Osprey Farpoint 40 Review: The Best Travel Backpack for Men?

I probably use the Osprey Farpoint 40 the most out of any of my travel backpacks. It’s simple, it’s small and lightweight, and I don’t have to get to the airport days early to battle check-in lines and snarly budget airline staff.

And for those reasons alone, you should probably just go ahead and get this bag. But that wouldn’t make for a very good Osprey Farpoint 40 review, would it?

For the price, the Osprey Farpoint 40 is one of the best carry-on backpacks on the market. I already consider Osprey to be one of the best backpack brands out there.

Because it’s a small bag, it won’t be for everyone, but if you’re a light traveler, you’re going to love this pack. Don’t just take it from me though. Let this Osprey Farpoint 40 review help you decide for yourself.

• It’s the smallest version of the excellent Farpoint series.
• This is the perfect carry-on backpack if you globetrot with a light pack and a full heart.
• You get a value-for-your-money, mid-range bag that is versatile and simple.
• It comes with a lifetime warranty.

Who Is the Osprey Farpoint 40 For?

• Minimalist/light travelers.
• People who like/want to travel carry-on only.
• Laptop-based digital nomads without extra equipment like cameras.
• People who want a bag they can use if they carry a lot of stuff for their daily commute, but want something they can use for light travel, too.

Who Isn’t the Osprey Farpoint 40 For?

• Travelers who carry a bunch of equipment. Photographers and videographers should look elsewhere for a hiking camera backpack.
• Heavy packers who need that extra space (try the Farpoint 55 instead).
• Hikers and trekkers. You could use this in a pinch for a shorter hike, but I’d honestly go for something bigger. This is more of a backpack you’d use between cities and towns.
• You have 70L of stuff and you’re trying to squeeze it into 40L. Get a bigger bag.
• Women. The Farpoint is the men’s version and the Fairview is the women’s version. But they’re the same bag!

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As part of this Osprey Farpoint 40 review, let’s dive into some background on the company itself.

Osprey is one of my favorite outdoor brands. They’re backpacking heavyweights with a worldwide reputation for exceptional quality. They’ve been around for forty-odd years, and for good reason.

They’re the go-to brand for many seasoned backpacking folks.

Osprey is based in Cortez, Colorado, so they are surrounded by the very thing that inspires them to make great backpacks: dramatic and mind-blowing landscapes just begging to be explored.

They are also passionate about making trekking and traveling accessible for pretty much everyone, so they have an incredible range of sizes and styles. I can’t think of many people who wouldn’t be able to find an Osprey product that didn’t suit them. Osprey is the master of helping you get out there and experience the world.

And honestly? That’s something I really believe in and one of the main reasons I started this website. I love helping people arm themselves with the tools and knowledge they need to get out there and explore this beautiful world.

One thing that I really respect them for is their focus on quality and customer satisfaction. They offer something they like to call the “Almighty Guarantee.” It’s a lifetime guarantee for all their products. That means they’ll fix any fault you might get with your pack, free of charge.

Did you purchase your bag in 1978? It’s covered. 5 minutes ago? Covered.

Osprey really stands by their products.

This wouldn’t be an Osprey Farpoint 40 review without an explanation of the backpack’s features. The Osprey Farpoint 40 isn’t packed to the brim with features like other popular carry-on backpacks.

It won’t leave you scratching your head about what each and every zip is and how to access that mysterious pocket. That is, except for the strange red hook that I’ll talk about later.

The Osprey Farpoint 40 is simple and easy to use, and it’s an effective bag for stress-free travelers.

Comfortable Fit

The Osprey Farpoint 40 has a high-tech suspension system that gives you good back and shoulder support. The hip straps are robust and take a lot of weight off your back. The rather thin-looking chest straps also do a lot of heavy lifting, and they add great stability to the load.

The backpack also has an adjustment system that allows you to bring the backpack closer or further away from your back, so it takes some of the strain off your neck muscles.

