year of use on the previous model, we had no issues with the zippers. This is no surprise, though, as they’re YKK, assuring quality and durability. There don’t appear to be many changes from generation one to two, and one of the best things about these zippers is that they’re lockable. They join together and provide a precise hole to pop a padlock through—something that gives you great peace of mind when you’re chucking your bag inside the back of a bus.

Osprey Farpoint 40 At Tonbridge Castle, Kent, England

The zipper pulls start with a piece of paracord-like material and transition into an oblong chunk of hard plastic with a hole. They’re easy to grasp, even in inclement weather,

On top of the lockable zippers, the compression straps on the front of the pack add security. When these are fastened, they pull the material over most of the zipper track. That means the zippers are locked and hardly even visible! Other than compressing the bag and adding security, these straps also help secure anything large in the shove-it pocket at the front. For instance, they work great with a large water bottle that may fall out otherwise.

Osprey Farpoint 40 V2 Carry Handle 1

There are various attachment points and loops on the front of the pack for fastening gear, which we dig. There are four small loops on the four corners of the shove-it pocket crafted from a paracord-like material and two sturdier ones near the top handle. This is ideal for attaching a carabiner or stowing a Heroclip Hybrid Carabiner Clip for safekeeping.

As with most travel backpacks, the Osprey Farpoint has both top and side handles. However, since this bag is supposed to go on your back, you shouldn’t carry it for too long using these handles. That said, they can be clutch when you’re grabbing your bag from an overhead cabin locker or you’re in a rush and have to grab your bag quickly. The handles are comfortable to hold and are nicely padded. They may be a bit large for those with smaller hands, but they get the job done for the most part.

Undoubtedly, one of our favorite things about this bag is that the harness, straps, and hip belt can all be zipped away at the back. If you’re wondering why this would be helpful or necessary, let’s walk you through an everyday scenario of the standard traveler. Let’s say you’re stowing your bag in the cabin of an aircraft or underneath your seat on a long-haul bus journey; being able to tuck away those pesky straps that can dangle all over and get caught on whatever is a pretty neat thing, right? It’s not reinventing the wheel, and you can live without it, but it’s a convenient tool to have at your disposal. There’s even a spot for your ID on the top of the cover. This way, should you check your bag or lose it on a trip, the ID slot is easy to see and access, so a friendly bystander or transportation worker can return it to you.

Osprey Farpoint 40 V2 Water Bottle

The larger versions of the Farpoint, which are 55 and 70 liters, include the Farpoint Daypack . The 40 doesn’t, but similar to its larger siblings, it’s still compatible with that and the Daylite if you have them already—simply attach it to the backside or shoulder straps. This feature gives you more room for gear and a smaller pack to adventure with when you arrive at your destination. With 15 liters of extra storage, bringing your capacity up to 55 liters, it’s a worthy addition if those features meet your needs.

Osprey Farpoint 40 V2 Side By Side

The back panel is structured but has ample padding and many airflow channels. There’s a large canyon down the center of the panel and many tributaries throughout, which ensures a cool carry. There’s a layer of mesh on top, too, which helps with any moisture the back panel may run into.

You can easily adjust the harness system to fit your torso. Just slide it up or down to find the perfect spot. There are pulley systems on either side of the back panel to hold it in place and a plastic adjustor on the bottom of both sides to maintain the extra strap materials. There are load lifters on the top of the straps to shift the weight around, which is helpful, but the combination makes for a lot of straps around the harness system. This pack lacks strap keepers, which means extra materials can be a bit unruly, especially if you wear the bag tight to your body. On a windy day, they feel a bit like streamers, but for the most part, you get used to it, and it isn’t an issue.

Osprey Farpoint 40 V2 Strap

The shoulder straps are sturdy and have padding and aeration to keep things comfortable. They’re curved to fit your body but might not work for everyone. If you have a shorter torso, consider the Osprey Fairview 40 instead. It’s designed with a women’s build in mind, so it’s great for smaller frames.

The sternum strap is on a rail, so you can make micro-adjustments, and it stays in place once you’ve got it hammered into the perfect spot. The buckle is small but works well and has a whistle. This is ideal for getting people’s attention and annoying people who make you mad. Have whistle, will blow.

The hip belt is beefy and isn’t removable. It feels like what we’re used to seeing on hiking packs, which isn’t surprising. Osprey makes a ton of outdoor gear, so this belt was probably inspired by one of their hiking packs. While it may look out of place, we dig the inclusion. It’s comfortable and helps take some of the weight off your shoulders.

A mesh pocket on the left side of the belt can fit a standard-sized iPhone. A max size won’t work, and there’s a chance that your standard model won’t either if you have a large case. You can stow snacks here, too.

Osprey Farpoint 40 V2 Phone Pocket

Overall, the harness system does a superb job of dispersing the weight and keeping you cool. You’ll still sweat on a hot day wearing it, but less than if they hadn’t included all the extra aeration and air channels.

Inside The Pack

The front of the pack has a “shove-it” pocket with no closure on the top. It can be accessed from the left or the right, and there’s a small point in the center where the access is broken in half.

Osprey Farpoint 40 V2 Outdoor Right

This is an excellent spot for more oversized quick-use items like a rain jacket. It also works well for a water bottle, as there aren’t dedicated pockets for such an item. There’s less room inside this pocket when you’ve got the pack fully stuffed, but even when it’s jam-packed, we can still fit a 32 oz Nalgene inside. We often use the compression straps that cover the pocket to ensure gear doesn’t pop out by looping it through the water bottle’s handle.

There’s a drainage hole on the bottom of the shove-it pocket so that if you stow something wet or your water bottle sweats, it will escape rather than soak through the fabric.

On the top of the backpack, there’s a quick access pocket that Osprey says is for a toiletry pouch. This placement is because the main compartment is enormous and, quite frankly, tedious to access because of the compression straps. You don’t want to dig through it when you get to airport security to remove your liquids. Instead, throw your 3-1-1 pouch inside this quick access pocket so you can remove it and replace it quickly after your rendezvous with airport security.

Osprey Farpoint 40 V2 In Use

When you aren’t headed to the airport, this is an excellent quick-access spot to stow a phone, sunglasses, wallet, or snack.

The laptop compartment is accessible from the side of the pack. This scares us, as we’ve heard horror stories about folks forgetting to close the zipper and having to watch in slow motion as their precious MacBook takes a tumble out of the pocket and crashes onto the floor. This hasn’t happened to us ever, let alone with this pack, but it always gives us the heebie jeebies.

The previous version of this pack had a laptop compartment on the front. We didn’t love this because it added weight away from your body and didn’t offer as much protection for your digital appendages. That pocket disappeared completely—so you lose out on some built-in organization, but we like the placement of the laptop sleeve better.

Osprey Farpoint 40 V2 Laptop

The compartment is padded and secures with two lockable YKK zippers. Having two zips is nice because you can choose where you want them to rest when the closure is secured. Do you keep the zippers on the top or bottom, and why is the only good place to stow them on the bottom? Oh, so the zipper can’t accidentally slide down when you get caught in a flashmob in Brooklyn and have to do the Hokey Pokey with 1,000 strangers? Good call, friend! All that shaking it about could have done you in!

Ah, finally. It’s time to chat about the main compartment!

The zipper has a clamshell-style opening, so you can see the entire compartment—or at least the items stowed on the top level. The pack has a lot of depth, so you can easily stack gear on top of other gear to maximize the space.

Osprey Farpoint 40 V2 Empty

The tongue, or lid, has a zippered mesh pocket. It’s a good spot for socks and underwear because you can easily see them to see the differences between them, but it generally works well for any item you don’t have (or want) a packing cube for. Heavier items don’t do so well here, as they tend to come crashing out of when it’s unzipped due to how large the opening is.

Apart from that, this compartment has no other organization. Because of this, packing cubes are essential. If you don’t have some way to organize your gear, it will turn into a hurricane of tops, bottoms, socks, underwear, and technology. That’s a storm not even Scorpions themselves could rock!

Two compression straps inside the main compartment help you cinch down your gear to fit more inside. Depending on the size of your gear, they can accidentally fall in between the cracks of your cubes or pouches, but once you figure out a sound system, they are beneficial.

Osprey Farpoint 40 V2 Stuffed

Unlike other packs we’ve tested, the sleeve the laptop is stored in can be found inside the main compartment, not separated by a zipper and sandwiched between it and the back panel. We aren’t exactly sure why this is the case. The corners secure with a toggle to ensure that gear doesn’t get underneath the slider. You can stow gear behind it if you want–it’s a great place for flat documents or identification information. Once or twice, the toggles have come undone inside the pack, but for the most part, everything has stayed put.

Overall, we’re amped with how this pack has performed so far. A few changes differentiate the new Farpoint from the one we used for over a year to travel to nearly 20 countries. That first pack went through the mountains of Eastern Nepal, road-tripping on the back of electric scooters in Northern Myanmar and on the beaches of Southern Cambodia—and we trusted it the entire time.

Osprey Farpoint 40 | We took the previous version across the globe.

Despite a few changes, the critical parts of that pack made it into the new one: sturdy zippers, ample main compartment space, durable materials, and fine attention to detail. If those aren’t the fixings for a quality remake, we don’t know what is.

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Usage Timeline

Condition: Excellent

  • Materials are durable and look sleek
  • Harness system is adjustable and amply padded
  • Not a ton of internal organization—we look forward to seeing how it has changed from the first version

Previous Version

  • Great to use straight away, doesn’t need to be worked in
  • No issues with comfort on short and long trips with the pack
  • Materials have held up wonderfully
  • Can handle water well, but in a downpour, head for cover
  • Nothing new to report
  • When you get the straps just right, this bag is incredibly comfortable, even at full capacity—Looking good as new

Condition: Good

  • Feel more comfortable throwing this bag around now, still no signs of wear

Condition: Fine

Osprey Farpoint 40 Tear

  • Some small rips in the corner of the S/M version of the bag have appeared, we put this down to having checked this bag into the hold of a few flights
  • 16 countries and counting. All buckles and zips still work as if new

mm

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Osprey Farpoint 40

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Osprey Packs - Farpoint 40L Travel Pack - Black

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Black

Why We Like The Osprey Farpoint 40 Travel Pack

Made for hostel hoppers, globe trotters, and adventure travelers, the Farpoint 40 is a streamlined travel pack that Osprey has tricked out with technical features from its legendary backpacking lineup. We can wear it like a backpacking pack with a ventilated Airscape backpanel and adjustable frame that transfers the load from the harness to the hipbelt for safe and comfortable carry.  The frame and hipbelt are both stowable to fit easily into overhead bins and train racks or safely check our luggage.

  • 40-liter travel pack with technical features
  • LightWire frame and framesheet transfer weight to hipbelt
  • Airscape backpanel ventilates while keeping load close to body
  • Adjustable torso fit and gender-specific fit
  • Sleeve fits 16-inch laptop and doubles as hydration sleeve
  • Stowaway harness and hip belt for streamlined travel
  • Item #OSPZ1EV

Overall Rating

5 based on 1 ratings

Review Summary

Fits true to size.

What do you think about this product?

April 6, 2024

Not What I Wanted, But What I Needed

This bag isn’t beautiful, and it isn’t satisfying, but it’s the best. If you need to put 35-45L of stuff on your back (for travel, most people in most situations maybe don’t!) then this is the best mix of comfort, durability, and surprisingly livability. As unsexy as it is, with packing cubes this bag will hold a surprising amount of stuff, while being comfortable and well organized to boot.

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The osprey fairview 40l travel backpack: carry-on + petite friendly.

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It’s not often you hear that a backpack saved a honeymoon!

Comfort plays a huge part in any backpack decision, but when Kate Tooley and her wife made it through a 2-week honeymoon across four countries without major back drama, she attributed that to the Osprey Fairview 40 backpack.

In fact, after nearly 2 years of use on trips both big and small, Kate continues to like, use, and recommend her Osprey Fairview 40L backpack for women travelers – especially those with petite frames and those traveling carry-on only (even on budget airlines).

Read on for more of Kate’s Osprey Fairview 40 review and why it could be the perfect backpack for your next adventure. 

Osprey Fairview 40 Quick Review

  • TOP PICK FOR: Carry-on only travelers, petite women, women with minor back trouble, and those seeking long-term backpack quality from a trusted brand.
  • Awesome hip belt and harness takes weight off back.
  • The XS/S size works well for petites.
  • Carry-on friendly
  • Trustred durability
  • No included daypack like larger versions.
  • Awkward water bottle pocket and color choices

osprey fairview 40 backpack

Osprey Fairview 40L Backpack

Price range – $$ $$$

Why I Chose the Osprey Fairview 40L

When my best friend and I decided to go urban backpacking the summer after my first year of college, I spent a big piece of my limited budget on an Osprey pack. I’ve never regretted it. 

However, budget airlines have changed travel drastically, and while planning my backpacking honeymoon, I realized the time had come to downsize . That’s how I found the Osprey Women’s Fairview 40L . 

I specifically bought the XS/S in Misty Grey. It typically retails for $160, but you can get that down as much as 30% using eBags discounts. (Osprey is officially excluded from their sales, but it’s worth getting in touch with customer service via chat.)

[Editor’s note:  The XS/S version of this backpack is actually only 38L in size, but we will continue to refer to it by the 40L model name.]

osprey fairview 40l backpack review

I wanted to keep all the features I loved in my old Osprey Waypoint, but in a size that I could carry on budget airlines as well as small puddle jumpers in other countries without incurring a fee.

The must-haves were:  

  • A quality frame and harness system: At 4’11” most clothing stores consider me a twelve year old boy, on top of which I have narrow shoulders, so finding a harness that fits and distributes weight evenly is both vital and challenging. 
  • Suitcase style/front loading: When I’m city hopping (and sometimes hostel hopping within a city) being able to pack up/unpack quickly and efficiently means more time to see and do, and I find this style helps me stay organized.
  • Carry-on compatible: Standards vary, but after talking to friends I decided I wanted something under 22 inches and preferably closer to 20. 

One note I’ve seen others mention online is that this bag is not as adjustable as some past versions. Knowing that, I’d be extra careful about measuring yourself before ordering or hit up a local outdoors store to do a fitting. The sizing for my small frame was a game changer.

Osprey Fairview 40L Features

The Osprey site lists the following features for the Fairview 40L. 

