9.4
/10
BEST TRAVEL BACKPACK
9.4
/10
BEST TRAVEL BACKPACK
Last Updated:
Jun 29, 2025
Best Travel Backpack – Osprey Farpoint 40
The Gold Standard for One-Bag Travel
Planning a trip with just one carry-on backpack? The Osprey Farpoint 40 is the bag most travelers recommend, beloved for its blend of comfort, capacity, and airline compliance. We dug into why it's the go-to choice for so many global adventurers.
🚶♂️
Comfort (Carry)
9.5
Highly regarded harness and hip belt system effectively distributes weight for comfortable carrying.
🛡️
Durability
10
Built with tough, recycled materials and backed by Osprey's excellent warranty.
✈️
Compliance
10
Specifically designed to meet maximum carry-on size limits for most airlines globally.
📋
Organization
8
Clamshell opening provides easy access; internal organization is basic but functional.
Perfect For
🎒
Backpackers
✈️
One-Bag Travel
♻️
Digital Nomads
🗺️
Adventure Travel
🚶♂️
Carry-On Only
Quality & Comfort
The Farpoint's carrying comfort is its most lauded feature. Users across various forums rave about the effectiveness of the padded harness and substantial hip belt in distributing weight, making even a fully loaded pack feel manageable over long distances. "My Farpoint 40 was very, very comfortable," shared a traveler after a 3-month Asia trip, "it fit my back so well, I almost felt like a turtle when wearing it." The ability to adjust the harness for different torso lengths (especially in newer models) and the breathable back panel contribute to its positive reputation. This focus on ergonomic carrying is what sets it apart from many simpler travel packs.
Durability
Built with durable, often bluesign® approved recycled polyester, the Farpoint is designed to withstand the rigors of travel. Users consistently report it holding up well after years of use and numerous trips. "I've taken my Farpoint 40 to over 25 countries... After three years of hard use, it still looks nearly new," commented one Reddit user. The materials resist abrasion and the water-repellent coating handles light rain effectively. Osprey's robust construction and their "All Mighty Guarantee" provide confidence in the bag's long-term durability.
Packability
Packing the Farpoint is made easy by its front-loading, clamshell design, which opens like a suitcase for full visibility and access. "The zip open compartment instead of top-loading... keeping my things tidy and accessible," explained one owner. The 40L capacity hits a sweet spot, maximizing carry-on potential while remaining manageable. Internal compression straps help secure contents, and while the built-in mesh pockets are basic, most users supplement with packing cubes for optimal organization. The main drawback mentioned is the notoriously small and tight external water bottle pockets.
Functionality
Functionally, the Farpoint is purpose-built for travel. Its dimensions are carefully calibrated for carry-on compliance across most airlines globally. The stowable harness system is a key feature, allowing the straps and hip belt to be zipped away for safe checking or streamlined transport. "Even wearing it on a motorcycle wasn't an issue," noted one versatile traveler. The recently relocated padded laptop sleeve (now against the back panel) improves weight distribution and protection. Multiple grab handles add carrying convenience.
Value
Priced around $185, the Osprey Farpoint 40 is widely considered an excellent value. "After careful research... I picked Osprey's Farpoint 40 as my travel buddy and it went great," shared a satisfied user. Given its comfortable carrying system, durable construction, carry-on compliance, thoughtful travel features, and Osprey's lifetime warranty, the price point is highly competitive. It consistently delivers reliable performance for years, making the initial investment worthwhile for frequent travelers and backpackers.
I've taken my Farpoint 40 to over 25 countries... After three years of hard use, it still looks nearly new. This bag has literally changed how I travel.
Reddit User r/onebag
Did You Know?
The Osprey Farpoint 40 has a women-specific counterpart called the Fairview 40, which features the same capacity and features but with a harness system specifically engineered for female body proportions, showing Osprey's commitment to proper ergonomic design.
