International Travel Backpack Review: 2-in-1 Osprey Travel Pack

(This is article 4 of 4 of the Pack Like a Pro series.)

Introduction

When planning your next adventure, choosing the right travel backpack is essential for a smooth and enjoyable journey. With countless options available in the market, finding the perfect one can be overwhelming. To help you make an informed decision, here are my three must-have features a travel backpack should have.

1. Versatility: Consider backpacks with convertible options, allowing them to transform into daypacks. The versatility is perfect for adapting to different travel situations. Choose lightweight backpacks that won't add unnecessary weight to your load. Additionally, look for foldable or packable designs that save space when not in use.

2. Ample Capacity with Carry-On size dimensions: Consider the size of the backpack, ensuring it offers ample space to hold all your travel essentials comfortably. Look for various compartments and pockets to keep your belongings organized and easily accessible.

3. Ergonomic Design: Prioritize backpacks with padded shoulder straps and a breathable back panel. And more importantly, adjustable chest and waist straps help distribute weight evenly, reducing strain on your back.

With a backpack that checks off these three key features, you’ll be ready for any situation while traveling through multiple countries with various terrains and transportation systems. Walking on cobblestone streets or climbing up the stairs with no elevator? No problem. If your flight has connections, you don’t have to worry about missing a connecting flight or losing luggage along the way. The backpack I personally love using is the Osprey Fairview 55.

How did I end up with the Osprey Fairview 55? Many years ago I tried two cheaper travel packs from other brands. I found that they were too bulky, uncomfortable, not multifunctional and didn’t fit everything I needed. Here’s why the Fairview 55L travel pack checks off all the must-have features:

Osprey Fairview 55L Review

(by clicking the pictures above you will be directed to the Amazon links for the Women's Fairpoint 55L)

Versatility

Let me just start with explaining that the Osprey Fairview 55 liter is actually a 2-in-1 backpack! The 55L comes from the detachable daypack (15L) that attaches to the carry-on portion (40L) by a zipper. This is my favorite feature about it. Whether you're embarking on a day hike, a weekend getaway, or an international trip, Osprey designed this backpack to cater to your diverse travel needs. With convenient features like detachable daypacks, multiple compartments and compression straps, you can efficiently organize your belongings for any adventure. 

When I travel, I always prefer to have a day pack so I can carry essential items I want to have easily accessible during a flight. I also prefer to have a day pack so I can go to the beach, hiking, or just to bring an extra jacket. 

Ample Capacity with Carry-On size dimensions

The 55L capacity is not too small and not too big. It's perfect for trips in Europe and Asia when I’m traversing through multiple countries, terrains and public transport systems. For flights, I used the daypack as my personal item and stored the main pack in the overhead bid. If your pack isn’t filled up all the way, there are straps on the outside to help compress the bag.

Tip: different airlines have different carry-on size requirements. I brought the 55L pack on several different airlines through Europe and I was able to use it as a carry-on with no issues :) 

Ergonomic Design

Comfort is paramount during long trips, and Osprey excels in providing ergonomic designs. The travel backpack comes with exceptional comfort and support: padded shoulder straps, adjustable shoulder/chest/hip straps, adjustable torso length, and breathable back panels. allowing you to carry your essentials with ease and reduce strain on your back and shoulders. The tailored support distributes the weight of the backpack evenly across the body.  The padded shoulder straps and hip belt provide added cushioning and stability, especially when carrying heavy loads. 

Side note: Osprey used to offer XS/S in this backpack for petite torso/hip sizes, but now I believe it’s one size fits all.  

The Fairview line is Osprey’s women’s fit and the Farpoint line is the men’s fit. It was a little confusing until I sorted this out myself. So to make it brief: 

• Fairview= women’s

• Farpoint= men’s

• Travel daypack (compatible with Fairview and Farpoint) has a 15 liter capacity

  • This daypack is only 15L (smaller than a normal book bag) so it’d only be good for a one day outing, like hiking. You can purchase the daypack  separately if you don’t want the whole travel pack.

(by clicking the pictures above you will be directed to the Amazon links for the 15L travel daypack)

• Both the Fairview (Women's fit) and Farpoint (Men's fit) has 3 sizes

  • 40L which is just the main backpack compartment (without the 15L daypack)

  • 55L is actually 2 bags that become one. 15L + 40L

  • 70L is also 2 bags that become one. 15L + 50L

(by clicking the pictures above you will be directed to the Amazon links for the Men's Farpoint 55L)

The detachable day pack and the option to buy it separately makes this travel pack super versatile. I have been through a few different backpacks throughout the years, starting with more affordable options. But overall I ended up spending more to search for a carry-on bag that fit all my needs. The cost of this backpack may seem steep at first, but Osprey offers a lifetime warranty on their products and will replace/repair the bag for you.

Conclusion

The Osprey Fairview 55L is versatile, comfortable, supportive and durable. If you want to prioritize the features that suit your travel needs and invest into a bag that is high quality, it's the perfect pack for you. Investing in quality travel equipment is a cost-effective decision that means longer-lasting and cost-effective, saving you from frequent replacements and overspending. And by packing smart and focusing on these essential travel items, you can pack like a pro and ensure a smoother travel experience. Simplify your packing process, save space, and enjoy your journey with peace of mind. Bon voyage!

PS. Follow me on @budgetconsciousbabe