  • Large panel zip access to main compartment
  • Lockable sliders on main compartment zipper
  • Dual front compression straps
  • Dual front mesh pockets
  • Heat-embossed scratch-free zippered slash pocket
  • Padded top and side handles
  • Stowaway back panel, harness and hip belt with zippered rear flap for protection
  • Laptop and tablet sleeve secure in lockable compartment
  • Two internal compression straps hold contents securely
  • Internal front flap zippered mesh pocket
  • Shoulder strap included

The Best Backpacks for Slim & Petite Women

When you have a small frame, it's even more important to make sure your backpack fits comfortably. This article covers some of the best bags on the market targeted to petite women travelers.

The Best 40L Travel Backpacks for Women

When you're looking to travel carry-on only but not ready to travel uber-minimalist, a 40L backpack is the optimal size.

Choosing a Front-Loading Backpack

Panel-loading or front-loading backpacks offer the convenience of a backpack that opens like a suitcase. Read more about front-loading backpacks in this article.

Best Features

Durability + convenience.

On the durability and convenience front, the Fairview continues to shine. I’ve used it consistently and it’s yet to show any wear, living up to my expectations of the brand. 

So far it’s survived subway, train, bus, air travel and even went through customs. The harness is easy to get in and out of, and the pack was light enough to quickly store in and retrieve from all kinds of overhead bins, sleek enough not to get stuck in those annoying bungeed bus shelves, and narrow enough to hold between your legs on the subway without too much “spreading.” 

The Harness

The harness held up to long days of walking and the balance and suspension were excellent, even on steep, uneven or cobbled streets. (I’m looking at you, Bruges.) We were caught in a bad downpour in Brussels and never had any water leakage. 

Because the harness is small and doesn’t have to attach to the top of the pack, folding the straps away is incredibly quick and easy: you can even do it standing in security without slowing down the line!

back panel of osprey fairview 40 backpack open and stowed

The Shoulder Strap

While I am a bit paranoid the shoulder strap is going to get caught in something (I usually wind it around the handle before stowing it), that fear has so far been unfounded.

It was the feature I didn’t know I was missing from my old bag, and has been a total game changer, making carrying this pack easy when you have those awkward middle distances to transport it (like when trying to get through the airport quickly).

Front Pocket + Laptop Sleeve

After using the bag for shorter domestic trips where I’ve been carrying my computer, I can see the value of the front organizational pocket. It’s easy to access your computer going through security, and the fact that the laptop sleeve keeps the computer from hitting the ground when the bag is set down is a real plus.

If you don’t travel with a laptop or tablet, see my notes in the downsides section below.

Little Features Worth Noting

The Fairview has lots of little features that are easy to overlook, but good to have:

  • interlocking zippers to keep your belongings secure
  • a scratch-free top pocket for sunglasses, etc.
  • compression straps in all the right places
  • super padded side-handle
  • deep mesh pockets on the front (great for water bottles and maps)

The top pocket also has a key hook, which I love, but makes it less ideal for sunglasses. 

The Downsides

While it’s nice to have the option of a laptop pocket, if you don’t usually travel with a computer, the sleeve and massive zipper pocket become less than useful.

I’d have preferred either more small organizational pockets or an open space. That said, I roll my clothes and use packing cubes , so the laptop sleeve has been a great place to stash one or two nice flat-packed dress shirts.

I’ve used the zip pocket for paper tickets and maps, which worked somewhat, though everything does tend to sink to the bottom and bulge.

osprey fairview laptop sleeve and pocket

The Water Bottle Pockets

The inaccessible water bottle pockets are frustrating because not only are they impossible to reach without assistance (if you can do it, I applaud you and your octopus-like arms), they prevent the compression strap from working properly.

Additionally, they can cause your water bottle to pop out unexpectedly, but that’s a story for another day.

I’m not sure who thought “ooh olive green and turquoise, how pretty!” but they were wrong. (Pro tip, when Osprey says grey, it’s typically a very green-grey). Color-wise it’s one of the uglier bags I’ve owned, but the other option is a very bright forest green, which I didn’t like any better.

This being said, I do appreciate the light interior, which makes it easy to find things (no more lost black thongs or missing socks).  

inside the osprey fairview 40 backpack

No Daypack Attachment

A previous commenter brought up a great point- there are no straps to attach a daypack to the back . You could probably rig something with the compression straps, but it’s not designed for that. 

Editor’s Note: The buckles on the shoulder straps are attachment points that work with Osprey’s Daylite daypack if you want to carry an additional bag on the front.

For my honeymoon I took a small Fjallraven Kanken that I like both for its water resistance and comfort. There was no way to attach it, packed, to the Fairview and at times that was incredibly annoying. If it was empty I could shove it in the front pocket, but generally I just carried it rather than unpack between towns. 

What I’d recommend, especially if you’re doing some hiking (which I wasn’t), is to get a completely “packable” daypack, like the Osprey Stuff Pack or the Sea to Summit Ultra Sil and not put anything significant in the large front pocket. You lose some capacity, but I think it would be relatively simple to drop a lightweight bag inside, even packed. Folded up, I bet it would even fit in those otherwise useless mesh pockets. 

Fit and Comfort

I didn’t realize I’d spent years trying to compensate for a too-large harness frame until I tried on the Fairview and barely had to adjust anything. It distributes weight just as well as, if not better than, my old Osprey, but feels drastically less claustrophobic: think more camel, less turtle.  

Osprey Fairview 40L in XS/S for petite

Even fully loaded this bag was fantastic. I tend to have shoulder and neck pain from packs, but this one allowed me to really put the weight on my hips. Don’t get me wrong, I could feel that I’d carried some weight on my back by the end of the day, but I was never in any pain.

Usually, my pack isn’t filled to capacity, and it feels more like carrying a heavy daypack. I can imagine that even on a longer trip with more distance walking it would be extremely comfortable. Carrying it with the shoulder strap is also surprisingly painless, and the strap is wide enough not to dig in. For anyone who wants a female designed pack but is a little taller, the Fairview also comes in a S/M size.

My wife is about 5’7” and has this bag in the S/M. She sometimes deals with severe lower back issues, but on our honeymoon she had virtually no pain even while carrying a fully loaded pack for extended periods of time. 

One of our concerns for the trip was that her back would go out and she wouldn’t be able to walk. It never happened, so I guess you could say the bag saved our honeymoon.

Here’s a great picture of her with the bag packed out. 

Osprey Fairview 40L in Small/Medium

Additionally, the non gender-specific Farpoint is essentially the same pack, but comes in even larger sizes (and less strange color combinations). 

Size and Travel Logistics

I haven’t had any trouble with size on this bag in the US, Europe, or the UK, and I’ve yet to find an overhead bin it can’t squeeze inside. It even fit in the tester bins at the airport. 

Do be careful about packing the front pocket out too far if you’re travelling on very small planes, it can really bulge out.

When I asked my wife if she had anything to contribute to the review, I received this text: “It’s just the right size for two weeks. Boom. Review done.” 

I agree with her at least about the first part. For a mid season trip (think sweaters, light boots, and a puffy jacket) I didn’t need any extra space and was even able to stash one or two items I picked up during our travels. 

Initially, I thought it would be too large for a long weekend. What I’m really enjoying about the bag, though, is how well it compresses down. Even if I don’t need to fully load it, it still keeps everything organized and doesn’t feel too large. 

It helped me to not over-pack, but didn’t force me to leave necessities behind.  

One other unexpected perk I’ve noticed is that this pack fits an average sized hostel locker, something I’ve encountered problems with when travelling with a larger bag. We were especially grateful for them when we stayed in a pod hotel in Amsterdam that had limited storage. 

Overall Recommendation

The longer I use the Fairview, the more I appreciate its versatility and comfort. 

Color and minor flaws aside, this is a well-constructed pack that has and continues to last. There are some design features I’d love for Osprey to take a second look at, but they’ve hit all the big marks for me.

I’m excited to have a pack designed for a small person that will carry what I need and keep my back in condition to keep exploring for years!

About the Author: Kate Tooley is a writer and theater director currently making her home in Brooklyn, NY. She’s a compulsive traveller who’s never met a city she didn’t want to explore, and is always on the lookout for obscure museums, new food experiences, and great hikes. You can find travel photos and recommendations on her Instagram @talking2walls .

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Reader Interactions

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July 5, 2018 at 8:01 am

Thanks for the review! I’m 5-2″ and just bought the Farpoint because I just couldn’t handle the colors on the Farview. The forest green reminds me of my good ol’fashioned Kelty backpacking bag, and the misty grey looks like my great-uncle’s WWI button bag. (I’m not young.) I wanted something I could use for work travel and got the Farpoint in black. I let Osprey know if they came out with better colors I’d hand down my Farpoint to my son in favor of the Farview. (Wouldn’t grey with colorful contrast top-stitching be awesome? And of course the interior lining has to remain light-colored so you can find things.) Happy travels!

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July 23, 2018 at 11:20 am

Thanks for reading Mary! Hope you’re enjoying your Farpoint; I’ve had the older model for years and while I’m finding the Fairview is distributing weight a little bit better, the Farpoint is sill a fantastic and super comfy pack. I wish all outdoor companies would put out black bags for both genders– not all women want funky colors!

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July 14, 2018 at 2:00 pm

Thank you so much for this review! I just got my new Fairview after traveling last week and realizing that not only had I completely overpacked my Timbuk2 Wingman, but I really needed something with a waist belt to help support the weight. Passing my Wingman on to my husband, and excited to travel again soon with my Fairview!

July 23, 2018 at 11:22 am

Thanks for giving it a read Sarah! A waist belt is such a game changer! I hope you fall in love with your Fairview once you get a chance to take it on the road!

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July 23, 2018 at 1:29 pm

Great Review! the locker info is very helpful. I think the smaller size is actually 38L, so you are doing even better than you thought on keeping it light.

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November 14, 2018 at 11:08 am

I’ve purchased this bag but t doesn’t have the shoulder clips to attach a day bag! I wonder why?

June 17, 2019 at 3:28 pm

I’m not sure what the concept was on Osprey’s part; I think it should always at least be an option. That said, for me personally, when this bag is filled to capacity, I think adding something onto the back would put too much weight far away from my body. I opted for a small collapsible day pack that I could shove inside. Helped me even more with not being tempted to pick up extra stuff on the trip.

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May 11, 2019 at 8:12 am

I read somewhere the extra day bag only comes with the larger versions of this bag (55 and 70? I think).

May 11, 2019 at 8:14 am

Great review with lots of details. Thank you. Sooo with you on the colour choice ! Yukky forest green or turquoise blue…!? What a choice 🙁 I’m thinking of doing what the other reader did and go for the male version in a nicer colour.

June 17, 2019 at 3:30 pm

You’re correct in the above comment. Only the larger sizes come with a day pack. I’ve finally become accustomed to the color (and I have to admit the light color inside makes it super easy to find things), but I’m still hoping Osprey starts making a black or grey option for both male and female packs. Thanks for reading!

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June 7, 2020 at 1:05 pm

Hi, I am looking for a 40 liter backpack for my trips, I am a woman with 5’3 “(about 163 cm) and weigh 132 pounds (about 60 kg). My problem with the Fairview 40 is that I do not like colors, but being I do not know if the Farpoint would fit well, since the smallest size is the S / M while the smallest size of the Fairview is the XS / S … Any help? Any alternative for less than 140 dollars ? I like the Farpoint 40 but maybe it’s too big for my height 5’3 “

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osprey travel backpack 40l

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osprey travel backpack 40l

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Osprey Men's Farpoint 40Travel Backpack

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Osprey Men's Farpoint 40Travel Backpack

Black

Purchase options and add-ons

  • Large panel zip access to main compartment with dual front compression straps - 40L total volume
  • Meets carry-on size restrictions for most airlines (55h x 35w x 23d cm at 1.58 kg.)
  • Lockable zipper access to main compartment and quick access zippered pocket to padded laptop & tablet sleeve (fits up to most 16" laptops)
  • The harness and hipbelt stow away for safekeeping while checked and deploy quickly for any path or trail
  • Two front mesh bottle pockets (fits most water bottles) and an external zip toiletry pocket

Similar item to consider

AmazonBasics Carry-On Travel Backpack

Product information

Technical details, additional information, frequently bought together.

Osprey Men's Farpoint 40Travel Backpack

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Osprey Fairview 40 Women's Travel Backpack

Product description

Osprey's Farpoint Travel Pack 40 is perfect for a weekend getaway in the city or the wilderness. The Light Wire frame suspension transfers the load from harness to hip belt. A mesh back panel improves ventilation and the mesh on the harness and hip belt reduces chafing under load. The entire suspension stows away under a zippered panel creating a sleek silhouette for transport. Unzip the lockable sliders to access the main compartment. Inside there's a mesh pocket for small items. Dual compression straps keep cargo from shifting during transit. Outside you'll find a zippered front panel slash pocket to keep you organized and sewn attachment points to lash on extra gear. No matter how much you choose to carry, dual compression straps stabilize the load. The padded top and side handles give you purchase when you need to toss the Farpoint 40 into the back of the bus. No matter where you go, the Farpoint is backed by Osprey's All Mighty .

From the manufacturer

Woman walking down a sidewalk

Osprey’s History

Since Osprey’s founding in 1974, every single product design bearing the Osprey name has passed through the hands of owner and founder Mike Pfotenhauer, undergoing relentless scrutiny. From stitching the first lines of custom-fitted packs, to meticulously designing innovative products with intuitive features, to forging personal relationships with the sewing operators who construct the packs, Mike has been the unbreakable thread that makes Osprey a top company.

Farpoint 40

Despite its minimalist weight, this full-featured pack offers plenty of organization and highly capable backpack suspension..

Built for adventure, the Farpoint 40 also provides plenty of comfort while traveling. The adjustable harness and breathable backpanel provide a secure and comfortable fit while on the move, while also able to stow away for safekeeping when checking the bag on airlines. The quick access laptop pocket stores up to a 16" laptop, and the front shove-it pocket keeps frequently used items easy to get to. Made sustainably with recycled materials and PFC/PFAS-free DWR.

  • Stowaway harness, backpanel, and hipbelt tuck away when using the pack as a checked bag.
  • Large panel access to main compartment with internal compression straps to hold contents securely
  • Internal zippered mesh pockets provide additional organization for all your gear
  • External access toiletry pocket and large front shove-it pocket keep essentials close at hand
  • Padded top and side handles provide grab points when the harness is stowed
  • Domestic Carry On Size
  • Add on a (not included) Farpoint/Fairview Daypack or Daylite easily with the external webbing straps

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Home » Gear » Osprey Farpoint 40

The ULTIMATE Osprey Farpoint 40 Review 2024

If you’re reading this, then I guess you need a backpack and are interested in the Osprey 40l Backpack. But is it the perfect bag for you and your personal style?

