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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.
Pros
- The materials used are durable and water resistant, providing reliable protection for your belongings.
- The main compartment offers ample space, making it suitable for one-bag travel.
- The harness system is comfortable, even when the pack is fully loaded.
Cons
- The internal organization features are quite limited.
- The hip belt cannot be removed.
- There are no dedicated water bottle pockets.
Technical Details
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.
Carry-on Compliance
View 54/145 Airlines
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- Capacity: 40l
- Weight (lb): 3.486 lb (1.6 kg)
- Denier: 450D
- Dimensions: 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: Vietnam
- Laptop Compartment Size: 16"
- Warranty Information: All Mighty Guarantee
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.
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
Having tested both generations of the Osprey Farpoint 40 across multiple continents, our team has thoroughly evaluated this popular travel backpack. The second iteration brings thoughtful updates while maintaining the practical design that made the original a standout performer.
The latest version features 450D recycled twist dobby polyester with a PFAS-free DWR coating – an environmentally conscious upgrade from the original’s 210D nylon. During our testing, this bluesign-approved material demonstrated excellent durability and water resistance.
Practical features include multiple attachment points – four paracord-style loops at the shove-it pocket corners and two reinforced loops near the top handle. These proved perfect for attaching gear or a Heroclip Hybrid Carabiner Clip.
The padded top and side handles, while slightly large for smaller hands, proved invaluable during overhead bin maneuvers. One standout feature remains the stowable harness system – the shoulder straps and hip belt zip away cleanly, protecting them during transport. An integrated ID slot adds practical functionality for checked baggage scenarios.
Like its larger 55L and 70L siblings, this 40L version maintains compatibility with Osprey’s Daypack and Daylite series. These attach to either the back panel or shoulder straps, offering flexible capacity expansion.
Fit Notes
Left: Eric Hergenreder, Height: 6’0″ (183 cm), Torso: 18.5″ (47 cm)
Right: Kristyne Defever, Height: 5’5″ (165 cm), Torso: 17″ (43 cm)
The back panel combines structure with comfort through strategic padding and ventilation channels. A deep central air channel with tributary grooves promotes airflow, while mesh overlay manages moisture effectively.
Curved shoulder straps provide ergonomic comfort for most users, though shorter torsos may prefer the Osprey Fairview 40, designed specifically for smaller frames. The rail-mounted sternum strap offers precise adjustment and includes an emergency whistle.
The substantial hip belt, while non-removable, effectively transfers load from shoulders to hips. Its left-side mesh pocket accommodates standard smartphones or small essentials, though larger phones may not fit.
Inside The Pack
The front “shove-it” pocket features a split-access design, allowing entry from either side with a central dividing point.
Through extended testing, we found this pocket particularly versatile. It excels at storing quick-grab items like rain shells and, despite the pack lacking dedicated water bottle storage, accommodates a 32 oz Nalgene even when fully loaded. The integrated compression straps secure items effectively – we recommend looping them through bottle handles for added stability. A thoughtful drainage port prevents moisture accumulation from wet gear.
The top quick-access compartment, while marketed for toiletries, proved invaluable during security screenings. Rather than wrestling with the main compartment’s compression straps, this dedicated space allows swift removal and replacement of liquid bags. Between flights, it serves as an efficient storage spot for daily essentials.
The side-access laptop compartment represents a significant design evolution. While some users express concerns about accidental openings, our testing confirms the dual lockable YKK zippers provide reliable security. This new placement improves significantly upon the previous front-loading design, which suffered from suboptimal weight distribution and reduced protection.
The padded compartment accommodates laptops up to 16 inches with robust protection. During testing, we identified optimal zipper placement at the bottom position – this prevents gravity-assisted opening during active movement.
Moving to the heart of the pack – the main compartment offers a practical clamshell design that maximizes visibility and access.
The main cavity’s features include:
- A mesh-lined lid pocket ideal for lightweight items requiring visibility
- No built-in organization, making packing cubes essential
- Internal compression straps that maximize capacity
- Unique laptop sleeve integration with toggle security
One distinctive feature is the laptop sleeve’s placement within the main compartment rather than between compartment and back panel. Toggle fasteners prevent gear migration, though we observed occasional toggle detachment during testing. The space behind the sleeve proves useful for document storage.
After rigorous testing across diverse environments – from Nepalese highlands to Cambodian coastal regions – both generations have demonstrated remarkable reliability. While the new version introduces thoughtful updates, it maintains the essential qualities that made its predecessor exceptional: durable YKK zippers, generous storage capacity, robust materials, and precise construction.
Usage Timeline
Initial Usage
Condition: Excellent
- Construction quality and material durability impressive in initial testing
- Harness system demonstrates excellent adjustability and padding
- Minimal internal organization presents opportunity for comparison with previous model
Previous Version
- Immediate comfort with no break-in period required
2 Weeks of Use
Condition: Excellent
- Pack maintains comfort through varied duration testing
- Material durability meets expectations
- Water resistance effective for light exposure; full waterproofing not guaranteed
Previous Version
- Performance consistent with initial assessment
3 Months of Use
Condition: Excellent
Previous Version
- Optimal strap configuration achieved, delivering exceptional comfort even at maximum capacity
- Maintains new condition appearance
6 Months of Use
Condition: Good
Previous Version
- Increased confidence in durability after rigorous handling
- No notable wear indicators
9 Months of Use
Condition: Fine
Previous Version
- Minor structural compromise observed in S/M variant corners
- Damage correlates with checked baggage handling
1 Year of Use
Condition: Fine
Previous Version
- Hardware integrity maintained through 16 countries
- Zippers and buckles perform as new
Author: The Travel Gear Collective Team
The Travel Gear Collective team combines expertise from gear designers, professional photographers, adventure guides, and sustainable travel specialists. Our rigorous testing protocols and real-world experience inform every review, ensuring practical insights for travelers worldwide.
