When it comes to selecting a travel backpack, the Osprey Farpoint series stands out for offering comfort, durability, and thoughtful design. Two popular models in this range are the Farpoint 55 and the Farpoint 70. Both are designed for travelers who need a reliable pack for various trip lengths and destinations. Equipped with ample padding, adjustable harnesses, and curvatures on shoulder straps and hip belts, these backpacks promise to make carrying loads easier on the body.
Moving between hostels or hiking through the countryside requires a pack that can fit all essentials while remaining manageable. The Farpoint 55 and 70 cater to this need but cater to slightly different audiences. The Farpoint 55 is more compact, ideal for those who prefer to travel lighter or need a pack that can typically be used as a carry-on. On the other hand, the Farpoint 70 provides additional space, letting users pack extra items or gear for extended trips without compromising on comfort. While both models share key features, such as padded laptop and tablet sleeves, the choice between them often comes down to individual travel needs, the balance of load and comfort, and the expected trip duration.
Choosing between the Osprey Farpoint 55 and 70 depends on your travel needs and preferences. The Osprey Farpoint 55 is suitable for those who plan to walk more frequently with their backpack and need a pack that can easily be used as carry-on luggage. This is because the total dimensions of the Farpoint 55 are designed to be more conducive to airline carry-on requirements, although it is technically taller than some airlines’ advertised dimensions.
The Osprey Farpoint 70, on the other hand, offers a larger main compartment of 55L with an additional 15L daypack, totaling 70L. This makes the Farpoint 70 a better option for travelers who need more packing space and don’t mind checking in their bag or carrying a larger load.
Both the 55L and 70L versions come with detachable daypacks, providing versatility for day trips once you’ve reached your destination. The choice between the two will ultimately depend on the balance you wish to strike between carrying capacity and the convenience of not having to check your bag when flying.
Key Takeaways
- We compare two Osprey Farpoint backpacks, designed for both short and extended travel durations.
- The Farpoint 55 and 70 accommodate different packing needs and trip lengths, all while prioritizing ergonomic support.
- We consider factors like capacity, comfort, price, and features to determine which backpack better suits various travel demands.
Osprey Farpoint Overview
In our guide, we explore the distinguished Osprey Farpoint series, renowned for its travel-ready design and practical features that cater to diverse backpacking needs.
Brand Legacy
Osprey has established a strong reputation as a purveyor of high-quality backpacks. Since 1974, we’ve witnessed the brand’s commitment to innovation and the functionality that adventurers rely on. With an emphasis on comfort, durability, and meticulous design, Osprey backpacks have become synonymous with outdoor travel excellence.
Farpoint Series Introduction
The Farpoint series, a cornerstone of Osprey’s travel line, offers backpacks engineered for convenience and versatility. We scrutinize two popular models in this lineup: Osprey Farpoint 55 and Osprey Farpoint 70. Each model is designed with the traveler in mind, featuring generous padding, adjustable harness systems, and curvatures in the shoulder straps and hip belt for optimized comfort. These backpacks boast ample storage capacities—55 and 70 liters—to accommodate gear for trips of any duration. Below are key specifics of the Farpoint series:
- Storage: Equipped with a main compartment, additional pockets, and, in some cases, a zip-off daypack for further modularity.
- Comfort: Focus on ergonomic design to ease the burden on the traveler, including well-padded contact points.
- Durability: Constructed with robust materials to withstand the rigors of travel.
- Versatility: Suitable for various travel scenarios, from urban exploration to off-the-beaten-path adventures.
Osprey’s Farpoint series stands out in the travel backpack market, merging convenience and reliability in a way that aligns with our quest for adventure and exploration.
Capacity and Dimensions
When selecting between the Osprey Farpoint 55 and 70, understanding the specific capacity and dimensions of each model is crucial to align with travel needs and preferences.
Farpoint 55 Specifications
The Osprey Farpoint 55 is designed with a dual-component structure comprising a main pack and a detachable day pack. It offers a total capacity of 55 liters—the main pack accounts for 40 liters while the day pack adds an extra 15 liters. Here are the precise dimensions:
- Height: 21.6 inches (55 cm)
- Width: 13.8 inches (35 cm)
- Depth: 9 inches (23 cm)
This structured design suits a variety of trip lengths and is often favored for its streamlined profile, making it a potential candidate for carry-on luggage depending on airline restrictions.