Quick Verdict
✕
Performance Scores
Organization
8
Compliance
10
Durability
10
Comfort (Carry)
9.5
Comfort (Carry)
9.5
Durability
10
Compliance
10
Organization
8
The VOYAGER ULTRALIGHT transitions seamlessly from trail to terminal
The VOYAGER ULTRALIGHT transitions seamlessly from trail to terminal
Performance Analysis
Pros and Cons
Pros
✓
Comfortable harness system for carrying
✓
Durable recycled materials
✓
Meets strict carry-on size limits
✓
100% waterproof knit (no coating)
Cons
x
Limited internal organization pockets
x
Poor external water bottle access
x
Boxy appearance when full
x
Harness less breathable than some
Final Verdict
9.4
Exceptional
The benchmark for carry-on travel backpacks.
The Osprey Farpoint 40 (and women's Fairview 40) consistently earns top marks for its masterful blend of comfortable carrying, thoughtful travel features, and maximum carry-on compliance. Its well-designed harness system makes carrying manageable even when fully loaded, and the clamshell opening provides easy packing access.
Built with durable, recycled materials and backed by Osprey's renowned warranty, it's a reliable companion for global adventures. While internal organization is basic and water bottle pockets are awkward, its overall performance, comfort, and airline compatibility make it the go-to choice for countless one-bag travelers worldwide.
SHOP NOW
Compare Alternatives
Osprey Farpoint 40
All Mighty Guarantee (Lifetime Warranty)
Stowable Harness
Carry-On Compliant
SHOP NOW
We may earn a commission when you purchase through our links, at no additional cost to you.
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Backpack Favorite
Osprey Farpoint 40
The Gold Standard for One-Bag Travel
9.4
SCORE
The benchmark for carry-on travel backpacks.
Last Updated:
Jun 29, 2025
Planning a trip with just one carry-on backpack? The Osprey Farpoint 40 is the bag most travelers recommend, beloved for its blend of comfort, capacity, and airline compliance. We dug into why it's the go-to choice for so many global adventurers.
✓
Strengths
Comfortable harness system for carrying
Durable recycled materials
Meets strict carry-on size limits
Easy-access clamshell opening
X
Consider
Limited internal organization pockets
Poor external water bottle access
Boxy appearance when full
Harness less breathable than some
View Current Price
Compare
🚶♂️
Comfort (Carry)
9.5
🛡️
Durability
10
✈️
Compliance
10
📋
Organization
8
🌧️
Weather
9.2
Performance
🎒
Backpackers
✈️
One-Bag Travel
♻️
Digital Nomads
🗺️
Adventure Travel
🚶♂️
Carry-On Only
Perfect For
Quality & Comfort
The Farpoint's carrying comfort is its most lauded feature. Users across various forums rave about the effectiveness of the padded harness and substantial hip belt in distributing weight, making even a fully loaded pack feel manageable over long distances. "My Farpoint 40 was very, very comfortable," shared a traveler after a 3-month Asia trip, "it fit my back so well, I almost felt like a turtle when wearing it." The ability to adjust the harness for different torso lengths (especially in newer models) and the breathable back panel contribute to its positive reputation. This focus on ergonomic carrying is what sets it apart from many simpler travel packs.
Durability
Built with durable, often bluesign® approved recycled polyester, the Farpoint is designed to withstand the rigors of travel. Users consistently report it holding up well after years of use and numerous trips. "I've taken my Farpoint 40 to over 25 countries... After three years of hard use, it still looks nearly new," commented one Reddit user. The materials resist abrasion and the water-repellent coating handles light rain effectively. Osprey's robust construction and their "All Mighty Guarantee" provide confidence in the bag's long-term durability.
Packability
Packing the Farpoint is made easy by its front-loading, clamshell design, which opens like a suitcase for full visibility and access. "The zip open compartment instead of top-loading... keeping my things tidy and accessible," explained one owner. The 40L capacity hits a sweet spot, maximizing carry-on potential while remaining manageable. Internal compression straps help secure contents, and while the built-in mesh pockets are basic, most users supplement with packing cubes for optimal organization. The main drawback mentioned is the notoriously small and tight external water bottle pockets.
