Osprey Farpoint 40L Mens Travel Backpack Review

Traveling light can really make or break a trip, right? That’s where the Farpoint 40 steps in.

It’s built to fit most carry-on requirements, but you still get enough space to pack for several days without feeling like you’re lugging a suitcase on your back.

The balance between comfort and practicality is what makes this pack stand out.

You’ll notice the harness and hip belt tuck away neatly when you don’t need them. That’s super handy if you’re checking the bag or just trying to hustle through an airport.

Some folks love the roomy laptop sleeve and the compression straps. A few do mention it can get tight if you’re the type to overpack, though.

Overview of the Osprey Farpoint 40L Men's Travel Backpack

If you’re trying to pack light but still want room for the essentials, this backpack tries to hit that sweet spot. It’s got a frame that helps distribute weight, so you’re not cursing your shoulders after a long walk.

The harness and hipbelt tuck away, which makes airport transitions less of a juggling act.

The bag fits most domestic carry-on size limits, so you can usually skip checking luggage. The laptop and tablet sleeve is right there when you need it, and the toiletry pocket is honestly a lifesaver at security.

The 40L capacity might feel a bit tight if you’re heading out for weeks or just can’t resist packing “just in case” gear. The structure’s more rigid than a duffel, which is great for organization but not as forgiving if you try to cram in extras.

Pros:

• Carry-on friendly
• Comfortable harness system
• Good organization features

Cons:

• Limited space for heavy packers
• Rigid shape isn’t super flexible

Key Features

Lightweight and Durable Construction

This pack feels lighter than you’d expect for the size—just over three pounds. That’s nice because the bag itself won’t eat into your weight allowance before you’ve even started packing.

The fabric holds up well in all those high-wear spots. If you’re dragging it through airports or cramming it into overhead bins, it doesn’t feel flimsy.

You get a strong bag without a ton of bulk. But, the material isn’t as rigid as a hard-shell case, so you’ll want to be careful with fragile stuff.

Stowaway Harness and Hipbelt

The harness system tucks away when you don’t need it, which is honestly a relief if you’re checking the bag or just want less flapping around.

When you’re ready to carry it again, the harness and hipbelt pop out quickly and give you decent support.

This feature is a win if you’re bouncing between airports and city streets. Just know, the padding is more for travel than hardcore hiking, so it’s comfy but not built for mountain trails.

Quick Access Laptop and Tablet Sleeve

The laptop sleeve sits right at the front, making it easy to grab your device without digging through everything else. That’s a big plus at airport security or if you just want to check your email on the go.

Some folks say the space gets snug if you’ve got a thick laptop, but most 15–16 inch models fit just fine. It’s nice having your tech separate from your clothes and toiletries.

Pros

• Easy access during travel
• Keeps tech separate from main gear

Cons

• Tight fit for bigger laptops

Adjustable Torso Fit

You can tweak the torso length to fit your body better. That actually makes a difference if you’re wearing the pack for hours—nobody wants a bag riding up their back or slumping down.

It’s not as customizable as a full-on hiking pack, but for travel, it does the job. If you’re on the short or tall side, this helps avoid that awkward fit.

Travel Convenience and Carry-On Compatibility

You really don’t have to stress about overhead bin space with this pack. It’s sized to fit most carry-on limits, which is a relief if you hate checking bags.

At just over three pounds, it won’t weigh you down before you even start packing. That means you can move quickly through airports or hop on trains without feeling like a pack mule.

The harness system tucks away, which is great for sliding the bag into tight spaces. You also get quick access to your laptop and toiletries, so you’re not holding up the security line.

Pros:

• Carry-on friendly size
• Lightweight design
• Stowable straps

Cons:

• Can feel tight with bulky items
• Not as roomy as big travel bags

If you like to travel light and keep things simple, this backpack keeps you moving and usually fits airline rules.

Organization and Storage Options

Packing can feel like a game of Tetris, right? This bag makes it a bit less of a headache.

The main compartment opens wide, so you can actually see what you’ve packed—no more digging from the top and praying you find your socks.

There’s a padded laptop and tablet sleeve in a separate zip pocket, so your tech has its own spot. You can reach it without tearing apart the whole bag.

There’s also a small external pocket for toiletries or quick-grab stuff. It’s not huge, so if you carry a lot of bulky gear, you might run out of room.