Don’t worry, all of your questions will be answered in this Osprey 40 review.

Premium backpacks don’t come cheap, so choosing the perfect one is super important. This is the exact reason we put together this Osprey Farpoint 40 review for you.

This brutally honest Osprey Farpoint review will show you the MUST know information, so you can know for sure whether this is the bag of your dreams.

Osprey Farpoint 40L Backpack

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Osprey Farpoint 40 Review

Is the osprey farpoint 40 perfect for you, top osprey farpoint 40 features, osprey farpoint 40 as a travel backpack (plus some pro packing tips), osprey farpoint 40 for hiking, room for improvements with the osprey farpoint 40, is osprey farpoint 40 the best backpack for light travelers, final thoughts on the osprey farpoint 40 review.

Whether you are traveling, hiking or camping, when it comes to the best travel backpacks, Osprey is the cream of the crop, and the Osprey Farpoint 40 is one of my favorite carry on backpack out of the lot!

With the help of this Osprey Farpoint 40 review, you’ll know everything there is to know about the Osprey Farpoint 40. Most importantly, you’ll know whether it’s the perfect bag for your adventures…

After three months of using this pack on my own travels, I can confidently say that for the price, it’s one of the best carry on backpacks I’ve ever used…

I recommend the Osprey Farpoint 40 for a specific type of person…

Let’s jump into our Osprey Farpoint 40 review to see if this is the backpack for you!

osprey travel backpack 40l

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Now, for just $30, get a lifetime membership that entitles you to 10% OFF on most items, access to their trade-in scheme and discount rentals .

Quick Answers:

  • The Osprey Farpoint 40 can be taken into the cabin as carry-on on most airlines
  • The Osprey Farpoint 40 is perfect for you if you are a traveler who likes to travel light and stress free
  • But, our all-time favorite bag is still the AER Travel Pack 2 .
  • The Osprey Farpoint 40 is not the cheapest or most expensive options for its size, and offers great value which is something we’ll go into more detail above further in our Farpoint 40 review.

osprey farpoint review

There are hundreds of backpack choices out there, but the Osprey Farpoint 40 is absolutely one of the best.

This bag is not the ideal bag for everyone, and I would highly recommend considering what you want to get from this bag before buying. It’s one of the reasons we wanted to do this detailed Osprey travel backpack review.

The Osprey Farpoint 40 IS perfect IF…

  • You are a world traveler who wants to travel light
  • You want one of the biggest carry on backpacks to save money on luggage
  • You are a Digital Nomad who wants to travel very light
  • You are looking for a decent urban bag for everyday use

Overall, you should get the Osprey Farpoint 40 if you are traveling the world, and like to pack super light (like me!).

If you are looking for a nearly indestructible carry on backpack which can actually carry, and compartmentalise, a lot of stuff – this backpack might be your match made in heaven.

Because of it’s 40 litre size, the Farpoint 40 is a near-guarantee to carry on no matter the airline. This will save you hundreds of dollars in checking fees, and countless hours waiting in baggage claim. And as we will look at later in this Osprey 40 review, there is plenty of space to make sure that light traveling does  not  mean bad traveling.

In my opinion, the Osprey Farpoint 40 is the best value carry on backpack on the market right now.

The Osprey Farpoint 40 IS NOT for you if….

  • You want a more modern backpack with next-level organization and features – if so go with the AER Travel Pack 2
  • You are a casual traveler and you need a ton of extra room
  • You are a digital nomad who carries a ton of gear
  • You are an avid hiker looking for a proper hiking/camping bag

Ultimately, if you are packing a ton of stuff, the Osprey Farpoint 40 is NOT the best backpack for you. Whether you are packing camping accessories, or a ton of travel/electronic gear –  a 40 litre bag is not a 70 litre bag. It can only carry so much stuff!

If you are planning on packing heavy, go with something bigger bag.

Conveniently, Osprey has actually made a special hybridized bag just for those who something like Farpoint 40 and want to trek as well. It’s called the Farpoint Trek and it can hold a much more spacious 75 liters worth of stuff.

If you want to learn more about this new bag, then be sure to read out review of the Farpoint Trek 75.

Our Osprey Farpoint 40 travel pack review will now look at the features. As travel becomes more and more ‘in’, new, trendier travel bags are becoming quite popular. Some are awesome, others… not so much.

But in contrast, Osprey has stood the test of time, having made quality backpacks for decades. Osprey is one of the best known producers of backpacks in the world, and have built a great reputation for delivering quality products. They specialise in making awesome hiking backpacks but backpackers have been using them for their travels for decades.

Osprey are popular among world travelers on account of their extremely high quality products and unwavering commitment to their customers.

As of November 2019, Osprey will be planting a tree for every pack that they sell online!

Osprey farpoint 40 review

Osprey Farpoint 40 Warranty (The awesome ‘All Mighty Guarantee’)

First thing is first – one of the best parts about Osprey’s products is their lifetime warranty (dubbed the All Mighty Guarantee!). Ultimately, the All Mighty Guarantee is a  lifetime warranty.

Osprey's All Mighty Guarantee

No matter when you bought your bag, or what condition it is in, if you have a problem with your bag, you just mail it into Osprey and they fix the problem free of charge.

Free. Of. Charge.  (You just have to pay the shipping cost)

This is a godsend for travelers and hikers. Roaming the planet can be a dangerous, action-filled business. Between countless airports, buses and hikes – backpacks are going to break!

Will has been using the same tattered Osprey backpack for nearly a decade of travel, every couple of years he sends it in to Osprey and they replace or fix any part of the pack that is broken – for free!

Because of this, a lifetime warranty for your backpack is one of the most valuable things you can have.

This can be the LAST backpack you ever have to buy…

This is a testament to the high quality of a) Osprey’s products and b) Osprey’s company. They truly create quality backpacks, and their number one goal is taking care of their customer base.

However, there are some important things to note. You do have to pay postage. Also, the AMG no longer covers water damage, airline damage or general wear and tear. It’s still one of the best guarantees on the market.

Osprey Farpoint 40 Size Guide S/M vs M/L

This bag comes in two sizes S/M and M/L.

  • The S/M is 38 litres (2,319 cubic inches)
  • The M/L is 40 litres (2,441 cubic inches)

Osprey recommends different sizes for different body types. Keep reading for Osprey’s official sizing chart.

Osprey Farpoint 40 Weight (Light travel = stress free travel)

Both sizes weigh in just a little bit over 3 lbs, which is  super lightweight , making it an awesome travel backpack .

  • The M/L weighs 3 lbs/2.7 oz
  • The S/M weighs 3 lbs/1.75 oz

In the backpacking world this is super lightweight and over the course of years will save your back a ton of pressure and pain.

Osprey Farpoint 40 Size (Hint, the best part)

I need to make something  very  clear here…

As mentioned, if you are planning on traveling the world with four suitcases worth of stuff in your bag…. this is not the bag for you.

If you are planning on going on an epic hike with tents, sleeping pads, cooking materials and an extra pair of boots… this is not the bag for you.

So, who exactly is the Osprey Farpoint 40 for?

It’s the perfect bag for people like me – those who LOVE to travel light! Unless you absolutely require a ton of stuff, you’ll see that traveling light is an absolute game changer.

If you haven’t traveled light before, don’t stress! You’ll quickly realize that a 40 liter pack provides more than enough space, and as you travel with it you’ll be happier and happier with your decision.

Because the Osprey Farpoint 40 is a universal carry on backpack!

osprey farpoint 40 carry on

The Osprey Farpoint 40’s compact size means you can bring it as a carry on.

The biggest reason is that a 40 litre bag means carry on compliance. Most airlines will let you use  this bag as a carry on , which over your travels will save you a ton of time and money. #gamechanger.

No more paying for checked bags. No more waiting in the carousel for your bag. No more hoping it wasn’t accidentally shipped to the wrong country. This is one of the best carry on bags , period.

By going with travel-light bag like the Osprey Farpoint 40, you’ll be able to keep all of your valuables with you, and save a ton of money (which pays for the bag ten times over!).

If you think ‘traveling light sounds awesome!’ – it is. And this Osprey Farpoint 40 is the bag for you.

But you have to understand something….

Just because you are traveling light, doesn’t mean you are making big sacrifices….

osprey backpacker review

As you can see, the Osprey Farpoint 40 still has plenty of space. It’s main compartment is very deep, and will allow you to pack more than you’ll need for your travels.

I’ve traveled the world for years, living out of nothing but a 40 litre bag (and a drawstring bag for a day bag). While it might seem scary, you’ll soon learn that traveling super-light means traveling super-free. You’ll feel less weighed down by your bag, and less weighed down by material possessions in general.

Plus, you’ll smirk to yourself every time you see another traveler dragging around an 80 litre bag. Once you travel light, you’ll never go back – the Osprey Farpoint 40 carry on is a game changer.

Osprey Farpoint 40 Size Guide

To get the perfect bag size, Osprey recommends measuring your torso to find the backpack that best fits your body.

To do this, just follow a couple of quick steps. (Click on the picture to make bigger)

osprey measuring guide

Then, compare your measurements to Osprey’s official size guide to find the perfect size for you…

osprey size guide

This is a unisex bag and looks fine on both men and women. Follow the sizing chart above to find the size that is best for you.

More information on Osprey’s sizing charts can be  found on their website.

Osprey Farpoint 40 Comfort (Fits like a glove!)

Osprey’s focus on quality products = Osprey backpacks are super comfortable. And the Osprey Farpoint 40 is no exception. Reviews on Osprey’s website for the Farpoint 40 seem to agree.

Overall, the quality and comfort of Osprey backpacks is one of their biggest selling points.

Osprey Farpoint 40 Suspension (Good for back support and additional comfort)

The Osprey 40 suspension is great, transferring the load from the harness to the hip belt. A decade ago this was impressive technology, but now it’s fairly standard for hiking/travel backpacks (actually, more like crucial!).

The mesh/suspension area is also lined with foam to help increase comfort and overall breathability, and the light wire frame gives comfort, cushioning and great ventilation. This is because of the mesh.

More mesh = more ventilation. More ventilation = less sweat. And less sweat is a good thing.

There are also adjustable sternum straps for extra support. If you find yourself walking long distances, your back will thank you. And as a special bonus, Osprey adds a rescue whistle to the sternum strap. (Safety first guys.)

Osprey Farpoint 40 Suspension features

Now while the suspension is standard, and mesh is nice, one of the more unique features of the Osprey Farpoint 40 is the ability to stow the hipbelts and harness.

osprey farpoint 40 harness

The suspension and straps come with a protective cover which is easily zipped around the straps, or easily rolled up and wedged underneath and out of the way.

While this feature is  interesting, I don’t see it serving too much of a practical purpose for travelers. But! If you wish you zip up your straps and carry the bag using ONE of the handles…. that is an option you’ll have with the Osprey Farpoint 40.

Osprey Farpoint 40 Dimensions

The M/L is 21 x 14 x 9 inches, and the S/M is 20 x 14 x 8 inches.

These dimensions are actually on the larger side for a 40 litre, as the Osprey Farpoint has more space than REI and Northface in the same sizes. Another point for Osprey!

Osprey Farpoint 40 Laptop/Tablet Sleeve

If you are a Digital Nomad, Flashpacker, or just prefer to travel with a laptop then the Osprey Farpoint 40 has got you covered.

osprey backpack review

The laptop and sleeve tablet is large enough to fit laptops up to 15.4 (39 centimeters) inches (which as a digital nomad is a requirement).

*Quick warning for tablet users!*  There have been complaints online about tablets breaking in this bag. This is because of the location of the sleeve. Since it is in the front, a full bag could bulge out, putting pressure on your tablet, causing it to crack. If you are traveling with a tablet with the Osprey Farpoint 40, make sure that your bag is not too full, or that your have a protective case to keep your tablet crack-free. (Or alternatively, just keep your tablet in the main compartment of the bag!)

Is the Osprey Farpoint 40 waterproof?

But it is water-resistant! Which is better than  not  being water-resistant.

Many owners of Osprey Farpoint claim they got caught in the rain and were very pleased with the way the bag handled water.

Ultimately, the bag can handle a little rain… But don’t test your luck by throwing it into a lake.

osprey travel backpack 40l

Now, you  could spend a fat chunk of $$$ on the WRONG present for someone. Wrong size hiking boots, wrong fit backpack, wrong shape sleeping bag… As any adventurer will tell you, gear is a personal choice.

So give the adventurer in your life the gift of convenience: buy them an REI Co-op gift card!  REI is The Broke Backpacker’s retailer of choice for ALL things outdoors, and an REI gift card is the perfect present you can buy from them. And then you won’t have to keep the receipt. 😉

While the Osprey 40 could be great for school, hiking, or everyday use, it is most specifically used by and designed for travelers.

If you are planning to do anywhere from light to heavy traveling, then you are going to enjoy the Osprey Farpoint 40.

Packing with the Osprey Farpoint 40 is a super easy and straightforward process. Other bag companies take their bags too far, giving you more pockets than necessary (which complicate the ease of use and opens you up to more zippers breaking.)

The Osprey Farpoint 40 is designed for simplicity, and makes packing easy. Here are a few additional features that specifically help travelers…

There are three main compartments to this bag.

