We have written this review of the Osprey Farpoint 55 vs 70 because we feel that some clarification is needed to set these backpacks apart. They are really very much the same in design, but with a couple of major differences.
Osprey Farpoint 55 vs 70
Similarities between the Farpoint 55 and the 70
Large panel access
Both the Farpoint 55 and the Farpoint 70 provide excellent access to the main compartment. They have zippers all along down the sides of the compartment so that it can easily be opened up all the way. With this feature, you can view all of the contents of the compartment at a glance. Some backpacks only provide top-level access, which makes it harder as you need to reach down to the bottom.
Removable back panel
At times, you may want to check your backpack at an airport instead of carrying it as carry-on luggage. Or, maybe you want to throw it in the back of a bus or taxi but don’t want to have to handle the bulk of the backpanel.
With this in mind, Osprey has designed the Farpoint 55 and 70 so that the backpanel is easily removed from the backpack. This gives it a slimmer profile, and you can carry the backpack by its top and side padded handles.
Compression
Both backpacks have the same type of straightjacket compression system. There are compression straps at the top and the bottom of the backpack in order to keep your gear stable as you move.
Organization
With both, there are mesh pockets inside the main compartment for organizing your smaller items. Also, the removable daypack has separate pockets for your electronics such as your tablet or your phone.
Both have a zippered front pocket with attachment points on the sides. These attachment points allow you to hang things off of the backpack. There, you can attach your helmet, some trekking poles, or any other gear that has a strap attachment.
Carry-on luggage
The Farpoint 55 and the Farpoint 70 can both be used as carry-on luggage. It is easier if their back panels are removed. Most domestic flight planes are big enough to fit these backpacks into the overhead compartment. However, some regional flights that have smaller planes might not be able to fit them as carry-ons.
Difference between the Farpoint 55 and the Farpoint 70
While most Osprey backpacks have several differences between them, the Farpoint 55 and 70 really only differ in terms of their size. The Farpoint 70 holds around 30% more volume than the 55. This figure is taken when comparing both with the same size grade. Each backpack comes in small/medium or medium/large.
The Farpoint 70 is large enough to hold gear for two people while traveling for a couple of days. It is really quite large. The Farpoint 55 holds about 50 pounds of gear, while the Farpoint 70 holds 65 pounds.
Price
As you might have guessed since the Farpoint 70 holds more gear than the 55, it is more expensive; but not by much! On average, the Farpoint 70 only costs $15 more than the 55. If you are interested in seeing current prices by Osprey, please follow the links below:
The Verdict
Due to the fact that there is not much of a price difference, we believe that the choice between the 55 and 70 rests on how big you need a backpack to be. Ironically, the Farpoint 55 hangs a bit further down than the 70. This can make it a bit awkward while hiking.
Overall, we would have liked to see a shoulder strap around both of these backpacks since the back panel can be removed. Also, since the back panel can be removed, it is not designed in the same way as other Osprey backpacks. Although they are pretty comfortable, they are not quite as comfortable as the others available by Osprey.
That being said, customers love these backpacks for their versatility and their sound design.