Highlights:

• Wide-opening main compartment for easy packing
• Dedicated laptop/tablet sleeve
• Small outside pocket for essentials

The layout is simple and streamlined. If you love tons of little pockets, you might want to use packing cubes or organizers.

Pros and Cons

When you’re picking a travel backpack, it helps to see the ups and downs side by side. This one’s got a lot going for it, but it’s not perfect.

Pros

• Carry-on friendly size – No more sweating over whether your bag will fit in the overhead bin.
• Comfortable fit – Adjustable torso and padded straps help spread out the weight, which is a lifesaver on long walks.
• Durability – The build and fabric hold up well, even after multiple trips.
• Smart design – Stowaway harness, compression straps, and a laptop sleeve make it easier to organize.
• Lightweight – Under 4 pounds, so you’re not wasting weight allowance.

Cons

• Limited small pockets – The main compartment is roomy, but you might wish for more built-in organizers.
• Bulky when full – It fits as a carry-on, but if you stuff it, some airlines might give you the side-eye.
• Daypack confusion – Some folks thought it came with a daypack and were disappointed.
• Not ideal for heavy loads – Great for moderate packing, but overloaded, the frame and straps can feel the strain.

At a glance:

Pros Cons

Carry-on size Few small pockets

Comfortable fit Can look bulky when full

Durable build Daypack not always included

Lightweight Less support when overloaded

Customer Reviews

Most buyers seem pretty happy with this pack. It’s sitting at an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 from nearly 2,000 reviews—not too shabby.

A lot of people mention comfort and how easy it is to carry, even when it’s fully packed. The fact that it fits in overhead bins is a big win for frequent flyers.

There are a few gripes about space for longer trips. Some folks wish the internal organization was better, saying it feels like one big compartment.

Quick takeaways from reviews:

• Pros: Comfortable, carry-on friendly, durable
• Cons: Tight for extended travel, could use more organization

Most travelers find the Farpoint 40 reliable, but if you’re an overpacker, it might not be enough bag.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences in features between the Osprey Farpoint 40 and the Osprey Fairview 40?

Both packs are nearly twins in design, but the Fairview is built with a women’s fit in mind. The straps, hip belt, and torso are shaped for smaller frames.

The Farpoint is aimed at men or taller builds. Otherwise, storage and travel features are basically the same.

Can the Osprey Farpoint 40L comfortably fit as a carry-on for most airlines, including Ryanair?

The size usually works for most airlines, even stricter ones like Ryanair. Its dimensions fall within most carry-on limits, but if you really stuff it, some airlines might still ask you to check it.

Keeping it under-filled or cinching the compression straps helps avoid problems at the gate.

How does the Osprey Farpoint 40L compare to the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L in terms of storage and travel convenience?

The Farpoint gives you a bit more room at 40 liters, while the Allpa is 35 liters. The Allpa has a clamshell, suitcase-like layout with lots of built-in organization.

The Farpoint is more of a hybrid backpack with compression straps and a stowable harness. If you like packing cubes and flexible space, the Farpoint’s a better fit. If built-in compartments are your thing, you might prefer the Allpa.

What are the exact dimensions of the Osprey Farpoint 40L and will it meet international travel standards?

It measures 21.7 x 13.8 x 9.1 inches and weighs around 3.5 pounds. These numbers generally work for international carry-on standards, but airlines vary.

Some budget carriers can be stricter, so it’s smart to double-check before you fly.

Is the Osprey Farpoint 40L suitable for long-term travel and does it provide sufficient support and comfort?

You can use it for longer trips, but it really depends on how light you pack. The frame and padded hip belt make it comfy even when loaded, but 40 liters can feel tight for months on the road.

If you’re a minimalist, it’s probably enough. If you need more room, you might want to size up.

Have there been any notable changes or improvements in the Osprey Farpoint 40L model for the year 2022?

The 2022 update brought in an adjustable torso system, so now you can fine-tune the fit a bit more to your body. That's honestly a relief if you're picky about comfort or just not the average size.

Osprey also tweaked the frame and harness for better weight distribution. You notice it most when you're hauling the pack around airports or trekking between bus stations—it's just easier on your shoulders.

The overall design? Still pretty close to the original, but the fit and carry feel a little more dialed-in now.

Where to Buy

• Amazon