  • Small Top Compartment  – good for things you need to quickly grab. You should use this compartment for your wallet, passport, keys and anything else small and important. Also, this compartment is soft- lined which is good for keeping your sunglasses scratch free!

osprey farpoint 40 features

Good for your passport, wallet, keys and the protective mesh makes it perfect for sunglasses

  • Medium Compartment – A nice size, you can use this area for notebooks, a jacket, and use the fully padded laptop sleeve for your laptop and or tablet. While there is space, there isn’t much else to this section (remember, simplicity is the name of the game with the Osprey Farpoint 40!). The mesh design is quite durable and gives the bag additional ventilation.

osprey farpoint 40 features

  • Main Compartment  – The main compartment has more space than it looks like it would have, and the zips allow great access. Older bags only opened from the top which meant that if you wanted to get something out from the bottom of the bag, you’d have to pull out everything. But the Farpoint features a chunky compartment that opens more like a suitcase. It runs all the way around the bag making accessing the bottom stuff at the bottom of the bag easy.

osprey farpoint 40 compartments

Other great Osprey Farpoint 40 travel features

  • Notch for Zipper Locks – Keeping your stuff safe while traveling is super important, and Osprey makes safety easy. The zips are designed to easily integrate a lock to help keep your valuables safe and cozy.
  • Additional Interior Mesh Pocket – I’ve used this pocket for a few things, but I’ve personally found it most effective for shoes. With your laptop directly on the other side, I wouldn’t recommend boots, but any shoes that don’t take up a ton of space (flip flops/sandals) or can be compressed (some kind of athletic shoes, or regular sneakers) are perfect. Just be sure to always wrap your shoes in a plastic bag. It also serves as a great area for an easy-to-grab towel.
  • Internal Compression Straps – Another awesome feature for travelers, the compression straps will give you the ability to really squeeze a few extra things in your bag. I would recommend only using the compression straps for clothes, and doing so will really allow you to create twice as much space.
  • ID Slot – While I personally don’t use it, some people like it as a nice extra compartment.
  • Shoulder Strap – This is a cool feature that I found out I liked more and more as time went on. Simply attach the shoulder strap to the two designated hooks (pictured below). I wouldn’t recommend carrying your bag for long periods of time like this (especially if it’s full and heavy) but it’s nice to have to carry around a few minutes here and there, or especially if you have less weight than usual.

Osprey Farpoint Travel Accessories

While you won’t  need  anything additional with this bag, a few extra buys will really help with convenience, and also make up for the few cons that the bad does have (I’ll discuss cons of this bag in a bit).

If you are looking for some Osprey Farpoint 40 travel accessories, I’d recommend checking out a protective case for tablets, organizing bags, or zipper locks.

Some people prefer Osprey products for camping and hiking. If that’s you, then you’re on the right path!

Osprey is one of the premier companies for outdoor equipment and started by exclusively making outdoor hiking/camping gear.

But now they have switched to both camping and travel gear.

Truthfully, the Osprey Farpoint 40 is a travel bag, but it can be used as a simple hiking bag for  basic day hikes.

If you are looking for an ultimate hiking/camping bag, do not get the Osprey Farpoint 40. Instead, check out our ultimate review of  the Exos 58 Liter, or the smaller Osprey Talon 33.

If you are interested in doing some hiking with the Osprey Farpoint 40, you’ll be pleased to see that it is very durable and very capable for day hikes or wandering around town, but shouldn’t be considered for serious camps or hikes.

Osprey Farpoint 40 Rain Cover (For Hiking Adventurers!)

The Osprey Farpoint 40 has a rain cover that is available for any Osprey bags 30-50 litres. Be sure to check out the Osprey rain cover size chart to make sure you’ve got the right one!

osprey hiking backpack

This is also a great accessory for travelers. No matter where you are, the rain covers makes getting stuck in the rain a little less… damp.

Now, while the Osprey Farpoint 40 is a hell of a bag, it is not without its flaws, and a few of them are worth mentioning. I mean, when we go reviews we do them properly and our Osprey Farpoint 40 review is no exception god damn it!

Flaw #1 – Lack of internal organization

While simplicity is good, it would be nice to have a few more nooks and crannies or your personal items. Many of Osprey’s competitors have adapted internal organization into their design, and a few extra zips and pockets would really help with organization in the Farpoint 40.

The way to combat this is by purchasing your own packing cubes … or if you are like me, just use plastic bags for clothes and zip locks for smaller items.

But I do accept that for someone looking for a bit more modern-travel-flash…. this bag may not have enough compartmentalization options.

Flaw #2 – Difficult to reach mesh pockets

The exterior mesh pockets on the Osprey Farpoint 40 are good for water bottles and snacks…. they are just difficult to reach whilst actually wearing the pack.

osprey farpoint pockets

The dual front mesh pockets are nice to have but very inconvenient to reach when you are wearing this 40l Osprey backpack.

Typically these mesh pockets are located on the sides of the bag for easy accessibility. This is probably to help the overall design, it’s just a bit annoying when you’re thirsty.

Aside from that, I don’t think there is anything particularly wrong with this bag. If you like to pack light and are looking for one of the best carry on backpacks, it’s a great fit… simple!

The ‘best’ backpack will completely depend on you and your specific travel needs and style. There is no single backpack that is universally the best.

So to give more perspective, we compare the Osprey Farpoint 40 with some of the other top backpacks on the market.

Osprey Farpoint 40 vs 55

I’m going to be straight, from an awesome perspective, I do like the Farpoint 55 just a little bit more. Technically the 55 is TWO bags (a 15-liter day bag and 40-liter normal bag) and it has a handful more of bells and whistles than the 40 (namely storage compartments).

But while the 55 is cooler, I still go with the 40 overall.

Because while it splits into two smaller bags, the 55 is still big, and it’s not guaranteed to be allowed as a carry on luggage. Most airlines will make you check the 55. The 40 will be OK as a carry on backpack 99% of the time.

For that one reason, I give the Farpoint 40 the win…

Osprey Farpoint 40 vs Porter 30

The 30 is small, light and minimal. It’s easy super to use and organized. It’s not heavily framed, so it’s malleable and easy to mash down. The 30 also has better organization with more pockets and nooks and crannies where you can store pens, notepads etc. The 30 also has some nice latch points to hang gear on, and rings to attach a shoulder strap (purchased separately).

But as nice as it is, it’s just not large enough for long-term travel. Would I love to be able to travel on 30 liters? Absolutely! Can I? hell no. The extra 10 liters the Farpoint 40 gives you is crucial for longer travel.

There is a 46 litre version of the Osprey Porter though and we have already pitted it against the Farpoint. Check out our Farpoint 40 vs Porter 46 comparison post and see which fared better.

Osprey Farpoint 40 vs Tortuga

tortuga travel backpack

Tortuga is another phenomenal backpack company, and they differ a bit from Osprey.

If you are wondering which is better, the Osprey Farpoint 40 vs Tortuga’s bags – it depends on your style…. literally.

Where Osprey has a more old-school design that is reminiscent of hiking gear, Tortuga’s designs are very modern and much trendier. Tortuga bags are equipped with tons of useful pockets and crevices, as they are specifically designed for trendier traveler types.

You cannot go wrong with either. It’s simply a matter of personal preference.

Check out the full Tortuga Travel Pack review as well as having a look at their brand new offering, the Tortuga Travel Backpack Lite .

Osprey Farpoint 40 vs AER Travel Pack 2

When it comes to travel backpacks – our favorite is ALWAYS the AER Travel Pack 3.

AER bags are sleek, sexy, modern and well designed. AER bags offer a lot more in terms of their organization and design, and this particular product is a backpack-masterpiece.

As long as you don’t plan to do any serious hiking/camping with it – the AER Pack is a solid choice. Check out our epic AER Travel Pack 2 review here.

Osprey Farpoint 40 vs REI Trail

In the showdown of Osprey Farpoint 40 vs REI Trail 40…. it’s a toss up!

Honestly the two bags are very, very similar – with just one glaring difference.

The Osprey Farpoint 40 is a good hiking bag but is specifically designed for travel.

And the REI Trail 40 is a good travel bag but is specifically designed for hiking.

So if you are here looking for a 40 L hiking backpack, it might be worth checking out the REI Trail!

osprey travel backpack 40l

Our GREATEST Travel Secrets…

Pop your email here & get the original Broke Backpacker Bible for FREE.

While they are technically an outdoors company, their dedication to quality products that are durable make their bags a wise investment for any traveler and thanks to the all mighty guarantee, you know you aren’t wasting your money as Osprey will repair any damage to your pack until the end of time…

With the help of this review on the Osprey Farpoint 40, you’ll have the information you need to buy a bag and travel the world like a boss!

If you think you can travel semi-light and are heading to climate’s that don’t vary too much, you might find that you were born to travel light with the Osprey Farpoint 40.

What is our final score for the Osprey Farpoint 40? We give it a rating of 4.7 out 5 stars !

rating

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19 Comments

Did you actually get this pack in your hand or just pull a bunch of information from around the web? How come there are no pictures that the reviewer took? Seems like you are just trying to get referral links/clicks.

If there were pictures of the reviewer actually using the pack I would consider using a referral link, but this just comes off like a scam, albeit a very thorough one at that.

The reviewer, Aaron, is in the very first image on the post. He definitely got his hands on the bag. You can also see a closeup pic of his face at the bottom of the post in the Author bio.

Hey, thanks for this review, it is super helpful! I would like to ask how does this backpack compare to Osprey Porter 46 Travel Pack, any experience with that one?

Hello, The Osprey Porter series are great backpacks meant for hauling gear and general travel. There are many differences, but a big one is the fact that the Porter 46 is too big to be a carry-on for flights. The Farpoint series is a better option for backpackers moving around a lot, if you can travel as a bit of a minimalist, I’d say go for the Farpoint! cheers

Which packing cubes do you recommend to use together with farpoint 40?

Thanks for this helpful review! Have you considered updating it to include the REI Ruckpack? It seems like a serious competitor. The main difference is the placement of the laptop sleeve and gear pockets.

We’ll take a look at it. Thanks for the suggestion 🙂

I used to buy the cheapest backpacks available on my nearby store that would survive only two long trips. A couple of years ago I decided to do proper research and invest in a proper backpack that would fit my need, my back and my (light) travel style. My decision went to the Farpoint 40 and I couldn’t be happier with it. I have used it around Europe and Latin America, short trips, long trips, walking trips, you name it. It’s super comforable and – I hope I’m not jinxing it – so far I haven’t had any issues with low cost airlines.

But, as you say, it’s great if you know how to pack light. For longer trips I use compression bags to maximize space. So far, so good!

Hi, I would love to know if you think it is risky taking a M/L Farpoint 40 (dimensions are, as you know, 21 x 14 x 9) as a carry on with Air transat (carry on size must respect 20 x 16 x 9). I’m a bit stressed about that because I don’t want to have to check my bag at the airport. I was wondering if the bag was not to full if it was easy to fit on those dimensions or will it be impossible? If you don’t think that this is a good idea, do you have any other suggestions that will be allowed, knowing the restrictions.

Thanks a lot

It looks like the Osprey is 1 inch too long but 2 inches shorter the maximum width. Airlines aren’t going to measure your bag using a tape measure and are not going to be so strict with guidelines. I’ve taken bags onto the plane that were probably not totally compliant with standards but they were small enough to not cause concern. Moral of the story, if it’s close then I think it will be ok. Granted, I cannot GUARANTEE an airline won’t use a measuring tape so the choice is up to you 🙂

Hope that helps!

Hi I would like to know if it is possible to take the m/l as carry on with restriction of 20 inches in height, as the m/l is 21 inches in height if we take a look at the specs.

If you want me to be specific, the airline restriction are 20x16x9 and the size of the farpoint 40 is, as you know, 21x14x9.

How does the Farpoint 40 compare to the Pacsafe EXP45?

We don’t have experience with the Pacsafe. Does anyone else know how they compare?

Hello! Ryanair now has new rools about free carry-on bag: 40x20x25cm. How to make my Osprey Farpoint 40 to this size?

We recommend checking the specs on Osprey’s site and comparing them. I have carried the 40 Farpoint on Ryan Air before as of summer 2018.

Excellent review. It is also important that travellers are aware of the weight restrictions on non-USA carriers. I keep my travel weight to 8 kg or less. I was on a Lufthansa Warsaw to Frankfurt flight a couple of weeks ago where they were measuring bags AND weighing ALL of the carry-ons at the boarding gate. If you exceeded 8 kg you had to check the bag-period. They didn’t impose the fee but they were forcing compliance as they had an in-cabin space issue. I have also been forced to weigh my bag at gate on several Asian carriers some of which have a 7 kg (15 lb limit).

Appreciate the time you took out to write a detailed review. Thank you very much. Tortuga is on the higher end of pricing as well. Would you have an article on how to store items optimally, in these backpacks? (like shoes, socks, shirts etc.?)

No worries, glad you enjoyed the review! May do a post on packing tips at some point, but kinda a dull topic 😛

Well, that’s a complete review! Thanks for sharing this, it was really helpful!

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The Ultimate Osprey Farpoint 40 Review: 11 Reasons this is the Pack You Need for Travel

Looking for the perfect backpack, especially as a new traveler, is one of the hardest parts of first-time travel planning, and even follow on travel planning. In this Osprey Farpoint 40 review, we’ll aim to help you solve that problem quickly.

Osprey Farpoint 40 Review | ABrotherAbroad.com

Finding a pack that is comfortable, has just enough space and organization, is durable enough to last for years, and doesn’t cost an arm and a leg can feel like chasing a unicorn.  Or at least as difficult as finding a beach in Thailand not overrun by tourists…buut all three are out there, somewhere!

Yes, the “perfect pack” will differ by traveler and traveler style, but the Osprey Farpoint 40 is one of the closest things you’ll find for the price that suits the needs of most any traveler, whether new to the game or at their 100 th country.

Read on for an Osprey Farpoint 40 review and 11 reasons why thousands of travelers have made this their first and last pack, and have loved it every step of the way.

This article contains affiliate links

Contents of this Osprey Farpoint 40 Review

  • 11 Reasons the Osprey Farpoint 40 Travel Backpack is Perfect for Travel
  • What makes the Osprey Farpoint 40 a great travel backpack
  • What to look for in a carry on travel backpack
  • Quick Verdict on the Farpoint 40 Travel Pack
  • Why is the Farpoint 40 awesome?
  • Experiences with the Farpoint 40
  • Travel with the Farpoint 40
  • Hiking & Outdoors with the Farpoint 40
  • Pros | Cons
  • Osprey Farpoint 40 Dimensions and Weight

Materials, Construction, and Durability

Design, layout, and function.

