Osprey Farpoint 70 Review
The Osprey Farpoint 70 has become my go-to pack for adventure travel trips lasting longer than two weeks. Nearly identical to its smaller cousin that I’ve also reviewed, the Farpoint 55, this pack has become popular pick among travel adventurists because of its versatility as a travel pack that is also super comfortable for trail hiking. This was my fourth Osprey pack purchase, prior to a three week trek in the highland jungles of Peru. Since then it’s taken me to snowy mountains, weekend trips to Vegas, and anywhere else I need to exists for a while.
Features
Thanks to it’s LiteWire suspension frame, a technology that transfers the weight load from the harness to the hipbelt, the Farpoint 70 blends comfort and performance in one hell of a bag.
The pack features a foam-mesh backboard wicks away moisture as well as shoulder straps and a hip belt can be zipped up and completely concealed by an integrated back panel. This allows it to be carried by handles conveniently located on the top and side (just like a piece of luggage), making it uber easy to handle while boarding a plane or while trying to place the bag in overhead storage.
The Farpoint 70 Day Pack
Included with the Farpoint 70 (a two bag combination) is a feature loaded day pack that zips away from the outer shell of the main pack. The day pack’s primary compartment is large enough to carry a full change of close plus the lunch you picked up before boarding the plane. A laptop/tablet sleeve within is wide enough to carry a average sized notebook and will still manage to accommodate one with other items loaded in.
Other features of the day pack are: a hydration sleeve for a small water bladder, a scratch-proof webbed zipping inner pocket in which a key clip is anchored, an outer zipping pocket for quick access items, a waist strap that can be concealed through ports at the bottom of the back board, and yes, that nice vented mesh backboard to wick away moisture.
Pack Configuration
What I love about this pack the most is the various ways you can wear or carry it depending on your needs.
When I’m going fast or trying to make distance, I’ll wear the pack fully on my back.
When I travel to areas where theft is a problem, I typically put my valuables in the day pack and wear it up front. Clips in the day pack match up with receiving clips in the main pack’s shoulder straps.
When boarding a plane, I’ll conceal the back straps and waist belt on the main pack, carry it by the side handle, and wear the day pack. This reduces baggage check hassle. See below.
The Carry On Question
Yes, you can carry on the Farpoint 70 when you fly with little hassle. Does it technically meet the specifications of most bag sizing devices you see at the gate? No. But thanks to the soft/wire design, it gives nicely unlike rigged luggage if you’re asked to. In my experience, what’s really more important is how you carry the bag. I’ve flown with the Farpoint 70 at least 12 times both domestically and internationally. I’ve never once been asked to check it.
Specifications & Size Guide
The is a unisex travel pack that comes in two sizes:
S/M dimensions 24H x 13W x 13D (inches) weighing 3.75 (pounds)
M/L dimensions 26H x 14W x 13D (inches), weighing 3.92 (pounds)
Whether you should get the Small/Medium or Medium/Large sized pack depends on your torso length.
S/M if your torso 14″ – 17″ (35.5 cm – 43 cm)
M/L if your torso is 20″ or more. (51 cm)
You can get either if your torso falls between 18″ – 19″.
Three colors are currently available: Volcanic Grey, Caribbean Blue, and Jasper Red
Bonus: if you pack lightly, the day pack also fits nicely inside of the main pack. Once you’ve acquired things on your trip, it can then make an appearance.
As with every Osprey pack, a safety whistle is built into the chest trap buckle – back off bandits.