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Osprey makes amazing backpacks for travelers, but they have so many to choose from. We’ve compiled a list of the best osprey backpacks so you can pick your favorite one!
Best Osprey Backpacks
Table Of Contents
Osprey Ozone new version (with Naot sandals, Diane Kroe Wrap, Zella Leggings)
Travelers, I have a confession to make: I’m an Osprey backpack addict. I’ve had four of their bags in five years — and not because they don’t last but simply because I can’t help it. I’m 100% Osprey Obsessed!
Just to set the record straight, they don’t sponsor me to promote their backpacks. No, I’ve paid the hefty (but totally worth it) price tag for each and every one of my Osprey backpacks.
The Osprey luggage brand is filled with high quality, durable, and fashionable travel gear, suited for any of your future adventures. But because the price tag is a little higher than you might expect to spend, I decided to put together a list of the best Osprey backpacks so you can find the perfect one for you. This way you only need to get one (though, if you get four I won’t judge you)!
Osprey Backpacks for Travel
Best Osprey Backpack for Hiking: Aura 65L
The Aura 65 is one of the best Osprey backpacks for hiking, whether you’re a beginner or an advanced outdoor adventurer!
This Osprey backpack offers a ventilated mesh back panel with an ultra-comfortable waffle foam harness. The hip belt provides superb fit, while the AirSpeed suspension provides great carry. The Aura 65 comes in an array of color choices and is easy to clean, with lightweight ripstop fabric.
While a great Osprey backpack is an investment, if you have a long hike planned and still want to feel good at the end of the day, then it’s well worth it. The anti-gravity system will help relieve pressure and stave off any unwanted pain!
Plus, the Osprey Aura 65 has plenty of storage as it’s covered in storage, and it includes loops to carry your hiking sticks. You also could fashion the straps underneath to hold a tent or a mat if you’re carrying one along your travels.
While this is one of the best Osprey backpacks on the market, it’s a better choice for hiking backpacking vs. travel backpacking. But it’s a great travel bag choice if you’re not ready to go carry-on only and won’t be carrying anything valuable inside it because the top loader doesn’t lock, and it isn’t properly sized for carry-on.
We walk you through the steps to choose a travel backpack!
Best Osprey Backpack For Space: Farpoint 55L (40+15)
The Farpoint 55 is one of the best Osprey backpacks on the market with its lightweight build, durable ripstop fabric, and extra space!
The Farpoint 55 comes with a detachable 15L bag in addition to the 40L main bag. This Osprey backpack is featherlight, perfect for a carry-on, and locks, making it great for safe travels.
Size-wise, the backapack has a fixed unisex harness in two sizes (either S/M or M/L), a spacer back panel with light wire suspension, and an ErgoPull hipbelt closure.
This is a great bag for all travel backpackers and definitely one of the best Osprey backpacks — if not the best. And it’s easy to pack! The bag opens fully so you can pack and unpack it easily — and if you pair it with some packing cubes for organization, it’s the perfect choice.
While the Farpoint 55 might be the best Osprey backpack, I do find that the compartments aren’t super functional, and you can’t attach the daypack to the main bag easily when it’s packed. Plus, if you’re planning on using the Farpoint 55 as a carry-on you’ll have to remove the daypack.
Most travelers have confirmed that they’re able to use this Osprey backpack as a carry-on. It’s possible you might have issues with budget airlines that have smaller size limitations. To be safe, please double check with your airline.
If you love the Farpoint 55 but you need something smaller to avoid any issues, the Farpoint 40 is slightly shorter at 21 inches, making it a great smaller version of the best backpacking backpacks for travel. Note that the Farpoint 40 does not include a daypack, but you could purchase one separately if you need it.
Looking for more details on the Osprey Farpoint? I love this Osprey so much that I wrote an entire post about it and how to pack it!
Best Osprey Backpack for Wheels: Meridian 22
The Osprey Meridian 22-inch backpack is the deluxe traveler for this series, offering 60L of space. It’s one of the best Osprey backpacks for travel if you’re looking for a little luxury and some wheels in your pack!