  • Size, weight, and dimensions of the Osprey Farpoint 40

Best Places to Buy the Farpoint 40

osprey travel backpack 40l

11 Reasons the Osprey Farpoint 40 Travel Backpack is the Perfect Starter Travel Backpack

Osprey Farpoint 40 Review | ABrotherAbroad.com

  • At $137 , this bag is cheap and delivers great function and durability for a price that’s hard to beat.
  • Durable and reliable build – more than a few of my friends have traveled hard with this pack for years
  • Perfectly sized at 40L – the dimensions leave enough room for weeks of travel yet are small enough to use as an airline carryon
  • Easy to pack thanks to a front panel with wraparound zipper and simple open space.  Pair with Packing Cubes for the perfect travel setup
  • Solid reviews and reputation from comfort, to durability and lifespan, to the warranty
  • Osprey’s “All Mighty Guarantee” means you can travel hard with no worries
  • Plenty of small details you don’t realize you need which makes this bag perfect for first-time buyers
  • Available on nearly any continent without shipping issues and insane prices
  • Osprey is a trusted company known for solid gear , and standing by their gear and warranty
  • Cheap Osprey attachments and accessories make travel easier and mesh perfectly with this bag for the perfect travel kit, like lightweight daypacks, and packing cubes
  • New travelers and buyers can purchase this bag with confidence because the Farpoint 40 is stacked with all of the major features you’ll need to travel easier, thanks to Osprey’s years of testing and refinement

The “BLUF” (Bottom Line Up Front)

The Osprey Farpoint 40 is a near-perfect backpack for beginner travelers and first-time bag buyers.  The perfect size for travel anywhere from a weekend to longer than a few weeks still fits as an airline carry-on.  The nuanced features, like handles, compression straps, and pockets are in the right places, and storage for electronics fits your needs without realizing you had them.  Last, the build materials and quality are good enough for this bag to last far beyond when you outgrow it.

Osprey Farpoint 40 Review | ABrotherAbroad.com

Note that the Farpoint 40 is a travel bag, very intentionally.  Though the bag will suffice for hikes with light loads, it excels at moving you and your things by planes, trains, and automobiles conveniently.  If you’re traveling by foot or camping for extended periods and looking for a starter backpack, consider the REI Trail 40 instead.  For everyone else trying to find that perfect first bag for weeks and months of travel, the Osprey Farpoint 40 is likely the best bag for you

Quick Review of the Osprey Farpoint 40

When it comes to carry-on-sized bag options, to be clear, the Osprey Farpoint 40 is legendary (been around a while) and widespread (tons of backpackers have them and are satisfied with them), and for good reason. Among the Osprey backpacks, the Farpoint 40 is arguably the most versatile, and the most appropriate for adventure, whether you’re backpacking Europe (and plan to do Cinque Terre on the side), bouncing through Southeast Asia (hitting Bali and the best), or are wandering through South America (from Buenos Aires to Patagonia, to the Caribbean coast in Colombia).

However, with any good piece of gear, there are solid reasons why most people should grab it, and a few inconveniences about the gear that may mean it’s not necessarily for you. So, let’s look into the pros and cons of this generally awesome carry on size backpack.

Pros of the Osprey Farpoint 40 as a carry on sized bag

  • Padded carrying handles are conveniently placed on the top and sides, for easy quick transport

Osprey Farpoint 40 Review | ABrotherAbroad.com

  • Shoulder straps and hip belt stow away completely , for snag-free overhead and under seat storage

Osprey Farpoint 40 Review | ABrotherAbroad.com

  • Special internal wire frame distributes weight between shoulder straps and hip belt for more comfort

Osprey Farpoint 40 Review | ABrotherAbroad.com

  • Convenient pocket placement externally and internally keeps your small, quick access items organized
  • Perfect airline carryon size accommodates plenty of gear for weeks or months, while still fitting overhead and under seat on planes, trains, and buses
  • Durable build with reliable materials from tough fabrics and high-quality stitching
  • Comfortable when worn thanks to the internal wire suspension system that distributes and shifts weight between shoulder straps and hip belt–
  • The price of this bag is very low considering what you get, making it a perfect entry-level ag
  • Osprey’s “All Mighty Guarantee” keeps you covered on the off instance your bag has any issues.  Osprey will “repair any damage or defect for any reason free of charge.”

Cons of the Osprey Farpoint 40

  • Not the best backpack for hiking – day hikes are ok, but other backpacks are better for trekking
  • External mesh water bottle pockets are difficult to use if the bag is fully packed
  • Oddly placed laptop pocket (behind the front panel) is risky when overpacking and setting your bag down, face first.

Osprey Farpoint 40 Review | ABrotherAbroad.com

Carry-On Compliance: The Osprey Farpoint 40 fits as a personal item and backpack of carry on size for most airlines, but not for the strictest European budget airlines

With the Osprey Farpoint 40L dimensions of 20” X 14” X 8” (50.8cm x 35.6cm x 20.3cm) this backpack fits as a perfect carry on for most international airlines.  However, for extreme budget airlines like Ryanair, Easyjet, and all of those other painful (yet cheap) airlines, the Osprey Farpoint 40l is a touch too large.  However, you’ll be fine on Asia’s budget airlines (such as Air Asia) taking the Osprey Farpoint 40L as a carry on.

Can you fit the Osprey Farpoint 40 under the seat in front of you? Yes, almost …

For most airlines, the dimensions for the available room under the seat in front of you are 18″x14″x8″, which the Osprey Farpoint 40’s dimensions of 20” X 14” X 8” exceed by roughly 2 inches in length.

Does this mean that you can’t fit the Farpoint 40 under a seat in front of you? Not quite – it depends on the airline. If you can get the backpack onto the airline as a carry on, most flight attendants won’t enforce that “extra 2 inches” because it is barely visible. If they do, you can still place the bag into the overhead bin with no problem, as long as you’re not on Ryanair or Easyjet.

Airline Carry on Restriction Dimension for Reference

  • Ryanair’s carry on limit is 40cm x 20cm x 25cm (15.7”x 7.9” x 9.9” carry on limit for Ryanair in inches)
  • Easyjet carry on limit 45 x 36 x 20 cm (17.8” x 14.2” x 7.9” carry on limit for Easyjet in inches)
  • Air Asia carry on limit 56cm x 36cm x 23cm (22” x 14” x 9” carry on limit for AirAsia in inches)

Technical Details & Farpoint 40L Specs

  • Capacity: 40 liters / 2441 cubic inches
  • Dimensions: 20” X 14” X 8” (50.8cm x 35.6cm x 20.4cm)
  • Weight: 3.1lbs (1.4kg)
  • Materials: 210denier ripstop nylon
  • Carryon Compliance: Qualifies for most airlines, doesn’t qualify for ultra strict airlines – like Ryanair and Easyjet
  • Laptop Compartment Size: Fits 15″ laptop with additional tablet pocket
  • Warranty: Lifetime warranty via Osprey’s All Mighty Guarantee

Tips on what to look for in a carry on travel backpack

As you assess whether the Farpoint 40 is good for you or if there is a more suitable pack out there, consider these tips for what to look for in a good travel backpack

  • Carrying Handles
  • Airline carry on compliant size
  • Durable materials (400+ denier nylon, nylon straps, large durable zippers)
  • Laptop pocket
  • Electronics Pockets
  • Organization pockets or plan on buying packing cubes
  • Comfort – fit to your hips and shoulders with comfortable weight  distribution
  • Vented back panel
  • Hidden security pockets
  • Convenient access, such as wrap-around zipper or clamshell style design

Quick Verdict on this Osprey Farpoint 40 Review

I highly recommend the  Osprey Farpoint 40 is highly recommend as a travel pack, especially for new travelers or travelers with generic travel needs.  If you’re looking for a travel pack that hikes well, look at the REI Trail 40 .  Otherwise, the Osprey Farpoint 40 is a very safe bet for adventurous and lightweight travel.

Also consider:

  • REI Trail 40 Review as a 40L bag for trekking and camping adventures
  • REI Ruckpack 40 as another great travel option

Full Osprey Farpoint 40 Review

Who is the osprey farpoint 40 for.

  • Backpackers (travel, not backcountry)
  • Best for travel in a single climate or region due to size

What Makes the Osprey Farpoint 40 Better than Other Bags?

Value, durability, versatility, and reliability

  • Value: At only $137 on Amazon and on REI , the Farpoint 40 is much cheaper than the options
  • Durability: Countless owners have traveled adventurously and hard for years with this bag with no issues
  • Carrying and weight distribution system: For those long walks between buses, trains, and hostels, the Farpoint stays comfortable
  • Nearly perfect for every traveler: For beginner travelers, this bag is a safe bet, offering everything you need.  For other travelers, unless you need a pack you can scale mountains with, the Osprey Farpoint 40 will likely fit all of your travel needs

My experiences with the Osprey Farpoint 40: Seen in tens of countries around the world with happy users

I’ve had the pleasure of testing the Osprey Farpoint 40 on several occasions, but all of which took place during a period of one day or shorter…and I absolutely wouldn’t recommend a pack solely based on such a short testing period.  This pack came onto my radar during a one month stint of travel in Thailand. 

My buddy (codename: Doc Strangelove) had the Farpoint 40 while I had the REI Trail 40 .  We both love our packs and argued about their merits all of the time.  Since then, I’ve bumped into no less than 10 travelers with the same backpack, and every time I interrogate them about their thoughts, their experiences, the pack’s shortfalls, and whether or not they would buy it again.

So far, every single traveler I’ve met would buy it again.  For half of them, it was their first pack, and most of them have been using the pack for more than 2 years.  None had any bag failures (zippers, ripped seams, etc.), and none had any plans of replacing the pack. 

The only complaints were that the external mesh water bottle pockets and the front electronics pockets are difficult to use if the bag is overpacked.

Here are the highlights from the travelers I “interviewed” about their Farpoint 40.

The Impromptu Cycling Trip through Albania using the Osprey Farpoint 40

As I was traveling through Albania, after a stint in Croatia, I was making my way south to some fairly pristine and desolate beaches.  One morning, as I left my hostel, I noticed a Farpoint 40 strapped to the back of a bicycle.  I started taking pictures of the setup when the owner walked up and we started chatting.  I took the opportunity to pick his brain about the bag.

This bicyclist loved the Farpoint 40, mainly due to its size (perfect travel carryon), how easy it is to pack, and how all of the straps zip away.  You see, this fella started his 3 week Albania tour backpacking.  One day, he was waiting on a bus at a bus station and noticed cyclists cruising by in their spandex ninja wear…and he got kind of jealous. He also noticed that across the street, a bike was for sale for around $100. So, like any rational traveler, he got off the bus and bought the bike and some bungee cords strapped the Farpoint 40 to the back of his bike and started riding towards his destination.  It was a week later, after a week of riding, that I met him.

He was having an amazing time cycling and reiterated that with his last pack (a large summit bag, likely bigger than 55 liters) the bag would have been too big and likely had straps hanging everywhere. This wasn’t the case with the Farpoint 40.

This case showed off the practical and functional design of the Farpoint. The travel focused design, with all of the straps stowing easily, made it perfectly easy to strap to a bike, without any dangling straps getting caught in the wheel.  The size of the bag was small enough to fit well on the bike and still made riding natural while having enough space for everything one would need for a 3-week backpacking/cycling trip.  Last, this fella took a spill riding around the corner and ended up crashing his bike.  The bag was fine, with a small scratch, but no abraded holes due to the high-quality materials. 

In the end, the Farpoint 40 was not only perfect for backpacking but also for this guy’s impromptu cycling adventure too.

Backpackers in Croatia using the Osprey Farpoint 40

This was a simple group of great friends that I traveled with briefly.  Admittedly, they were more touristy travelers than backpackers and probably would have more often used roller carry-ons in their travels.  However, during their stint through Europe (and Croatia where I met them), the Farpoint 40 was a perfect balance.  Internal storage and organization were just as good or better than any roller carry-on luggage, but the ability to wear the bag as a backpack was much more convenient for walking through towns from bus stations to hostels upstairs and hills – which happens quite often if you’re traveling the right way in the Balkans fyi.

For these “tourist travelers,” the Farpoint 40 provided the benefits of any other carry on luggage but made transit on buses, trains, and planes much easier.

Dr. Strangelove introducing me to the Farpoint 40 in Thailand

Doc is a good buddy so I had plenty of opportunities to pick his brain about his bag.  When we first met, Doc had the bag for 2 years, and that was actually 2 years ago from now.  He’s traveled for stints of one week (like our one week blitz through the Balkans) to several months surfing and riding through Southeast Asia.  Through it all he’s loved that the load carries well when you’re walking, the wraparound zip panel makes it easy to pack, and it’s so durable he doesn’t have to think about replacing it.  Another testament to the simple yet near perfect design that Osprey has refined with decades of bag experience.

The Osprey Farpoint 40 as a carry on sized backpack for Travel

A nearly perfect travel backpack.  The only things that need to be upgraded are moving the laptop compartment to the back, adding a few pockets (side and hip belt), and making the water bottle pockets usable when the bag is fully packed.

Outside of these common complaints, the bag is durable, comfortable to wear, fits as carry-on luggage on most airlines and also fits under the seat in most airlines.  Countless travelers report owning this bag for 3+ years and still being completely satisfied with no intention of upgrading.

The main compartment is easily accessible, with the wrap around panel zip.  Pairing this bag with 2 to 3 packing cubes makes packing and unpacking a breeze while staying organized the entire way.

The Osprey Farpoint 40 as a hiking backpack

  • Travel-focused features add too much weight for most ultralight backpackers that are interested in using thee Farpoint 40 as a hiking backpack, but, for travelers squeezing in a hike, the Farpoint 40 should be fine
  • The pack is missing features that make could make the backpack easy to access while wearing (hip belt pockets, external pockets on the side)
  • Improved quick access (to internal storage) and improved external storage, such as improved water bottle pockets, pockets for snacks, and external pockets for wet and dirty gear would be great

The Farpoint 40 is an excellent travel pack that will survive most outdoors experiences and will suffice for a quick trek of a couple of days, like the Inle Lake Trek in Myanmar, Torres del Paine in Patagonia, or even the Everest Base Camp Trek (if packed lightly).  However, if your travels revolve around multi-day treks (like the Everest Base Camp Trek then get a pack that ditches the airplane travel-centric options to be a bit lighter and adds features that make the backpack easier to use while wearing.  If you’re looking for ideas for a cheap, reliable, comfortable backpack for hiking and camping, I can’t recommend the REI Trail 40 enough.

With that said, I would be more than happy traveling adventurously for a year with the Osprey Farpoint 40 as my main pack.

Practical Pros | Cons of the Farpoint 40

  • Durable fabric, zippers, and stitching
  • Comfort thanks to extra padding in shoulder straps, back panel, and hip belt
  • Special internal support structure distributes weight very well between hips, shoulders, and back
  • Fits under the seat in most planes (even in Southeast Asia)
  • The bag could use pockets on hipbelt (similar to the  REI Trail 40)
  • Water bottles do not fit the mesh pockets if the bag is completely full – you’ll have to secure them using the mesh compression straps

A problem point for Digital Nomads: An awkward laptop sleeve pocket when overpacking

A major determiner of whether the Osprey Farpoint 40 is for you is the laptop & tablet pocket . 

