Osprey makes some of the best backpacks money can buy, and that includes their travel backpacks. They are a great alternative for a traditional suitcase because they usually have more pockets and compartments, which allows for better organization.
So, whether you just like to travel light, or you want to go backpacking through Europe this summer, you won’t go wrong with an Osprey backpack. In this review, we’ll take a look at several different travel backpacks that they offer, and help you choose the one that is perfect for your needs.
At A Glance: Osprey's Best Travel Backpacks
All of the backpacks below are available in several different sizes, so be sure to choose one that is most appropriate for the length of your trip. Don’t get a 70L backpack if you’re only going away for a few days! To see what else you should have in mind when choosing just the right travel backpack for you, join me in the rest of this review of the best Osprey travel backpacks!
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The Farpoint is a men’s backpack and it’s available in 4 different sizes. You can see some of their basic specifications in the product information below.
The smallest version of this backpack can also be a carry-on, but the other 3 versions are too large, and they would have to be checked. And, as you can see from the table, the 55 and 70 Faipoints also feature a zip-off daypack.
That is actually a smaller backpack that can be detached from the body of the Fairpoint and it is much more practical for day-to-day adventures. Those are the main differences between these 4 different versions of this Osprey backpacks.
As for their other features, they are very much similar – apart from their sizes, obviously. All of them feature compression straps that will secure the load of the backpack, as well as a padded sleeve for your electronics. The 40L version has a padded tablet sleeve, whereas the larger 3 backpacks have a laptop sleeve.
The compression straps also act as an anti-theft feature because once they are buckled, the zipper of the backpack is not visible and cannot be accessed that easily – which is a big benefit!
All 4 versions of this backpack are equipped with padded, adjustable shoulder straps that will ensure your comfort throughout the day. And also, all of them have several different pockets, both inside the main compartment as well as on the exterior.
Another great thing that Osprey remembered to include in the design of all of the backpacks is the sternum strap with an emergency whistle.
If you would like to find out more about the Fairpoint, you can check out my detailed comparison of the 40 and 55 backpacks. In addition to that, you can also check out my comparison of the Farpoint and Porter backpacks, for even more information.
The Fairview backpack is very similar to the Fairpoint; in fact, it is actually the women’s version of it, and it shares most of Fairpoint’s features. This particular women’s backpack is available in 3 variants.
The 40L version conforms to most carry-on standards, and you can read in detail about it in this review. It is the only Fairview that doesn’t feature a zip-off daypack or removable sleeping bag straps. The rest of its features are very much alike to those of the larger two backpacks.
All 3 Fairviews have a padded laptop and tablet sleeve, as well as a scratch-free zippered pocket for your phone or sunglasses. Additionally, all of them have a zip-away mesh back panel, which allows you to open up the bag like a suitcase.
All in all, Fairview is an excellent choice for women, particularly because of its ergonomic design. But, it is not the only choice – in the rest of the review we’ll take a look at some Osprey Unisex travel backpacks, so stay tuned for more.
The back system of the Fairview was designed specifically to better fit the shape of the female body, with the ergonomically shaped hipbelt, yoke, harness, and back panel.
In addition to that, the shoulder straps are adjustable and padded – all of these features were put in place to ensure that you stay comfortable while carrying this bag. Well, as comfortable as you can be with 40+ pounds on your shoulders.
The zipper pullers on the Fairview are all padlock compatible. However, if you want to utilize this added security feature, you will have to porches a padlock separately. The larger two backpacks also allow for a ‘kangaroo style’ attachment of the daypack, for when you want to have all your smaller valuables handy.
In the rest of the review, we’ll take a look at 3 great unisex backpacks. All of them are available in a few different sizes and colors, and all of them have something in common – they feature wheels. So if you prefer to have to option of wheeling your backpack around once you get tired of carrying it, one of these might be just perfect for you!
Convertible Wheeled PackThe Sojourn is a convertible piece of luggage that is available in 3 different sizes. The smallest one (45 L) conforms to most carry-on standards, whereas the larger two would have to check if you were to take them on a flight. You can see some of their basic specifications below.
When it comes to the Sojourn backpacks, the 3 versions have all the exact same features; they only differ in their respective sizes. That is what I particularly like about this model – you don’t have to sacrifice any good features if you opt for the smallest version of it.
The back panel is easily convertible.
What I like the most about it is that there is not much fuss when switching the Sojourn from shoulder straps to wheels. The process is quick, easy, and very neat. Additionally, the telescopic wheel handle is made of aluminum and can be secured into the extended position with the push of a button.
The Sojourn backpacks feature compression straps both inside and outside, and you can rest assured your stuff will stay in the exact same place you packed it in. In addition to that, there is also an adjustable harness, as well as a hipbelt. So, when you are actually carrying the bag on your shoulders, you will be able to secure it tightly and distribute its load among your entire torso.
The organizational freak in you will love the Sojourn because it has a lot of different pockets, both inside and outside the backpacks. However, there is no dedicated laptop pocket, which is something you should be aware of. But, there is plenty of room in the main compartment for your laptop, so if you don’t mind tucking it in between a few t-shirts, you’ll be good to go with the Sojourn.
The Osprey Transporter range is perfect for travel and the Transporter Wheeled Duffel is on the top of the list.
