Sevenize
The Backpack That Survived 10 Countries
Three years ago, I made what I thought was a simple decision: I needed a new backpack for our upcoming trip to Europe. Little did I know that this backpack would become my constant companion through 10 countries, 6 months of constant travel, and more adventures than I could have imagined.
Today, I’m sharing the complete story of the Osprey Farpoint 70L – the backpack that survived everything we threw at it.
Why We Chose It
The Research Phase
Before buying anything, I spent weeks researching backpacks. I read reviews, watched YouTube videos, and even visited multiple stores to try different options.
Our criteria:
- Carry-on compatible (most airlines)
- Durable (we’re not gentle with our gear)
- Comfortable (we walk a lot)
- Organized (we carry a lot of stuff)
- Warranty (things break when you travel)
The Decision
After trying on dozens of backpacks, the Osprey Farpoint 70L checked all our boxes. It was comfortable, well-organized, and had Osprey’s legendary warranty.
What sold us:
- Convertible design (backpack or duffel)
- Laptop compartment (for our work)
- Multiple access points (easy to pack and unpack)
- Lifetime warranty (Osprey repairs or replaces anything)
The First Trip: Europe (3 months)
Initial Impressions
The good:
- Comfortable even when fully loaded
- Easy to pack with multiple compartments
- Durable construction felt solid
- Convertible design was surprisingly useful
The challenges:
- Heavy when empty (4.5 lbs)
- Large even when compressed
- Zippers were stiff initially
Real-World Testing
Week 1: Walking through Paris with 20kg of gear. The hip belt and shoulder straps distributed the weight well, but my shoulders were still sore at the end of each day.
Week 2: Train travel in Italy. The convertible design was perfect – we could carry it like a duffel through crowded stations, then convert it to a backpack for walking.
Week 3: Hostel life in Barcelona. The multiple access points made it easy to grab what we needed without unpacking everything.
Month 2: Hiking in the Swiss Alps. The backpack handled the altitude and weather changes well, but the zippers started to loosen up.
Month 3: Beach hopping in Greece. Sand got everywhere, but the backpack cleaned up easily with a damp cloth.
The Second Trip: Southeast Asia (2 months)
Tropical Testing
The challenges:
- Humidity made the backpack feel heavier
- Rain tested the water resistance
- Dust from dirt roads got into every crevice
- Heat made the straps less comfortable
How it held up:
- Water resistance was better than expected
- Zippers continued to work smoothly
- Fabric didn’t fade or deteriorate
- Straps remained comfortable despite the heat
The Incident
In Thailand, I was walking through a crowded market when someone tried to steal my backpack. The thief grabbed the top handle and tried to run, but the backpack’s design made it impossible to carry quickly. I caught up to them easily, and they dropped it and ran.
Damage assessment: A small tear in the top handle, but the backpack was otherwise fine. Osprey’s warranty covered the repair.
The Third Trip: South America (1 month)
Mountain Testing
The challenges:
- Altitude made everything feel heavier
- Cold weather tested the fabric’s flexibility
- Rough terrain put stress on the zippers and straps
- Long hikes tested the comfort over extended periods
Performance:
- Comfort remained excellent even at high altitude
- Durability held up to rough treatment
- Organization kept our gear accessible
- Weather resistance protected our belongings
The Wear and Tear
What’s Still Perfect
The main compartment: The zipper still works smoothly, and the fabric shows no signs of wear.
The shoulder straps: Despite constant use, they’re still comfortable and show minimal wear.
The hip belt: The padding is still intact, and the buckles work perfectly.
The laptop compartment: Still protects our electronics perfectly.
What’s Showing Wear
The top handle: Has a small tear from the theft attempt, but it’s still functional.
The compression straps: Show some fraying at the ends, but they still work.
The logo: Has faded significantly, but that’s just cosmetic.
The zipper pulls: Some have broken off, but the zippers still work fine.
The Repairs
Osprey Warranty Experience
When the top handle tore, I contacted Osprey about the warranty. The process was surprisingly easy:
- Submitted photos of the damage
- Received approval within 24 hours
- Sent the backpack to their repair center
- Got it back in 2 weeks, good as new
Cost: $0. The warranty covered everything.
