Osprey Fairview 40 Review: A Women's Specific Travel Backpack – Junyuan Bags

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Since August 2017 I am a satisfied owner of the women’s specific travel backpack – Osprey Fairview 40.

And today I want to share with you my Osprey Fairview 40 review.

To tell you more about this female specific carry on  backpack, which now is my main travel backpack. Osprey Fairview 40 vs Farpoint 40? What are the main differences? To be honest there aren’t that many differences, but more about that below.

Before that I was using the Vaude Nevis 30. 

But eventually I realized that the Vaude Nevis 30 is a bit too small for my needs.

I’m traveling a lot, often without coming back “home”. And I wanted to fit everything I need in one backpack. Since I don’t like to carry around two backpacks. You get very tired of moving around with two bags, when you do it regularly.

I wanted to fit everything I need in one backpack.

My Vaude bag’s capacity is about 33 liters (30 + the large front compartment), and it was not enough anymore. Yes, I know – you won’t be surprised to read this, because many travelers carry much more. But even though the Vaude Nevis was too small to suit my needs, still I didn’t want and need a 60 or 70 liter backpack.

I just don’t need this much space as I try to pack light. And I wanted a backpack, that is carry on friendly.

Based on my experience I knew that 40-45 liter pack will suit my needs.

Table of Contents

The Fairview 40 Is Such a Backpack

Wearing Osprey Fairview 40 backpack

It’s larger than the Nevis (40 liter vs. approx. 33 liter), and it has two large compartments instead of one.

Now I can keep my clothes separated from my laptop and electronics. It’s nice to have 2 separate compartments because it helps to keep your things organized, as well as you can have fast access to, for instance, your electronics during the security check at the airport.

This travel rucksack is not only ideal for traveling but also for hiking.

But only when you can replenish the supplies on your way. I have been on a few hikes like that, and I felt very comfortable carrying the Osprey Fairview. I’m also pretty sure it will be a good fit on a longer outdoor adventure, like the Annapurna Circuit or Everest Base Camp trek in Nepal.

But, of course, we shouldn’t forget that the Vaude Nevis 30 is  a snowboarders’ and skiers’ backpack, whereas the Osprey Fairview is a travel backpack. That’s why it’s bigger and more comfortable for travel.

Ok, let’s go into details now!

Osprey Fairview 40: Technical Details

SIZE: 40 liter.

DIMENSIONS: 14” x 21” x 14” (35 x 54 x 35 cm).

The bag’s depth in reality is more like 8.3” (21 cm). So it definitely will not be a problem to carry this backpack onto a plane with most of the airlines globally.

Yes, it can be also up to 14” (35 cm), but only if you attach something to the outside of the backpack.

LAPTOP SLEEVE: approx. 14.6” x 11.8” (37 x 30 cm).

TABLET POCKET: approx. 11” x 10.6” (28 x 27 cm).

WEIGHT: 3 lbs (1.44 kg).

MATERIAL: 210D Mini Hex Diamond Ripstop Nylon.

LAPTOP COMPARTMENT: Yes.

FRONT LOADING BACKPACK: Yes.

AVAILABLE COLORS: Misty Grey, Rainforest Green.

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For more details, photos and user reviews check it out on Amazon!

See also the Osprey Farpoint 40!

Osprey Fairview 40 Review

1. Features

Osprey Farpoint 40 and Osprey Fairview 40 backpacks

The Osprey Fairview’s backsystem is designed for women.

It means it’s smaller and narrower. So it feels even more comfortable on my back than Kaspars’s Osprey Farpoint 40, which is the Fairview’s men’s version. Or more precisely – Fairview is Farpoint’s women’s version.

The Osprey Fairview 40 is a rather small travel backpack. It conforms to maximum carry-on dimensions. However, you must check the baggage regulations and restrictions before booking your flight. Some of the budget airlines have very strict rules concerning carry on bags.

The Osprey Fairview 40 features lightweight frame and die-cut spacer mesh hip belt and harness.

The shoulder straps and hip belt can be hidden away behind a flap.

The shoulder straps and hip belt can be hidden away behind a flap.

The flap is zip-around and covers the harness and hip belt completely. When unzipped, it can be rolled all the way down and at the bottom of the back panel secured by a Velcro. I am very glad that the backpack has this feature. Because the flap will protect the straps after the bag has been checked in or while in an overhead compartment on the aircraft.

Some airlines regard travel backpacks with a harness and many attachment points and straps as non-standard luggage.

Because of all these dangling straps. This Osprey Fairview feature will allow you to check the bag without any hassle. It’s just another reason, why it’s such a cool feature. A feature I couldn’t stop thinking while working on this Osprey Fairview 40 review.

Shoulder straps of the backpack can be adjusted both at the bottom and at the top.

The Osprey Fairview 40 features sturdy and well-padded side and top grab handles, as well as a detachable shoulder strap. The side handle and detachable shoulder strap will come in handy when the Fairview is transformed into a duffel bag and being checked in.

Other Useful Features

– Sternum strap with an emergency whistle;

– ID Card holder – at the back of the flap that covers the bag’s shoulder straps and hip belt;

– Internal compression strap system that will help to secure your belongings inside of the main compartment;

– Lockable zippers (of the 2 large compartments) for extra security.

2. Compartments

Hiking with Osprey Fairview 40 backpack

Let’s take a look at the backpack!

There are 2 adjustable buckled straps at the front of the bag.

To access bag’s 2  large compartments you need to unbuckle the straps first, at least the top one. The large and sturdy zipper of the main compartment and partly also the zipper of the front compartment are covered with a flap. So, the largest – main – compartment is actually completely concealed.

Now let’s take a look at the zippers!