The Osprey Meridian offers some great organizational features, such as internal and back panel compartments, a laptop compatible feature, and an adjustable, removable back panel suspension system. It also comes with a zippered detachable daypack.
The Osprey Meridian 22 is now sold out, however, here’s a similar style.
Unlike some of the other Osprey backpack models, the Meridian is suitcase style with great wheels, removable backpack straps, and lockable options. Plus it’s carry-on sized. That said, it’s heavier than some of the other choices, and the structured shape makes it difficult to make full use of the space it has.
All in all, the Meridian 22 is one of the best Osprey backpacks for backpacking travelers who prefer wheels and crave the occasional flexibility of using the bag as a backpack. But it’s certainly not for everyone.
If you want more information on the Osprey Meridian, I’ve written about the good and the bad of this bag.
Shop: Osprey
Best Osprey Backpack For Versatile Travel: Ozone 21.5
The Osprey Ozone 21.5 is one of my favorite bags because it’s lightweight, durable, and lockable — making it perfect for a versatile array of travel.
If you’re headed out on business, the Ozone 21.5 is one of the best Osprey bags for those looking to pack light and travel carry-on only. The Ozone 21.5 has 42L of volume and only weighs 4.53 lbs., making it roomy and light. It’s made with easy-to-clean, ripstop fabric, has a laptop compartment, and locks for extra security.
While a few travelers comment about the single-bar handle, I’ve been able to port this bag around as my carry-on for all my international flights, including budget airlines like Air Asia. It fits perfectly in the airline luggage size racks, and I’ve fit it easily underneath cramped bus seats and limited overhead compartments.
The downside to the Ozone 21.5 is the fact that it doesn’t have straps, so it’s not a traditional backpack design like the others on the list, but it is surely one of the best designs Osprey has to offer, especially if you’re looking for an alternative to straps!
I love that it has a contemporary look that’s not too sporty, and yet it’s durable enough to handle the wear-and-tear of long-term traveling.
Looking for an alternative luggage option that still has wheels? Here are our readers picks for lightweight rolling duffel bags!
Shop: Osprey
Best Osprey Backpack For Travel: Fairview 40L
The Osprey Fairview 40L is a great choice if you’re looking for the best travel backpack thanks to the built-in security measures, space, and comfort carry.
This Osprey has great comfortable carrying features, including the back panel, hip belt, and secure harness system — all of this is helpful in making a slimmer profile for the bag and can help when it comes to using it as a carry-on!
The best Osprey backpack for travel has to include lots of storage, and the Fairview 40L delivers, being able to carry up to 40 lbs. Plus there’s a zippered front panel slash pocket to store a few of your favorite things, and it features a padded place to securely store your laptop.
This is a great choice of Osprey bags if you’re looking for the best travel backpack. Whether you want a bag to carry around on your next hike, cart through the airport, or simply the best travel backpack for Europe, the Osprey Fairview 40L should definitely make the list.
Packing organizers can help you pack lighter!
Best Osprey Backpack for Compact Travel: Farpoint 40
The Osprey Farpoint 40 holds a surprising amount, considering its size. Organize it with packing cubes and you can pack it for longer-term travels.
This is one of the best Osprey backpacks for its superior but compact design. Even full, the Farpoint 40 is lightweight and is a great carry-on size, working for most commercial aircraft. And while it has the look of a backpack, it opens like a suitcase, making it easy to retrieve your things.
It features a slightly padded, lockable laptop pouch (great if you’re traveling for business), and the compression straps are great for keeping things in place and adding a bit of extra security. And it’s built with nylon ripstop fabric.
That said, this might not be the best choice for more intense adventure hiking as it’s not built for packing hiking gear (though some users have had success regardless). If you’re looking for a contemporary bag with a sleek design and enough room to cart your travel gear with you, then this is the perfect bag!
We round up the best backpacks for business travel!
Shop: Amazon
Best Osprey Backpack for Organization: Porter 46
Need something a little bigger? The Osprey Porter 46 has a whopping 46L of space, perfect for those of us who want to toss in a few extra things. It’s quality-built, lockable, and also works well as a carry-on for most travelers.
