The Osprey Farpoint 40 is the gold standard for carry-on travel backpacks. It hits the sweet spot of size, comfort, and durability, with a suspension system that punches well above its price. For one-bag travelers and backpackers alike, it's the pack to beat.
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The Osprey Farpoint 40 has become something of a legend among one-bag travelers, and for good reason. At 40 litres it sits right at the carry-on limit for most airlines, opens like a suitcase rather than a top-loading hiking pack, and carries comfortably thanks to Osprey's genuinely good harness system.
We've put it through airports, trains, and multi-week trips. Here's how it holds up, who it's for, and where it falls short.
👍 Pros
- ✓Carry-on compatible with most airlines at 40L
- ✓Comfortable, adjustable suspension harness for the size
- ✓Clamshell (suitcase-style) opening makes packing easy
- ✓Stowaway harness and hip belt for clean check-in
- ✓Backed by Osprey's excellent lifetime "All Mighty" guarantee
- ✓Durable materials that survive years of travel
👎 Cons
- ✕No built-in rain cover (sold separately)
- ✕Only one main compartment limits organisation without packing cubes
- ✕The women's-specific Fairview fits some torsos better
Specifications
| Capacity | 40 litres |
| Weight | ~1.5 kg (3.3 lb) |
| Dimensions | 54 × 35 × 23 cm |
| Carry-on legal | Most airlines (check yours) |
| Laptop sleeve | Yes (in some versions) |
| Warranty | Osprey All Mighty Guarantee |
Size & Carry-On Compatibility
At 40 litres, the Farpoint is designed to be the largest bag you can take as carry-on with most airlines, letting you skip checked baggage entirely. It's worth double-checking your specific airline's dimensions, as budget carriers sometimes have tighter limits, but for the vast majority it sails through.
The 40L capacity is genuinely enough for trips of a week or more if you pack thoughtfully — and pairs perfectly with packing cubes to stay organised in its single large compartment.
Comfort & Carry
This is where the Farpoint pulls ahead of cheaper travel packs. Osprey's adjustable harness, padded hip belt, and back panel mean you can carry a full load comfortably for far longer than the flimsy straps on most luggage-style bags allow. When you don't need them, the straps and hip belt zip away behind a panel, so the bag checks in cleanly without dangling straps.
Durability
The Farpoint is built to last. The materials and stitching survive years of being thrown into overhead bins, train racks, and bus holds, and Osprey's lifetime guarantee means they'll repair or replace it if anything fails. For a bag you'll rely on trip after trip, that peace of mind is worth a lot.
Who it's best for
One-bag travelers, backpackers, and anyone who wants to avoid checked luggage on trips of up to a couple of weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
For most airlines, yes — at 40 litres and roughly 54 × 35 × 23 cm, it's designed to meet standard carry-on limits. However, some budget airlines have smaller allowances, so always check your specific airline's dimensions before flying.