Osprey Farpoint 40 Travel Backpack Review (2025)
Is This the Best Carry-On Backpack for Digital Nomads and Adventure Travelers?
Choosing the right travel backpack can feel overwhelming. You need something durable enough to survive rough handling, comfortable enough for long walks through airports and cities, yet compact enough to fit in overhead bins. Too many backpacks promise versatility but deliver bulky designs, uncomfortable straps, or flimsy materials that fall apart after a few trips.
The Osprey Farpoint 40 Travel Backpack has become the go-to choice for digital nomads, backpack travelers, and adventure-seekers who refuse to compromise on quality. With its legendary durability, comfortable harness system, and smart organization features, this backpack has earned its reputation as one of the best carry-on travel backpacks available. Whether you're exploring Europe, working remotely across Asia, or embarking on a multi-country adventure, the Farpoint 40 delivers the perfect balance of comfort, capacity, and convenience. Check out our complete guide to best travel gear for more essential recommendations.
Osprey Farpoint 40 Travel Backpack
Best For: Backpack travelers, carry-on-only flyers, digital nomads, adventure seekers
Key Features of the Osprey Farpoint 40 Travel Backpack
Discover what makes this backpack the top choice for serious travelers
Tough Yet Lightweight Construction
Built with high-quality fabrics that reinforce high-wear areas while keeping the total weight at just 3.49 lbs. This backpack can handle years of travel abuse without falling apart.
Comfortable Harness & Hipbelt System
Features a well-padded harness and hipbelt that distribute weight evenly across your body. The stowaway design lets you tuck everything away for flights, then deploy it quickly when you need to carry the pack.
Easy-Access 16" Laptop/Tablet Sleeve
Dedicated padded sleeve fits laptops up to 16 inches with a separate access point, so you don't have to dig through your entire pack at security checkpoints.
Smart External Toiletry Pocket
External zippered pocket provides quick access to toiletries, keeping liquids separate from electronics and clothing. Perfect for airport security and quick hotel stops.
Compatible with Farpoint/Fairview Daypack
Designed to attach seamlessly with Osprey's companion daypacks, creating a modular travel system. Use the Farpoint 40 as your main bag and add a daypack for daily excursions.
Carry-On Compliant for Most Airlines
Dimensions (21.7 x 13.8 x 9.1 inches) fit within most domestic and international carry-on size limits, saving you baggage fees and time at the carousel.
Balanced 40L Capacity
The 40-liter capacity hits the sweet spot for minimalist travel—enough space for 5-7 days of clothing, electronics, and essentials without encouraging overpacking.
Organized Interior with Compression
Internal compression straps keep your belongings secure and organized. Multiple pockets and compartments make it easy to find what you need without unpacking everything. Perfect for following our travel packing list.
Pros & Cons
An honest look at the strengths and limitations
Pros
- Extremely durable and long-lasting construction
- Comfortable harness with excellent weight distribution
- Dedicated laptop sleeve with easy security checkpoint access
- Carry-on compliant for most domestic and international airlines
- Lightweight at just 3.49 lbs despite rugged build
- Perfect for digital nomads and minimalist travel
- Stowaway harness system protects straps during flights
- Smart organization with multiple compartments
- External toiletry pocket for quick access
- Compatible with Osprey daypack attachment system
Cons
- Not ideal for heavy packers who need more than 40L
- No built-in lock features (requires separate TSA locks)
- Minimal external structure compared to hardshell luggage
- No USB charging port or tech integration
- Stowaway harness adds slight bulk when deployed
- Limited color options compared to fashion-focused brands
Real-World Performance
How the Osprey Farpoint 40 performs in actual travel scenarios
Airport Travel Experience
The Farpoint 40 shines in airport environments. The stowaway harness system lets you check it as luggage without worrying about straps getting caught in conveyor belts. When carrying it through terminals, the comfortable harness and hipbelt distribute weight evenly, making long walks between gates feel effortless. The laptop sleeve's separate access point means you can breeze through security without unpacking your entire bag.
Overhead Bin Fit
At 21.7 x 13.8 x 9.1 inches, this backpack fits comfortably in most overhead bins on domestic and international flights. The soft-sided construction allows it to squeeze into tight spaces that rigid suitcases can't. Even on smaller regional jets, you'll rarely need to gate-check this bag. The external compression straps help you minimize bulk when the bag isn't fully packed.
Rolling Through Terminals & Cities
Unlike wheeled luggage, the Farpoint 40 excels on stairs, cobblestone streets, and uneven terrain. The comfortable harness system means you can walk for hours without shoulder fatigue. Whether you're navigating crowded train stations, climbing hostel stairs, or exploring ancient city centers, this backpack moves with you naturally. The balanced weight distribution prevents the back strain common with poorly designed travel bags.
Packing Organization
The Farpoint 40's interior organization strikes a perfect balance between structure and flexibility. Internal compression straps keep clothing compact and wrinkle-free. The laptop sleeve protects electronics while remaining easily accessible. The external toiletry pocket keeps liquids separate from everything else—essential for both security checkpoints and preventing spills. Follow our comprehensive travel packing list to maximize this bag's organizational potential.
