Osprey Farpoint 40L Men's Travel Backpack
This travel backpack combines a compact 40L design, stowaway harness system, and rugged durability to deliver carry-on convenience, versatile comfort, and reliable performance for global adventures.
Buy on AmazonWhen it comes to one-bag travel, not all backpacks are created equal. Some are too bulky to meet carry-on requirements, while others lack the structure and support needed for extended use. The Osprey Farpoint 40L Men’s Travel Backpack strikes a near-perfect balance—and after logging thousands of miles with it across airports, train stations, and city streets, I can confidently say it’s one of the best travel backpacks out there.
First Impressions
Right out of the box, the Farpoint 40 feels durable and well-thought-out. The build quality is typical Osprey—rugged zippers, reinforced stitching, and premium materials that can take a beating. Despite being built tough, it doesn’t feel overly heavy or stiff. It’s clearly designed with mobility in mind.
The 40-liter capacity hits a sweet spot: large enough to pack a week’s worth of clothing and essentials, but small enough to qualify as carry-on for most airlines. That’s a huge plus for anyone trying to avoid baggage fees or airport check-in lines.
Comfort and Fit
The standout feature for me is the stowaway harness and hip belt system. Unlike many travel packs that only mimic hiking packs, the Farpoint uses Osprey’s real suspension system. That means padded shoulder straps, a supportive hip belt, and a breathable mesh back panel—perfect for long hauls or walking across entire cities.
When you’re ready to fly, the entire harness zips away neatly behind a panel, giving the backpack a sleeker profile that’s easy to stow in overhead compartments or under seats.
Interior Layout
Inside, the main compartment opens like a suitcase, making packing and unpacking incredibly straightforward. No more digging through a top-loading bag to find your socks. There are internal compression straps to keep everything in place, and a mesh flap on the front lid to separate smaller items.
The front compartment offers more organization for travel documents, chargers, toiletries, and other essentials. There’s also a padded laptop sleeve, although I’d recommend using a separate case for extra protection if you’re carrying a heavier device.
A Few Minor Drawbacks
If I had to nitpick, I’d say the water bottle pockets on the side are a bit tight when the bag is fully packed. And while the laptop compartment is convenient, it sits at the front of the pack, which can feel slightly unbalanced if you’re carrying a heavy device.
Also, the aesthetic is a bit utilitarian. It’s not a fashion-forward bag—but it’s not trying to be. It’s designed for function, not flair.
Who It’s For
If you’re a digital nomad, a minimalist traveler, or someone who just wants a reliable carry-on bag for occasional getaways, the Osprey Farpoint 40 is hard to beat. It’s especially ideal for travelers who plan to move around a lot—whether that’s city-hopping in Europe or island-hopping in Southeast Asia.
Final Verdict
The Osprey Farpoint 40L isn’t just a backpack—it’s a travel system. With its smart layout, comfortable suspension, and carry-on-friendly size, it’s one of the best investments you can make if you’re serious about traveling light and smart.
Highly recommended for anyone looking to ditch the roller bag and travel with freedom.