The Porter 46 is great for travelers who are looking to travel carry-on only and need a little help with organization. It features a ton of easy-to-access compartments that make packing for travel easier, including a lockable laptop back panel, a top compartment for easy access to your toiletries, and even somewhere to store your travel documents!
The Osprey Porter 46 is built specifically to be carry-on compatible, much like the slightly smaller version (though double-check with your airline), and travelers report having no issues storing this Osprey backpack in the cabin of their plane.
This bag also comes in four sleek colors, if you’re looking to stay away from the traditional black. Whether you’re a leisure or business traveler, the Osprey Porter 46 is a great companion for your carry-on only adventures.
Think you can’t travel carry-on only? Think again and read this!
Best Osprey Backpack for Daytrips: Tempest 20
If you’ve been a reader of TFG for a while, you may have noticed I’m incredibly brand loyal. Osprey is a brand that first impressed me on my 9-month round-the-world trip with the Aura 65L, and it’s been my go-to travel and outdoor gear brand ever since!
Navigating a slight incline in my Scarpa Boots, with Trail Buddy Hiking Poles, Outdoor Research Hat, and Osprey Tempest 20 Daypack
The Tempest 20 is the latest item in my collection. It’s feather-light, and my first official Osprey daypack as the previous one I had was a part of the 55L Farpoint. At first, I wish I would’ve gotten the size 22 for just a little extra space for multi-day trips. However, the size ended up being just perfect for this trip!
Find out why the Osprey Tempest is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts in this review!
Best Osprey Backpack for Air Travel
The Transporter 44L backpack is the ultimate carry-on backpack for air travel. It opens flat like a suitcase and has ample storage space, so with strategic packing, you can take this on longer journeys and fit all you need! It’s also a great option if you have kids and need a functional bag for storing essentials.
It features interior and exterior pockets to keep everything organized, a padded laptop sleeve for laptops up to 16”, and compression straps.
Because you can definitely pack a lot in it, the padded shoulder straps are designed for comfortable carrying. There’s another strap included for over-the-shoulder carrying, or you can use the trolley sleeve if you’re traveling with a suitcase.
The rugged and water-resistant fabric holds up incredibly well over time, and it overall has a sleek and pretty look!
Best Osprey Luggage for Carry-On Travel
While not a backpack, the 38L Transporter wheeled luggage is too awesome to not mention! This style makes a great carry-on, with plenty of space and organization to store your travel belongings neatly and efficiently.
It’s easy to pack, with a wide opening and plenty of pockets and dividers. There’s also a laptop sleeve that’ll safely store a laptop up to 16”. Plus, the zippers are lockable!
Users rave about the durability of Osprey bags in general, and this one is certainly no exception. The frame is super strong and the durable, water-resistant fabric will keep your items as safe as can be.
If you like to travel carry-on only and are looking for a moderately sized and super functional bag, this Transporter wheeled carry-on is a fantastic choice!
Best Osprey Packs for Travel
Shop: Amazon | Osprey | Backcountry
Osprey Waist Pack Tempest 6
I’ve been wanting something like this Osprey waist pack since last year when I went hiking at Red River Gorge. It was hot and having a daypack felt a little uncomfortable on my back, so I wanted something smaller and lighter to carry a few of my essentials. This was perfect!
So glad when I found this on the Osprey website. It has space for 2 water bottles, 2 decent sizes stash pockets on the hip belt, and 2 interior pockets that are spacious enough to hold my sunglasses, my Eddie Bauer long sleeve, and a couple of snacks.
Enjoying Capitol Reef in Old Navy Tank Top, Patagonia Tights, Osprey Tempest 6 Waist Pack, and holding Trail Buddy Hiking Poles
I didn’t fill it all the way as I still wanted to keep the weight down, but it was perfect. A little skeptical about the look at first, but the comfort and convenience made up for it, and in the end, so happy with this new addition to my hiking gear!
Osprey Backpacks Comparison Chart
Here’s a quick summary of the best Osprey Backpacks for travel:
[wpsm_comparison_table id=”51″ class=”center-table-align”]
Why an Osprey Backpack?
