Osprey Sojourn

Review

Hey there, welcome to my Osprey Sojourn Review!

I switched from a regular backpack to a backpack with wheels two years ago to be more comfortable and to not have to carry my luggage on my back at all times. I absolutely HATED having to the take the backpack on and off and carry it. It was so annoying!  Also, I felt like I wanted to have a more sophisticated looking piece of luggage when checking into more upscale hotels. 

Over the past two years, I’ve wheeled the Osprey Sojourn across countless airports and cities, and I’ve carried on my back to reach the most remote accommodation from treehouse to beach bungalow. 

In this review, I’ll break down all of my experiences, the reasons why I switched, what you can expect from the Osprey Sojurn with wheels, and why I think it’s a great backpack (but has its flaws).

Quick verdict: The most practical luggage ever!

After bringing the Osprey Sojourn on my past 8 trips, I can say: it truly revolutionized the way I move around with my luggage!

The travel backpack with wheels has made traveling so much more enjoyable by:

  • Allowing me to wheel it on airports or cities so I could reach my destination without breaking my back
  • Maintaining my independence: I can still maneuver and carry my belongings by myself if needed to. 
  • Making me look more sophisticated: when wheeled it looks sleek and can be brought to more sophisticated accommodations
  • Giving me enough space to travel for 3 months

While I am still not too excited about the color options, I have come to love the extra comfort and freedom provided by the Osprey Sojourn. 

My initial concerns about the weight of the backpack itself didn’t prove to matter too much. No matter how much I packed, I would never reach the airline limits.

Overall, the comfortable wheeling and carrying experience make up for the extra 300 grams and the lack of color choices! It’s definitely not cheap, BUT, the Sojourn’s quality seems to be amazing. Even after countless miles traveled, it has very little damage. Plus, Osprey offers a free repair service for all its packs.

Advantages and disadvantages of the Osprey Sojourn

Pros of the Osprey Sojourn wheeled backpack

 

Easily convertible

You can convert the Osprey Sojourn from a wheeled suitcase like piece of luggage to a backpack in less than 20 seconds. So you are always quickly ready to jump on that boat taxi when needed to.

Comfortable to carry on your back

It has an advanced backpack system with well-padded, soft hip belts and shoulder straps that feel great against your skin. The multiple adjustment options are a lifesaver, allowing you to balance the weight perfectly on your back. While it doesn’t quite match the comfort of my old Jack Wolfskin backpack without wheels, the Sojourn is the only wheeled backpack I’ve found that I can comfortably carry for up to 30 minutes. It really makes traveling easier and more enjoyable!

Smooth to wheel

Not only does it have a super comfortable backpack system, but it’s also a breeze to wheel around. The generously sized wheels can handle uneven ground like a champ, and it even stands up on its own

Look apporpriate

The Sojourn strikes the perfect balance between practicality and style. It lets me roll into upscale accommodations with a sophisticated look, and when I’m out backpacking, it seamlessly fits in and handles everything effortlessly.

Disadvantages of the Osprey Sojourn wheeled backpack

 

Higher Weight

The comfortable backpack system, sturdy handle and steady make the Sojourn heavier. Compared to other backpack or duffles with wheels, the Sojourn weighs about 10% more which can be a disadvantage if you plan to carry it for longer periods. However, it makes up for its increased weight by providing you with the most comfortable straps and very sturdy wheels.

Lack of color choices

It might be just me, but I am unhappy with both color choices currently offered.

Who is the Sojourn for?

You will love the Osprey Sojourn if:

  • You used are an independent traveler who appreciates comfort
  • Intent to carry your luggage on your back at times
  • You care about quality luggage and want your belongings to be protected

 

The Osprey Sojourn is not for you if:

  • You intend to carry it on your back for hours
  • You don’t switch accommodations or travel for vacation purposes
  • A piece of luggage to be used as carry on as well
Travel backpack with wheels

Product Overview

The Osprey Sojourn is the most sophisticated travel backpack with wheels. It easily transforms from wheeled luggage to backpack in seconds. 

It combines the best of both worlds: the flexibility of a backpack and the comfort of a suitcase! 

HighRoad chassis & Oversized wheels

Thanks to its HighRoad chassis and oversized wheels, you can easily wheel it through airports or on uneven surfaces, taking the weight off your shoulders! 

