For today's Tuesday Traveler, we're going to delve into the world of backpacks. I would like to start off saying that I am in no way affiliated or paid by Osprey or anything like that, I just genuinely LOVE this bag! Meet my Osprey Fairview 40 backpack, which has gotten me through overnight trips, week-long excursions, and everything in between. So far I haven't taken this bag on anything longer than a week, but this will be my main bag for the Crossing Borders trip so that will be the true test for that. Listen, I know that there are a TON of packs on the market and everyone has opinions on which is the best, but for me, I am super happy with my Osprey bag. I'm just hoping I can help someone out there make an informed decision on whether or not this pack fits their needs.
You can see a lot of the details of this pack in the video below, but I'm going to cover both the features mentioned as well as those that aren't. To start off, there are two mesh pockets in the front that I think might be for storing water bottles? I keep my water bottle attached to the little hook in the small front pocket at the top instead and use those pockets for glasses, sunglasses, or snacks while traveling. Keeping the snacks there makes them super easy to access, especially while riding in any sort of transport. It has a small front pocket at the top, a big middle pocket with a mesh, zippered pocket and a laptop compartment inside, and a super spacious main compartment with a large mesh, zippered pocket on the opposite side of it. The front features two compression straps to help make the pack more compact, very useful if trying to stuff it under the airline seat in front of you. Though, my bag is usually too stuffed and I have to pop it up in the overheard bins, which it fits nicely into. The straps are adjustable and both the straps and the back are padded where you need it, for comfort. But what I really love about this bag, besides the insane amount of things I can shove in it, is the wide, comfortable hip straps that can be buckled. These really help to distribute the weight and makes carrying this thing way more comfortable, whether that be long treks over tough terrain, or high-tailing it through an airport to make a tight connection. However, if this is not a feature that appeals to you, the hip straps can easily be tucked away. Something else that's tucked away, is the side carrying strap. This is not something that I have ever used, but I know some people out there might find this convenient, so its worth mentioning.
Since taking this video, before Ireland in 2018, I have stopped using packing cubes and just started packing smarter. For example, I place all little things like socks, underwear, and bathing suits into shirts, hoodies, pants, etc and then fold it up. Plus I've found that the Marie Kondo method of folding clothes translates nicely into packing a bag, the clothes end up so tiny and I can fit so much more now!
Comments