When planning my 9-month Round the World trip in 2010, I wanted a bag that would last the duration of my travels. That’s when I found my first Osprey backpack in the REI Outlet and scored an awesome discount during online Black Friday sales.
During those 9 months as a new and “official” backpacker, my bag underwent abuse like you wouldn’t believe! From stuffing it to the brim to mean baggage handlers throwing it around and contaminating it with the dirtiest floors around the world, this bag was pushed to the limits.
But at the end of it all, it still looked as good as new and was perfectly intact.
Since then, I’ve been in love with Osprey backpacks and have never looked back. Not only do I love traveling with an Osprey bag, but their construction and functionality are superior to many of the products on the market. Specifically, Osprey uses quality fabric, a lightweight design, and is quite durable.
The secret to traveling light is to create a functional but minimalist capsule wardrobe. Learn more in my guide!
Osprey Uses Superior Fabric
The fabric Osprey backpacks are built to set them apart from other brands. I love the lightweight ripstop fabric. It’s easy to clean, repels dirt and stains, and is water resistant. Technically, the last one isn’t isn’t advertised but that’s been my experience so far.
Check out my tutorial on how to clean a travel backpack!
Osprey Backpacks Are Lightweight
Because the fabric used in an Osprey backpack is so thin yet highly functional, it’s also incredibly lightweight. This is super important when you’re trying to pack light (though I’ll note that the Meridian featured is a little more heavyweight than the other designs).
Osprey Backpacks Are Durable
Travel backpacks like the Osprey designs are pretty expensive. This makes sense considering long-term travelers or backpackers need gear that’s built to last. The Osprey is quality-built.
As mentioned earlier, I carted mine around during my 2010 Round the World trip. I highly recommend the Osprey brand due to its reliable reputation — don’t skip out on the investment!
Need some more specifics? Here are the most important features to consider when choosing a travel backpack!
Osprey Features Minimal Design
Osprey has minimalist design options for people who want to “backpack” around the world without looking like a hiker. The color pallet is also minimalistic, with nice, inoffensive colors (like the subdued greys and blacks I love). But if you’re looking for something a little more feminine, they have pretty but non-flashy colors, so you can show your personality but not stand out like an amateur.
My Osprey Backpacks
I own different Osprey packs, which I love for different reasons.
And the reason why I’ve gone through so many bags in just a few years is because my needs have changed over time in my transformation from overpacker to carry-on traveler!
Which Osprey Will You Choose?
If I knew then what I know now, I would say to skip the top loader Aura and go straight to the Farpoint if you’re a backpacker-style traveler. Why? Because the Farpoint zips and locks, making it safer, plus you get a carry-on size main pack plus a smaller daypack in one. You can even get this Farpoint on its own without the daypack.
For travel, this is by far one of the best Osprey backpacks.
For travelers who prefer wheels, especially someone with back problems like me, I’d say to skip the backpack straps altogether avoiding the Meridian, and choose the Ozone instead. If you’re a long-term traveler or like to get off the beaten path, then the average suitcase wheels aren’t good enough, so you need something rugged with durable wheels like either of these two options.
If you’re trying to decide between the Osprey Porter vs the Farpoint, the main difference is the design. The Osprey Porter has a straightjacket design with padded panels that cover the bag and clip in the front, whereas the Farpoint does not. The Farpoint also doesn’t have the bottom carry handle that you’d find on the Porter.
What do you think are the best Osprey backpacks? Please comment below!
For more tips and ideas on travel luggage, please read:
- The Step By Step Solution to STOP OVERPACKING
- Packing Cubes: The Pro Secret to Carry-on Travel
- How to Choose the Best Luggage: Smart Buying Guide
- Travel Experts Reveal Top Luggage Brands
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After all your recommendations, I bought the Ozone 21.5, because I am a young almost 70 years old lady with back problems. Thanks Alex!!
This is one of the first posts I ever read that got me into minimalist packing. I bought the Osprey Farpoint and took my first 2 week trip to Europe with just a backpack. I have used only a carry on bag ever since!