Functionality
Functionally, the Farpoint is purpose-built for travel. Its dimensions are carefully calibrated for carry-on compliance across most airlines globally. The stowable harness system is a key feature, allowing the straps and hip belt to be zipped away for safe checking or streamlined transport. "Even wearing it on a motorcycle wasn't an issue," noted one versatile traveler. The recently relocated padded laptop sleeve (now against the back panel) improves weight distribution and protection. Multiple grab handles add carrying convenience.
Value
Priced around $185, the Osprey Farpoint 40 is widely considered an excellent value. "After careful research... I picked Osprey's Farpoint 40 as my travel buddy and it went great," shared a satisfied user. Given its comfortable carrying system, durable construction, carry-on compliance, thoughtful travel features, and Osprey's lifetime warranty, the price point is highly competitive. It consistently delivers reliable performance for years, making the initial investment worthwhile for frequent travelers and backpackers.
I've taken my Farpoint 40 to over 25 countries... After three years of hard use, it still looks nearly new. This bag has literally changed how I travel.
Reddit User r/onebag
You Might Also Like
Exceptional
The benchmark for carry-on travel backpacks.
8.8
The Osprey Farpoint 40 (and women's Fairview 40) consistently earns top marks for its masterful blend of comfortable carrying, thoughtful travel features, and maximum carry-on compliance. Its well-designed harness system makes carrying manageable even when fully loaded, and the clamshell opening provides easy packing access.
Built with durable, recycled materials and backed by Osprey's renowned warranty, it's a reliable companion for global adventures. While internal organization is basic and water bottle pockets are awkward, its overall performance, comfort, and airline compatibility make it the go-to choice for countless one-bag travelers worldwide.
SHOP NOW
Osprey Farpoint 40
$149
✓
All Mighty Guarantee (Lifetime Warranty)
✓
Stowable Harness
✓
Carry-On Compliant
SHOP NOW
We may earn a commission when you purchase through our links, at no additional cost to you.
About The Author
Shaun
Travel Gear Editor
Shaun's recommendations stem from direct experience traveling 24 countries and living across 4 continents (currently based in Canada after years in the UK and Australia). Witnessing the gap between marketing claims and actual performance, he created this platform dedicated to unbiased, experience-driven gear reviews you can trust, free from paid promotions.
"From UK cobblestones to Aussie beaches and Canadian winters – living across continents teaches you what travel gear really needs to endure. That's the standard here."
📍
🇨🇦
Currently Based
🏠
🇬🇧
Hometown Country
🕒
7+
Years Travelling
🌎
25+
Countries Visited
Shaun's recommendations stem from direct experience traveling 24 countries and living across 4 continents (currently based in Canada after years in the UK and Australia). Witnessing the gap between marketing claims and actual performance, he created this platform dedicated to unbiased, experience-driven gear reviews you can trust, free from paid promotions.
"From UK cobblestones to Aussie beaches and Canadian winters – living across continents teaches you what travel gear really needs to endure. That's the standard here."
📍
🇨🇦
Currently Based
🏠
🇬🇧
Hometown Country
🕒
7+
Years Travelling
🌎
25+
Countries Visited
About The Author
Shaun
Travel Gear Editor
About The Author
Shaun
Travel Gear Editor
Shaun's recommendations stem from direct experience traveling 24 countries and living across 4 continents (currently based in Canada after years in the UK and Australia). Witnessing the gap between marketing claims and actual performance, he created this platform dedicated to unbiased, experience-driven gear reviews you can trust, free from paid promotions.
"From UK cobblestones to Aussie beaches and Canadian winters – living across continents teaches you what travel gear really needs to endure. That's the standard here."
📍
🇨🇦
Currently Based
🏠
🇬🇧
Hometown Country
🕒
7+
Years Travelling
🌎
25+
Countries Visited