The Redwing 50 and the Farpoint 55 are often compared due to their similar gear capacity. In fact, the Kelty and Osprey backpacks are overall compared to each other due to the popularity of these companies. That’s why in this Kelty Redwing 50 vs Osprey Farpoint 55 comparison, we cover all that you need to know about how these backpacks differ.
Related: Kelty Redwing 50 vs 44: What Are The Differences?
Kelty Redwing 50 vs Osprey Farpoint 55
Detachable Daypack vs Laptop Compartment
The Farpoint 55 has a detachable Daypack that you can use to roam about the city. This makes up part of the gear capacity of the backpack.
In order to hold this day pack in place, there are compression straps that extend from the back. Although there is no laptop sleeve inside of the main compartment, the Farpoint daypack laptop sleeve is inside of it.
In contrast, the Redwing 50 comes with a laptop sleeve inside of its main compartment. This laptop sleeve is larger than the one in the Farpoint Daypack and will accommodate a larger laptop.
Keep in mind that the laptop sleeve of the Redwing 50 also doubles as a hydration compartment. In the hydration compartment, you can place a water reservoir that has a tube extending outside of the backpack.
You can take a swig of water while you were hiking out of the Redwing 50. When this hydration compartment is not in use, you can place a laptop into it. You will not be able to use it for both at the same time.
Stowaway Backpanel
The Farpoint 55 comes with a stowable back panel. You can zip up the shoulder straps inside of the back panel in order to allow for the easy carrying of the backpack when not on your back.
You can use the top and side carry Handles in order to place them in the back of a vehicle. Stowing away the back panel creates a Slimmer profile and makes it easier to check-in at the airport.
The Redwing 50 does not come with a stubble back panel so you will always be carrying it around on your back.
Compartment Accessibility
The main compartments of the Farpoint 55 can be opened wide to expose all of its contents. The accessibility of the main compartment exceeds the accessibility of the Redwing 50 main compartment.
However, the top pocket of the Redwing 50 can be accessed from the top or the side. This provides for easier access to your smaller items, while the Farpoint 55 allows easier access to the larger gear in your main compartment.
Carrying Your Sleeping Pad
It goes without saying that a hiking backpack is very useful in situations where you want to stay somewhere overnight. The Farpoint 55 has sleeping pad straps at the bottom of the backpack. The Redwing 50 does not have straps for any sleeping gear. Additionally, it also does not have as much extra room as the Farpoint 55 to carry sleeping gear.
If staying overnight somewhere is important to you and you feel that you must carry sleeping gear, the Farpoint 55 may be the better choice.
Volume Capacity
As the name suggests, the Farpoint 55 has more volume capacity than the Redwing 50.
Volume capacity
- Farpoint 55 S/M: 52 liters
- Farpoint 55 M/L: 55 liters
- Redwing 50: 51 liters
Although there is not a large difference in the volume capacity between these backpacks, it is still noticeable. Both of these backpacks can be used for overnight stays, as it holds enough gear for 2 days worth of backpacking. If you’re going to be keeping the backpacking very light, you could be out for 4 days at a time with one of these backpacks.
Durability
Due to the fact that the Farpoint backpacks are made of nylon, there are more durable than the Redwing backpacks. The Redwing line is made of polyester, which is less abrasion-resistant.
Overall, the Osprey backpacks are more expensive than the Kelty backpacks. A part of this could be due to the fact that Osprey uses higher- durability materials.
Kelty Redwing 50 vs Osprey Farpoint 55: Price Comparison
If you would like to compare the cheapest prices for the Redwing 50 and the Farpoint 55, please see below:
The Verdict
Overall, the Farpoint 55 is built of higher quality materials than the Redwing. However, if you’re not going to be putting these backpacks through rough usage, the Redwing 50 materials would be sufficient.
One of the main benefits of the Farpoint 55 is the stowable backpack. But it comes at a cost of not having a laptop sleeve in the main compartment. Its laptop sleeve is located inside of its detachable Daypack. This means that the laptop that you will be able to hold with the Farpoint 55 would be smaller than the one that you can put inside of the Redwing 50’s main compartment.
The Redwing 50 allows you to carry around a hydration pack. While some osprey backpacks are water reservoir compatible, the Farpoint 55 is not.
After considering the trade-offs of both backpacks, we feel that there is no clear winner.