With all your recommandations I bought the OZONE 21.5 and I’m really satisfied. At almost 70 with back problems I can travel carryon . Thanks Alex
My Osprey has lasted YEARS, I love the idea of the Meridian .. might need to upgrade!
I’m heading for Germany, France, and the U.K. for a 3 week trip. I’ve used smaller, wheeled suitcases in the past, but they tip over too easily, especially on cobblestones. I’m going to the Osprey Transporter 44 as a check through, and it’s companion carry on, which has a slot so it can slide onto the handle of the Transporter. I’m going to be traveling by train, and walking loads of cobblestone streets, so I needed something easily managed and compact. Fully packed, the Transporter weighs only 32lbs- and I’ve even gotten my hiking poles into it easily. I’ve used Osprey backpacks for years, and they just keep getting better!
I use the Osprey Fairpoint 36 which is perfect for my size. Handy because it has wheels as well, but the extension pole takes up space in the bag. It’s an inconvenience, but I deal with it for the convenience of the wheels.
I have gotten so much use out of my Osprey Farpoint 55! Easy to take carry-on or tuck the straps for checking. I also loved that there was sizing for more-petite frames. It fits me so well and is comfortable to carry. It’s really durable too. Takes a beating and still looks great. Osprey really makes great products.
So glad to find these reviews after a friend recommended Osprey. Seriously considering making the switch to a backpack for my carry-on for my upcoming trip to Europe and this helps so much!
Hi there,
I have to say that I have always found many of your recommendation incredibly helpful. I traveled to Europe for two weeks with a carry on and it made life so much easier. Specifically with the Osprey Meridian carryon. It’s amazing how much the bag can fit. I removed the straps from the compartment where the telescopic handle comes up and used it as a laptop sleeve so I didn’t have to put in my handbag. Made going through check points so much easier.
Thank you for all of your travel recommendations!
Hi!
I love the osprey porter 46! It’s the best bag & it holds so much. I just wanted to mention it’s the porter 65 that has the bottom shoe compartment not the porter 46 as mentioned in this overview
Hi Amber, thank you for bringing this to our attention, we really appreciate it! We will update the article accordingly. ? Happy travels!
I’m planning a 7 day trip to Wyoming in June 2020 and chose Osprey bags before reading this blog. I have decided on the Osprey Porter 30 as my carry-on and their Daylite Travel as my personal item. I found the site in my search for good tips, tricks and most importantly help with my wardrobe. I will be staying with a friend and I know we will be a day or two at least of hiking excursions. Determining what I should pack is a challenge that is really starting to give me anxiety even though the trip is so far away. I’m also a plus sized lady so reading Erika Cooper’s blog helped. I feel if I go to my friend for clothing advise now she might just laugh at me for planning my wardrobe so far in advance.
Hi Amberly, it is never to early to start planning your wardrobe! Many of our readers like to also start planning their travel wardrobes years in advance too. I would highly recommend that you join our TFG facebook group and post any questions you have about your wardrobe there: https://www.facebook.com/groups/travelfashiongirls/ With over 10,000 members, there are women of all ages, shapes, and sizes who are always so helpful with sharing their advice and feedback. Have an awesome time!
Do you like the Sojourn??
Hi Patricia, I am afraid that I do not have any experiences to share about the Sojourn backpack. I would highly recommend that you join our TFG facebook group and post your question about the Sojourn backkpack there: https://www.facebook.com/groups/travelfashiongirls/ Its a fabulous community of helpful female travelers that have the best advice and recommendations to share. Sorry I could not have been of more help.
I requested (and received) the Sojourn 45 for Christmas last year and finally took it on my trip to Vancouver Island this fall. I haven’t yet used the backpack straps so can’t speak to those. However, it was a nice light bag that I have yet to be able to fill too full. I had my 4 Compass Rose packing cubes, a pair of Chelsea boots, a pair of Toms plus my toiletry bag then on my way home, put my flat(ish) Sherpani Sojourn in the bottom of all that and I still was not over full. So far, I’m a fan.
Hi Cheri, thank you for sharing your helpful review of your Sojourn backpack with us and for all your support with our CR packing cubes. Hope you love them!!! Happy travels! ❤️
Love my Osprey! My husband and I both got one on eBay before our three week honeymoon for a great price. We use them about every other weekend, as we travel to Toronto frequently and two years later with lots of use, they are like brand new.
