The Osprey Farpoint 40L is the ultimate go-to travel backpack for minimalist travellers, weekend trippers, digital nomads, and globe-trotting backpackers alike. It is ingeniously compact enough to strictly meet most airline carry-on requirements, yet spacious enough to easily fit all your essentials for short to medium-length trips. It serves as a brilliantly designed hybrid between a traditional hiking backpack and a highly versatile travel suitcase. It is absolutely no wonder this has become one of Osprey’s best-selling models worldwide!
The versatility of the Osprey Fairpoint 40 is why it’s my go-to backpack for long weekends or hostelling trips. From hiking trips, European hostelling trips, to moving my life abroad to Vancouver, the easy access and comfortable carrying make it a strong companion. In this comprehensive Osprey Farpoint 40 review, find out all the key specifications, top-selling points, and important considerations before you buy.
Field Note: This guide contains affiliate links. If you purchase gear through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend equipment I have personally mountain-tested and trust.
Osprey Farpoint 40: Introduction
The trusted workhorse over the last 6 years has been an Osprey Farpoint 40 backpack. I first used this amazing Backpack on my First Solo trip after researching different backpacking options. My requirements were that it is Carry-On compatible for flights, comfortable to carry and has plenty of storage. It quickly became clear that there was a favourite among Backpackers and that was the Farpoint series. It cost me only £80 back in 2018 and has joined me on adventures all over Europe. It’s been thoroughly used over many hostelling backpacking trips, where it has been shoved into lockers and under seats, with the only casualty being a zip tag.
Farpoint & Fairview Series
The Farpoint series ranges from the 40L to 80L, with 55L & 70L options available. On top of the main backpacks, there is a day sack (15L) which integrates into the larger siblings. Plus, there are 2-wheeled options in 36L and 65L versions. Finally, there are several trekking variants which are increased in ruggedness and support in 55L and 70L for Men and the Fairview Trek 50L & 70L for Women. The Osprey Farpoint 40 for Men is currently offered in the following colours: Muted Space Blue, Black, Gopher Green, and Tunnel Vision Grey. The Farpoint is available in one size but has Torso Adjustments to suit most people.
Overview
Instead of traditional wheeled luggage, travel backpacks offer more agility, comfort and freedom to explore. The Osprey Farpoint 40 has become a staple backpacking item thanks to its lightweight and versatile design. For me, having the right pack makes or breaks a trip. Who wants to drag heavy suitcases along cobbled streets or up hills when a convenient and reliable backpack is more suitable?
The Farpoint (Men’s) and Fairview (Women’s) series offer technical backpacks with plenty of features such as adjustable straps and smart organisation. The Farpoint 40 suits globetrotters who seek a lightweight backpack without compromising on features (see the long list below). A difference between the 40L and the larger capacity 55L and 70L is that they include a detachable 15L daypack (available separately). The trade-off for smaller volume is the carry-on compatibility for most flights.
The 40L capacity has front compression straps to squeeze the size down if it’s a close call. My favourite part is the padded, comfortable shoulder straps and hip belts. These spread the load to your hips, making it much easier to carry luggage. The large front opening to the main compartment makes it simple to pack and organise compared to top-loading. Additionally, the laptop sleeve fits a 16″ laptop and is quick-access for airport security. There are 2 other front pockets for smaller items, including a key clip inside with an integrated whistle and 2 water bottle mesh holders on the outside.
Technical Specifications
Osprey Farpoint 40
Key Features
- Foam AirScape® backpanel with LightWire Frame– This design, borrowed from technical hiking backpacks, allows for even load distribution and maintains effective ventilation on the back.
- Adjustable torso length and sternum strap– As with most modern backpacks, having adjustable straps means this backpack only comes in one size and can accommodate a wide range of users, thanks to adjusting the torso length and strap. The Sternum strap also comes with the trademark integrated Osprey Whistle
- Lockable zippers– A very useful feature when storing in luggage rooms, on transport or in a hostel. The zip loops secure the main compartments effectively. I would recommend a lock with flexible wires for added ease.
- Padded top and side handles– There are multiple ways to carry the Farpoint 4, with the strong and padded handles providing a suitcase mode compared to the backpack shoulder straps.
- Interior mesh pockets– In the front compartment, there are several zipped or flap pockets to organise smaller or thin items separate from the main compartment.
- Laptop Sleeve– Internal padded sleeve holds a 16-inch laptop or tablet.
