This Osprey Farpoint 80 review was initially written after six months of traveling South America in 2019.
More than three years later, in January 2023, I am still traveling with my Osprey Farpoint 80, and my review from 2019 still stands!
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Osprey Farpoint
The Osprey Farpoint 80 in a bright red color was my travel companion and trusted sherpa for six months in 2019 while exploring South America.
All my things lived there through Cuba, Costa Rica, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru, and two years later we are still best friends!
According to Osprey’s description, it is an “Osprey Farpoint 80l men’s travel pack with zip-away harness and hip belt”. Specifically for men, apparently, but regardless, for a woman of 165 cm, the 80l suited me just fine.
The belt and harness are versatile and adjustable and were no problem for a woman 1.65 cm / 5.4.
Osprey Farpoint 80 Review | A Backpack With Space!
Now, you might argue that this backpack is a bit big for backpacking, and in many situations, you would be absolutely right. Most people make the effort to travel as lightly as possible, and I get that.
However, on my South America journey, I had to bring clothes and equipment for three seasons.
I was doing high-altitude trekking in the South American winter, visiting big cities in spring/fall temperatures, as well as visiting beach paradises in the super hot summer temperatures.
For this kind of journey, the size was more or less perfect, and the comfortable harness made it easy to carry for a bit of distance when necessary.
Despite the fact that I am not a shopaholic, I was happy to have a little extra space to be able to actually buy something during my journeys.
My “rescue” for smaller excursions was to bring a small daypack that you can crumble up and takes no space when packed.
Yet big enough to last me for a day trip or two when I needed a light pack. Under which circumstances does Mr. Osprey have to stay at the hotel.
If you prefer something smaller, the Osprey range also has a variety of backpacks of different sizes, of the same quality, to choose from.
Also read: Travel deals, hacks & reviews – the best travel resources 2022
Osprey Farpoint 80 Has Room For Three Seasons!
My Osprey Fairpoint 80 and I traveled to the steaming hot beaches in Costa Rica, and big cities like Quito in Ecuador, as well as trekking the Inca Trail in Peru.
The highest point in Peru was over 4000 meters altitude, not extremely high but enough to make sure night temperatures fall dramatically so I was thankful for my extended space to pack appropriately.
Although you normally are provided with the majority of gear you need for hikes of that kind, packing your own really good hiking shoes and warm clothes is important – and takes up a lot more space than tiny summer dresses or shorts!
Also read: Tried and tested travel gadgets I always bring on my journeys!
Osprey Farpoint 80 Materials And Build
The material and build of the backpack come across as very solid and of good quality.
Initially, the layout of the inner backpack seemed a little “simple” with only one room. The Osprey Farpoint 80 has a net-front pocket and small side pockets inside, which at first glance seem a little unorganizable. However, the first impression soon faded.
As you can zip open the whole top of the backpack, it is actually super-organizable!
I was truly AMAZED by how much content I could fit into this space! Of course, it is 80 liters, so rather big – but still.
No matter what shopping traps I hit on my way, everything somehow always fit into the backpack when it was time to move on. Even when every time my current room was “full” before I started packing.
I had my high-altitude mountain clothes, big shoes, and warm wool stuff as well as summer dresses with me. Pumps and bikinis, hats, and polar jackets all fit in there.
Also of course all my tech and no-tech travel gadgets and kits, a not insignificant volume of toiletries (I even brought my oversized hairdryer).
Osprey Farpoint For Short Hikes!
The harness is relatively comfortable, with wide shoulder straps and a wide and soft tummy belt. You can easily carry a full Osprey Farpoint 80 liters around for a day or two without running into problems with your back, or soreness from the straps.
However, I don’t think this is the backpack for a one-week mountain hike where you have to carry all your kit with you.
The main reason for that is the back structure of the backpack.
The Osprey Farpoint 80 has a padded side that meets your back and is comfortable in that way, but it is rather erect and is not designed to follow the curves of your back and spine.
For multi-day hiking trips where you carry your own gear, you probably would be better off with a backpack constructed with a more ergonomic structure suited to support your back better to carrying heavy loads comfortably over time.
Packing, Transport & Security
You can secure the backpack zipper with a padlock for flights or transport when you do not have control of your gear, which is good.
I have experienced in some destinations when I have NOT locked my luggage, that items at the top of my bag have been missing when the luggage arrives at the airport conveyer belt. Not fun.
Also read: The Inca Trail | The long and spectacular trek to Machu Picchu!
Also, there is a small zipped pocket on the outside that can not be padlocked (too small holes) suitable for small stuff you are not too worried about losing.
Two small elastic net pockets on the outside allow for maps or water bottles or other easy-to-reach stuff on the “tummy” of the backpack. Not least, the two small outer straps can hold your yoga mat, sleeping pads, or tripod during transport.
As you see from the photos, my Mr. Osprey is no longer brand new but still in really good shape.
Currently, in November 2022 the Osprey Farpoint 80L is out of stock. But check out the other sizes in the Osprey Farpoint series, which generally receives 5 stars reviews across the board!
Osprey Farpoint 80 Review Conclusion
I absolutely recommend the Osprey Fairpoint 80 for long trips where you need a bit of packing space and do not have to carry your backpack outdoors for days.
It is comfortable to wear and gives you great flexibility and room for all you need. The quality is good, the seams are solid, and the harness is suited for carrying your backpack for a distance – although not a multi-day hike.
And the fresh red color on mine makes it easy to spot at the airport, and also makes me REALLY happy!
You might also like to read:
The Hot, Humid, And Wonderful Trek To The Lost City in Colombia