Hi Rachel, so pleased to hear you love your osprey as much as I do!!! Which style have you got? Happy travels! ?
In September I am going to Rome for 3 days, flying by Aegean airlines to Athens for 3 days, doing a 4 day cruise to the islands, 3 days on Mykonos island (should I get a rental car or taxis around the island?) then back to Athens for 2 days. I have Never packed small. I usually end a trip with 1 oversized suitcase and a duffel or midsize suitcase(Peru, China, Mexico). I had decided to downgrade to an Osprey Ozone 75 L bag and was feeling pretty good about it but now am wondering if I should get the smaller 42L bag? I am a plus size girl size 16. I have packing cubes. I have been reading your blog. I am trying but dont know how to downsize and keep space for souvenirs and shoes and all the other things I will need. Not sure how to pack for the weather. As a bigger girl my swimsuit is heavy if I bring 2 they will take up a ton of space and weight oh and I have Plantar fasciitis, I really like the Vionic Tide II sandals you recommend they are amazing but will they be enough for 2 weeks….Help please!
Hi Kimmy, thank you for reaching out! You may find this FB live useful, where I demonstrated how to pack for travel featuring a size 3XL – size 22/24 capsule: https://www.facebook.com/TravelFashionGirl/videos/1931295483846877/ Many times, I add more clothing in the videos to show the maximum but not necessarily how much clothing should be packed ? It’s all about the capsule wardrobe and choosing strategic fabrics. Have a look at TFG’s signature packing lists for ideas for a capsule wardrobe and how many clothing items you should pack: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/functional-and-fashion-packing-list/ For shoes we recommend that three is the magic number you need to pack. Have a look at this article for some ideas for what shoes might be the best to pack based on the weather: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/the-best-travel-shoes-for-italy-to-avoid-looking-like-a-tourist/
Hope this helps! Hope you have an incredible trip! ?
I am wanting a rolling backpack. I am trying to decide between the Ozone 22″46L and the Ozone 18″/36L. I will be going to Scotland with a stopover in Dublin and taking a very small local flight to Edinburgh. I want to make sure I am not stopped with my luggage or having to have it put in the plane.
I am afraid the 22″ would be too big. What do you think?
Thanks,
Jan
Hi Jan,
Each airline and airport staff has different ways of enforcing or NOT enforcing their luggage policies. It’s honestly very difficult to tell you for sure that it will or won’t go through. If you’re flying a budget airline or domestic flight you’ll for sure be hassled but international is a bit more relaxed.
I’m sorry if it’s not the perfect answer you were hoping for. If it really worries you, get an 18″ not 22″ luggage. Hope this helps!
I just came back from Peru and Ecuador using the ozone rolling pack. It is not a backpack, but it was heaven…..so light and no questions asked about its size for carry on. I also had a backpack I shoved under the seats. I managed to use these two pieces of luggage for almost a month, with weather being chilly and extremely hot . I even packed my own mask and snorkel! I will now purchase a good smaller backpack from them as mine didn’t have a good water bottle holder. Love my ozone roller though!
Is there a certain way that the backpack should fit besides comfortably? I mean should it sit in a certain spot and be a certain length away from you neck?
Would you recommend the Osprey Farpoint 80 for a 4-month trip or would you suggest getting one of the smaller ones?
I used the Osprey 55 for 2 years…the 80 is too big for anyone to carry
Hi! I do also have back problems and I am researching for a backpack with wheels. Between the Meridian and the Sojourn, which one would you recommend?
Hi Anna, take a look at this post on traveling with back problems: https://travelfashiongirl.com/healthy-back/ Personally I found that because of my back problems I never actually used the backpack features and ended up replacing my Meridian with the Ozone – INCREDIBLE!