- Compression Straps– External straps let you compress the load, and internal compression straps hold packing cubes or clothes in place for better stability and a smaller size. This helps squeeze the pack into the stricter Carry-On requirements
- Compatible Daypacks – Whilst the Farpoint 40 is not a very good daypack, having the ability to attach the Farpoint/Fairview® Daypack or Daylite® packs to the outside gives more flexibility for exploring. An alternative is to use a collapsible day sack such as the Osprey Ultralight Dry Stuff Pack.
- Front stowage– There are 2 mesh pockets which can squeeze a 500ml bottle into, and the top zippered pocket with the key clip can hold small items well.
Osprey Farpoint 40: Selling Points
- Durable Build: Made with high-quality, rugged and recycled 450-denier nylon materials, the Farpoint 40 is built to handle the wear and tear of constant travel.
- Comfortable Carrying System: Padded shoulder straps, a breathable back panel with AirScape technology and a 4mm LightWire peripheral frame make carrying heavy loads comfortable for long periods. The wide padded hip belt adds to the weight distribution along the back panel. The Mesh-covered foam AirScape back-panel also allows for maximum ventilation to improve comfort, too.
- Clamshell Opening: The main compartment opens like a suitcase, making packing and unpacking straightforward and efficient. The large and robust U-shaped zippered opening is much more effective than a top-loaded backpack to organise clothing.
- Stowaway Harness: The shoulder straps and hip belt can be tucked away behind a zippered panel/ This transforms it into a streamlined duffel-style bag, which helps with stowing in smaller spaces or checking in for a flight. It is quick to deploy the harness and straps, with the zip panel being rolled away seamlessly.
- Carry-On Friendly: Its size fits most airline carry-on limits, which is a major plus for avoiding checked bag fees and waiting at baggage claims.
** As Airline change their baggage policy, please check each flight if this bag is compatible as a carry-on
Osprey Farpoint 40: Worth Knowing
- Limited Organisation: Inside the main compartment, there’s minimal segmentation. Using packing cubes is almost a must to keep things tidy. I would suggest the Osprey Ultralight Cube Set. One useful feature is the two internal straps, which help secure items. The competition surpasses this minimalist backpack for organisation.
- Front-Positioned Laptop Sleeve: The laptop compartment is at the front of the bag, which can cause imbalance and puts the laptop in a more vulnerable spot if the bag is dropped or overstuffed.
- No Rain Cover Included: While the material is somewhat water-resistant, the pack doesn’t come with a rain cover—an extra expense for those travelling in wetter climates.
- Size Limitations: For trips longer than a week, or for those who don’t pack light, the 40L capacity might feel restrictive. Luckily, there are other sizes available, so check out which size is best for your travels for the Farpoint & Fairview Series.
Competition & Alternatives
- While the Osprey Farpoint 40 is an undisputed champion in the travel space, the carry-on market is packed with highly specialised alternatives. Depending on whether you prioritise digital nomad tech organisation, extreme weather resistance, or simply need more space for gear-heavy trips, here is how the Farpoint stacks up against its closest rivals:
- 1. Osprey Porter 46 – The structured, maximum-capacity hauler.
- The Details: The Porter 46 is the Farpoint’s beefier, slightly more rigid cousin. It utilises a similar stowaway harness but features padded sidewalls that allow the bag to hold its shape perfectly when empty, making it incredibly easy to pack like a traditional suitcase. It also uses Osprey’s signature “StraightJacket” compression straps to severely cinch down your load. It offers a bit more overall space and features better laptop storage, specifically positioned in the rear of the bag against your back, though it runs the risk of looking bulkier if you are trying to sneak it past strict budget airline attendants.
- 2. Nomatic Travel Bag 40L – The hyper-organised digital nomad’s dream.
- The Details: If you travel with a drone, two cameras, a tablet, and a laptop, the Nomatic is unparalleled. It is incredibly sleek and features a highly compartmentalised, tech-friendly interior that keeps every single cord and device in its dedicated place. The trade-off for all this built-in organisation and its highly water-resistant tarpaulin exterior is that it is significantly more expensive and noticeably heavier than the minimalist Farpoint.
- 3. Deuter Traveller 60+10 – The heavy-duty expedition traveler.
- The Details: If you quickly realise that 40 litres simply isn’t enough space—perhaps you are packing heavy winter boots and bulky gear for a prolonged trip—this is your answer. It is a massive pack with an expandable design and an included detachable daypack. Because of its sheer size, it completely eliminates the carry-on advantage and must be checked at the airport, but it is ideal for year-long gap years or incredibly gear-heavy international trips.