The laptop sleeve and tablet pocket on front sleeve mean you should be careful not to overpack as the rounded shape will put pressure on your devices potentially breaking them.  If you don’t mind underpacking slightly or storing your devices internally without a pocket, then you’ll love this pack.

Osprey Farpoint 40 Review | ABrotherAbroad.com

However, overpacking a backpack (with a natural curve) and the laptop in this position is a recipe for disaster, so be careful. I’ve broken two laptops personally by trusting the laptop sleeve.

So, the Osprey Farpoint 40 is still an excellent carry on size backpack for travel. However, if you are a digital nomad with tons of expensive, delicate tech (or a large expensive laptop) consider getting a different backpack with a dedicated, protected laptop pocket, such as the Tortuga Outbreaker , the GORUCK GR3 45L Travel Backpack , or any of these other great carry on sized backpacks .

Suggestions for using the Osprey Farpoint 40

  • Pair with two packing cubes to keep things organized
  • Pair with a lightweight daypack like the one Osprey offers

The Farpoint 40 is a well made, time tested backpack that has proven to be durable and is the reason 1000’s of backpackers have chosen it as their choice for traveling around the world.

The backpack uses a prudent mix of durable nylon in different weights/weaves to create a backpack that is tough enough but isn’t too overbuilt

  • 210 Denier Hex Diamond Ripstop Nylon for external, surfaces: Tough enough to stand overstuffing and normal abrasion
  • 600 denier nylon packcloth on high abrasion areas (bottom, accent points, etc.): Has proven to handle the normal dragging, puncturing, pushing, and pulling that comes with travel, carried on or thrown under a bus

Holding this pack together is sufficiently heavy duty stitching to handle overstuffing, and zippers that are comfortably large to stay smooth and functional through the dust and grime of trails, but not overdone.

The general layout and design of storage on the Osprey Farpoint 40 is sufficient, minimalist, and solid for travel, just like the other Osprey products. You won’t find the specialized tech pockets of the Tortuga Outbreaker or Peak Design travel backpack, but as long as you pack light, the inner pockets and handful of outer pockets will be enough for virtually any trip.

Inside the Pack

The Osprey Farpoint 40 keeps going strong with “just enough” of everything to make it a good all-round pack. On the inside, internal compression straps, and a few extra zippered storage pockets give you enough spaces to stay organized but not go overboard.

  • Laptop and tablet sleeve with lockable zippers on the front of the pack – not the best, as it makes overpacking problematic and makes the laptop prone to bumps
  • Lockable zippers on the main compartment
  • 2 compression straps (top and bottom of the bag)
  • 2 internal compression straps make it easy to pack and keep your load situated
  • Large internal, zippered mesh pocket on the panel

This pack is cavernous, so I highly recommend picking up some of my recommended packing cubes to stay organized.

Outside of the Pack

Dotting the externals of the pack are a handful of storage conveniences and other elements that make for comfortable wear and travel – support, comfy straps, and harness – ultimately making the Osprey Farpoint 40 a comfy bag to wear and carry (as a carry on or hiking backpack) on those 20 hour multi-leg flights around the world, through airports, through metros and down streets while searching for a hostel, or impromptu hikes.

Osprey Farpoint 40 review

  • Hipbelt with a special system to transfer weight from shoulders to hips is comfy
  • Hipbelt and shoulder straps stow away during travel to avoid snagging on anything
  • Mesh, breathable and padded backpanel makes carrying for long time in the heat a comfortable experience.
  • Shoulder harness is sturdily build with shoulder straps that are just padded and comfy enough, making for a pack that is comfortable to use now but is durable enough to last years of travel
  • Two elastic mesh pockets on the front of the pack offer a place for quick storage and quick access or for holding water bottles or wet/dirty items
  • Padded top and side handles, for carry while the shoulder straps are stowed.

Osprey Farpoint 40 review

Size and Specs

  • S/M – 2319 Cu. In./ 38L, Dimensions – 20”x14”x8”, 3.1lbs
  • M/L – 2441 Cu. In./ 40L, Dimensions – 21”x14”x9”, 3.2lbs
  • Air Asia carry on limit 56cm x 36cm x 23cm (22” x 14” x 9”)

Hands down, the best place to buy travel gear, in general, is REI .  A wide selection, 1-year unlimited warranty & satisfaction guarantee, free shipping, and 10% back each year make shopping at are in general, or for the Osprey Farpoint 40.

Amazon is also a great place to buy the Osprey Farpoint 40, especially if you have Amazon Prime (if not, you can get it with a free trial ) or are located outside of North America.  I purchase a lot of my gear on Amazon because of the free shipping, free and easy returns, and whatever I’m purchasing is usually cheaper here or fairly close in price (~$5)

Purchasing straight from the manufacturer is always a solid option.  Though the return policies will be a bit more liberal and forgiving with REI and Amazon, using Osprey’s All Mighty Guarantee , which covers any damages or defects for free, will be easier if done directly through Osprey.

Comparison to other Popular 40L Backpacks

With all of the great travel backpacks on the market, deciding which is best for you, your travels, and your needs can be tough.  To date, the best rivals and alternatives to the Farpoint 40 are the Osprey Farpoint 55, the Kelty Redwing 44, the Osprey Ozone 46, and the REI Trail 40. 

Here, we’ll review all of the popular alternatives to the Farpoint 40 backpack and help you decide which is best for you.

Osprey Farpoint 40 vs 55

The Osprey Farpoint 55 is essentially the same beloved travel pack as the Osprey Farpoint 40 – same durable cloth, general design, tuckaway shoulder straps and hipbelt, and function, but with an additional, very useful, zipoff daypack.  This cool daypack accounts for the additional 15 liters of storage space.

large image of FARPOINT® Travel Pack 55

Unfortunately, this cool addition of a daypack comes with an additional 4 inches of height.  This extra 4 inches of height make the Osprey Farpoint 55 a touch too tall, technically, as a carry-on sized backpack for most airlines.

Osprey Farpoint 40 measurements and size

  • Small/Medium version       38 Liter capacity       20” X 14” X 8”    3.11 LBS.
  • Medium/Large version       40 Liter capacity       21” X 14” X 9”.  3.17 LBS.

Osprey Farpoint 55 measurements and size

  • Small/Medium version       52 Liter capacity       24” X 13” X 12” 3.75 LBS.
  • Medium/Large version       55 Liter capacity       25” X 13” X 12”. 3.9 LBS.

Which should you go for?  The Osprey Farpoint 40 or Osprey Farpoint 55?

If you intend to take your travel backpack as a carry on, opt for the Osprey Farpoint 40.  If you don’t mind checking your bag when traveling, then opt for the Osprey Farpoint 55 – as the daypack and setup is convenient and all you need.

Kelty Redwing 44 vs Osprey Farpoint 40

The Kelty Redwing 44 is another legendary pack that is popular, and with good reason, but with a different crowd. The Kelty Redwing 44 is actually a tactical backpack , with 500 denier nylon throughout, a slick exterior (nothing to catch or get snagged) and a comfy shoulder strap carrying system.

osprey travel backpack 40l

The Redwing 44’s only downside is, like the Farpoint 55, the backpack is a couple inches too tall for carry-on airline baggage restrictions at 24 x 12 x 16 in. However, if you can underpack the top pocket, you may be able to save the 3 inches necessary to get this bag onto airlines.

Bottom Line on this Osprey Farpoint 40 Review

The Osprey Farpoint 40 is a great pack for the price that’s nearly perfect for carry-on only travel and travelers looking for their first bag.  If you are in the market for a bag for traveling a few weeks to a few months on the road and are unsure what you want and need, save yourself some time and opt for the Osprey Farpoint 40.  Like several of my friends and countless other adventurous travelers, you won’t be disappointed.

Is Osprey Farpoint 40 carry-on?

The Osprey Farpoint 40 is a carry-on sized backpack, and is allowed to be carried onto most international airlines due to its size of 20” X 14” X 8” (50.8cm x 35.6cm x 20.3cm). For budget airlines, such as Ryanair or Easyjet, the Osprey Farpoint 40 is a few inches to tall, so, always conform carry-on bag size restrictions with your airline before your flight.

Is the Osprey Farpoint 40 good for hiking?

The Osprey Farpoint 40 is comfortable as far as travel packs go, and will be sufficient for backpacking and travel with a touch of hiking.

However, if you are planning on a trekking heavy adventure, such as to Everest Base Camp or Patagonia, I suggest opting for a pack specifically designed for trekking in shoulder harness and hip belt system, fabrics, and storage

Is Osprey Farpoint good for backpacking?

The Osprey Farpoint 40 and 55 are two of the best backpacks for travel and backpacking as they are comfortable, offer great storage, and are extremely relative to other backpacks of similar quality.

Does Osprey Farpoint 40 fit under seat?

The Osprey Farpoint 40 will fit under the seat in front of you for most airlines, however the top or bottom of the bag will protrude by ~2 inches. If you are comfortable giving up the footspace on your flight, the Osprey Farpoint 40 will fit under the seat in front of you.

Other Great Starter and Travel Backpacks to Consider

  • The REI Trail 40 : If you’ll spend as much time hiking and camping as traveling
  • The REI Ruckpack 40 : If you’re looking for a budget-friendly, urban-focused pack

What other backpack other good carry-on size backpacks are out there?

Now that you know everything there is to know about the Osprey Farpoint 40 as a travel backpack and carry on pack, if it doesn’t seem right for you then check out our list of the best carry on backpacks for travel to find the perfect pack for you.

If you have opted for the Farpoint 40, don’t to grab all of the other necessary gear for enjoyable, lightweight travel to make the most use of that new carry on backpack.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Carlos is a nomad, slow traveler, and writer dedicated to helping others live abroad and travel better by using his 7+ years of experience living abroad and background as a management consultant and financial advisor to help other nomad and expats plot better paths for an international lifestyle. Click here to learn more about Carlos's story.

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The 13 best carry-on backpacks of 2024, tested & reviewed.

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The Best Carry-on Backpacks

Cotopaxi Allpa 35L in blue in field.

Leilani Osmundson | U.S. News

Not sure whether to take a rolling suitcase or a travel backpack on the plane? Both types of carry-on luggage certainly have their merits, but if you like keeping your arms and hands free when traveling, a backpack is the right choice for you. Furthermore, compared to a hard-sided suitcase , it's easier to squeeze a malleable backpack into an overhead bin or under the seat. And if your vacation is focused on adventure travel, you might value a durable pack on your back over wheels on the ground.

U.S. News compiled this list from extensive research and testing along with consumer reviews. Whatever your reason for choosing a backpack, there are plenty on the market to satisfy your needs. Read on for the best carry-on travel backpacks.

Best Overall: Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack

  • Jump to features and expert insights ↓

Best Budget: ZOMAKE Ultra Lightweight Hiking Backpack 20L

Best lightweight: mz wallace metro utility backpack.

  • Best for Business Travel (tie): Dagne Dover Dakota Neoprene Backpack – Large
  • Best for Business Travel (tie): Aer Travel Pack 3

Best for International Travel: Osprey Farpoint 40 Travel Pack

Best for weekend getaways: solo grand travel tsa backpack, best for women: tumi voyageur celina backpack, best for men: peak design travel backpack 45l, best for adventure travel: kelty redwing 36, best with wheels: samsonite tectonic nutech wheeled backpack, best organization: augustnoa classic noa, best leather: monos metro backpack in vegan leather.

(Note: Prices and availability were accurate at the time of publication; they may fluctuate due to demand and other factors. Dimensions of backpacks are height by width by depth.)

The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L in purple.

Price: $200 or less

When it comes to bag travel, the Cotopaxi Allpa packs a serious punch. The carry-on backpack is available in three sizes – 42L, 35L and 28L – and a variety of colors, including the vibrant multicolor Del Día style. The 35L size not only fits everything you need for your next getaway, but it's also TSA-compliant as a carry-on item . On the outside, the Allpa features a removable waist belt, a padded laptop sleeve on the side, anti-theft zippers, carabiner lash loops for extra gear, a sternum strap and a front zippered pocket. The backpack straps can be tucked away if you're looking to save more room in the overhead bin or you want to carry the bag via its grab handles.

The bag opens suitcase-style; inside, you'll find one large zippered mesh compartment on the right and a subdivided zippered mesh compartment on the left, providing ample space for all your clothes, shoes and accessories. What's more, the bag comes with a rain cover (though it's already water-resistant).

What our editors say:

I've taken my Cotopaxi Allpa on countless adventures, from a road trip around Iceland to camping all over Colorado. It fits more than expected, is comfortable to wear (especially if using the waist belt) and is extremely durable. I just wish the 35L had an exterior water bottle pocket like the 42L does! – Leilani Osmundson, Senior Digital Producer

ZOMAKE Ultra Lightweight Hiking Backpack 20L in black and gray.

Erin Evans | U.S. News

ZOMAKE Ultra Lightweight Hiking Backpack 20L in black and gray.

Price: $15.99 or less

This backpack has three excellent things going for it: It's affordable, lightweight and durable. It's a great option for a weekend getaway bag and is an excellent little backpack to have on hand for tours and day trips once you make it to your destination. If you're planning to hike or kayak on your next getaway, you'll definitely want to have the ZOMAKE Ultra Lightweight Backpack in your back pocket – literally. It can be folded into a compact pouch and tucked away in a larger carry-on bag if you're planning to only use it as a daypack.

The lightweight travel bag is both tear- and water-resistant. With all of its pockets – including one on each side for water bottles or umbrellas – you'll be able to fit everything you need for an adventure-filled trip.

It can fit enough for a weekend trip, plus it's super useful for hiking, boat excursions and more once you're in your destination because it's so light and water-resistant. I've used it for years and it has held up incredibly well; it comes in so many fun colors, too. I love it so much, I bought two so my husband has one he can use as well. – Erin Evans, Managing Editor

MZ Wallace Metro Utility Backpack in black.

Rachael Hood | U.S. News

MZ Wallace Metro Utility Backpack in black.

Price: $345 or less

Constructed with recycled bluesign-approved quilted nylon, this chic bag is packed with pockets and organizational details. The interior has a padded 15-inch laptop sleeve, a large zip pocket with two slip pockets, two water bottle pockets and two removable pouches. On the front of the bag there's a deep phone pocket and multiple zippered pockets of various sizes, including a small one that's ideal for a boarding pass, earbuds or wipes.