Farpoint 70 Specifications
The Farpoint 70 is the larger counterpart with a total carrying capacity of 70 liters, suitable for more extensive gear. Here’s a breakdown of its dimensions:
- Height: 26 inches (approx. 66 cm)
- Width: 14 inches (approx. 35.5 cm)
- Depth: 14 inches (approx. 35.5 cm)
It’s built to handle a significant amount of equipment which could be up to 65 pounds, ideal for longer trips or when additional items are necessary. With its generous size, the Farpoint 70 is tailored for the adventurous traveler who doesn’t compromise on packing essentials.
Design and Features Comparison
When choosing between the Osprey Farpoint 55 and Farpoint 70, understanding the nuances in their design and features is crucial. We’ll explore aspects such as materials, compartment accessibility, the innovation behind their suspension systems, and the versatility of the daypacks to ensure we have all the information needed for an informed decision.
Aesthetic and Material
The Farpoint 55 and Farpoint 70 share a durable aesthetic suitable for both urban and trail environments. We’ll find a variety of colors available, catering to personal style preferences. Both models are constructed with tough fabrics that resist the wear and tear of travel, providing a consistent quality for backpacking enthusiasts.
Main Compartment and Accessibility
- Main Compartment:
- Farpoint 55: Offers a 40L main compartment with large panel access, complemented by a 15L detachable daypack.
- Farpoint 70: Boasts a larger main compartment for extensive storage, enhanced by compression straps to secure the contents.
- Accessibility: Both the Farpoint 55 and 70 feature lockable zippers for added security. The main compartments are designed to open like a suitcase for easy packing and access.
Suspension System Innovation
The suspension system of both backpacks is tailored for comfort during extended use. They include:
- Adjustable Harness: Allowing for a customized fit to suit individual torso lengths.
- Padded Shoulder Straps: Shaped to distribute weight evenly across the shoulders.
- The Farpoint 70 typically provides extra padding due to its larger size and capacity.
Daypack Versatility
- Detachable Daypack:
- Farpoint 55: Comes with a 15L daypack that has laptop and tablet sleeves, and can be attached to the main pack for a streamlined silhouette.
- Farpoint 70: Similarly includes a detachable daypack, which might feature additional space compared to the 55’s daypack.
- Functionality: Both daypacks offer flexibility whether used attached for cohesive transport or separately for day excursions. They’re equipped with lockable zippers and compression straps for secure and compact storage.
In each backpack, the laptop and tablet sleeves are well-padded, ensuring that electronic devices are kept safe during travel. While both packs may have the capability to attach a sleeping pad, the Farpoint 70 is more likely to come with removable sleeping pad straps given its larger capacity geared towards longer trips or more gear-intensive activities.
Comfort and Adjustability
When choosing a backpack, the comfort level and the ability to adjust it to fit your body are essential. The Osprey Farpoint series excels in these areas, offering a range of features that enhance the user’s experience, from the harness system to weight distribution.
Harness System
The harness system is a critical component for comfort, especially when carrying heavy loads.
- The Farpoint 55 and 70 both feature an adjustable harness, allowing us to fine-tune the fit to our torso length.
- The harness system provides stability and comfort, ensuring that the backpack does not shift during movement.
Hip Belt and Shoulder Straps
Hip belts and shoulder straps are responsible for transferring the weight from our shoulders to our hips.
- Both backpacks have well-padded shoulder straps and hip belts designed to curve anatomically, this helps distribute the load evenly.
- They come with load-lifter straps to adjust the angle of the pack and pull the weight closer to our body, further easing the strain on our shoulders.
Weight Distribution
Good weight distribution is key to a comfortable backpacking experience.
- The Farpoint 55 and 70 distribute the load across their frames, which helps reduce fatigue.
- The Farpoint 55, being slightly smaller, may provide an advantage in weight distribution when not fully packed, compared to the larger Farpoint 70’s capacity.