Having said that, if you do overload it or pack it less than methodically, it can pull on your traps a little. The simple solution to that is to use the pack for what it was designed to do. If you’re just carrying a light laptop, a few sets of clothes and a small number of toiletries, this bag is fine.

It’s also important to remember that the Farpoint is built for the male frame. That said, anyone can still use this bag.

Lightweight and Durable

The Osprey Farpoint 40 is both lightweight and durable. It comes in at just over three pounds, which is as close as you’re going to get to zero weight.

It is also incredibly heavy duty. I’ve carted this bag through four continents now. Apart from a little road dust, it’s as good as the day it left the factory. At some point, it got a little stinky, so against all better advice, I took a chance and ran it through the washing machine. It survived that perfectly. It didn’t develop any rust on the zips or tears or anything.

What can I say? I live on the wild side.

Anyway, there’s barely a scratch on this pack, and I really haven’t been careful or kind to it.

So, this bag gets a big thumbs up from me when it comes to durability.

Sturdy Internal Frame and Suspension System

The Osprey Farpoint 40 has robust and padded shoulder straps and a heavy-duty hip strap. It’s pretty advanced in terms of its suspension technology, and it takes a lot of weight off your back, so that’s a big plus for this bag.

The straps also have useful load lifter straps that let you pull the pack closer to your back if you’re starting to feel the load pull at your neck or shoulders. This really helps and adds a lot of stability and balance to the pack.

The back of the pack has a robust internal frame, which helps keep you good and upright. However, the inner structure also has some drawbacks, which I will go into a bit later.

Stowaway Harness and Hip Belt

This is one of my favorite features of the Osprey Farpoint 40 that we’ll discuss in this Osprey Farpoint 40 review. You can zip away the straps and hip belt under a back-panel zip.

This is an excellent feature if you decide to check the pack on a flight or you’re throwing it onto a bus. That’s because it can protect the plastic hip buckles and the other more fragile parts of the backpack from getting trampled on by sour airport or bus station staff—or from being crushed by the baggage loading machine.

Having said that, it can also be a pain in some circumstances. Messing around with straps and zips when you’re in a hurry, or in a crowded environment can be a drag.

It’s also a hassle to pull it off the conveyor belt by the side handle and find some space to unzip the stowaway panel and get the pack on your back. I tend to like backpacks better that have a magnetic pocket where you can just tuck the straps away. The whole zippable unit is probably overkill. It’s a small concern though; the main thing is that this feature will add a lot of life to your Osprey Farpoint 40.

Zip-Off Daypack

The Farpoint 40 doesn’t have a zip-off bag. That said, the Farpoint 55 does. And the 55L version is the exact same bag as the 40L, except it includes an added 15L daypack.

This means that you can technically use the 55 as carry-on if you remove the daypack. Then, you’d just have one carry-on and use the daypack as your personal item.

I love the idea of leaving all my extra gear back at the hostel and just taking a small travel daypack for day-to-day adventures.

You know, that perfect bag for my wallet, camera, a charger or two, and a few other valuables. It’s not always ideal to lug around the big bag.

There are a few drawbacks, though. Unless you have a decent storage locker (or the luxury of your own, lockable room, if you can imagine such a thing), you can’t put too much extra stuff in the daypack section as you travel from place to place.

This is because if you want to use it as a daypack, you have to find a place to keep all the other ‘travel’ stuff that you couldn’t fit into the main compartment. With a little Tetris practice, I just keep anything of value in the main compartment. I also find that the mesh-backing of the daypack makes my back sweat in hotter climates. So, I often end up slinging it off to one shoulder to get some air up in there.

I actually tend to use the daypack at home more often than I do on vacation. It’s a great size to take to the gym or to and from work, especially if you’re mainly just carrying a laptop and the magical keys/wallet/phone/headphones/book combination.