DIY Repairs
Zipper pulls: I replaced the broken ones with paracord. It’s not pretty, but it works.
Compression straps: I trimmed the frayed ends and melted them with a lighter.
General maintenance: Regular cleaning and occasional conditioning keep the fabric supple.
The Packing Strategy
How We Pack It
Bottom compartment (sleeping bag):
- Clothes we don’t need often
- Extra shoes
- Rain gear
Main compartment:
- Clothes organized in packing cubes
- Toiletries in a separate bag
- Electronics in protective cases
Top compartment:
- Items we need frequently
- Snacks and water
- First aid kit
Side pockets:
- Water bottles
- Umbrella
- Quick-access items
What We’ve Learned
Organization is key: The backpack has multiple compartments for a reason. Use them.
Weight distribution matters: Heavy items go in the middle, close to your back.
Accessibility counts: Items you need frequently should be easy to reach.
Compression is your friend: Use the compression straps to keep everything tight.
The Comparison
Other Backpacks We’ve Tried
Patagonia Black Hole 70L:
- Pros: Lighter, more water-resistant
- Cons: Less organized, less comfortable for long walks
REI Co-op Ruckpack 65L:
- Pros: Cheaper, good organization
- Cons: Less durable, not carry-on compatible
Deuter Futura Pro 70L:
- Pros: Very comfortable, excellent ventilation
- Cons: Heavy, not convertible
Why We Stick with Osprey
Durability: Three years of constant use, and it’s still going strong.
Warranty: Knowing that any damage will be repaired or replaced is priceless.
Comfort: Even after long days of walking, it’s still comfortable.
Organization: The multiple compartments make packing and unpacking easy.
The Verdict
Would We Buy It Again?
Absolutely. Despite the wear and tear, this backpack has been worth every penny.
What we love:
- Durability that exceeds expectations
- Comfort that lasts all day
- Organization that makes travel easier
- Warranty that gives peace of mind
What we’d change:
- Lighter weight would be nice
- Better water resistance for tropical climates
- More color options (we’re tired of black)
The Bottom Line
The Osprey Farpoint 70L isn’t perfect, but it’s the best backpack we’ve found for our needs. It’s durable, comfortable, and well-organized. Most importantly, it’s reliable.
For budget travelers: It’s expensive, but the warranty and durability make it cost-effective in the long run.
For comfort seekers: The hip belt and shoulder straps make it comfortable even when fully loaded.
For organization freaks: The multiple compartments and access points make packing and unpacking easy.
For warranty lovers: Osprey’s lifetime warranty is unmatched in the industry.
The Future
What’s Next?
We’re planning a trip to Africa next year, and this backpack is definitely coming with us. It’s proven itself in Europe, Asia, and South America. We’re confident it can handle Africa too.
The Replacement Plan
When this backpack finally gives up (if it ever does), we’ll probably buy another Osprey. The quality, comfort, and warranty are hard to beat.
Our next backpack: Probably the Osprey Farpoint 80L for longer trips, or the Farpoint 55L for shorter ones.
The Lessons Learned
What We Wish We’d Known
Break it in: The backpack is more comfortable after a few trips.
Use the warranty: Don’t hesitate to contact Osprey about any issues.
Maintain it: Regular cleaning and conditioning keep it in good shape.
Pack smart: Organization is more important than you think.
What We’d Tell Others
Invest in quality: A good backpack is worth the money.
Read reviews: But take them with a grain of salt.
Try before you buy: Comfort is personal.
Consider the warranty: It’s more important than you think.
The Final Word
Three years, 10 countries, and countless adventures later, the Osprey Farpoint 70L is still going strong. It’s not perfect, but it’s the best backpack we’ve found for our needs.
Would we recommend it? Absolutely. If you’re looking for a durable, comfortable, and well-organized backpack for long-term travel, this is it.
The one thing we’d tell everyone: Don’t skimp on your backpack. It’s the one piece of gear you’ll use every single day. Make sure it’s up to the task.
What’s your favorite travel backpack? Share your experiences with us on Instagram or Twitter.
Comments