The Osprey Farpoint 55 isn’t just another travel backpack, it’s a genuine game-changer that’s managed to hack the airline system while delivering serious outdoor performance. At £190, it’s not cheap, but after extensive testing from Dubrovnik’s cobbled streets to Pembrokeshire’s coastal paths, It has really impressed me. I’ve long been aware of this pack but hadn’t had the chance to try it and I’ve now realised I’ve been missing out. 

★★★★★

Comfort: 8/10
Organisation: 9/10
Durability: 10/10
Travel suitability: 10/10
Value: 8/10
Overall: 9.5/10

Pros: Both packs can be carried on most airlines, very durable, excellent warranty coverage, good carry comfort.
Cons: Short of some interior organisation pockets, quite bulky when full and does extend a long way from your back.

Design & Build Quality

Osprey has clearly learned from years of traveller feedback with the Farpoint 55 (the women’s version is the Fairview). The blue model I tested has a quality look and feel about it, the 420D bottom fabric feels bombproof, while the lighter denier panels elsewhere still inspire confidence for long-term durability.

The genius lies in the details: oversized zipper tabs that work with cold fingers, multiple grab handles for easy overhead compartment access, and lockable zippers that provide genuine security without fuss and the adjustable back system uses velcro pads rather than complex mechanisms, making on-the-go adjustments refreshingly simple.

What really sets this apart is the detachable daypack system. This isn’t some flimsy add-on – it’s a properly functional 13-litre pack that counts as your ‘personal item’ on most flights, essentially letting you carry 55 litres of gear across two bags. 

Comfort & Fit

At 5’10” with an average build, I found the Farpoint 55 delivered impressive comfort even when loaded to its 14kg test weight (including camera gear and tripod). The AirScape back panel isn’t as breathable as suspended mesh systems, but I found it was able to perform admirably during Croatia’s summer heat. I tend to prefer these kinds of back systems as they keep the load closer to your back. They also make the pack flatter and easier to store away when not in use.

The adjustable harness and hip belt impressed me during long carry days. Unlike many travel packs that prioritise packability over comfort, Osprey hasn’t skimped on proper load transfer. The hip belt is admittedly minimalist compared to dedicated hiking packs – that’s the trade-off for tuck-away functionality – but it still does the job effectively.

The only niggle is centre of gravity. Fully loaded, the pack sits noticeably away from your back, creating that distinctive “turtle shell” silhouette that marks you out as a backpacker. It’s stable enough on uneven terrain, but proper hiking backpacks definitely feel more balanced.

Travel Performance

Here’s where the Farpoint 55 truly shines. Our EasyJet flight attendant literally waved us through baggage checks after recognising the pack – apparently, they’re familiar enough with its cabin baggage compliance that it’s become a visual shorthand for “this one’s fine.”

The suitcase-style opening definitely helps for organising and accessing your kit, letting you see and access everything without the usual rummage-fest. The internal mesh pocket keeps essentials separate, while the front pocket on the detachable daypack proved perfect for keeping a passport within easy reach (it might not be the safest place to store it, mind).

If you’re not carrying the Farpoint onto a flight and instead are checking it into the hold, it’s genuinely useful that you can then use the smaller pack for your essentials. You can also totally tuck the straps on the main pack away to minimise issues when it’s going through the hold conveyor belt system. On that note, the rain cover doubles as transit protection too. 

Outdoor Credentials

Don’t mistake this for a travel pack that happens to have straps. In fact, the Farpoint 55 holds its own outdoors. Testing along sections of the Camino Korcula coastal trail revealed a pack that can hold its own on multi-day hiking adventures.

The compression system works brilliantly for both airline compliance and trail performance, pulling weight closer to your back and creating space for external gear attachment. It does however lack dedicated hiking features, like hipbelt pockets and trekking pole attachment points. 

For day excursions, the detachable pack proved invaluable on my trip to Croatia. It was ideal for city visits and for a morning ATV tour. I like that it’s got a good quality feel and look to it too – it actually comes across as a legit daypack and not just a flimsy no frills back-up.

Durability & Weather Protection

I’ve had this for months now and used it on four separate trips, including one week-long overseas trip (to the Dubrovnik riviera) and there’s been no visible wear. To me the pack feels built to withstand years of travel abuse. The included rain cover performed as to requirements during a wet trip in Wales, while the fabric of the packs themselves shrugs off light rain and staining.

More importantly, Osprey’s All Mighty Guarantee backs the Farpoint for life. That’s not marketing fluff – they’ll repair or replace components free of charge, making the £190 investment genuinely long-term. 

What We’d Change

The minimal hipbelt padding becomes a little noticeable on extended carries. It might also be useful if the hipbelt was removable as that would add versatility for urban use. This is a minor qualm though.

The laptop sleeve, while well-positioned, could benefit from more protective padding and also one additional internal pocket would help organise smaller items that don’t need quick access but that you also don’t want rattling around loose in the main compartment.

The Competition

Having tested everything from the more basic Cotopaxi Allpa to high-end travel duffels, the Farpoint 55 occupies a unique position. The Allpa is cheaper but nowhere near as comfortable or durable. Traditional duffels like Patagonia’s Black Hole offer style but far less carrying comfort. Dedicated hiking packs provide better outdoor performance but most fail when it comes to airline compliance.

Yes, it’s heavier than some pure travel packs and less featured than pure hiking packs, but it’s the only option that manages to excel at both.

Who Should Buy This?

Adventure travellers who refuse to choose between comfort and capability will love the Farpoint 55 – or the women’s equivalent, the Fairview. If you’re planning multi-destination trips involving flights, trains, and hiking trails, this pack eliminates the usual gear compromises.

Digital nomads and travel photographers will appreciate the laptop sleeve and organisational features, while the lifetime warranty makes it attractive for frequent flyers who burn through lesser packs.

Who Shouldn’t?

Style-conscious urban travellers might find the “backpacker” aesthetic off-putting. The bulk when fully loaded isn’t subtle, and managing two separate packs (when using the detachable system) won’t suit everyone.

Pure hikers might want to stick with dedicated outdoor packs for serious multi-day adventures, while ultra-light travellers will probably find this a little on the heavy side at 1.87kg. 

Final Verdict

This has revolutionised my approach to adventure travel, eliminating the usual choice between airline compliance and outdoor capability. It actually managed to exceed my expectations in regards to its convenience. 

At £190, it’s expensive but justified by build quality, versatility, and lifetime support. For adventurous travellers who value both comfort and capability, I do think it’s worth every penny. 

Best for: Adventure travellers, digital nomads, anyone who hates checked baggage fees
Avoid if: You prioritise style over function or need dedicated hiking features
Buy it if: You want one pack that handles everything from airport sprints to mountain trails