Large Panel Zip Access to Main Compartment

Another thing I thought I would love about the Osprey Farpoint 40 is the panel zip access to the main compartment. It opens up like a suitcase.

I generally try to avoid top-loading backpacks because I err on the disorganized side. I find it hard to systematically access things without going into a flurry and pulling everything out of the bag. The panel zip definitely helps you keep more organized in a suitcase-style.

The drawback is that the sides don’t have the same solid structure as a top-loading backpack. I find that if you try to pack too quickly and don’t balance your load out, it’s nearly impossible to zip the thing shut. This is especially true if you’re trying to fit in a pair of bulky shoes like hiking boots.

I often have to sit on the bag at various angles to get it to shut if I haven’t packed correctly. Last time I went on a trip with this bag, I put my stuff in packing cubes, and it definitely helped with this problem.

You’ll definitely want to grab a few packing cubes, trust me.

Lockable Sliders on Main Zipper

The lockable sliders on the main zipper are simple but effective. Just like every other zip slider ever, there’s a metal loop to hook a small padlock through to keep your stuff secure. It’s nothing special, but I’ll take useful, simple security measures any day. I’m just being honest in this Osprey Farpoint 40 review.

Front Compression Strap

The compression straps don’t do much other than what you’d expect. You can also tuck a thin waterproof jacket under them to access at a moment’s notice.

One impressive, unexpected (and probably unintended) feature is that they add an extra layer of security to the bag. Due to the front panel zip system, there is a risk that a pickpocket could unzip the side of the bag and grab your stuff. The base of the front compression straps is designed in a way that covers the side of the bag. It allows you to hide the zip sliders under the bag, away from sneaky hands.

Or it could even save you from your own stupidity. Once, I was using a different backpack with side zips, and I didn’t zip them up properly. Suddenly everything came spewing out the side at a ferry terminal while a waiter laughed at me.

Not fun.

The Osprey Farpoint 40 gives an extra line of defense against accidents like that. It has saved me from any similar shame.

Dual Front Mesh Pockets

I think the front mesh pockets are designed to keep water bottles in, but they don’t do a perfect job of that. You have to have the exact right size and shape of bottle.

I tend to use these pockets more for storing invaluable bits and pieces, like charging cables. They also work really well to store trash in until you come across the next garbage can. I learned this in Japan, a country where there is simultaneously (and a little mysteriously) zero litter and zero trash cans.

Zippered Slash Pocket

There is this tiny pocket at the top of the Osprey Farpoint 40. I honestly have no idea what you’re actually supposed to use it for.

Again, I occasionally store things like charging cables and keys in it. I guess you could put sunglasses in it, too, if you’re living on the wild side and don’t mind risking them getting squashed.

But that’s a risky proposition if you ask me.

Padded Top and Side Handles

The Osprey Farpoint 40 has some solid, padded top and side handles. They’re nothing special or unique, but they are useful when you have the straps packed away, and you need to load the pack on or off a bus, train, or plane. They are sturdy and well made, so you don’t have to worry about them coming away if you’re maybe carrying a little too much weight in the pack.

Laptop and Tablet Sleeve

While the internal frame is super sturdy against your back, it creates a problem in that you can’t have the laptop sleeve against your back. Osprey Farpoint 40 gets around this problem by putting the laptop/tablet sleeve in the front of the bag.

It’s a trade-off because it’s way better to have heavier items as close to your back as possible. In the Osprey Farpoint 40, they end up suspended in what is effectively the middle of the bag.

However, you’ll hardly notice it if you have a lighter laptop or tablet. I have a 2015 Macbook Air, which is slightly heavier than the more recent ones, but it’s by no means heavy. It has generally been fine unless I’m trying to cover a lot of distance on foot.

If you have a clunkier Windows laptop, I think you would have a little trouble. It’s also unlikely to fit. The dimensions of the laptop sleeve would fit a 15 inch, thin laptop at most. But even that may be pushing it.

