Reddit reviews Osprey Farpoint 40 Travel Backpack (2015 Model), Charcoal, Medium/Large
We found 6 Reddit comments about Osprey Farpoint 40 Travel Backpack (2015 Model), Charcoal, Medium/Large. Here are the top ones, ranked by their Reddit score.
Dual front mesh pocketsLarge front zip pocket with padded laptop and tablet sleeveLarge panel access to main compartment with internal compression straps for keeping gear secureSmall front zip pocket with key fob keeps small items handyDimensions: 21" x 13" x 9"
A lot depends on the style you're looking for. I'll also say that security in a bag is a myth. There are things to discourage certain behavior, but ultimately a bag should never be seen as a secure container. (after all it can always be cut)
What I chose.
I traveled for about a month in Europe staying in hostels. Even though it was only a month I could have traveled for about a year (adding only a tablet) with the bag/things I brought.
Osprey Farpoint 40 Travel Backpack - $150 (Discontinued)
[Osprey Farpoint 40 Travel Backpack
I love this bag but it might not be the single best option for you. It's low profile, turns into a duffle bag (more about that later) and although it doesn't look like a school backpack, it doesn't standout like this either.
The reason I love that it turns into a duffle bag is because theres a semi hidden velcro pocket in the bottom where the cover rolls into. This is a great place to sew or velcro a small zippered wallet or bag to store extra money or valuables. It's not secure as much as its hidden. This won't help you if they steal the whole bag, but it will help you if they just ransack the place and steal from the open compartments.
Other Options
There are a ton of other options. I suggest watching the VagaBrothers Video - How to Choose the BEST Travel BACKPACK | Pros & Cons Minimalist Backpack Review and Travel Tips: Packing Hacks, Tips & Essentials
The F Stop bags look great, but are pretty pricy. Depending on what lenses you're bringing (18-55mm kit lens VS 70-200mm VR f2.8) it may or may not be worth it for size and configurability. I personally bought a Sony a6000 and left my big DSLR at home. That was actually a really good choice for the type of trip I did, but if I was going for a year (like you are) I understand needing the big camera. You might want to get camera/lens inserts like this (but not necessarily that one, I just clicked on the first one I saw on amazon) to store and protect those other lenses.
Hope that helps.
The following is copy and pasted from an email I sent to family friends traveling abroad. It gives links and ideas for things that help when traveling minimally.
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Security:
Since I was traveling alone, and in hostels, security was a slightly bigger deal for me. I carried my passport on my person or locked in my hostel (many had lockers or metal lock boxes).
At all times I had a photo copy of my passport and everything in my wallet, some local currency, and a print out of all the embassies in the area. (Attached to this email.) I printed this double sided and had multiple copies with me.
I told my mom, "At any time I want to be able to have everything stolen, but still have a way back home.” My credit card will do cash transfers internationally and also includes a continuous travel insurance package.
I would highly suggest making three copies of your passport and all credit cards and other ID you are taking. One lives on your person when your passport is stored elsewhere (hotel, for example), one lives in your luggage (preferably hidden/tucked away), and one stays with a trusted friend or family member that will be in the States for the duration of your trip. If anything happens they will be able to assist with proving your identity to the State Department, thus speeding the process along. I suggest keeping some cash tucked in your passport (along with that embassy list), your copy of the passport in the luggage, and then the copy of the passport and embassy list in your wallet. At this point you have three possibilities of things to grab to prove your identity/pay for a cab/tell you where to go.
While this may seem a little overboard, I find it doesn't take that long to set up and helps greatly should anything bad happen. Also consider registering with the State Department. This helps them track Americans abroad should anything happen, and also gives you alerts, should anything happen. https://step.state.gov/step/
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Tech Tips
I also used a service called Line2 to give me a US phone number to call from and receive calls to while I was away. I have T-Mobile that gives me included unlimited international data. As long as I had a 4g signal, I also had a phone I could make and receive calls on. Google Voice and Skype would also do this. Do be aware of how much international data costs. Wifi is easy to find, but I suggest using a VPN on your phone or laptop for any web surfing. And even with the VPN I would not suggest logging into any financial (bank, etc) while abroad unless you are on a trusted wifi network (aka, friends).
For maps you can download parts of Google Maps by searching the city and clicking “Download." This should work on Android and iOS versions of Google Maps.
I bought this one by osprey for a trip to europe. Works great! You can wear it like a backpack or carry it like a suitcase. It also sinches down if you don't have it packed full. Fits the overhead. Excellent construction. Looks cool too.
http://www.amazon.com/Osprey-Farpoint-Charcoal-Medium-Large/dp/B006P5Q02Q/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&qid=1425598008&sr=8-11&keywords=travel+backpack
Edit: I meant to add that it's designed like a camping backpack with back padding and hip straps so it's very comfortable if you need to wear it for a couple hours while you are out and about. And all the straps zip up into pockets so they can't get stuck in baggage handling machinery.
Will you actually use the big pack for treks or would you use a smaller daypack?
I use the Osprey Porter 46 which is great for plane/train to hostel or hotel type travel, but it wouldn't be comfortable for a long hike. I bring a small daypack for hikes, beach trips, etc.
In that case something like the Osprey Farpoint packs which are a more of a regular pack, but less convenient to open and load. (The porter opens kind of like a rolling luggage).
If you need to camp/hike/etc then you might need something bigger.
I will be purchasing the Osprey Farpoint 40 Travel Backpack as my only and carry on luggage throughout the trip.
I'm currently looking at the Osprey Farpoint 40.
It's carry on size and looks pretty minimalist. You should be able to fit a good bit in it.
I would recommend an Osprey Farpoint 40L. 40L should cover all your needs for a trip, and is still a carry on size for most airlines.
http://www.amazon.com/Osprey-Farpoint-Charcoal-Medium-Large/dp/B006P5Q02Q/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1407726710&sr=8-1&keywords=osprey+farpoint+40
It's sleek and has a frame for your laptop so it doesn't get all banged up. I would have gotten this bag if I didn't already have a Kelty Redwing 40L.
If you're asking about a bag to carry out in the streets while you're traveling, I might recommend a messenger bag of some sort, that way you get easy access to your stuff and it's harder to filch from a backpack.