How to choose the right Backpack

Backpacks

There is a lot which goes into choosing the right backpack for a long trip, for example, how much does the bag hold, what size is the backpack (carry-on size or not?), does it have multiple pockets or just one big pocket…

So after a lot of research, I have concluded that overall Osprey backpacks are the best backpacks on the market. Yes, they can be expensive but they’re not outrageous and they are worth every penny. For my travels, I came down to choosing between two versions of the Osprey Fairview backpack. The Fairview is the women’s version of the Farpoint backpack for men:

Both have lockable zippers, zips all the way around for front access (vital), are padded with detachable hip belts, are noted for having good weight distribution, and most importantly, both have great reviews

  1. Osprey Fairview 40L
    1. A 40L pack, guaranteed carry-on size, has many many good reviews online
    2. Slightly different dimensions than the 45L below, this one is shorter and wider
    3. Pros:
      1. Lots of compartments (laptop sleeve, etc…) which allows for the organization of the stuff we pick
      2. Guaranteed carry on
  2. Osprey Fairview 55L (https://www.surfdome.us/Osprey-Farpoint-55-Backpack/sd5037160.htm?colour=Volcanic+Grey) this is the cheapest link I have found, I would probably get the red one
    1. So this backpack is actually a 40L backpack with an attachable 15L daypack (super cool idea). It is important to note that when the daypack is attached, it is NOT a carry-on size. However, if we are allowed a carry on + personal item then we can detach the day pack and either carry it as our personal item or (if we have room) we could stuff it into the 40L
    2. This 40L backpack IS NOT THE SAME as the 40L backpack described above mainly in that the one above has lots of compartments, and this is one big pocket. Also, this one is taller /thinner
    3. Cons:
      1. the general consensus online is that 99% of the time when you remove the daypack, this works as a carry-on, but some people have noted that they have been asked to check it sometimes. But like, especially if our backpacks are not filled to the brim, they are a skirt material and so we could squish them.  
      2. This 40L is basically one big pocket, so everyone online recommends purchasing “travel blocks” which would basically allow us to keep the inside of the bags organized
    4. Pros:
      1. The whole big bag that we can use for our clothes/travel stuff + a day pack that can attach or be used individually when we leave the 40L in our hostel
      2. The zippers can lock (v good for hostel traveling)
      3. Good reviews on weight distribution so it won’t be annoying carrying it around

I ended up choosing the Osprey 40L because I already own so many daypacks I did not think it was worth it. I purchased some packing cubes and found that I did not even need all of them, another post on what I packed for my 2 1/2 backpacking trip through Southeast Asia is to come