In front of that, there is a tablet pocket. I don’t have a tablet, but I store my Kindle in there, and it works just fine.

Internal Compression Straps

There’s nothing new or innovative about the internal compression straps, really. The Osprey Farpoint 40’s internal compression straps are great to push down your clothes to a smaller size. I wouldn’t try to use them for much else.

Honestly, I still think a packing cube or even some of those vacuum bags do a better job than the compression straps could hope to do. But it is an extra feature that helps you keep your stuff separate, I guess.

Internal Front Flap Zippered Mesh Pocket

I always like to have an extra pocket to put my underwear, PJs, and toiletries in. That way, if I turn up at a hostel late at night, it’s easy to access the basics and hit the hay ASAP. I like that the extra pocket is located on the front flap, so it’s the first thing you can access. The mesh helps you to see everything in there too.

The pros of the Osprey Farpoint 40 definitely outweigh the cons. But I’ll go over a few things that make the bag great versus the things that it could do better, so you can get a holistic idea from this Osprey Farpoint 40 review.

After all, you’re here to make a solid choice for your next backpack investment.

Firstly, my favorite thing about this iteration is that it’s perfectly sized for carry-on baggage. It’s also very comfortable. The mesh suspension system creates an anti-gravity effect that takes the weight of this fairly heavy backpack off your shoulders. Paired with a well-padded and nicely structured hip strap and a solid sternum strap, you’ll actually enjoy strolling around with your worldly possessions strapped to you.

The lockable zip sliders and the added security of the compression strap base provide a good deal of security, offering peace of mind as you trot the globe.

It’s also got great main compartment access. You can easily access the main compartment through a suitcase-style opening system which keeps things a little more orderly. It’s very adjustable, too. You can adjust your straps and flaps easily on-the-go for extra comfort and stability.

And finally, Osprey offers a lifetime guarantee on all of their products. This is one of the big reasons that I’m such a fan of Osprey. They take great pride in the quality of their bags.

Unfortunately, the Farpoint 40 doesn’t have a zip-off bag, but the Farpoint 55 does. The 55L version is the same as the 40L with an added 15L daypack. You can use the 55L as a carry-on if you remove the daypack. Then you’d have one carry-on backpack and you can use the detachable daypack as your personal item.

I’m not a huge fan of the internal organization and soft sides. There isn’t a great deal of interior organization space. There is just one pocket in the main compartment and only the laptop and tablet sleeves in the daypack section of the Farpoint 55. It’s better to use some packing cubes with this pack. Also, while they make it easier to access the whole main compartment, the soft sides of the Farpoint 40 can cause your stuff to spill out all over the floor. Again, the packing cubes solve this issue.

The main part of the Osprey Farpoint 40 is made of high-tech, water-resistant 210D Nylon Mini Hex Diamond Ripstop, and the accent and bottom sections are made of high quality, tough 600D Packcloth. I’ve tried and tested this backpack, and I can vouch for the high standard of the heavy-duty materials.

Like all synthetic fabrics, the materials just aren’t that breathable, so you’ll get a little sweaty. It’s no worse than the average well-made backpack, though.

While it’s not a waterproof backpack, this bag is water-resistant, and it does pretty well when you get caught in a downpour. I just wouldn’t go throwing it down a waterfall or something – I don’t know why you would do that, but people never cease to surprise me these days.

You can get the Osprey Farpoint 40 in a deep Jasper Red, which is pretty easy on the eyes, as well as your classic Volcanic Grey (which is pretty close to being black if you ask me). The exterior looks beautiful and sleek, but still understated.

But it’s not all perfect. I take issue with the interior colors. In both styles, the interior of the mesh front flap pocket is toxic waste green. It’s a bold statement and clashes a lot with the exterior color, especially the red. It kind of makes my eyes water every time I look at it.

The idea is that the bright green color will make it easier for you to find things. But unless you’re Homer Simpson and you’ve lost your plutonium rod again, the color makes things a lot more visible than if you were digging around in a black interior backpack.