Weekend vs Long Trips
The 40-liter capacity is ideal for 5-7 day trips with strategic packing. For weekend getaways, you'll have plenty of extra space. For longer journeys, you'll need to embrace minimalist packing and plan for laundry stops. Digital nomads appreciate how the bag forces efficient packing habits. Use our travel tips to plan your itinerary and our travel safety guide to protect your belongings while on the road.
Comparison With Alternatives
How the Osprey Farpoint 40 stacks up against other popular travel bags
Samsonite Winfield 2 Carry-On
If you prefer wheeled luggage with hardshell protection, the Samsonite Winfield 2 offers excellent durability and smooth rolling. Choose this if you're traveling primarily through airports and hotels with smooth surfaces, and you don't need to carry your bag on your back.
Read Full ReviewTravelPro Maxlite 5 Expandable Spinner
The TravelPro Maxlite 5 is another wheeled option that's even lighter than the Winfield 2, with expandable capacity. It's ideal for business travelers who need professional appearance and easy maneuverability through airports, but it lacks the versatility of a backpack for rough terrain.
Read Full ReviewAway The Carry-On
Away's carry-on offers sleek design, built-in USB charging, and premium materials. Choose this if you prioritize style and tech integration over the rugged versatility of a backpack. It's perfect for urban travel but less practical for adventure destinations.
Read Full ReviewWhen to Choose the Osprey Farpoint 40
Choose the Farpoint 40 if you value versatility, durability, and comfort over wheels and hardshell protection. It\'s the best option for travelers who:
- Navigate stairs, cobblestones, and uneven terrain regularly
- Travel to adventure destinations beyond major cities
- Want hands-free mobility through crowded spaces
- Embrace minimalist packing and carry-on-only travel
Who Should Buy the Osprey Farpoint 40?
This backpack is perfect for specific types of travelers
Backpack-Only Travelers
If you prefer the freedom and mobility of backpack travel over wheeled luggage, this is your ideal companion.
Digital Nomads & Remote Workers
The dedicated laptop sleeve and organized compartments make this perfect for working while traveling.
Europe & Asia Backpackers
Navigating train stations, hostels, and cobblestone streets? This backpack handles it all with ease.
Minimalist Packers
If you embrace the carry-on-only lifestyle and pack efficiently, 40L is the perfect capacity.
Adventure Travelers
Heading to destinations with rough terrain, stairs, or limited infrastructure? You need a backpack, not wheels.
Frequent Flyers Who Value Mobility
Tired of dragging wheeled luggage through crowded airports? The Farpoint 40 moves with you naturally.
Quality-Conscious Travelers
Osprey's legendary durability and lifetime warranty mean this backpack will last for years of adventures.
Who Should NOT Buy It?
This backpack might not be ideal if you fall into these categories
Heavy Packers
If you struggle to pack light or need more than 40L of capacity, consider a larger backpack or wheeled luggage.
Travelers Needing Rigid Protection
If you're carrying fragile items that need hardshell protection, a hardside suitcase is a better choice.
Those Who Prefer Wheels
If you primarily travel through airports and hotels with smooth surfaces, wheeled luggage might be more convenient.
Travelers Who Need More Than 40L
For extended trips requiring more clothing or gear, consider the Osprey Farpoint 55 or 70.
Those Wanting Tech Integration
If you need built-in USB charging ports or smart luggage features, look at tech-focused brands like Away.
Fashion-Focused Travelers
If style and aesthetics are your top priority, fashion-forward luggage brands might appeal more.
Final Verdict — Is the Osprey Farpoint 40 Worth It?
The Osprey Farpoint 40 Travel Backpack has earned its reputation as one of the best carry-on travel backpacks for good reason. It delivers an exceptional combination of durability, comfort, and thoughtful organization that serious travelers demand.
What sets this backpack apart is its legendary build quality. Osprey has perfected the balance between lightweight construction and rugged durability. The reinforced high-wear areas mean this backpack will survive years of travel abuse, from rough baggage handlers to cobblestone streets. The stowaway harness system is brilliantly designed—comfortable when deployed, protected when stowed.
The 40-liter capacity hits the sweet spot for minimalist travel. It forces you to pack efficiently while providing enough space for 5-7 days of clothing, electronics, and essentials. The dedicated laptop sleeve with separate access is a game-changer at security checkpoints. The external toiletry pocket keeps liquids organized and accessible.
For digital nomads, backpackers, and adventure travelers who value mobility over wheels, this backpack is worth every penny. The comfortable harness system makes long walks through airports and cities feel effortless. The carry-on compliance saves you baggage fees and carousel wait times. Osprey's lifetime warranty provides peace of mind for years of adventures.
If you're committed to carry-on-only travel and need a backpack that can handle everything from airport terminals to mountain trails, the Osprey Farpoint 40 is the gold standard. It's an investment in comfortable, efficient travel that will pay dividends on every trip.
Osprey Farpoint 40
Quick Specs
- Dimensions:
- 21.7 x 13.8 x 9.1"
- Weight:
- 3.49 lbs
- Capacity:
- 40L
- Material:
- Durable Fabric
- Laptop Sleeve:
- 16"
- Carry-On:
- Yes
- Warranty:
- Lifetime