- 4. Patagonia Black Hole 32L Backpack – the weather-resistant minimalist.
- The Details: For ultralight travellers or those embarking on shorter trips, the Black Hole 32L is a fantastic, slightly smaller alternative. Made from incredibly rugged, 100% recycled ripstop polyester with a highly weather-resistant TPU-film laminate, it easily sheds rain and takes a beating. It lacks the stowaway suspension of the Farpoint but is virtually indestructible and doubles beautifully as a daily commuter bag or day-trip hauler.
Best Use Cases
This bag is built specifically for the traveller who wants to move fast, skip the queues, and stay hands-free. Here is exactly where the Osprey Farpoint 40 shines:
- Hostel Hopping & Interrailing: This is my primary use for the Osprey Farpoint 40. When you are sprinting through crowded European train stations or bouncing between hostels, dragging a wheeled suitcase is an absolute nightmare. The Farpoint easily holds enough gear to stretch 10 days without doing laundry, meaning if you are packing lightweight summer clothing, you can comfortably push this bag for well over two weeks on the road.
- Airline Carry-On Travel: Paying for checked hold luggage adds up incredibly fast, and the risk of airlines losing your gear is higher than ever. By strictly conforming to cabin bag limits, the Osprey Farpoint 40 saves you money on baggage fees and allows you to completely bypass the agonising wait at the baggage carousel. Taking the Canada Line straight to YVR and walking right past the check-in desks with all my possessions close at hand brings massive peace of mind on long transit days.
- Weekends Away: While I frequently reach for my Osprey Hikelite 18L for a simple day hike in the local mountains, the Osprey Farpoint 40 is my undisputed go-to bag for short weekend trips to see friends and family. Whether hopping on a ferry or throwing it in the trunk of the car, I can quickly and efficiently pack clothes, a toiletry bag, and a laptop for the weekend without feeling like I am overpacking.
Where this bag earned its keep
I don’t review gear out of a box. Read the full destination guides where the Osprey Farpoint 40 bypassed the baggage carousel and kept my transit smooth.
Osprey Farpoint 40: Kit Ratings
Final Thoughts
The Osprey Farpoint 40 hits an absolute sweet spot for lightweight travellers who demand carrying comfort, rugged durability, and strict airline compliance. While it may not be the most heavily compartmentalised option on the market, its streamlined simplicity, ergonomic design, and versatile stowaway features make it a rock-solid choice for highly efficient travel. The Farpoint and Fairview series have been legendary among backpackers for years, offering a great range of sizes and an unbeatable price-to-performance ratio.
If you are searching for a multi-purpose carry-on backpack—whether boarding a long-haul flight for an Andean trek or simply navigating European train stations—it is incredibly hard to beat the affordable Osprey Farpoint 40.
What is your favourite carry-on pack to skip the baggage carousel? Please share this post with fellow travellers and drop a comment below if you also own an Osprey!
FAQs
Is the Osprey Farpoint 40 carry-on compliant?
Yes, the Osprey Farpoint 40 is explicitly designed to meet the maximum carry-on size restrictions for most major global airlines. At 40 litres, it fits perfectly in the overhead bin, allowing you to skip the baggage carousel and avoid checked bag fees. However, always double-check the exact dimensions with strict budget airlines in Europe or Asia, as their requirements can occasionally be tighter.
What is the difference between the Osprey Farpoint and the Fairview?
The Farpoint is the men’s (or unisex) version of the bag, while the Fairview is engineered specifically for women’s biomechanics. The Fairview features a shorter torso length, narrower shoulder straps set closer together, and a specially angled hip belt designed to sit more comfortably on a woman’s hips. Otherwise, the volume, pockets, and materials are completely identical.
Can you use the Osprey Farpoint 40 for hiking?
While the Farpoint 40 features a surprisingly robust, trekking-style suspension system and padded hip belt (thanks to Osprey’s hiking pedigree), it is fundamentally a travel backpack. It is incredibly comfortable for navigating airports, walking a few miles to a hostel, or carrying on a train. However, for a multi-day backcountry wilderness trek, you would want a dedicated hiking pack (like the Atmos AG) that offers better back ventilation and technical trail features.
Does the Farpoint 40 have a laptop sleeve?
Yes. In the most recent redesign, Osprey smartly moved the padded laptop sleeve closer to the back panel (against your body) rather than on the front of the pack. This drastically improves the bag’s centre of gravity, makes it more comfortable to carry, and keeps your expensive electronics much safer from accidental bumps and theft.
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