The Fairview 55 backpack is a two-in-one backpack that offers travelers a versatile and relatively spacious option. While there are some hiccups in this backpack, it’s generally been an excellent companion for my European backpacking adventures and a great replacement for my old roller bag.
Pros
- Relatively spacious.
- Two backpack system.
- Comfortable for long walkng days.
- Qualifies as a carry-on for some airlines.
Cons
- It's easy to overstuff, which makes it heavy.
- A full main compartment makes it difficult to attach smaller backpack.
Specifications
- Price: $220.
- Colors: Four color options, including blue, red, black, and dark blue.
- Dimensions: 9"H x 14"W x 22"D.
- Volume: 55 liters.
- Weight: 4.181 pounds.
Osprey Fairview 55
Why I Got It
I purchased the Osprey Fairview 55 back in 2023 in preparation for a 22-day European vacation. Although we were going for over three weeks, I didn’t want to lug my traditional carry-on suitcase through the many cities we planned to visit. After dragging my rollerbag through the cobblestone streets of Edinburgh on a previous trip, I didn’t want to repeat that difficult experience.
Since we planned to move from city to city, I knew there would be a lot of unpacking and repacking. I really wanted to stay organized, which seemed impossible with a traditional backpack that opens only from the top. The ability to open the backpack in a similar style to a suitcase really drew me to this option.
How I’ve Used It
The backpack worked out beautifully for my 3-plus week European vacation in 2023. Of course, I had to pack somewhat lightly. But the ability to seamlessly navigate through cities with everything on my back was a fun experience.
Personally, I really loved having two backpacks in one. I put the bulk of my items in the big compartment, which left room in the smaller backpack for things I wanted quick access to. Plus, we used the smaller backpack for day trips around town, which made carrying water bottles more convenient.
Please note, I did use packing cubes to make this backpack work best for me. But it’s possible to use the backpack without packing cubes.
After one successful vacation with the backpack, I used it again to walk the Camino Portugues. I made sure to pack much lighter for this trip because it involved walking several hundred miles. But I have to say, the backpack was comfortable every step of the way.
The Best
My favorite parts of the backpack include:
- Easy access to essentials: The smaller backpack has a zipper pouch at the top, which was a good place to store quick-access items, like my passport, during our flights.
- Separation: Two backpacks in one made it easier to organize my items.
- Carry-on: I prefer to carry on all of my luggage due to a scarring experience that left me stranded without luggage for days. Luckily, this bag fit in the overhead compartment on my transatlantic flight.
Durable: This backpack has been on multiple European adventures and a sojourn to Japan, and it’s held up well. It essentially looks exactly the same as the day I bought it, without any damage to report.
Versatile: You can pick how you want to use the backpack. If you want to skip the outer backpack to lighten the load, that’s an option.
The Worst
- Easy to overstuff: If you overstuff the backpack, it can get rather heavy.
- Balance issues: When you try to carry both the large and small backpack on your back at full capacity, it’s very heavy. Sometimes, I pulled off the little bag and carried it on my front to even things out.
- Water placement: If you want to carry a water bladder for long hikes, it’s possible. But the placement of the water bladder, it is in the smaller backpack, felt uncomfortable for me. With that, I had to stick with water bottles.
Who Should Consider It?
If you want to carry a backpack on a vacation in which you don’t mind packing light, this backpack could fit the bill. It’s a versatile option that made packing easy for me. Plus, it was easy to unpack and repack throughout the trip with the full zipper access.
Who Should Consider Other Options?
If you want to carry a truly lightweight backpack, this isn’t it. Although it was perfectly fine for my Camino experience, it’s true that you can find much lighter backpacks. For those looking to save weight, the Fairview 55 won’t be a good fit.
Osprey Fairview 55
In My Expert Opinion
The Osprey Fairview 55 is a worthwhile option for anyone interested in a reliable and versatile backpack. But consider what you are looking for in a backpack before buying this one.
