When I was searching for the “perfect” bag, the Osprey Fairview 40 Travel Backpack was on the top of my list. I was planning on travel indefinitely in just one bag, so I needed it to check a lot of boxes.
However, one downside many people complained about with that bag is that the laptop pocket was on the outside, which would threaten to bend a laptop when fully packed. That’s why I ultimately chose the Cotopaxi Allpa 28L. However, as I mentioned in my review of that pack, it was not quite perfect. I went back to the drawing board, then learned that that the Osprey Fairview 40 just got a fresh UPDATE!
With the update, the Osprey Fairview 40 retained most of the good stuff: comfort, durability, and space for all your gear. But now there is a dedicated laptop pocket close to your back! Another big change is that the outside mesh pockets were combined into a single stuff pocket. Another important upgrade is that you don’t need to know if you are an XS/S or a S/M anymore: it’s now an adjustable single size. These updates were enough to push me to try out this pack for a month traveling through Japan, Australia, and New Zealand. So is the new and updated Osprey Fairview 40 the perfect travel backpack?
While many folks sang praises across the internet about the Fairview (Farpoint for men) 40L Travel Backpack before the update, not much exists about the new version, so I thought I’d write up my thoughts. I am not paid for this review in any way, and bought the bag of my own accord.
Why I Chose The Osprey Fairview 40 Travel Backpack
I’m 5’4” and was excited to try a backpack that was intentionally designed for women. In the many lineups of “best carry-on bags” this was the only company proactively trying to suit people with different frames, not as an afterthought. Several practical elements stand out. The straps are set lower so that the pack will sit higher up, and they have a bit of curve and more padding. The hip belt on the Fairview is shorter and curved to fit under the ribs. Lastly, there’s a sternum strap that you can adjust and clip away if not in use.
Comfort is a big deal to me when traversing countries, staying in a different place every couple of days, and keeping everything all in one bag. The Fairview promised to deliver. So how did it do?
Pros of the Updated Osprey Fairview 40 Travel Backpack
The Fairview checks a lot of boxes for carry-on travel:
- It has a lot of space (you can pack a LOT, much more than you’d think)
- It comes with a stowaway back panel, harness and hip belt (so you can check it easily)
- Dedicated padded laptop sleeve and tablet pocket
- Lots of handles to carry
- Complies with most carry-on standards
- The materials are tough and the bag will last a long time
- It comes in about mid-range for price. What you pay gets you a lot of value
Laptop Compartment Close To Your Back
While reading about the new laptop pocket, I got a bit concerned that the AirScape® back panel (which allows for some nice ventilation) might be too curved to safely pack a laptop. I travel with a 13 in. Macbook Air in a case, and one of my main criteria for a travel pack was to be able to fit my laptop. However, I had no issues; the back does look a bit curved, but the pocket is safe. The specs say that the sleeve can fit devices up to 16 in. (you can see in the photo that there’s plenty of space left in the pocket). I also slip a tablet in there.
Does the Osprey Fairview 40 Travel Backpack Fit As A Carry-on?
It’s important to me to keep to carry-on luggage only to keep costs lower on already expensive flights. I don’t like to stress about my bag getting damaged or lost by checking it, or whether or not the bag will fit in the overhead space. So is the Fairview 40L small enough to be a carry-on?
Absolutely! It fits in the overhead bin with ease. According to OneBagTravel, it can be used as a carry on for 97% of airlines.
You can fly with peace of mind. If you do decide you want to check it, the straps easily tuck away to avoid getting snagged. I did this for my flight with New Zealand Air because they have strict weight limits (currently 7kg / 15lb) for their carry-ons.
Other Key Features of the Updated Osprey Fairview 40 Travel Backpack
The majority of the packing space is in one dedicated main compartment. The backpack unzips fully open, making it very easy to get to everything all in one place without the bag losing its shape.
There is also a mesh pocket (pictured on the right) which I used for socks, bathing suits, etc. At the top of the pack is a small zippered stash pocket. It is not as deep as I’d like, and in fact is shallower than the old version, but it’s enough to store my passports and other things I need to access quickly.
The pack has two compression straps on the inside. I didn’t tend to use them, but I’m sure they would be helpful in other situations.
Note: Some folks buy the Osprey Fairview or Farpoint 55L, which comes as a 40L bag plus a 15L backpack that can be strapped to the outside of the bag or carried on your front. However, design of the main pack for that version is different— in particular it lacks a laptop sleeve— so I decided to stick with the 40L version.
Cons of the Updated Osprey Fairview 40 Travel Backpack
There are a few negatives to consider when thinking about buying this pack. There are 4 main downsides to consider: fashion, access, organization, and the water bottle holder/outside stash pocket.