I have to say, this is pretty logical. I can’t tell you how many times I have lost my black wallet in a black bag. Why does practicality always have to make things look bad?

I have no issues with comfort. The straps and hip belt are well made and do a great job of taking the weight off your back.

I love that you can easily adjust how far the pack sits from your back without having to take the thing off.

The back is well-structured and keeps everything nice and upright, provided you’ve packed the bag well. Again, this is built for the male frame, but if you pack well, anyone can use this bag.

The ventilation system on the Osprey Farpoint 40 could be better, especially on the day pack, but it’s no worse than any other similar product. You just need to learn to become one with the sweat—it’s good for the soul.

The Osprey Farpoint 40 isn’t the most organized bag ever, but it does a pretty good job. I do feel that while the front flap zipper makes it a lot easier to access things, it does cause a lack of stability when it’s open. So, more often than not, the contents of the bag will spill out all over the floor.

Once I invested in some packing cubes and kept organized that way, the problem was 100 percent rectified. I think the bag could do with a few extra internal and external pockets. Honestly, I think it would be better to have zippable pockets rather than the mesh ones that only hold particular drink bottles and bits of trash.

I have put my Osprey Farpoint 40 through the wringer across four continents and through all kinds of terrain and dicey situations. Apart from a few stains, there isn’t a scratch on it. I love that you can zip away the straps when putting it on a bus or a flight.

Anyway, you don’t have to worry so much about the durability. As long as you’re not burning it, throwing it in a volcano, or doing anything weird to it, the Osprey line has a lifetime guarantee.

They will fix, patch up, or replace your bag; it doesn’t matter if you bought it three days ago or 30 years ago. It covers most things that go wrong with the bag, as long as they are part of normal wear and tear or there’s been a manufacturing issue.

It’s important that we talk about price in this Osprey Farpoint 40 review. It’s a fair price considering the high quality of this bag; it’s not the cheapest, but it’s certainly not the most expensive.

I’ve spent more money on lesser quality before. And this bag really delivers on quality.

You have to remember that a good backpack isn’t just a statement piece. It’s an investment in your muscular and skeletal system, and Dr. Google says that’s important.

I really think the Osprey Farpoint 40 works better with some storage solutions like packing cubes. So, you might want to spend some extra money and get yourself a few of those.

Osprey has a great reputation, and a big reason for that is because they offer their Almighty Guarantee. This is a lifetime warranty.

If you’re in the US and you need a repair done on your backpack, you can contact Osprey directly on their website. And, if you cover the postage costs, you can send your backpack to the factory and the repair team will fix it for free.

Meanwhile, if you’re outside of the US, you can contact their International Customer Service team, and they will point you to your national distributor who will help you out. Repair policies differ slightly from country to country, but Osprey 100 percent has your back.

If you purchase your product on the Osprey website, they provide free and direct shipping to the US and Canada with easy returns available.

If you are outside of the US or Canada, you will need to purchase your Osprey Farpoint 40 via a local supplier. A list of local suppliers is available on the Farpoint 40 product page. Shipping costs will vary depending on which supplier you go for.

Osprey doesn’t ship their bags internationally, as they have a lot of local suppliers throughout the world. Pretty much every good backpack store stocks Osprey, and given that Farpoint is one of their most popular lines, you will almost definitely be able to snag one at your local store. If not, they will probably order it in for you.

Osprey doesn’t offer accessories for Farpoint 40, and honestly, I don’t think they’re 100 percent necessary for this bag if you want to use it at a base level.

However, if you’re disorganized like me, you will have a better time with this backpack if you grab some packing cubes.

Osprey makes some decent, lightweight packing cubes designed specifically for their backpacks. They’re $42 for a pack of three, which is a pretty good deal. I’m hard-pressed to think of even a generic brand that would offer that price. So, I say go ahead and check those out!