24.2.2019

Overall I like this pack and will continue to use it but it does have its good and bad points. I like being able to carry everything on my back and not drag it behind me. It’s great when I’m on uneven ground or dealing with steps even if it does get tiring standing in long lines.I like the size. It’s just right for me. I’d say I’m a not quite minimalist packer. I bring the basics and a few nice to have items but nothing more than that. I use packing cubes and the packs own compression straps (both internal and external) to keep everything compressed and organized.I’ve never had a problem using it as a carry on. That said, I always tuck in the straps prior to getting to security then I either leave them tucked in or retuck them before the gate agents show up.That way it looks more like a duffel bag and less like a hiking pack. No problems fitting it in overhead bins. On smaller planes I detach the smaller bag and put the two packs in separately (once I’m already on board so it doesn’t look like I have too many bags).The pack is sorely lacking organization. The main pack is just one big space that tapers due to the space for the belts. It does open up all the way so you can see everything at a glance. The top flap has one huge zippered mesh compartment. I put ziploc bags with smaller clothing items in there. The detachable backpack is one main compartment, a large top zip mesh compartment, and a lightly padded laptop sleeve. On the outside it has a two mesh pockets and a small zippered pocket near the top which would be great for your phone or id if it weren’t for pickpockets.The smaller backpack would make a great carryon bag if it had more organization. For short trips when I’m not packing much I’ll just throw my purse in there so I don’t have to carry it then take it out for the flight.My big gripe with the detachable backpack is the shape of the straps. They come way in towards your neck before curving outwards. This gives nice freedom of movement for your shoulders which would be nice for scrambling over rocks or other more technical hiking skills but for wearing around town while on vacation it’s annoying and leaves me with chafe marks on the sides of my neck. It’s even worse when my husband wears the pack (it’s plain black and doesn’t look like either a men’s or women’s pack). Sewing soft fabric to the straps is on my to do list.Others have mentioned the hip belt being small. I have 35” hips and with the light layers I normally travel in it’s more like 37”. Not tiny but not big. Even though I have the larger version of this pack (the small/medium) for torso length the hip belt only has an extra 2” or so of slack on each side. If I have to wear a winter coat the extra 2” of slack will be used up.

27.5.2019

I submitted a separate review but there were two women in our group that had these along with me. Their experiences were different. One of our party was an 80 year old woman with small stature. She's very energetic and still actively hikes, sectioned hiked App Trail for a week last year, so she's not 'normal'. She didn't care for the bag and wished she had brought a rolling bag instead. Her biggest issue was the size and weight. Even at these dimensions, your bag can get heavy. The problem was that she struggled carrying the bag so that meant she needed to put it on as a backpack. But because of her size, she also needed to attach the travel pack in the front to balance herself and trying to do that while you're hurrying to catch trains and planes can be a real pain.

17.4.2019

I bought this with the intention of using it for travel abroad for 3 weeks in Japan, anticipating hiking up to 3-5 miles a day with the bag. This is no doubt a nice bag, but there are a few issues I had with it:1. This is NOT carry on size. I read reviews saying they could squish the bag to fit, but even when compressing the bag, there is still a frame that exceeds the standard carry-on requirements for US airlines (I used a measuring tape to measure.) With the bag packed, it was even harder to try and compress it. I'm sure some airlines are lienient, but I was flying standby and didn't want to take the risk of discovering that I would need to check the bag.2. The daypack is useless.

1.5.2019

Best purchase for my trip! I lived from this bag for 4 weeks while I traveled through Thailand, Malaysia, and the Philippines during the hot/dry-season. Both the main bag and day pack were comfortable to wear and distributed weight well (by the end of the trip, the main bag weighed 11kg or 24lbs and it was still comfortable to carry). They both have a surprising amount of space (especially with packing cubes) and the material has a good amount of flex to it without it feeling like you're about to rip the fabric. I got the day pack a little wet (not soaked) while we were on boats but the material dried quickly and my stuff inside were still dry (although with that said,

21.5.2019

I took this on vacation around Ireland - we stayed in two different hostels. Had no issues as a carry-on for United Airlines, the only problem we encountered was lack of overhead bin space, so we had to check it on a few legs. Just put the straps in and carry it like a duffel, they won't blink twice. It fits A LOT of stuff, I was able to pack several t-shirts, 8 pairs of underwear, two bras, three pairs of jeans, two sweaters, two sets of pajamas, a microfiber towel set, flip flops (for shower), a pair of sneakers, six pairs of socks, and all of my makeup/toiletries. Furthermore, I fit a bunch of medicine, charging cords and my Bose headphones in the day pack.My only issue is this - if you pack it COMPLETELY full like I did,

14.10.2019

I purchased this backpack before a spring break trip to Colombia. I knew I would be taking moto taxis and other forms of transport ill-suited to a rolling suitcase, so I did some research and found this. I was really unsure about the sizing at first, but I went with the small/medium size of the 55 liter. I am 5'5", 120 lb, slender frame and it is perfect. I take it when I travel around the US now and I recently just got back from Cuba with it. I love the day pack as I usually use that as my under-the-seat-stowaway bag and then put the larger pack in the overhead bin. Even though the 55L does not have the checkmark by the "carry on compatible" box on the Osprey website I have never been told

25.3.2018

I haven’t used this to travel yet but so far this seems like a great pack! The material looks like it would be super hard to damage but easy to clean. I love how the day pack zips off from the rest of the pack so easily and can be worn on front of you in airports or busy locations, allowing you to be able to keep an eye on valuables. It even clips to the rest of the pack when worn in front, making it easier to stay on your shoulders. The straps were easy to stow away. It’s also really nice that the hip and chest belts can be moved up or down to accommodate different body types. I had no trouble closing the chest strap because I was able to move it up, which is a problem I had with some other packs.