Fashion
While the Fairview receives great ratings for comfort, one area it does not do well in is: fashion. Indeed, it does not look very stylish when fully packed out.
While my Cotopaxi 28L sat close to my back with a narrow frame, the Fairview felt a lot bulkier in general. One of the first reviews for the Osprey on REI agreed:
As a 5’4” 125 lb female who was gifted it for travel use, I found it bulky and awkward. And, maybe this isn’t a problem for everyone, but it is for me; it looks dorky on.
REI 2 Star Review
I read this particular review before I bought it, but luckily for Osprey I don’t care as much about fashion as much as comfort and function. If I did, I probably would have decided to try the Aer Travel Pack 3 instead. Still, it’s worth noting that while practically speaking this is a great bag, you might not be the belle of the bus, trains, and planes you take it on.
Access
While the updated laptop pocket is a big win, a couple cons remain unresolved from the previous version. There is still only 1 zipper for accessing the main pocket, which is particularly tough if the compression straps are clipped. This didn’t affect me often on my trip, but I could see it being a pain if you have to frequently get into the main compartment while in transit.
Organization
The Fairview does not do well in terms of organization, especially when compared to a bag like the Cotopaxi Allpa or Aer Travel Pack. As I mentioned above, the main compartment is mostly empty space. For many people this can actually be a positive thing, because it means you handle the organization however you like. If you travel with compression packing cubes for example, you have plenty of flexibility in layout. But if you like having a little more built-in structure, it might behoove you to go with a different bag.
Water bottle holder
In the previous Fairview version, there were 2 external mesh pockets for a water bottle or something similar. Many people complained that if fully packed out, it was impossible to fit anything in that pocket. That remains true in the updated version as well. I do appreciate that they made an attempt by converting it to one larger pocket with extra depth to it, but it’s still tricky to fit anything in it. I would squeeze in my 0.5L mini Nalgene in the pocket, but sometimes I had difficulty even with that. It’s also not very convenient to access if you want a sip while on-the-go.
Cotopaxi Allpa vs. Osprey Fairview
After traveling with both of my top carry-on picks— the Cotopaxi Allpa 28L and the Osprey Fairview 40L— I have my opinions on which I prefer. Both backpacks are extremely high quality picks, and each one serves different functions. For those with smaller frames, who don’t travel with a laptop, and have experience packing light, I would absolutely recommend the Cotopaxi Allpa.
However, anyone who doesn’t mind the bulkier Fairview will benefit from extra comfort and space. Personally, I will reach for the Allpa for short trips because it’s so easily portable. For anything longer than a week, or a trip that involves a lot of walking, I will definitely pack the Osprey Fairview.
Conclusion: The Perfect Carry-On
This pack is an exceptional choice for any woman who wants a travel pack that will fit in carry-on. For me, it was the perfect size for any length of travel (including multi-month backpacking across Europe or Southeast Asia). Any bigger, and you risk back aches from carrying too much. Any smaller and you might not have enough space to bring home souvenirs from your travels.
And the most important thing for me: it is truly comfortable. I’ll take looking a tad dorky if it means the form and function of the backpack are ideal for travel.
Between this bag for my carry-on and the Cotopaxi Allpa 28L for shorter trips, I’m set for all future travels. I would recommend the Fairview 40 (or Farpoint) for anyone looking for a comfortable carry-on, no matter how long their journey. With the new update, it is a formidable backpack that will be hard for competitors to beat.
If you want to buy it, check it out at REI or Amazon (affiliate link)
Ooh thanks for this post! I have an eBags eTech 2.0 Weekender Convertible (I think). It’s fine but a friend with the 35(?) liter Cotopaxi did turn my head quite a bit. It’s good that yours has the laptop sleeve, but her bag has several access points that were pretty compelling. Buuuut since my bag is holding up well I’m probably not really shopping.
What I’m interested in is day bags that aren’t backpacks – is this an area you’ve spent any time on? It’s surprisingly hard to find a cross-body bag with a main pocket big enough to hold: glasses case, small water bottle, sunscreen, battery & cord to charge my phone, fold-up shopping bag. I also want a few smaller pockets to stash passport and extra cash, lip balm, and a final easy-access pocket for ready cash. A backpack isn’t secure enough and is a bit unwieldy for day to day use (though they do have their place). I’m using an ancient MEC bag that’s been discontinued and am really wondering what I’m going to do next.
I’d be very interested in checking out the 35L! That extra access point does seem nice. I’ve heard good things about eBags as affordable options as well.
I haven’t spent too much time in hip packs/cross-body bags because my order came with a 2L Cotopaxi crossbody. It only had one main pocket with 2 little mesh dividers, but it worked for me. I think their other selections look good too: https://www.cotopaxi.com/collections/hip-packs if a bit pricey…