Cons: no accessible pockets while wearing. Be practical and sew a thin fabric pocket on the right hip strap to drop your phone in. Add a matching one on the left for your super skinny wallet. Straps too long: measure, cut and sear the new ends of the straps to reduce the number of dangling leashes. Remove entirely the inside compression straps. Your pack will always be full and contents will not shift. No one who finds y our lost pack will EVER find the name/address pocket rolled up and hidden in bottom cavity. Sew a name/address patch on the Osprey logo black tongue inside the laptop section. It will quickly be discovered by anyone who finds your pack.

HamsterOnARoll

EX New York City

To travel as a couple we got the Farpoint and Fairview 40. Super easy to pack. The support structure spreads the weight out so effectively they're very comfortable. Others talked about the laptop sleeve being problematic but we don't take one with us so I can't speak to that. Also we didn't experience the water bottle difficulties others did. We put the bottle of the water bottle in the mesh and ran the compression strap through the top of the bottle and it worked very well. The only downside we saw was that the material on the back keeps you pretty warm and sweaty backs are frequent- but I think that's true of most packs. Love these backpacks! We're excited to keep using them.

Jess and Ansel

Minnesota

Before hiking the Camino for two weeks last month, I researched travel packs extensively. This one is the best, even with the Cons I have listed. Other reviewers noted the water bottle issue. Packing with two medium cubes really helped keeping my pack organized. Four and a half stars!

Marty

Camino, CA

I own three Osprey packs but this was my first and it's been with me everywhere. I have taken it to India twice, once for two weeks and once for 2 whole months. I''m about to take it to India again. I've also used it for several shorter domestic trips as well as simply a weekender bag. It has held up great. There are some signs of scuffing and a few small tears but that's to be expected. I used it both as a carry-on only and checked bag when it was too heavy for carry-on in domestic flights within India. I have always been able to pack everything I needed in this bag. I think the biggest plus are the internal compression straps. This makes it possible to pack so much more than you would think. I have the S/M which is technically only 38 liters but I can tell you I haven't missed those last two liters at all. The hip strap is also vital for when the pack becomes really full but it works like a dream. As others have said, the position of the laptop compartment isn't great and can make packing difficult if you are trying to pack to capacity after a long trip and you have several souvenirs you're trying to get home. I think if they ever redesign this bag with the laptop compartment against the back, they'll have THE perfect all around travel bag for one bag/minimalist travel.

Aizlyne

Burlingame,CA

I bought this in anticipation of a two-week trip because I wanted something a little bigger than my North Face pack. I can't say enough good things about the Farpoint 40. To give a little perspective on the use, I traveled with my two young kids and husband and we spent two weeks traveling in SE Asia. We visited 6 countries and took 12 flights. Needless to say, we packed and unpacked a LOT. My husband was jealous of my pack (enough that he inherited mine and I bought the Fairview 40 when we returned) because it fit things SO well and is exceptionally accessible, without looking like you're carrying a suitcase on your back. We flew on United, Cebu Pacific, Lion Air, Air Asia, and Air Mauritius. I'm 5'11" so am picky about leg room, but this pack fit well under the seat on every plane (I tried it before placing overhead, just to see), including the three budget airlines, plus fit with ease in the overhead bins. I easily fit three eBags small packing cubes (11 x 6.75 x 3) inside and secured by the Farpoint's inner compression straps, plus a pair of flip-flops, electronics, a LectroFan white noise machine (ridiculous, I know), and toiletries bag. Still had plenty of room. I suppose if you overpacked this, it would be hard to fit under the seat, but I honestly had zero problems. I'll keep recommending this pack to everyone, it's awesome.

Lisa

Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands

I bought this pack primarily for business travel to replace a rolling suitcase, knowing I would use it for leisure as well. Excellent concept, design and execution. Very durable; I've loaded it very heavily with no issues. Ideal for remaining hands-free in airport lines. Absolutely fits in every overhead bin I've tried. The pack is comfortable and roomy (I'm constantly surprised at how much I can load into mine. A few minor gripes: the interior compression straps work great but can get lost while packing; the exterior mesh pockets could be a bit roomier for a water bottle, etc but the exterior compression straps hold everything in; I find the partitions in the laptop pocket to be superfluous; exterior pockets on the side would be handy. Final note: I thought I would use the zipper cover over the straps but I don't; it's just not convenient before boarding, etc. I do use the overly large storage pocket for the cover for other items like my rain jacket, laptop charger, etc. as I find the Velcro closure very secure.

Doug

Panama City Beach

I bought this bag for a round the world trip with my boyfriend. I bought him the same bag for the trip because it was so good. We've saved hundreds of Euros on flights because these bags fit as hand luggage on all flights. Not only that, 3 months into my trip I broke my foot and had to use two crutches for 6 weeks. The bag was so well fitted and neat that I was actually able to carry it with my two crutches no problem!

Gillian

Ireland

This is a great bag. It has fit on all airlines as a carry-on, never had issues in that regard. The bag opens up very wide, and is easy to pack. It works well with packing cubes, and the compression straps along the outside are great to cinch the bag down. I have used it for camping, weekend trips, day hikes, 4-5 day backpacking trips (in moderate climate). The bag is great. The only complaint is that the laptop pouch is not heavily padded, and just seems as though it may bend the laptop if the bag were to be too full.

Rob K

Toronto, Canada

My partner and I bought these packs over 2 years ago now. They still look brand new, despite using them quite a lot. We have the large size (42 Litres). This size is perfect for us, and we intend on using them when we travel full time. I only have a few issues with this bag. 1. The laptop compartment is at the front of the bag. This changes how the weight is distributed. It should be against your back. 2. The water bottle holders at the front are pretty useless. If your bag isn't completely full, you can use them. But with the straps going over the top, it's still not very convenient or secure. 3. I wish there were more compartments for little pieces. Apart from those issues, I love these bags and do recommend them.

Anna

Australia

I was looking for a travel backpack for some time, first was looking for wheeled backpacks but found it kind of not being practical for me, i do quiet a bit of business and leisure travel a year (5-8 times) and well aware of a good backpack or carry-on pros & cons. finally i came to decide between this backpack and eagle creek 40 liter one and chose this, really like it.

ar80

Moreno Valley, CA