The Osprey Farpoint 40 Backpack Is the Perfect Match for an Overpacker

The 40-liter bag accommodates everything required for an extensive three-week journey through Asia.

As members of the gear-centric WIRED Reviews team, we are diving into our preferred bags and everyday carry items. Today, reviewer Louryn Strampe expressed enthusiasm for her Osprey Farpoint 40 backpack.

While organizing a 20-day expedition to Asia in 2018, my then-boyfriend insisted that we avoid checking any luggage. As someone who prides herself on overpacking, this notion was both surprising and alarming to me. My appreciation for variety and aversion to downsizing drove me to consider bringing an excessive number of shoes and undergarments. Reluctantly, I consented to the idea of traveling with a single bag, and the Osprey Farpoint 40 swiftly converted me to the joys of minimalist packing.

If you are in search of a bag that facilitates a seamless transition from the plane, train, or car and simplifies transportation from accommodation to accommodation, the Farpoint stands out as my top recommendation.

During that nearly three-week journey in 2018, my boyfriend and I were constantly on the move, traversing cities such as Shanghai, Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Busan, Seoul, and Hong Kong. We navigated multiple flights and trains while staying in various types of accommodations, from spacious hotels to cramped quarters. Since then, my Osprey Farpoint has accompanied me across both coasts of the United States, transitioning through three homes, embarking on numerous road trips, and resting in countless hotels. I have utilized it for excursions lasting as long as three weeks and as brief as one night. It has endured being tossed down stairwells, sat upon in subways, shielded me from rain, jammed into overstuffed vehicle trunks, and consistently packed to the brim on every journey. Remarkably, it remains as functional as it did on our inaugural trip.

Cavernous Capacity and Smart Organization

This bag indeed boasts an impressive capacity. Its 40-liter volume allows for maximum packing potential, yet I have never encountered issues taking it onto a plane, aided in no small part by the compression straps designed to reduce its bulk. According to Osprey's specifications, the Farpoint complies with domestic carry-on size regulations. Additionally, the myriad pockets provide a high level of organization, which can be challenging to keep track of.

The exterior features two mesh pockets perfect for footwear or water bottles, alongside a smaller compartment ideal for storing essentials such as keys and passports. The main compartment consists of two primary sections: the first being a laptop compartment, equipped with a zippered sleeve suitable for an e-reader or tablet. The larger section incorporates two built-in compression straps that effectively aid in achieving that "sit on top in order to close" tactic while packing. On the opposing side, a full-length zippered mesh pocket provides a designated space for socks, underwear, toiletries, and other necessities that I prefer readily accessible without mixing them in with my clothing.

Comfort and Wearability

Despite the sheer volume of items it can carry, the Farpoint makes it not only feasible but also comfortable to transport all the essentials. Admittedly, when fully packed, wearing the Farpoint can make one resemble a turtle retreating into its shell. However, its thoughtful design ensures that you can move freely, thanks to the stabilization features built into the pack. The shoulder and hip straps are well-padded, and there are clip straps for both the hips and chest. The chest strap is also equipped with a whistle, which, while not necessarily enhancing comfort, could prove beneficial during outdoor activities.

Even though the backpack prioritizes comfort, individuals of varying sizes may perceive the frame as somewhat large and lacking in structure. Standing at 5'1", I occasionally feel unbalanced while wearing the Farpoint as a backpack. Fortunately, the backpack straps, harness, and hip belt can be concealed within a hidden zippered panel, allowing it to be used as a duffel bag. It is advisable to test the packed configuration in both styles prior to departure.

Quality Construction and Materials

The zippers on this bag are excellent. After experiencing numerous instances of overpacking, I am continually amazed at how the zippers manage to securely close and maintain that closure for extended periods. They slide shut effortlessly and are also lockable. Additionally, the bag is incredibly breathable. I have carried it through some of the hottest and most humid environments and, despite the conditions, my back managed to remain ventilated even as I sweated while deciphering unfamiliar maps or navigating thunderstorms at a campsite.

Updates and Alternatives

Since acquiring mine in 2018, Osprey has introduced some upgrades to the Farpoint. The newer iterations feature slightly altered dimensions, are lighter, less padded, and include a shorter hip belt along with a top-facing laptop sleeve. However, these changes are relatively minor and unlikely to impact overall user experience.

A women’s counterpart, the Fairview, is also available, which mirrors the Farpoint design but with a more compact frame. I appreciate the Fairview but have found it less accommodating for individuals with larger frames, offering less comfort compared to the Farpoint. Both the Farpoint and Fairview are compatible with the Osprey Farpoint Daypack, which may be beneficial for extended journeys if you choose to carry more than one bag. While I may not favor all the available color options for either bag, I would not hesitate to utilize it in even the least appealing shade.

A Bag That's Lived a Life

Over the past six years of traveling with this backpack, I have come to appreciate its durability, which is simultaneously evident in the signs of wear it has accrued. It proudly displays my "Approved Cabin Baggage" sticker from my travels to Hong Kong. The exterior pocket bears stains from countless occasions where I placed it on the ground while setting up a tent. The chest strap shows fraying at the seam, a testament to my reliance on it during those moments of confusion and sensory overload in new locales. I foresee a day when I may pass it on or donate it, as I am confident it will serve its future owner just as well as it has served me. However, that day is not imminent; I have a vacation planned tomorrow, and packing has yet to commence.