Osprey Waypoint
vs
Osprey Farpoint
This is a review of the Osprey Waypoint versus the Osprey Farpoint backpack series. We have gathered the most important differences to consider between the two so that you can make and informed purchasing decision.
In general, the Waypoint backpacks are the pricier of the two. There are also more fully-featured than the Farpoint series. Which to choose depends on which bells and whistles you are actually looking for. Please see below for a summary of their differences.
Osprey Waypoint vs Farpoint
Harness Fit
As you might have guessed, the quality of a backpack can, in part, be determined by the adjustability of the harness. This is one of the most important aspects of a backpack because it will determine how comfortable it will be carrying heavy content. When it comes to the Farpoint series, there are only two sizes available: small/medium and medium/large.
The Waypoint series gives more in terms of adjustability and sizes. The Waypoint backpacks come in gender-specific harness fittings. The earlier Waypoint models come in small, medium, and large sizes. The latest Waypoint models only come in one size but they are fully adjustable to the height of your torso.
Removable Daypack
Some of the higher-end models of Osprey backpacks give the ability to remove the top lid and use it as a daypack. These daypacks have straps on them that you can use to attach to your waist, and can be put away inside of the pack.
The Farpoint 55 and 70 have a removable daypack, but the Farpoint 80 does not. The daypacks on the Farpoint are larger than the ones that the Waypoint have. The Waypoint 70, the Waypoint 80 and some of the earlier models have removable daypacks.
Carry-on capability
One of the features that customers consider to be important in a backpack is the ability to take it on a plane as carry-on luggage. After all, what’s the point of having a travel backpack if you cannot take it with you everywhere you go?
The Osprey Waypoint series are bigger backpacks that the Farpoint series. It is fair to say that none of the Waypoint backpacks can be used as carry-on luggage as they are too big for the overhead compartment. However, the Farpoint backpack can be taken as carry-on luggage, particularly when their harness is removed.
Ergonomics
The Waypoint series backpacks being more fully featured than the Farpoint series also have the better ergonomics. They have thicker padding around the hip belt, harness, and straps. This means that even with more weight in the backpack, the load remains comfortable. The Farpoint backpacks do have some padding, it is just not as thick.
Another thing to consider when talking about ergonomics is the fact that the Waypoint will hold its shape when the main compartment is unzipped. This is due to the fact that its walls are actually more rigid than the Farpoint.
Organisation
The Waypoint series backpacks are better equipped for organization with more pockets. Most of the Waypoint backpacks have 3 or 4 internal pockets, while the most you will see for an internal pocket on the Farpoint is one inside the top lid compartment.
Price
If you are curious to make the comparison of prices between the Waypoint and the Farpoint series, follow the links below:
Osprey Waypoint vs Farpoint: The Verdict
In reality, comparing the Farpoint to the Waypoint series is like comparing apples and oranges. Regardless of the price point, Osprey is a very reputable company and all of its products stand the test of time. Which backpack you choose depends on how much you want to spend for more features. The features mentioned above may not be exhaustive, but they cover the most important differences.
If you have any questions regarding the differences between the Osprey Farpoint backpacks versus the Waypoint, please leave us a message below.