21.6.2019

I struggled with pulling the trigger on purchasing this bag because it was a little larger than airlines allow. But, I traveled on five flights through the US and Japan. I only used valet service on a regional domestic flight because I didn't want to deal with it. PROS: U Zipper (top open) allows you to access things super quick. It also has compression straps inside and out, that really compress the load. I traveled eight days using compression cubes and fit two large cubes with: 2 dresses; 3 blouses; 1 pair of slacks; 1 pair of capris; 2 pair yoga pants; 2 tanks; 3 t-shirts; 2 pr shoes; toiletry bag. On the way back, I stuffed in two oversized stuffed animals and multiple souvenirs.

26.8.2019

I got this as an alternative to a second checked bag that rolls for my upcoming trip to Japan. I love that I can carry it on my back instead of having to worry about bulky luggage pieces rolling all over the train. The hip belt is lovely for added support due to the extra weight of carrying my belongings on my back. The color is distinct and will be easy to spot on a baggage claim. And the security measures are perfect.The daypack and the contents of the larger backpack are all secured with buckles and even the zipper to take off the daypack has a buckle. It would be very hard to steal straight off of your back. A concern for many. It's also fairly roomy.

13.7.2019

I used this backpack to go through Europe for three-weeks. This backpack survived trains, getting tossed around, and all types of weather. Very durable, didn’t have any issues with rips or tears.The daypack was the reason I got this backpack and really was super helpful through out my trip. Everytime i got on a train it was really easy to quickly zip it off so I could have my books etc, and then store the rest of my belongings above. Deducted a star because during my travels I noticed the top strap didn’t secure tighter, would have been nice since you tend to lean back a bit with the daypack and tighting the top towards your body helps tremendously.If you’re looking for a backpack this is a good step up from the 40L,

13.12.2017

I adore this backpack. It easily fit 10+ days worth of clothes a jacket and a couple pairs of sandals on a recent 16 day trip to Europe (the reason I bought the bag- although I do think using packing cubes also helped). Technically it is too large for carry-on, but I have never had any issue carrying this on on the 10 flights and multiple airlines I have used since purchasing this bag. The color is great (although more teal then it looks in pictures). The day pack is the perfect size to fit under your seat on flight or take on short trips. The straps and material are comfortable and the bag is very durable. I do wish it had another pocket in the main pack and that it was a bit easier to get the day pack reattached to the main bag (it's not difficult,

2.3.2020

Bought this bag for my first Bali over seas back packing trip. I have not went yet due to the corona virus I’ve delayed my travel plans. I have used it though for stateside trips and it’s quite durable for its lightweight and versatility. I’m a larger than average woman but huge, and the hip belt was just slightly too short. I could fasten it but up higher than it should be for long walks. No worries, Osprey’s customer service is 5 Star! They sent me an extender for it free. I never had a recording, got through easily to speak to someone, whom was the friendliest customer service I have ever had. Very nice and almost like just talking to a neighbor. I did not know it had an unconditional life time warranty!

23.12.2019

Love using this bag with the Amazon Basics small packing cubes! Highly recommend finding small, inner travel packing solutions that work for you! Can neatly tuck my four packing cubes, and still have space for a few more items (last trip I tucked 2 oversized sweaters and a North Face Fleece in as well).I use my day pack daily for my day-to-day life, and love the extra straps on both bags to hang items off (water bottle and a pair of boots). I find both bags very comfortable for my 5'7", 140 lb. frame. Much prefer hands-free travel, especially when it's just me and my kids. Have enjoyed using it on the several trips I've gone on since purchasing it in preparation for Italy next year.

5.7.2018

Osprey Fairview 55 is incredible and lightweight yet great lumbar support. Love the detachable day pack. The measurements are true to size. I got women S/M after reading up on the recommendation/reviews.I’m 5’6” weight approximately 125 and it is perfect to backpack and travel. Traveled to (and around) Europe from Hawaii and back with only this pack - no checked bags. No hassle except LAX where I detached the day pack and viola, the pack easily fit in overhead (it did anyway).My nephew, who had heavy camera equipment and son who is 6’5” both have the same one, different sizes, for men and we breezed through our trip while tent camping,

21.3.2018

Well designed, well balanced. The adjustable waist and chest braces make a huge difference from older packs. Where your stuff used to tug at your balance drooping with gravity, you can now hork it up to where it becomes more a part of you. Pretty awesome upgrade. Ample pockets and sleeves without being excessive about it. I've used it on a warm up trip and it held my stuff in findable ways. The zip-off little pack is a great bonus. You can lock the main compartment if you have to leave it checked somewhere while you wander and your back up panties and tees will remain unmolested, lol. I'm taking this on a 3 week through hike in France next month and I believe it's going to serve me well.

Osprey Fairview 55 - Reviews

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