My question is more around Osprey hiking backpacks as I am going trekking in Sapa for 2 nights in October. I have had a look at some packs in other stores and by the sizes I saw, I would think a 20-30L would be sufficient for 3 day/2night however on the Osprey website they recommend that size for one day hikes only. I will be wearing one set of clothes, so will only be taking one extra set hiking clothes (trousers, singlet, ls shirt), tights and light jumper for at night, socks, underwear, havaianas, basic toiletries, scarf, wireless charger, hat. I don’t have a large camera and won’t be taking my laptop but I would like to fit maybe a litre of water and some snacks as I am not sure the distance between rest/water stops.
Hi Ange, a 20L-30L is perfect for a short trek. In fact, I used a 20L for a 4 day trek to Machu Picchu. Most people that trekked Sapa while I was there just used a regular size backpack – about 20L- 25L.
I maximize my space by using a packing cube for my clothes and also by being selective with the items I do pack. This post should be helpful to give you a better idea: https://travelfashiongirl.com/inca-trail-and-machu-picchu-tours-packing-list/
Make sure to dress warmly because Sapa gets very cold especially at night 🙂 have a great trip!
I slightly disagree with you concerning the Meridian vs Ozone, mainly because the Meridian’s backpack straps could easily be removed, leaving a great big pouch for flat shoes or dirty stuff.
So when you know you’ll probably not needing the backpack stuff (visiting a big city a couple of days where wheels will be sufficient), you’ll end with a nice trolley.
When choosing the Ozone instead and possibly need backpacking sometimes, you’lle be stucked because there are no straps at all, and you’ll end only with a nice trolley.
So for my point of view the Meridian is slightly more versatile.
Hi Zanza, thanks for your comment! Yes 100% agreed the Meridian is more versatile. For me, however, the Meridian doesn’t work as well because I can’t use the backpack feature anymore with my back issues so the Ozone now does the job 🙂
By definition most carry on luggage will weigh less than 10KG.
If you have a small day pack carrying some of the heavy dense items such as books and computers the ozone may way less than 7-8 kg. Every kilo counts especially when using Asian carriers.
I have tried on the convertible bags but I find that they are too heavy. I usually use a backpack for international travel. I purchased the ozone 22 for my daughter who is still a university student.
Thanks for the input! Glad you’ve found something that works for you!
Hi Alex!
I just purchased the M/L Osprey 55 and am now worried because it doesn’t look like it will fit carry-on size (25 inches it is.) The Osprey 40 is 21 inches- so it would meet airlines rules. Do you have experience with the 40?
Hi Amanda! Oh no, the 55 used to work carry-on but so much has changed the past couple of years. I now travel with a different bag so I don’t know if it would work but reviews seem to say it’s good. Are you flying with budget airlines like Ryan Air or Air Asia? For international should be good but if you want to be 100% sure the 40L should be almost exactly the same just a few inches shorter. Let me know!
Hey Alex, do you have any experience with packs designed for women? A few years ago I looked and looked for a maximim carry-on size for my 5’2″, narrow-shouldered frame and settled on an Osprey Porter 46. It’s now accompanied me on several trips, and I have no complaints about it as a bag, but it’s still not the most comfortable and reminds me that it wasn’t built for my frame. Have you come across anything new that might be better for the smaller among us?
I’m also 5’2″ and the size S/M Farpoint 40L bag was very comfortable for me. I’d also suggest looking into Junior or Teen sizes too. One of my first backpacks was a teen size and it seemed to be the perfect size!
Stay away from one size bags and try to find women specific styles in size small or teen. Good luck with your search!
I just took the Osprey Sirrus on a month long trip to Cuba. It’s a 36L Womens pack. It was great. I’m 5’4″ but have a narrow frame and find that the straps on mens size packs often cut off the circulation in my arms so these days I always try to go with Womens packs. It’s important to try on whatever pack you are considering If you are going for a backpack style because the frames vary, even within a brand. The 36L was a good size for a month or more in a subtropical to tropical climate. I will be getting a larger pack for longer trips to colder or more mixed climates where my rolling luggage will not go. And it will likely be an Osprey!
Thanks for your feedback Sarah! 36L is a great size. I’ve also heard the Sirrus collection is very popular, too. I’ve tried to consider other brands for my long term travels but I just can’t bring myself to do it. It’s always Osprey for me 🙂