Osprey provides some of the most popular hiking backpacks in the world. They have several models of backpacks to choose from, including the Porter and the Farpoint lines. Both of these lines go pretty far back with Osprey and are popular.
Those looking for a backpack that they can take on a hiking trip for two or three days would be well advised to purchase a backpack that has a gear capacity between 30 and 40 liters. That is why some customers are confused as to whether to purchase the Porter 30 or the Osprey Farpoint 40, as they do serve the same purpose.
In this review, we will be making a comparison between the Osprey Porter 30 vs Farpoint 40. We will let you know if there any considerations when it comes to the utility of these backpacks and what they will be used for.
But before we begin going over these considerations, we will first visit what makes these backpacks great.
Osprey Porter 30 vs Farpoint 40
What Makes the Porter 30 and Farpoint 40 Great
As you already know, Osprey creates dozens of hiking backpacks. So why choose the Farpoint 40 or Porter 30?
Stow Away Harness
Apart from the fact that they are all around quality hiking backpacks, you can also stow away their harness. They have padded handles which you can carry these backpacks with instead of the harness. Carry them by the side handles, and you turn them into a briefcase. This can be used for work purposes, or for placing in a transit vehicle while traveling.
Comfortable Suspension
These backpacks have a special frame to transfer the weight from the shoulders to the hip belt. This helps to even out the hauling of the weight so that your shoulders don’t ache.
The backpanel also has a ventilated mesh. This means that it will wick away sweat instead of building up a long without a break. This will make it much more comfortable on hikes at high temperatures.
Comparing the Osprey Porter 30 vs Farpoint 40
As the names suggests, the Porter 30 can carry 30 liters of gear, while the Farpoint 40 can carry 40 liters. While it is important to consider the gear capacity of a backpack, it is not the only considerable difference between the two. But before we go any further, we would still like to discuss the implications of the differences between the size of these backpacks.
What The Difference in Size Means
It may seem obvious that carrying a larger backpack like the Farpoint 40 will give you greater options in terms of what you want to carry. But it is not always the best solution if you are also going to want to use it as a daypack.
The Farpoint 40 is too bulky to be used as a daypack, unless you are going to be out for a few days at a time. The purpose of having so much gear capacity is to allow you several days worth of clothes. It is especially important to have a 40 liter gear capacity if you are also going to be carrying a laptop for a few days at a time. This leaves you some room for some light backpacking with other gear.
The Porter 30 is enough for several days of hiking, but only if you are going to be really packing light. If you don’t need several full outfits, and are not going to be carrying a laptop, the Porter 30 is large enough.
A Major Flaw?
While the Farpoint 40 is a high quality backpack, it has a feature that some consider to be a hindrance. It is the fact that the laptop compartment is situated at the front of the backpack. After you have stuffed your backpack full of gear, the front of the backpack will actually curve. This puts pressure on your laptop and may actually crack the screen. The other issue with having the laptop compartment in the front is that it throws off your center of balance.
We felt that this is worth mentioning, as you may have an issue with the placement of the laptop sleeve. However, not all customers feel this way. Some really love their Farpoint 40 and prefer it over the Porter 30.
Front Pocket Organizer
Another advantage of having the Porter 30 over the Farpoint 40 is the fact that it has an organization pocket in the front. The Porter 30 has special spots for your pens and pencils, as well as your electronics.
Torso Length Versatility
The Farpoint 40 comes in two torso length options. The medium Farpoint 40 has a 38 liter gear capacity, while the large one has a 40 liter capacity. The Porter 30 only has one size for the torso length and it carries 40 liters.
It is good to bear in mind that the Farpoint 40 torso length only varies by 1 inch. If you are not especially tall, you will likely not need the large option. The Porter 30 and the medium Farpoint 40 both have the same length.
Additional Daypack Accommodation
Unlike the Farpoint 40, the Porter 30 can accommodate a separate daypack. It has special straps that can hook onto an Osprey Daylite pack. In case you do not feel that the Porter 30 has enough gear capacity, having a removable daypack is especially useful. The Osprey Daylite pack is sold separately.
Osprey Porter 30 vs Farpoint 40: Price Differences
Search the Farpoint 40 is the largest of the two, it generally has a higher price point. To see current prices for the Farpoint 40 and the Porter 30, please follow the link below:
Osprey Porter 30 vs Farpoint 40: The Verdict
We have a preference for the Porter 30 over the Farpoint 40. We also like the fact that the Porter 30 has an organizational pocket, as well as special attachments for the Daylite pack. How do you feel about these two backpacks? Please leave us a comment below and let us know what you think.
Just ordered my Porter 30 and Daylite plus! I should be receiving it in a few days and will be off to Thailand for a couple weeks for my first “non luggage” trip… so excited! I will report back once I’ve returned. Thanks for the awesome comparison, as these were the 2 bags that I narrowed down my search to. The laptop compartment placement, organization pocket, and sturdy side walls is why I chose the porter. I hope I made the right decision…