The two-way head to head zippers of the both compartments can be secured with a small padlock (not included). Zipper of the second compartment is not completely hidden under the flap, but it looks fairly water resistant. Anyway, it’s not a waterproof backpack and if you are going to use it during a rain, you should think about getting yourself a rain cover or rain poncho.

Now, we are looking inside the bag’s discreet main compartment.

It’s front-loading, just like the main compartment of a suitcase.

There are 2 inner compression straps, as well as a large mesh pocket on the front panel.

The second compartment is top-loading, and features a built-in padded laptop sleeve that will hold most 15.6” laptops. The sleeve is secured with a Velcro closure. There’s a zippered padded pocket for a tablet computer at the front of the computer sleeve. The panel between the main compartment and the laptop compartment is padded, too.

There’s a small zippered scratch-free front pocket with a key fob. It’s discreet – the zipper is hidden under a flap.

The 2 mesh pockets are located at the front of the backpack.

For more photos check it out on Amazon!

3. What I Like About Osprey Fairview 40 Travel Backpack

Osprey Fairview 40 backpack

My top 3 favorite parts of the Osprey Fairview 40:

– the strong and durable backsystem,

– well-padded shoulder straps,

– sturdy hip belt.

All of it together makes this bag so comfy, so I even don’t feel the weight on my back. When I start to feel tired I shift the weight to my hips by extending the length of the shoulder straps a bit. And I really love the hide-the-straps-and-hip-belt feature. If you are curious – Farpoint 40 also has it.

When I first saw the Fairview 40, I was surprised at how sturdy and well-built grab handles are.

They seem extremely durable and are super cushioned. I am happy that the backpack has a side handle as well. It will come in handy when I will be checking the bag in and later collecting it at the baggage carousel (the harness and hip belt will be tucked away securely). Or when I’ll be traveling on a bus and putting my bag in the baggage compartment under or at the back of the bus.

I love that there are 2  separate large compartments (my Vaude had only 1) – one for clothes and the second one – for laptop and tablet. I like to keep my electronics separated from my clothes. Also I want to access them quickly during the security check at the airport. Having 2 separate compartments helps.

I will be using packing cubes to keep everything together neatly in the main compartment of the backpack, as well to maximize packing space.

4. Drawbacks

One drawback to this backpack – its mesh pockets.

There are 2 mesh pockets in the front of the backpack. In one of these pockets I put my 16.9 fl oz (500 ml) water bottle. The second one stays empty. If the backpack is full it’s not that easy to put the water bottle in. I rather have one side mesh pocket instead of 2  front pockets.

Because anyway they can’t be properly used. Simply because of the pocket design and the way these pockets are sewn to a bag.

A second drawback from my point of view is that the zippered tablet pocket is rather thin. This pocket is located at the front of the laptop sleeve, and there’s not so much padding between them. But as my laptop mostly is in its own padded sleeve, this is not a big deal for me, really.

Osprey Farpoint vs Fairview? Osprey Farpoint 40 vs Fairview 40?

Osprey Fairpoint 40 (on the left) and Osprey Fairview 40 Backpacks

So, Osprey Farpoint vs Fairview, what are the main differences?

The main difference between these two bags is that Fairview is designed for women, but Farpoint – for men.

Visually, as you can see from the photos above, they look exactly the same. However, there are differences. The Fairview’s back system is redesigned to offer women’s specific fit. Narrower shoulder width, shorter torso length and ergonomically shaped hipbelt are three of the main differences here.

Another difference is that the Fairview only comes in one size which is a women’s S/M. With back length measurement of 38 cm – 45.5 cm. But Farpoint comes in 2 sizes – S/M and M/L.

Osprey Fairview 40 Backpack Review: Bottom line

For now, the Fairview 40 is the best backpack I’ve ever had.

It’s also one of the best backpacking backpacks available right now. It’s sturdy, durable and very comfy, same like all Osprey backpacks I’ve had a chance to try on. It looks good, and the color (Rainforest Green) is lovely, too. Because of the green color, it will be easy to spot it among other bags on the baggage carousel.

It’s rather lightweight (3 lbs / 1.44 kg), even with all of its sturdy hardware, cushioned harness and handles.

The Fairview 40 doesn’t have serious drawbacks and definitely has been made with travelers in mind.

The bag is spacious enough for me to be able to fit everything I need in one bag. Even for a several-month long trip.

Good news! If the Fairview 40 is too small to suit your needs, there are 2 larger Osprey travel backpacks from the same series – the Fairview 55 and 70! The Fairview 70 comes with a detachable day pack, so actually it is a 57 liter main pack plus 13 liter daypack.

There’s the men’s version of Fairview as well. It’s the Osprey Farpoint. To learn more about it read our review of Osprey Farpoint 40!

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This post originally appeared on Una’s blog We Are From Latvia.

Text: Una Baufala.

Kaspars with his Osprey Farpoint 40 backpack

Disclosure: Although Osprey Farview 40l backpack was sponsored by Osprey Europe, my opinions shared are my own. 

Book Your Trip Like a PRO

1. Book Your Flight. Find cheap flights using Kiwi.com, Momondo.com. Or subscribe to Dollar Flight Club, if you don’t want to be searching for the flights yourself. Momondo usually is my first choice.

2. Book Your Accommodation. Booking.com, Agoda.com and Airbnb. I use Booking and Agoda at least a dozen times a year, and Airbnb – when looking for a long-term stay. My best tip is to ALWAYS compare the price. Sometimes the same hotel is cheaper on Booking.com, other times – on Agoda. Always compare the price!

3. Buy Your Travel Insurance. World Nomads and SafetyWings are two companies I can recommend. World Nomads offers some extra benefits, that will be important for those doing some higher risk activities, while SafetyWings is significantly cheaper. SafetyWings is only $9.25 / week.

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