us in El Cuco, El Salvador

Comparing Osprey’s Wheeled Travel Backpacks: Farpoint vs. Soujourn

Now that I am hooked on the convertible backpacks with wheels, I also wanted to share my thoughts on the two current top contenders on the market: Osprey’s travel backpacks with wheels: the Farpoint and the Sojourn.

As I could find little information on the Osprey Sojourn vs Farpoint, I will share my experiences and insights on these two unique backpacks in this blog post.

rolled clothes packed into packing cubes

Looks & Design: Sojourn vs. Farpoint

The Design

Both the Farpoint wheeled and Sojourn wheeled come in sleek, modern designs. The Farpoint features a more rectangular shape with clean lines, while the Sojourn has a slightly more curved design.

Both backpacks are made from high-quality materials and exude durability.

Overaöl the Farpoint is slightly more casual than the Sojourn.

Size Matters

As someone who loves to travel light, I was immediately drawn to the compact size of the Farpoint 36l wheeled and the Sojourn wheeled 40l. The Farpoint measures at 22″ x 14″ x 9″, making it a perfect carry-on size for most airlines.

The Sojourn, on the other hand, is slightly larger at 22″ x 15″ x 8″. While it may not fit in stricter carry-on size restrictions, it still offers plenty of storage space for a week-long trip.

The next bigger options:

In the bigger sizes, the Farpoint offers 5 L more volume than the Sojourn. Farpoint has 65 l capacity while the Sojourn allows for only 60 liters.

Weight: Farpoint vs. Sojourn

Weight – which model is lighter?  

When it comes to traveling, every pound counts. That’s why I was pleasantly surprised to find out that the Farpoint 36l wheeled is lighter than the Sojourn wheeled 40l by about a pound. This may not seem like much, but when you’re lugging around your backpack for hours on end, every ounce saved makes a difference.

The Farpoint weighs only 6.2 lbs when it comes 65 L packing volume, while the Sojourn’s bigger size (60 L) weighs 8.7 lbs. 

Weight distribution and comfort

One of the key features of these backpacks is their ability to distribute weight evenly, making them comfortable for long hours of wear.

The Sojourn has a lightweight aluminum frame that helps with load distribution. As you can see in the picture, the Sojourn is much broader than the Farpint.

I found that the Farepint does a slightly better job at evenly distributing weight. However, the Sojourn has great compressing features and adjustable straps which also allow for good weight distribution, especially if not fully packed. 

me at Jouvert in Jamaica
rolled clothes packed into packing cubes

Storage: Which backpack offers more space?

Storage Space

The Farpoint 36l wheeled and Sojourn wheeled 40l may be smaller versions of their bigger counterparts, but they still offer plenty of storage space. The Sojourn has a spacious main compartment with internal compression straps to keep everything in place. It also has a front pocket and a smaller top pocket for quick access items. The Farpoint has a similar setup but offers extra storage space with its detachable daypack.

Storage Capacity:

One major difference between these two backpacks is their storage capacity. While both are carry-on size with wheel dimensions of 21.3 x 13.8 x 9 inches, the Farpoint only has a capacity of 36 liters while the Soujourn has a larger capacity of 40 liters. This may not seem like a big difference, but when it comes to packing for longer trips or carrying extra gear, those extra four liters can make all the difference. 

Comfort: Sojourn vs. Farpoint

Comfort and Convenience

One of the main reasons I switched to a backpack with wheels was for the added convenience. The Farpoint 36l wheeled and Sojourn wheeled 40l both feature sturdy, telescopic handles and smooth-rolling wheels that make maneuvering through airports and streets a breeze. They also have comfortable, padded shoulder straps for when I need to carry the backpack on my back.

Ease of Putting It On Your Back:

Both models are relatively easy to convert into a backpack. The process of actually putting it on my back feels more comfortable with the Farpoint. Despite both models having padded straps, the Farpoint’s straps are a bit wider and more comfortable on my shoulders. However, the Soujourn feels more stable and secure once on my back, thanks to its additional hip belt.

me at Jouvert in Jamaica
rolled clothes packed into packing cubes
5.3 LBS1

On the go: Sojourn vs Farpoint

Maneuverability:

One of the main selling points of these backpacks is their wheels, and both models have sturdy, smooth-rolling wheels that make navigating through busy airports or city streets a breeze. I did find the Sojourn’s wheels to be a bit smoother and quieter than the Farpoint’s, but overall, both perform well. Due to the bigger size of the wheels, the Osprey Sojourn is easier to maneuver on uneven terrain. The double handle makes the Sojourn much more sturdy when wheeling it. 

When wearing them as a backpack

When converting the Sojourn and Farpoint into a backpack, the Sojourn is a bit easier to convert.

The Farpoint is slightly easier to put on your back than the Sojourn.  

However, I feel like the Sojourn feels more comfortable when carrying it for 20 minutes or more as it seems to fit my body type better. 

 

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So why choose between a backpack or a wheeled suitcase when you can have the best of both worlds with a travel backpack with wheels?

After comparing the Farpoint wheeled and Sojourn wheeled, I decided to get both!

I use the Osprey Sojourn 60 L as my main travel luggage when traveling longer than 2 weeks. I got the Farpoint wheeled backpack in the 36 Liter version for travel of less than two weeks. It gives me the freedom of a backpack and the comfort of a suitcase while still fitting most carry-on restrictions.

Whichever one you choose, Osprey’s quality and attention to detail will ensure that your travels are hassle-free and enjoyable. Happy exploring!

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