Through these features, the Osprey Farpoint series stands out for its comfort and adjustability, catering to a range of body sizes and trip durations.
Travel Readiness
When selecting a travel backpack, the Osprey Farpoint series offers robust options, but understanding their features in relation to travel needs is crucial. We’ll assess their carry-on compatibility, suitability for international travel, and flexibility for diverse travel scenarios.
Carry-on Compatibility
The Osprey Farpoint 55 is often considered a go-to for backpackers due to its two-in-one design, with a 40-liter main pack and a detachable 15-liter daypack. While the main pack approaches carry-on size, it may exceed carry-on limits for stricter airlines. In contrast, the Osprey Farpoint 70, with its more substantial volume, may not be ideal for carry-on use, typically requiring check-in.
Dimensions for Carry-on Compliance:
- Farpoint 55: Main pack is marginally larger than standard carry-on
- Farpoint 70: Too large for carry-on, best checked
International Travel Considerations
For those of us who frequently travel internationally, the compatibility of a backpack with various airlines’ luggage policies is a key concern. Unfortunately, the Farpoint 55—with its slightly larger dimensions—is less universally accepted as carry-on than a dedicated 40-liter pack. However, both bags offer a suitcase-style opening, making packing and access similar to traditional luggage.
Factors for International Travel:
- Carry-on Acceptance: Farpoint 55 may be risky; Farpoint 70 often needs checking
- Luggage Opening: Suitcase-style for easy packing in both
Backpacks for Various Travel Scenarios
Choosing between the Farpoint 55 and Farpoint 70 depends heavily on our travel scenarios. The 55-liter is ideal for hostel hopping or shorter trips where mobility and overhead bin storage are priorities. The 70-liter, on the other hand, might be more suited to longer trips or those requiring more gear, where a larger checked bag is acceptable.
Appropriate Travel Scenarios:
- Farpoint 55: Shorter trips, hostels, overhead storage
- Farpoint 70: Extended travel, additional gear, check-in luggage
Both backpacks offer the convenience of a travel pack with the organization of a suitcase, but it’s essential to consider our travel style and the nature of our trips to choose the best fit.
Practicality and Usability
In this section, we explore the practical aspects of the Osprey Farpoint 55 and 70, focusing on their distinct features in packing and compression, luggage security, and mobility.
Packing and Compression Features
The Osprey Farpoint 55 and 70 both boast substantial padding and adjustable harnesses to enhance comfort, making them well-suited for various trip lengths. They offer different packing capacities for travelers:
- Osprey Farpoint 55: Approximately 50 pounds gear capacity
- Osprey Farpoint 70: Can hold up to 65 pounds of gear
For organization, both models include mesh pockets for visibility and breathability of contents. Moreover, compression straps aid in securing the load and reducing its profile, which is especially useful if we utilize packing cubes for additional organization.
Luggage Stability and Security
Osprey is known for its secure luggage features. Both Farpoint models come equipped with lockable zippers, offering peace of mind for our belongings:
- Lockable Zipper: Provides security for the main compartment
- Lockable Sliders: Ensures the safety of the daypacks
The weight of the luggage evenly distributes, preventing it from shifting and keeping the bags stable during transit.
Ease of Mobility
Our mobility with these backpacks is a critical factor, and each has features that contribute to a smooth experience:
- Farpoint 55: More compact and likely to meet airline carry-on restrictions.
- Farpoint 70: Larger, offering more packing space but might need to be checked.
With their well-padded shoulder straps and hip belts that contour to the body, we can navigate through airports and hiking trails with ease. The zip-off daypacks in both models add versatility in how we carry our gear, operating both as integrated parts of the backpacks and standalone bags.
Additional Features
In our comparison of the Osprey Farpoint 55 and 70, we’ve identified some notable additional features that enhance their versatility and functionality, particularly for tech-savvy travelers and those needing well-organized storage options.
Technology Integration
Both the Osprey Farpoint 55 and 70 are equipped with dedicated laptop compartments and tablet sleeves. These compartments are well-padded, ensuring the safety and security of your devices during travel. The integration of technology storage is not an afterthought but a key design element, allowing quick access and protection for electronics.
