When you’re on a long trip a backpack is always the smartest choice. Especially if you are changing accommodation every two or three days and constantly going up and down the stairs of train stations and subways.
However, being a shorty and carrying bulky weight on your shoulders isn’t exactly an ideal combo. Therefore, I decided to test the Fairview Osprey line.
During my recent trip to Japan I tried to solve the conundrum with the Osprey Fairview 40L and the Fairview Travel Daypack, and, I have to admit, the experience was excellent. The Fairview by Osprey (the ergonomic line designed for the female body) is a modular system that allows you to add accessories to the base backpack.
I paired the 40-liter Fairview base pack with the 15-liter Fairview Travel Daypack. The main backpack has special straps that let you attach the smaller one to the front. This way, when you’re exploring a destination, you can leave the big pack at your accommodation or in a luggage locker and comfortably get around with the lighter one.
But when it’s time to change locations, and maybe catch a train, you can clip the two bags together and avoid the dreaded setup of a big pack on your back and a smaller one on your chest (which I personally find really uncomfortable).
Osprey backpacks are known for being especially ergonomic. Well, I can confirm that the reputation is well-earned. Wide shoulder straps, a slightly curved back with mesh support, and padded lumbar straps help distribute the weight evenly along the spine, making it much more comfortable to carry.
The zippers are high quality: sturdy and smooth. An underrated detail! On cheaper backpacks, they’re often the first thing to jam or break, and repairing them usually costs more than the pack itself.
What’s also great is that the Fairview line is gender-specific. The chest straps that help redistribute weight are designed to account for the position of the female bust.
If you are a woman who hates backpacks because they strain your shoulders (and you’ve only ever used packs designed for male bodies) you are in for a big (and welcome) surprise.
What’s also great is that the Fairview line is gender-specific. The chest straps that help redistribute weight are designed to account for the position of the female bust.
If you are a woman who hates backpacks because they strain your shoulders (and you’ve only ever used packs designed for male bodies) you are in for a big (and welcome) surprise.
Another big plus: the size of the 40L model meets carry-on requirements for most low-cost airlines.
It also fits easily in the overhead compartments on most trains.
As for the interior layout of the Fairview 40, the zippers open all the way around so you can lay it flat like a suitcase. This makes it super easy to pack and access your stuff. There’s also a padded divider, which comes in handy if you are traveling with a laptop.
I especially appreciated the back panel pocket—perfect for documents or anything you don’t want to wrinkle.
The Fairview Travel Daypack has an inner divider and a zippered pocket.
Both backpacks also have a small top pocket for quick-access items.
The line includes lots of other useful add-ons like packing cubes, water reservoirs, rain covers, and more.
In terms of design, materials, and overall user experience, I haven’t found a single downside.
That said, this kind of quality doesn’t come cheap.
Expect to spend between €130 and €150 for the 40L and between €55 and €65 for the 15L, depending on the retailer.
But trust me, they’re worth every cent. And your back will thank you.