Sure, this is not actually a travel “backpack” but it is perfect for those who don’t want to have to “carry” their luggage most of the time but want the easy packing that a duffel offers.
In many ways, the Transporter Duffel is like the Patagonia Black Hole, which is also super popular. And it even looks the same with the glossy recycled Polyester they have used.
Osprey has kept this duffel nice and simple, with a huge packing compartment combined with compression straps to keep things in place. On the lid there is a zippered mesh panel for all those fiddly extras.
In terms of carrying, this is meant to be rolled baby! But there are still carry handles on the top and side for those moments when you need to load it into the car or at the check-in.
The Ozone Osprey Duplex is another great backpack for travel. It comes with the convertible aspects of the Farpoint but also includes a detachable daypack. Which as we all know, a day pack is a must for travel.
On the inside, the Ozone Convertible doesn’t differ much from the previous two backpacks. It also has interior compression straps, but it has an internal organization pocket as well as an internal security pocket.
The padded laptop sleeve is also hidden away in the daypack, and not in the main compartment of the backpack. I particularly like this feature, because it means that when you want to take just the daypack along with you, you will still have a designated compartment for your electronics.
The Ozone Duplex has various padded handles for when you are carrying this as “luggage. But also packable straps that can be hidden on the back panel like with the Farpoint/Fairview series. It also has a handy shoulder strap should you just want to get somewhere fast and not unpack all the straps.
All in all, this is a smart combination of a large travel pack and a daypack with all the great features Osprey normally puts into just one of these pack types. It’s just that in this case, you get them all!
If you are going to be spending a lot of time on airplanes, you should definitely get a carry-on version. That way you will save a lot of money on baggage fees, which in my opinion, makes these backpacks even more valuable.
The backpacks that have a capacity of up to 50L usually conform to most airlines’ standards for a carry-on. However, that can depend on how much stuff you pack inside them. If you over-pack your luggage, it will weigh more and you might not be able to bring it inside the cabin. Therefore, pack wisely.
So, look out for the number that’s in the name of the backpack. Anything up to 50L (and maybe 55 if you’re really lucky) should be just the right size for a carry-on.
Even if you think you don’t really need a detachable daypack, consider getting one; trust me you’ll love it. I’m telling you this from personal experience; a friend talked me into getting a travel backpack with a detachable daypack, and I’ve been forever grateful to him ever since.
With a detachable daypack, you won’t have to carry all of your items wherever you go. This means that there will be much less strain on your shoulders and back, and you won’t get tired so easily. Additionally, all Osprey daypacks have padded laptop sleeves and several different pockets that will keep all your necessities perfectly safe.
This information will be listed in the tables that are at the beginning of each section. Additionally, it is also quite easy to tell from the pictures if an Osprey travel backpack features a smaller, detachable daypack – if it looks like it’s pregnant then it most certainly does.
In this review, we will take a detailed look at several backpacks that have the option of being wheeled around. This is particularly beneficial for everyone who is considering getting a big piece of luggage.
With a big backpack, you will have a lot of weight on your shoulders. Naturally, you will get tired more easily, and in those moments, having the option of wheeling it around like a suitcase will really come in handy.
If you are specifically looking for this type of backpack, then immediately hop over to the latter part of the review. All of them are unisex and highly adjustable, so they will fit everyone perfectly.
Honestly, you can’t go wrong with any of these backpacks. First of all, you should decide on whether you want to get a backpack that you can also wheel around when your shoulders get tired, or you just want a regular one.
If you don’t think you will need the option of wheels, then get either the Farpoint or the Fairview – depending on your gender obviously. Additionally, these two backpacks are much better options for shorter trips, due to their lightweight and design.
The Osprey Farpoint is an excellent men’s backpack if a backpack is all you are looking for. It comes in several different sizes, which makes it easy to pick one perfect for your specific needs.
For a shorter trip, I’d say the 55 is the ideal one. Even though it’s not really meant to be a carry-on, you might just be able to sneak it inside the cabin – if you don’t fully pack it that is. I say that because the daypack can be detached from the main body of the Farpoint, which will in turn make it smaller and lighter.
For women, the ergonomic design of the Osprey Fairview will keep you comfortable every step of the way. In addition to that, the sternum straps and the hipbelt will just enhance the feeling of comfort, and the backpack won’t feel like such a big burden.
You’ll also love the ability of the larger two versions to utilize just the daypack when you’re on the go. Honestly, in my opinion, regardless of the length of your trip, choose an Osprey backpack that has a detachable backpack. You will definitely use it much more than you need to, and trust me, you do not want to have to carry all of your items with you all the time.
If you would prefer to have the option of switching to wheels when you get tired of carrying the backpack on your shoulders, then I would have to recommend the Osprey Ozone Convertible.
I’d go for the Ozone solely because it seems to offer a fuller package than the other two – it is lighter, it has a larger daypack and it comes in a carry-on size. And in addition to all of that, it is the cheapest out of the bunch. I don’t know about you, but saving $50 is always a big plus in my book!
All of the Osprey backpacks we looked at today are high-quality gear, and they would all make excellent travel companions. Choose one that you like most, and then head over to Amazon – but only if you want to get a really good deal. :>