- Laptop Compartment: Safely stows laptops, padding shields against impacts
- Tablet Sleeve: Separate protection for tablets, alongside the laptop compartment
Storage Options Beyond Main Compartment
Beyond the primary packing area, both backpacks offer additional storage solutions. Mesh pockets are strategically placed on the Farpoint 55 and 70, providing spaces for frequently accessed items or smaller gear that needs to be separate from the main contents.
- Mesh Pockets: Ideal for organizing accessories, located internally and externally
- Zip-Off Day Pack: Both models have detachable day packs, which increases storage versatility—carry it attached for consolidated loads or separate for day trips.
Durability and Maintenance
In our experience, the durability of a travel backpack and ease of maintenance are critical factors. We prioritize materials that can withstand the rigors of travel and consider the level of support the manufacturer provides. Here, we explore the specific attributes of the Osprey Farpoint 55 and 70 that relate to durability and maintenance.
Material Strength and Resilience
Both the Farpoint 55 and 70 are constructed with a high-denier ripstop nylon, a material known for its strength and durability. This fabric can endure extensive use and resist wear, which is crucial for travelers who frequently pack their bags to the brim. Osprey’s reputation for selecting resilient materials is evident in these backpacks, ensuring that they can sustain the challenges of diverse adventures.
- Main Material: 210D Nylon Mini Hex Diamond Ripstop
- Accent Material: 600D Packcloth
Weather Resistance
Although neither the Farpoint 55 nor the 70 comes with a built-in rain cover, their fabrics offer a degree of water resistance that helps protect your gear during light showers. However, for heavy downpours, it’s recommended to purchase a separate rain cover or use a waterproof liner to safeguard your belongings. Regular maintenance, such as cleaning and treating the fabric with water-resistant sprays, can enhance the packs’ resilience to weather.
Warranty and Customer Service
Our trust in Osprey’s products is bolstered by their All Mighty Guarantee, which promises repairs for any damage or defect for the lifetime of the backpack. Osprey’s customer service team is known for being responsive and helpful, ensuring that issues are resolved quickly. By offering extensive warranty support, Osprey underlines its commitment to the longevity of its products, making the Farpoint series a reliable choice for travelers.
- Warranty: All Mighty Guarantee
- Customer Service Contact: Accessible through Osprey’s official website or authorized retailers
By choosing materials with high resilience, providing good weather resistance options, and backing the product with excellent customer service and warranty, the Osprey Farpoint series stands out for its commitment to longevity and user satisfaction.
Product Variations
When considering the Osprey Farpoint series, we take into account the different needs of travelers which are addressed through a range of sizes and color options, as well as alternative models for varying preferences and requirements.
Color and Size Options
The Farpoint 55 and 70 come in multiple colors, offering aesthetic choices for personal preference. Specifically, the Farpoint 70 is available at least in Jasper Red and Volcanic Gray, providing both vibrant and subdued options.
Regarding size, the Farpoint 55 includes a 40L main pack coupled with a detachable 15L daypack, whereas the Farpoint 70 provides a more spacious main compartment suitable for longer trips or additional gear. It is important to note that the size increase from 55 to 70 might affect the ability to use these packs as carry-ons during air travel.
Farpoint 40 and Other Alternatives
While we’re focusing on the Farpoint 55 and 70, the Farpoint 40 deserves mention due to its design catering to airline carry-on restrictions with dimensions of 22″ x 14″ x 9″. The Farpoint 40’s smaller size is an attractive option for those wanting to travel light and avoid checked baggage.
For travelers seeking alternatives to the Farpoint series, the Osprey Porter 46 emerges as a compelling option. With its emphasis on portability and organization, the Porter 46 stands as a strong contender for those prioritizing urban travel.
In summary, our consideration of the Farpoint series and its variations takes a comprehensive look at size, color, and alternative model options, ensuring that we address the diverse needs of modern travelers.
Price and Value for Money
When considering the Osprey Farpoint series, it’s essential for us to examine the price and the value for money that each backpack offers, particularly when deciding between the Farpoint 55 and 70 models. We’ll look at their costs, and assess their investment worth for various travelers.
