29 January 2016
I bought the Farpoint 40 from Surfdome back in July 2016, before a six-week backpacking trip. I've now used it for many trips, long and short, over the past couple of years. I've packed it full and carried it as hand luggage on over a dozen flights (for which you can zip away the shoulder straps and lug it up the steps with the handle), and carried it across cities and country lanes without any problems. It's got three compartments of different sizes, one of which is a little pocket at the front for things one needs immediately to hand. I've found that it has sufficient space for backpacking essentials: clothing for a week or two, a travel towel, toiletries, some electronics, a chunky paperback, &c. The zips are sturdy and reliable, with fittings for small padlocks. The stitching and seams are similarly well-built, which along with the high-quality materials used make it feel very solidly put-together. It has comfortable padding and reinforcement for the back, and the straps can be adjusted for tautness at the shoulders. I think this backpack is an excellent choice for people who can pack fairly economically and want a balance between spaciousness and compactness. Some people might prefer a flatter, longer pack with a different distribution of weight, but personally, I like the shape and convenience of the Farpoint 40. I haven't encountered any drawbacks using this backpack. And, it comes with a lifetime guarantee!