Construction

Osprey Farpoint 70

These Osprey backpacks are constructed of quality materials known for their durability. Chief among these materials is polyester. The polyester fabric give the bags a durable and yet, light feel.

Included in the design of the bags is a detachable daypack. The daypack is made of the same materials as the main pack, thus ensuring its durability and lightness. There is no difference between the daypacks of these two bags. It’s basically the same daypack placed into two different main packs.

Gear Capacity, Space and Size

The Osprey Farpoint 55 and 70 come in two sizes: S/M and M/L. The S/M-sized bags are for individuals having a torso length around 18” and a height below 5’6’’. The M/L-sized bags are better suited for individuals above 5’6” with a torso length greater than 18”.

With the inclusion of the daypack, the Farpoint 55 has a gear capacity of 53L for the S/M-sized bag and 55L for the M/L-sized bag, while the Farpoint 70 has a gear capacity of 68L for the S/M-sized bag and 70L for the M/L-sized bag. The daypack has a gear capacity of 15L, so If it is removed, the Farpoint 55 would have a gear capacity of 40L while the Farpoint 70 would have a capacity of 55L.

For all intents and purposes, the Farpoint 70 is just a larger version of the Farpoint 55. They share almost the same features with the major difference being that the Farpoint 70 has more space than the 55.

Even though the Farpoint 70 is the bigger of the two, they still possess the same height, and a fixed internal frame helps to keep this height constant. The Farpoint 70 exceeds the Farpoint 55 in terms of width and depth by an extra inch, thus making it extend more from your back than the 55.

Colors

Both backpacks have three different colour options: red (Jasper Red), grey (Volcanic Grey) or blue (Persian Blue).

Carry-On Compliance

Strictly speaking, these bags do not meet the carry-on size requirements. However, several users have discovered that if the bags are not loaded up to the maximum, they could be compressed to the required carry-on size and pass the carry-on test in most airlines.

Detachable Daypack

The detachable 15L daypack has a main area, a laptop sleeve, two external mesh pockets and a small easy-access pocket on its front. It however has no lockable zipper. Many customers are of the opinion that the daypack is not a really useful feature. Most claim to already have more comfortable and bigger daypacks. Some users complained that it took up space in the main pack and gave a distinctive bulge, while others felt its rounded shape made it hard for it to stand on its own. A really striking observation was that if both the daypack and the main pack are fully loaded, it becomes quite difficult to zip your bag.

Click here to get more details on the Osprey Farpoint 55

Click here to get more details on the Osprey Farpoint 70

Compartments and Security

Osprey Farpoint 55

With the exclusion of the daypack, both the Farpoint 55 and 70 have a lockable main compartment with a zippered large access panel, laptop and tablet sleeves, three internal mesh pockets, and a zippered mesh on its front flap. They also have two external mesh pockets that can serve as water bottle holders and a zipped pocket at the top of the bag for keeping stuff you might want to access quickly. Some users claimed that they could only put small water bottles of half-liter capacity into the bags’ external mesh pockets.

Padding and Comfortability

Both of these Osprey backpacks are noted for their thick foam padding and comfortability. They come with well-padded chest (or sternum) straps and shoulder straps, effective hip straps, and a well-ventilated back panel with mesh covering. The comfortability of these bags make them a perfect choice for extended hiking trips and long trekking periods.

Durability and Warranty

As with all Osprey products, the Farpoint 55 and 70 are covered by Osprey’s lifetime warranty. Once your bag gets damaged, return it to a store that carries them and get a new one for free. Customers cashing into this warranty offer are few and far between, as these bags are truly durable.

Loading Style

Both backpacks are designed using the quite popular front-loading style. The bag opens like a suitcase, you load it up and then you close it via the zipper running down its sides. The advantage of this loading style is the ease and speed with which you can access the contents in the bag when the need arises.

Stowaway Capability

If you want to check either of these bags in the airport rather than take it in as a carry-on, you can stow the shoulder, chest and hip straps in a zippered flap at the bag’s rear. To give the bag an even slimmer profile, you can remove the ventilated back panel.

Convenient Features

Both bags feature compression straps to properly secure your load during transit, sturdy and well-padded carry handles for ease of transportation, and emergency whistles in their sternum straps. In addition, they possess attachment points on the sides for hiking gear, such as your helmet or even trekking poles. There is also an added feature whereby you can clip the detachable daypack to the straps of the main pack and then place it in your front, rather than having it hang awkwardly off your back via an attachment point. This distributes the load’s weight evenly and makes you more balanced.

Pros and Cons of the Osprey Farpoint 55

Pros

• Made of durable and light materials
• Well-padded and comfortable
• Lifetime warranty
• Mildly water resistant
• Great choice for extended trips

Cons

• Lesser gear capacity and space than the Porter 70
• Rain covers have to be purchased separately

Pros and Cons of the Osprey Farpoint 70

Pros

• Greater gear capacity and space than the Farpoint 55
• Made of durable and light materials
• Lifetime warranty
• Mildly water resistant
• Well-padded and comfortable
• Great choice for extended trips

Cons

• Rain covers have to be purchased separately
• More space means more weight

Osprey Farpoint 55 – Click here to check ratings and reviews

Osprey Farpoint 70 – Click here to check ratings and reviews