A water bottle pocket sits on each side of the bag, and the back of the bag has a luggage trolley sleeve that can be zipped shut on the bottom to be a pocket when not attached to your suitcase. This backpack has a top-zip design, and can be carried by the two top handles or the adjustable padded backpack straps.

This bag has completely changed my mind about backpacks. It's extremely spacious and works so well for my laptop, change of clothes, toiletry bag and other carry-on essentials. I love all of the pockets and that I can carry this like a north-south tote in addition to using the trolley sleeve or backpack straps. But what truly sets this apart is the beautiful fabrication that is so soft and the luxurious Italian leather details. – Rachael Hood, Senior Editor

Best for Business Travel: Dagne Dover Dakota Neoprene Backpack and Aer Travel Pack 3 (tie)

Dagne dover dakota neoprene backpack – large.

Dagne Dover Dakota Neoprene Backpack in brown.

Catriona Kendall | U.S. News

Dagne Dover Dakota Neoprene Backpack in brown.

Price: $215 or less

This sleek, professional backpack by Dagne Dover is perfect for professional and casual settings alike, with a vast array of organizational features and a 20-liter capacity for the large size. On the outside, you'll find a zippered padded pocket for up to 16-inch laptops and a slip pocket for your phone, while an interior sleeve can fit a tablet or a second laptop, allowing you to travel with multiple devices. The inside of the bag has two mesh slip pockets and a zip-top pouch attached with a leash, as well as three zippered pockets in the front panel.

To help you stay even more organized, the exterior also features a zippered front pocket with pen loops and a key clip; two zippered side pockets; two slip side pockets; and straps to secure a small bottle. The water-resistant bag comes with adjustable shoulder straps, a luggage sleeve and a separate shoe bag.

I adore bringing this bag to work and using it as a personal item on flights. I don't think I've ever used a backpack with better organization than this one – there's a dedicated place for every little thing, from keys to pens to my devices. I also love that the neoprene material is extremely lightweight and water-resistant. – Catriona Kendall, Editor

Aer Travel Pack 3

Aer Travel Pack 3 in black.

Price: $249 or less

With a pocket for everything, the clamshell-style Aer Travel Pack 3 keeps you organized to the max on business trips. Keep your laptop (up to 16 inches) safe in the padded, zippered laptop sleeve, and stow your passport in the quick-access side pocket. The front compartment features several sizes of pockets perfect for chargers, notepads, pens and more. Along with the lay-flat main compartment for clothes, there's also an interior pocket for small accessories as well as a hidden luggage tracker pocket.

Designed for one-bag travel, the durable Aer Travel Pack 3 also features a water-resistant nylon exterior along with load lifters for a more comfortable fit. You can purchase a hip belt separately.

The Aer Travel Pack 3 has one of the sleekest designs when it comes to carry-on backpacks. I also appreciate all the pockets: The sizable laptop pocket is perfect for someone like me who uses a huge laptop; the eight pockets in just the front compartment are so handy for everything you could need while traveling; and the bag even comes with a zippered water bottle pocket on the side. – Leilani Osmundson

Osprey Farpoint 40 Travel Pack in blue.

Price: $185 or less

The Osprey Farpoint is truly an all-in-one travel pack that combines quality with minimal weight. The clamshell-style carry-on bag features a substantial main compartment across from a large mesh pocket. There's an easy-to-access zippered laptop sleeve on the side for devices up to 16 inches.

For extra support and comfort, the backpack includes a sternum strap, back panel, harness and hip belt; the latter three can be zipped up for fully streamlined travel, and compression straps help slim the bag down even more. The Osprey Farpoint 40 meets most domestic carry-on size requirements and is compatible with the Farpoint/Fairview Travel Daypack , which can be brought onto the plane as a personal item.

This is one of my favorite backpacks. I love how the back can be zipped up so the bag more resembles a duffel; this makes it easy to stow away without having to deal with a lot of straps. Additionally, the interior compression straps can really help cinch down belongings, especially if you're using packing cubes . – Leilani Osmundson

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Solo Grand Travel TSA Backpack in gray.

Amanda Norcross | U.S. News

Solo Grand Travel TSA Backpack in gray.

Price: $117.99 or less

Perfect for weekend getaways , the Solo Grand TSA Travel Backpack opens like a regular suitcase. In the main compartment, you can secure several outfits with compression straps and store accessories and toiletries in two zippered mesh pockets. In the back, a padded compartment protects laptops up to 17.3 inches in size, and on the front there are a variety of pockets – even pockets within pockets – for your phone and other essentials. This backpack is also equipped with two side mesh pockets, a trolley sleeve, and side and top carry handles.

This backpack is flawless. It's big without the bulk and has plenty of pockets, which not only makes it ideal for weekend getaways but also prevents me from having to awkwardly rummage through my bag when I need something on the plane. – Amanda Norcross, Senior Content & SEO Strategist

TUMI Voyageur Celina Backpack in black.

Price: $475 or less

This backpack blends function and fashion with a compact design. On the front of the bag are two zip compartments and a U-zip pocket with a card slot, a slip pocket and a pen holder. The interior of the bag is divided into two separate compartments: one zippered section with a padded laptop compartment (holds up to a 15-inch PC or 16-inch MacBook), and another large compartment with a zippered pocket and two slip pockets (ideal for glasses or charging cords).

There is also a zippered compartment on each side of the bag, one of which has a water-resistant lining for a water bottle. On the back of the bag you'll find a hidden phone compartment and a trolley sleeve to attach to a roller bag.

This style oozes sophistication, especially the black with the gold hardware. From its sleek material to its many pockets and details, this backpack looks and feels like a chic handbag that can go from the office to a beach resort with ease. I especially like that there are two places you can access the front compartment of the bag, and I like that the laptop section is separate from the rest of the backpack so it's easier to take out my computer and go through airport security (which makes me less likely to drop something from inside my bag). – Rachael Hood

Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L in black.

Price: $299.95 or less

The Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L is a solid, rugged choice that will last. The nylon canvas shell of the backpack is weatherproof and water-resistant, with a waterproof bottom liner as well. You can unzip the back panel to access the main packing compartment, which is also accessible via zippers along each side of the bag and can be divided in two by a mesh sleeve. To keep you organized, this backpack has quick-access pockets for small items like passports and glasses, plus expandable side pockets for water bottles, tripods or umbrellas.

The bag meets carry-on size requirements but can expand by 1.5 inches if you need the extra room; the shoulder straps and hip belt tuck away if you plan to check it instead. If you prefer a smaller bag, the Peak Design Travel Backpack also comes in a 30-liter size .

If you only want to bring one bag on a short trip, you can't go wrong with this backpack. It's sturdy, reliable and able to fit a ton while still being carry-on-sized. It served me well on a recent trip to New Zealand, and I'd definitely recommend it for travelers who like hands-free luggage. – Catriona Kendall

Kelty Redwing 36 in blue.

Price: $134.95 or less

If you'll be adventuring in the great outdoors for your next trip, consider purchasing the Kelty Redwing 36 backpack. You'll find two exterior water bottle pockets as well as a hydration-friendly inner pocket (for storing a water bladder). Tool loops can hold hiking poles, fishing poles, ice axes or other adventure gear. Organization is made easy with plenty of zippered pockets, including one on each side of the bag, a large one on the front and one on top that's perfect for storing travel documents such as a passport. Plus, a ventilated back panel helps keep you cool when you're hurrying through airports or hiking up a mountain.

If you need a bigger backpack, the Kelty Redwing 50 Tactical is a great checked bag option and has many of the same features as the Redwing 36 along with more straps and pockets.

The Kelty Redwing 36 can be cinched down quite a bit for truly streamlined travel and to better meet carry-on size guidelines. However, I'll caution that the waist belt is difficult to remove. – Leilani Osmundson

Samsonite Tectonic NuTech Wheeled Backpack in black.

Price: $159.99 or less

If you want the flexibility to either carry or wheel your luggage, a wheeled backpack style may work best for you. The Samsonite Tectonic NuTech Wheeled Backpack transforms from a rolling bag into a backpack by just tucking in the handle, pulling out the stowed straps and using the wheel cover. The durable polyester material is water-repellent and has red accents.

There are three sections to this bag: a main compartment with space to pack for a weekend trip, a dedicated sleeve for both a laptop up to 15.6 inches and a tablet up to 11 inches, and a front pocket equipped with various organizational features. There are various small pockets, pen sleeves, card slots and a key leash within. You can tuck a water bottle and umbrella into the exterior pockets on either side of the bag. Just keep in mind that this bag may slightly exceed carry-on size restrictions on some airlines with stricter rules.

I expected a wheeled backpack to be uncomfortable to carry, but this convertible bag has proved surprisingly convenient. I like having both the rolling and hands-free options for different circumstances, and it has ample packing space. – Catriona Kendall

augustnoa classic noa in cream.

Price: $148 or less

This sustainable water-resistant backpack is constructed with 100% recycled materials and has 10 pockets to organize everything. The spacious interior compartment has a 17-inch padded laptop sleeve and a tablet sleeve with a strap to secure it in place, as well as an interior mesh pocket for small items or charging cords and a removable shoe bag.

On the exterior, the front pocket has a built-in mesh organizer for pens, and there are mesh water bottle holders on each side of the backpack. The back of the bag has two adjustable padded straps, each with a built-in zippered compartment ideal for keys, ID or tickets. A hidden zip pocket makes for a secure space for a wallet or passport, and the trolley sleeve provides added versatility.

This backpack is great for travel or everyday use. I especially appreciate the comfortable backpack straps with the small zip pockets. They are easy to reach and perfect for small items like lip gloss, cash or a transit card. Durably constructed, the water-resistant exterior performs well in any weather, and I love that there's a padded space for both my laptop and iPad. – Rachael Hood

Monos Metro Backpack in Vegan Leather in brown.

Price: $230 or less

For an upscale backpack that can be dressed up or down, this Monos style is an ideal choice. Constructed with sustainable vegan leather (there's also a nylon version with vegan leather accents), this structured style is both water- and scratch-resistant. The 15-inch laptop sleeve is separate from the main packing compartment so you can access your device easily. The brand's QuickSnap Modular Kit System means you'll have a detachable Metro Kit for small items that attaches magnetically to the front of the bag; this kit is interchangeable between Metro bags and can be swapped out for a different kit or removed entirely, depending on your needs.

The backpack's main compartment is designed for maximum functionality with a felt-lined document sleeve, a large zippered pocket, two slip pockets, and a waterproof zippered privacy compartment for a rain jacket or gym clothes. On the back, you can make use of a hidden slip pocket for your phone, a trolley sleeve and adjustable padded straps. There's also two top carry handles if you'd prefer to carry this backpack like a tote.

I really like the elevated styling and durability of this vegan leather bag. But what sets it apart is the separate laptop compartment (I don't like to have to open my entire bag to get out my laptop while on the go), and the modular Metro Kit system that can be removed when it's not needed. It's full of value-added design elements, and the material looks classic and appropriate with any attire. – Rachael Hood

Frequently Asked Questions

Depending on its size, a backpack is considered a carry-on item. To be able to put it in the overhead bin, you generally don't want it to exceed 22 x 14 x 9 inches, but that sizing varies by airline, and since backpacks are soft-sided, the dimensions can be somewhat malleable. If it fits under the seat in front of you on the plane ( check your airline's specific size requirements ), it is typically considered a personal item. If the backpack can fit under the seat, then you can often bring it in addition to a larger carry-on bag (based on your airline ticket type and inclusions).

For a backpack to be a carry-on for most domestic airlines, it should not exceed 22 x 14 x 9 inches (or should be able to be squished to approximately those dimensions). To be considered a personal item, it must fit under the seat in front of you. Underseat size and space varies by airline and airplane type, so it's best to check with your airline's size restrictions.

How We Tested

From the comfort of the straps to the capacity of each bag, our team tested more than 20 carry-on backpacks from a variety of brands at a range of price points. We tested to see how the overall structure of the bag works for travel needs, along with the durability and details that make a difference. After taking these backpacks on a variety of adventures, we've selected these carry-on backpacks as the best for 2024.

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Osprey Fairview 40L Women's Travel Backpack, Black

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Osprey Fairview 40L Women's Travel Backpack, Black

Sustainability features.

This product has sustainability features recognized by trusted certifications.

Manufactured on farms or in facilities that protect the rights and/or health of workers.

Bluesign

Bluesign products are made with safer chemicals, fewer resources, and less energy. This reduces greenhouse gas emissions at production sites. Bluesign system partners include chemical companies, material manufacturers, and brands in the textile supply chain. They reduce impacts in five areas: resource use, air and water pollution, worker health and safety, and consumer safety. They also identify options to use water and energy more efficiently and only use chemicals, processes, materials and products that are safer for the environment, workers and customers.

Learn more about this certification

Manufactured using processes that reduce the risk of negative environmental impact.

Made with chemicals safer for human health and the environment.

osprey travel backpack 40l

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About this item.

  • Adjustable torso fit
  • Large panel zip access to main compartment
  • Dual front compression straps
  • Two front mesh bottle pockets (fits most water bottles) and an external zip toiletry pocket

Additional Information

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Amazon Basics Carry-On Travel Backpack - Black

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Buy new: #buybox .a-accordion .a-accordion-active .a-price[data-a-size=l].reinventPriceAccordionT2 .a-price-whole { font-size: 28px !important; } #buybox .a-accordion .a-accordion-active .a-price[data-a-size=l].reinventPriceAccordionT2 .a-price-fraction, #buybox .a-accordion .a-accordion-active .a-price[data-a-size=l].reinventPriceAccordionT2 .a-price-symbol { top: -0.75em; font-size: 13px; } $185.00 $ 185 . 00 FREE delivery Tuesday, June 25 Ships from: Amazon.com Sold by: Amazon.com

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Save with Used - Very Good #buybox .a-accordion .a-accordion-active .a-price[data-a-size=l].reinventPriceAccordionT2 .a-price-whole { font-size: 28px !important; } #buybox .a-accordion .a-accordion-active .a-price[data-a-size=l].reinventPriceAccordionT2 .a-price-fraction, #buybox .a-accordion .a-accordion-active .a-price[data-a-size=l].reinventPriceAccordionT2 .a-price-symbol { top: -0.75em; font-size: 13px; } $173.48 $ 173 . 48 FREE delivery Thursday, June 27 Ships from: Amazon Sold by: Amazon Warehouse

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Osprey Fairview 40L Women's Travel Backpack, Black

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Osprey Farpoint 40L Men's Travel Backpack, Muted Space Blue

From the brand

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Since its foundation in 1974, Osprey has had the same relentless spirit towards innovation and quality—values established by founder Mike Pfotenhauer back when he began placing his first stitches at age 16. Little did he know, he would eventually stitch together the legacy of meticulous craftmanship for which Osprey is widely renowned. Today, Osprey is a melting pot of diverse personalities, backgrounds, and abilities.

