Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L vs Osprey Farpoint 40
Both made our Best Travel Backpacks for Digital Nomads shortlist, at #1 and #3. Here's how they differ and who each one suits.
- BuyOnceRight Research Desk
- Updated
- 4 min read
Quick verdict
Choose the Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L if you want compresses to a smaller, stricter-sizer-friendly footprint when needed. Choose the Osprey Farpoint 40 if you'd rather have frame suspension and hipbelt carry weight better on long walks between train stations. Overall we rank the Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L higher: #1 versus #3 in our Best Travel Backpacks for Digital Nomads list.
Winner overall: Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L
Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L vs Osprey Farpoint 40 compared
Every difference that matters, in one table.
| Attribute | ||
|---|---|---|
| Our ranking | #1 of 3 in Best Travel Backpacks for Digital Nomads | #3 of 3 in Best Travel Backpacks for Digital Nomads |
| Pick label | ||
| Brand | Peak Design | Osprey |
| Key features | Expands from 35L to 45L via external compression straps; Weatherproof 400D recycled nylon canvas shell; Rear, top, and side access with MagLatch closures | 40L with removable 11L daypack; LightWire frame suspension; Stowable harness |
| Biggest strength | Compresses to a smaller, stricter-sizer-friendly footprint when needed | Frame suspension and hipbelt carry weight better on long walks between train stations |
| Main trade-off | Tuck-away straps take a bit of practice to stow cleanly | 40L exceeds several budget-carrier personal item limits, may incur a gate fee |
| Best for | carry on only travel | backpacking europe |
Which should you buy?
#1 pick
Choose the Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L if…
- Compresses to a smaller, stricter-sizer-friendly footprint when needed
- Three separate access points make it easy to grab items without unpacking
- Weatherproof shell holds up in rain at bus stops and gate walks
Best for: carry on only travel
Prefer the alternative? See the Osprey Farpoint 40 section.
#3 pick
Choose the Osprey Farpoint 40 if…
- Frame suspension and hipbelt carry weight better on long walks between train stations
- Removable daypack works as a day bag for sightseeing without the main pack
- Widely used by long-term backpackers, with a strong multi-year durability track record
Best for: backpacking europe
Prefer the alternative? See the Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L section.
Pros and cons of each
Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L
Pros
- Compresses to a smaller, stricter-sizer-friendly footprint when needed
- Three separate access points make it easy to grab items without unpacking
- Weatherproof shell holds up in rain at bus stops and gate walks
Cons
- Tuck-away straps take a bit of practice to stow cleanly
- Heavier than the Osprey Farpoint 40 when fully packed
Osprey Farpoint 40
Pros
- Frame suspension and hipbelt carry weight better on long walks between train stations
- Removable daypack works as a day bag for sightseeing without the main pack
- Widely used by long-term backpackers, with a strong multi-year durability track record
Cons
- 40L exceeds several budget-carrier personal item limits, may incur a gate fee
- Two-piece system is bulkier than a single travel pack when both pieces are combined
- Higher price than the Cotopaxi packs at typical retail
Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L vs Osprey Farpoint 40: common questions
Which is better, the Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L or the Osprey Farpoint 40?
Choose the Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L if you want compresses to a smaller, stricter-sizer-friendly footprint when needed. Choose the Osprey Farpoint 40 if you'd rather have frame suspension and hipbelt carry weight better on long walks between train stations. Overall we rank the Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L higher: #1 versus #3 in our Best Travel Backpacks for Digital Nomads list.
What is the difference between the Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L and the Osprey Farpoint 40?
The Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L stands out because compresses to a smaller, stricter-sizer-friendly footprint when needed, while the Osprey Farpoint 40 stands out because frame suspension and hipbelt carry weight better on long walks between train stations. The trade-offs differ too: the Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L's main caveat is that tuck-away straps take a bit of practice to stow cleanly, and the Osprey Farpoint 40's is that 40L exceeds several budget-carrier personal item limits, may incur a gate fee.
Is the Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L worth it over the Osprey Farpoint 40?
For most buyers, yes: it's our #1 pick. Consider the Osprey Farpoint 40 instead if tuck-away straps take a bit of practice to stow cleanly is a deal-breaker for you.
Who should buy the Osprey Farpoint 40 instead of the Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L?
The Osprey Farpoint 40 suits backpacking europe, while the Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L is best for carry on only travel.