Cost Comparison
The Osprey Farpoint 55 tends to be slightly less expensive than the Osprey Farpoint 70. Here’s a basic cost breakdown:
- Osprey Farpoint 55: $180-$200
- Osprey Farpoint 70: $200-$220
Note: Prices may vary based on the retailer and sales.
Investment Worth
For rural and budget travelers, both backpacks represent a significant investment in terms of quality and functionality. We’ve gathered from reviews that the value for money is high for both models, given Osprey’s reputation for durability and comfort.
Osprey Farpoint 55: Offers a 2-in-1 system with its detachable daypack, making it a versatile option for travelers who need a compliant carry-on for most airlines.
Osprey Farpoint 70: Provides more space and is worth the extra cost if carrying more gear is necessary, especially for longer trips or for those traveling in pairs.
Our assessment indicates that both backpacks hold their value well over time, making them a solid investment for frequent travelers. The specific capacity requirements and travel style should guide the decision between the two.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
In this final section, we’ll provide a succinct verdict and tailored recommendations for the Osprey Farpoint series, focusing particularly on the needs of different travelers considering the Farpoint 55 and 70.
Verdict
The Osprey Farpoint 55 Men’s Travel Backpack and its counterpart in the Fairview series for women are excellent choices for the digital nomad or the weekend warrior. This series stands out for its versatility, packed with features such as padded laptop and tablet sleeves. For those flying on budget airlines, the Farpoint 55 has the edge as it complies with many carry-on restrictions, avoiding extra baggage fees.
Recommendations for Specific Travelers
- For the Digital Nomad: The Farpoint 55 is our recommended pick due to its size being more suitable for carry-on requirements, an essential for those jumping from one location to another.
- For travelers checking bags and needing extra space, the Farpoint 70 provides additional capacity.
- Compatibility with Budget Airlines: Those adhering to strict carry-on limitations would favor the Farpoint 55 for its compliance with any budget carrier restrictions.
- For fans of the Fairview Series, the Fairview 55 offers similar benefits for women with an adjustable harness and hip belt designed for typical female body shapes.
Frequently Asked Questions
In this section, we’re addressing common inquiries regarding the Osprey Farpoint 55 and 70 backpacks, providing clear, concise answers to help you make an informed decision.
What are the differences in capacity between the Osprey Farpoint 55 and 70?
The primary difference is the volume: the Farpoint 55 offers a combined capacity of 55 liters, with a main compartment and a detachable daypack, while the Farpoint 70 provides a larger 70-liter space to accommodate more gear.
How does the comfort and fit compare between the Farpoint 55 and Farpoint 70 models?
Both models feature ample padding, adjustable harnesses, and tailored shoulder strap and hip belt design for comfort. The choice between the two may come down to personal preference and the amount of gear carried, as the larger size of the 70 can affect fit when fully loaded.
Are there significant weight differences between the Farpoint 55 and the Farpoint 70?
The Farpoint 55 is lighter due to its smaller size, making it easier to carry for those who want to minimize their load. The Farpoint 70, on the other hand, is slightly heavier, reflecting its greater capacity.
Can the Osprey Farpoint 55 accommodate long-term travel as effectively as the 70 version?
Yes, the Farpoint 55 can accommodate long-term travel effectively, especially for those looking to travel more compactly. Its capacity is suitable for various trip lengths, though the 70 may be preferable for those needing more space for additional gear or purchases made while traveling.
What are the pros and cons of choosing the Farpoint 70 over the 55 for international travel?
The Farpoint 70’s advantage is its larger capacity, which can hold more gear for longer trips or multiple travelers. The downside is the additional weight and potential difficulties with airline carry-on restrictions. Conversely, the 55 may be less cumbersome for international travel and is typically carry-on compliant.
Has the design of the Osprey Farpoint 55 changed significantly in recent years?
Recent updates to the design of the Farpoint 55 have focused on making it fully carry-on compliant while maintaining its versatile 2-in-1 backpack system which includes a detachable daypack for day trips from your base destination.