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Osprey’s History

Since Osprey’s founding in 1974, every single product design bearing the Osprey name has passed through the hands of owner and founder Mike Pfotenhauer, undergoing relentless scrutiny. From stitching the first lines of custom-fitted packs, to meticulously designing innovative products with intuitive features, to forging personal relationships with the sewing operators who construct the packs, Mike has been the unbreakable thread that makes Osprey a top company.

Women's Fairview 40

Despite its minimalist weight, this full-featured pack offers plenty of organization and highly capable backpack suspension..

Built for adventure, the Fairview 40 also provides plenty of comfort while traveling. The adjustable harness and breathable backpanel provide a secure and comfortable fit while on the move, while also able to stow away for safekeeping when checking the bag on airlines. The quick access laptop pocket stores up to a 16" laptop, and the front shove-it pocket keeps frequently used items easy to get to. Made sustainably with recycled materials and PFC/PFAS-free DWR.

  • Stowaway harness, backpanel, and hipbelt tuck away when using the pack as a checked bag.
  • Large panel access to main compartment with internal compression straps to hold contents securely
  • Internal zippered mesh pockets provide additional organization for all your gear
  • External access toiletry pocket and large front shove-it pocket keep essentials close at hand
  • Padded top and side handles provide grab points when the harness is stowed
  • Domestic Carry On Size
  • Add on a (not included) Farpoint/Fairview Daypack or Daylite easily with the external webbing straps

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HONEST REVIEW After 2+ Years of World Travel | Pro vs Cons

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Looking for specific info?

Product details.

  • Product Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 23 x 35 x 55 inches; 3.41 Pounds
  • Item model number ‏ : ‎ 10003324
  • Department ‏ : ‎ womens
  • Manufacturer ‏ : ‎ Osprey
  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B09KQ1TH49
  • Country of Origin ‏ : ‎ USA
  • #756 in Casual Daypack Backpacks

Product Description

Lightweight and streamlined, the Fairview Series is an ideal travel pack for fast-moving globetrotters. Despite their minimalist weights, these women's specific, full-featured packs offer plenty of organization and travel-focused features. The stowaway harness and hipbelt disappears for safe keeping when you check your bag, and durable fabrics offer added protection. A large panel zip provides convenient access to the main compartment, lockable sliders keep your gear secure, dual front compression straps slim down your pack when you carry less, and a padded laptop/tablet sleeve keeps your electronics secure. The Fairview 40’s compact size ensures carry-on compliance on most flights. . No matter where you go, the Fairivew is backed by Osprey's All Mighty Guarantee.

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Customer reviews.

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Customers say

Customers like the portability, quality, adjustability, comfort, and space of the backpack. They mention that it's great for traveling, perfect for backpacking through Asia, and that it fits them comfortably. They appreciate the supportive straps and the adjustable frame. They also say that it has roomy enough for the entire trip and fits in the overhead compartment.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Customers like the space of the backpack. They say it is roomy, big enough for the entire trip, and able to carry quite a lot. Some mention that it fits in the overhead compartment and lockers at hostels. It also fits in large aircraft and under the seat of smaller ones. One downside is that it doesn't hang on bathroom stall hooks.

"...It was very comfortable while wearing and provided enough space for everything I took !..." Read more

"...And actually it is big enough for the entire trip and more! A larger bag would tempt us to take more than we needed...." Read more

"...The bags turned out to be plenty enough space for a 3-5 days worth of clothing...." Read more

"...Straps really help for support. You can fit a lot of stuff especially if you use packing cubes!" Read more

Customers find the backpack great for traveling, camping, and flying. They also say it's versatile and can be used as a packpack. Some mention that the bag really travelled well and kept the weight well.

"... Very easy to carry ...." Read more

" Perfect for backpacking through Asia . Most airlines will accept this size as a carry on and will not charge you . Straps really help for support...." Read more

"...a large one for the last 12 years and it has held up so well and is so versatile with being able to use as a packpack (with stowable straps), or..." Read more

"...I chose this bag because it will be so versatile for flying and camping both . I have taken it on a backpacking trip and it fits me comfortably...." Read more

Customers find the backpack very comfortable when traveling. They mention that the straps and hip straps are comfortable and great at alleviating the full.

"...It was very comfortable while wearing and provided enough space for everything I took!..." Read more

"...It was so convenient and comfortable that I’m using it for all my travels now. The price is worth it...." Read more

"...It is sooo comfortable to carry , seems to disburse the weight well, even for an older person (58). Very easy to carry...." Read more

"...I have taken it on a backpacking trip and it fits me comfortably . I am an athletic built woman, 5'6" 134 lbs...." Read more

Customers are satisfied with the quality of the backpack. They mention that it is well-made, durable, and holds up well. Some appreciate the durable handles and straps that won't fray. Overall, most are happy with the long-lasting durability and quality of this product.

"...very happy and backpack is overall very accessible and the quality is fantastic !! Will definitely use this for many years to come...." Read more

"...Cosmetics and bar shampoos and flipflops It is roomy and very well built ...." Read more

"...after having a large one for the last 12 years and it has held up so well and is so versatile with being able to use as a packpack..." Read more

"This lightweight carry on backpack is high quality and durable . My only complaint is that Osprey changed the design...." Read more

Customers like the adjustability of the backpack. They mention that the straps are adjustable, the hip straps were great at alleviating the full weight, and the supportive straps really help for support. They also appreciate the adjustable frame, load lifters, and hip strap.

"...I am 5” and the fit was perfect, you can adjust the straps as well...." Read more

"...My wife was immediately impressed by the supportive straps that much resembled her military issue ruck sack...." Read more

"... Straps really help for support . You can fit a lot of stuff especially if you use packing cubes!" Read more

"...All the sweet features - hip strap, adjustable frame , load lifters, even the whistle... really travelled well, kept the weight well distributed......" Read more

Customers appreciate the value of the backpack. They say it's worth the investment, and the price is worth it. Some customers also mention that the backpack is awesome and a lifesaver when they have to run through several airports.

"...The price is worth it .I do recommend a very small light weight daypack for when you drop this off at your destination...." Read more

"...Definitely worth the investment and maybe in a couple years I'll upgrade to the 55." Read more

"... This backpack is awesome - a life-saver when I had to run through several airports with it on my back...." Read more

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COMMENTS

  1. Osprey Farpoint 40L Men's Travel Backpack, Black

    300+ bought in past month. -8% $16995. List Price: $184.95. FREE Returns. Available at a lower price from other sellers that may not offer free Prime shipping. Size: 40L. 40L. 55L. Style: Farpoint Travel Backpack.

  2. Osprey Packs

    We would like to show you a description here but the site won't allow us.

  3. Osprey Farpoint 40 Review

    The Osprey Farpoint 40 is a travel backpack that rivals specialized hiking backpacks in its ability to carry heavy loads with comfort and ease. It has a top-notch harness and suspension system that is adjustable and ergonomic. ... 40L, 55L, 70L, 80L: 30L, 46L, 65L: 28L, 35L, 42L: 26L, 35L: 22L, 27L, 31L, 46L: ... Many travel packs have opted to ...

  4. Osprey Farpoint 40 Review

    The Osprey Farpoint 40 is a capable one-bag travel backpack loaded with features, comfort, and space, though the outdoorsy aesthetic may not be for everyone. ... 40l. Weight (lb) 3.486 lb (1.6 kg) ... As with most travel backpacks, the Osprey Farpoint has both top and side handles. However, since this bag is supposed to go on your back, you ...

  5. Amazon.com : Osprey Farpoint 40 Travel Backpack, Black, Small/Medium

    ProCase Tactical Backpack Bag 40L Large 3 Day Military Army Outdoor Assault Pack Rucksacks Carry Bag Backpacks. ... Osprey's Farpoint Travel Pack 40 is perfect for a weekend getaway in the city or the wilderness. The Light Wire frame suspension transfers the load from harness to hip belt. A mesh back panel improves ventilation and the mesh on ...

  6. Osprey Packs Farpoint 40L Travel Pack

    40-liter travel pack with technical features. LightWire frame and framesheet transfer weight to hipbelt. Airscape backpanel ventilates while keeping load close to body. Adjustable torso fit and gender-specific fit. Sleeve fits 16-inch laptop and doubles as hydration sleeve. Stowaway harness and hip belt for streamlined travel.

  7. Osprey Farpoint 40L Review: The Perfect Carry On Bag

    8.9/10. Overall, the Osprey Farpoint is one of the best bags we've owned and is perfect for those that want to travel light. It is super durable and is a backpack built for adventuring. If you're looking for an awesome backpack for travel, the Osprey Farpoint 40L is a great option. Pros.

  8. The Osprey Fairview 40L Travel Backpack: Carry-on

    That's how I found the Osprey Women's Fairview 40L . I specifically bought the XS/S in Misty Grey. It typically retails for $160, but you can get that down as much as 30% using eBags discounts. (Osprey is officially excluded from their sales, but it's worth getting in touch with customer service via chat.)

  9. Osprey Men's Farpoint 40 Travel BackpackTravel Backpack

    tomtoc Travel Backpack 40L, TSA Friendly Flight Approved Carry-on Luggage Hand Backpack, Water-resistant Lightweight Business Rucksack, Durable Large Weekender Bag Daypack Fits 17.3 Inch Laptop ... Osprey's Farpoint Travel Pack 40 is perfect for a weekend getaway in the city or the wilderness. The Light Wire frame suspension transfers the load ...

  10. The ULTIMATE Osprey Farpoint 40 Review (Updated for 2024)

    Check out the full Tortuga Travel Pack review as well as having a look at their brand new offering, the Tortuga Travel Backpack Lite. Osprey Farpoint 40 vs AER Travel Pack 2. When it comes to travel backpacks - our favorite is ALWAYS the AER Travel Pack 3. AER bags are sleek, sexy, modern and well designed.

  11. Osprey Farpoint 40L Men's Travel Backpack, Muted Space Blue

    This item: Osprey Farpoint 40L Men's Travel Backpack, Muted Space Blue . $184.88 $ 184. 88. Get it as soon as Friday, Jun 7. Only 1 left in stock - order soon. Sold by AuthenticTimeStore and ships from Amazon Fulfillment. + Osprey Fairview 40L Women's Travel Backpack, Night Jungle Blue.

  12. 40L Backpacks

    Explore our selection of 40 litre Osprey backpacks, offering compact versatility for day hikes, urban ... ideal for day hikers and urban explorers. 40L backpacks are perfect for those looking for a balance between compactness and sufficient storage space for day trips or short journeys. ... Daylite® Carry-On Travel Pack 44. As low as £100.00 ...

  13. Ultimate Osprey Farpoint 40 Review: 11 Reasons this is the Pack You

    With the Osprey Farpoint 40L dimensions of 20" X 14" X 8" (50.8cm x 35.6cm x 20.3cm) this backpack fits as a perfect carry on for most international airlines. ... The Osprey Farpoint 55 is essentially the same beloved travel pack as the Osprey Farpoint 40 - same durable cloth, general design, tuckaway shoulder straps and hipbelt, and ...

  14. Just finished backpacking with a 40L osprey for three months

    Just finished backpacking with a 40L osprey for three months. Packing List. Photo 1: backpack plus tote bag Photo 2: packing cubes and other items laid out Photo 3: Tech Photo 4: Toiletries Photo 5: Miscellaneous Photo 6: Clothes Photo 7: Clothes I bought while travelling. Technically still one bag if I wear a few of the bulkier items and ...

  15. 13 Best Carry-on Backpacks of 2024, Tested & Reviewed

    Best for International Travel: Osprey Farpoint 40 Travel Pack Jump to features and expert insights ↓ Best for Weekend Getaways: Solo Grand Travel TSA Backpack

  16. Osprey Farpoint 40L Men's Travel Backpack, Tunnel Vision Grey

    This item: Osprey Farpoint 40L Men's Travel Backpack, Tunnel Vision Grey . $179.03 $ 179. 03. Get it as soon as Monday, Jun 10. Only 4 left in stock - order soon. Sold by LY Berditchev Co. and ships from Amazon Fulfillment. + Osprey Fairview 40L Women's Travel Backpack, Night Jungle Blue.

  17. Travel FROM Krasnodar

    Answer 1 of 6: I am planning to spend one month in Armavir wih my grandparents and would like to take them somewhere nice for few days. I heard that they are flight from Krasnodar to Antalya or Cyprus. I am having a hard time researching since I don't want to...

  18. Amazon.com: Osprey 40l

    Osprey Farpoint 40L Men's Travel Backpack, Tunnel Vision Grey. 4.7 out of 5 stars. 578. 100+ bought in past month. $185.00 $ 185. 00. 3 sustainability features. ... Osprey Tempest 40L Women's Hiking Backpack with Hipbelt, Stealth Black, WXS/S. 4.6 out of 5 stars. 59. $220.00 $ 220. 00. 3 sustainability features.

  19. traveling to Krasnodar

    I will be traveling to Krasnodar sometime during the spring of 2010 but I have a couple of questions. I will be traveling from the US and want to know if I will have to travel via Moscow or if there is a more direct route either from Ukraine...

  20. Safety for foreigners in Krasnodar

    Skip to main content. Discover. Trips

  21. Krasnodar Krai

    The capital Krasnodar is located on the Kuban River. The Krasnodar Krai is home to Sochi, Russia's most famous resort city. It is located on the black sea coast and is one of the warmest areas within Russia. Sochi will host the 2014 Winter Olympic Games and Paralympic Winter Games. The city is also expected to host games of the Football World ...

  22. Osprey Fairview 40l Women's Travel Backpack,Black

    Osprey Farpoint 40L Men's Travel Backpack, Black Since Osprey was founded in 1974, every single product design has passed through the hands of owner and founder Mike Pfotenhauer, who created his first backpack at age 16. In Santa Cruz, California, the young entrepreneur opened a retail shop in the front of his rental house where backpackers and ...

  23. Osprey Fairview 40L Women's Travel Backpack, Black

    100+ bought in past month. $18500. FREE Returns. $ 167 95. FREE Returns. Available at a lower price from other sellers that may not offer free Prime shipping. Size: 40L. Style: Fairview 40l Women's Travel Backpack.