Osprey Farpoint 40

[sitges54]

I was almost sold on a Kestrel 38, although I really don't want to check it as luggage. I know some have said it can make it as carryon but I don't particularly want to chance it. The Farpoint claims to be carryon size, however it looks like it would be a little cumbersome backpacking with it on. Especially over a long haul. Anyone have experience with this one on the Camino

 

[nidarosa]

Have you measured the Kestrel? When manufacturers give measurements they tend to factor in the whole top lid stuffed and riding on top of the rest of the pack. A Kestrel 38 back panel as far as I know does not exceed the max measurements, nor does the width. So it depends how stuffed it is - pack it, cinch it down and measure. It should fit no problem. I have a Tempest 30 and my husband a Talon 33, both pretty similar, and we never had any problems. I have also had a Farpoint 40 and I promise you the Kestrel is far, far more comfortable to carry over time. Also mostly hard suitcases get tested against the bin because there is no give in them and the wheels might stick out and make it hard to fit in the overhead lockers. A backpack is easier to squeeze in. Best of luck!

 

[David L. Lewis]

I have a Gregory 65, never had an issue with carry on, I have gate checked it on regional jets, and put it in a baby carrier "Gate Check Bag" that I bought on the wal mart web site

 

[C clearly]

It is quite straightforward and there is no guesswork involved. Measure the pack when empty to be sure it is OK. Then pack it to fit the specific dimensions, which are very clearly defined by the airline (s). Wear anything that is leftover! If you can't do that, you are probably trying to take too much.

 

[Mark Lee]

I have transported my REI 48L pack several times as a carry-on on airline flights. Never had a problem with it that way. It always fit within dimensions and into the overhead bin.
I would think the same thing of any pack under 40L, with a reasonable amount of stuff in it.

 

[Peter Thompson]

I was almost sold on a Kestrel 38, although I really don't want to check it as luggage. I know some have said it can make it as carryon but I don't particularly want to chance it. The Farpoint claims to be carryon size, however it looks like it would be a little cumbersome backpacking with it on. Especially over a long haul. Anyone have experience with this one on the Camino

I used a Farpoint 40 from SJPP to SDC this April and May. In 2015 I did most of the Portugues from Santarem to SDC using an Osprey Exos 58 large size which runs 61 liters. I checked it and a pole in an old suitcase that I disposed of in Lisbon. All good, but on the return, sans suitcase, the pack was damaged and several valuable items were missing. So I decided on the Farpoint, described as "Euro Max" after looking at the alternatives for carry on packs.

This pack looks like a piece of dedicated carry on luggage and I was a little dubious. However, comfort was never an issue. My total weight at start was 15 lbs and at least at this weight the somewhat smaller and lighter straps and hip belt were fine. The pack unzips completely like a school pack and you have complete and immediate access to everything. The one shortcoming was that the pack only had one one small external pocket which could hold maybe a liter bottle on a smooth day. I therefore bought a small Deuter bag and attached it by threading through one of the external cinch straps that comes with the pack .
During a packed flight from Munich to Madrid the overhead bins were full, I could not find any space and the attendants were grabbing carryons to put in the hold. This pack was flexible enough to allow me to shove it under the seat in front of me and I covered the few inches protruding with my legs so I avoided that problem. I used the padded computer sleeve to store several softcover books, cards, other paper items acquired along the route, all in an extra large ziplock bag. Couldn't resist the various bookstores and gift shops along the way! Finally, when the straps and belts are tucked away in their dedicated pocket the pack, with one top and one side handles, is easily and conveniently carried like a piece of luggage when desired.