Stowaway AirScape™ backpanel and harness

You can convert the Sojourn into a backpack in seconds when you need to reach your treehouse or beach bungalow. The comfortable hip and shoulder straps make carrying it a breeze, even for someone like me who isn’t very fit.

StraightJacket compression straps

They cinch down your packed items, giving you extra storage space when you need it. It’s perfect for those times when you need to squeeze in just a little bit more

Conclusion

Get the Osprey Sojourn if you are an adventurous traveler but enjoy being comfortable! 

I love traveling the Osprey Sojourn and have been using it for almost all trips as a check-in, but business trips. I wheel my luggage about 80% of the time and can’t even imagine going back to carrying all my luggage at airports, bus stations and through cities. 

My biggest concern was the weight, and ended up not mattering at all. No matter how much I packed (even with numerous tins of Ackee), I could never surpass airline limitations and was always comfortable wheeling and carrying it. If you are worried about the weight, consider Osprey’s Farpoint wheeled which is XXX grams lighter, but also not as smooth to wheel and comfortable to carry. 

I love the concept of a wheeled backpack so much that I just upgraded my carry on to a wheeled backpack as well. 

If you are considering a backpack with wheels as a carry-on luggage, check out my reviews.

Travel backpack with wheels

Osprey Sojourn Alternatives

Osprey’s Farpoint with wheels feels very similar to the Sojourn, but less comfortable to carry and roll. Here is a detailed comparison.

If you don’t like the color options either or plan on carrying the backpack for less then 15 minutes at a time, I highly recommend checking out Deuter Aviant Pro Movo. Both, the carrying and wheeling experience are not as comfortable as the Sojourn, however I think its a very good budget option!

DEUTER AVIANT DUFFEL PRO MOVO

Volume: 60 L
Weight: 7,3 lbs
Carry-on: NO
Color Options: Black, Yellow, Green
Front-opening: Yes
Dimensions: 29 x 13 x 14 inches
Price: $ 235

Quick verdict: The Deuter Aviant Pro Movo is the best budget option and super leightweight. It is the only bag which van be carried as duffle, too!

Best for: Travelers who really don’t plan on carrying it over 20 minutes.

Deuter Aviant Pro Movo Features

Carry as a duffle

Deuter’s Aviant Pro Movo 60 is the only backpack with wheels that can also be comfortably carried as a duffle thanks to handles on both sides and at the top. Making it simple to pick up and go.

Leightweight

It is also one of the most lightweight travel backpacks with wheels.

Big front-opening

The robust bag features two convenient zip pockets – one on the top and one in front – making it easy to store your valuables and access them when you need them.

Safety for your belonging

Protection comes courtesy of reinforced plastic feet, while a two-way zipper ensures your belongings stay safe and secure during transit.

Compartments with compression

Inside, there’s a plain-colored polyester lining, plus compression straps for optimized packing and two zip pockets for organization.

Deuter Aviant Pro Movo review

– lack of hip straps makes carrying the Deuter Aviant Pro Movo less comfortable than the Sojourn

+ super durable

+ easy wheeling

+ more of a duffle rather than a backpack

+ Easy to put on back

 

Volume: 65L/27.5″
Weight: 6.2 lbs
Carry-on: No
Color Options: Black, Navy
Front-opening: Yes
Dimensions: 13.39H  16.14W  27.56D in inches
Price: $ 320

The Osprey Farepoint wheeled

Lightweight Backpacking harness

The backpacking harness is much more lightweight compared to the Sojourn. Saving 2 lbs. in weight.

Big front-opening

With the spacious front-panel opening and internal compression capabilities, packing and unpacking is easy.

Sustainable materials

Plus, the entire wheeled collection is constructed from recycled high-tenacity nylon, which is bluesign® approved – so you can enjoy your travels knowing that your bag isn’t having an adverse effect on the environment.

Modular extpandable

The Farpoint Wheeled 65 is also compatible with the Farpoint™/Fairview™ Travel Daypack and Daylite™, making taking only what you need even easier.

Osprey Farepoint wheeled review

+ super comfortable to carry

+ smooth rolling

+ Easily convertible from roller to backpack

+ Hip straps for comfortable carrying

+ Modular expandable 

– not as comfortable to wheel or carry compared to the Sojourn

 

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Pro Tip: Before your trip, practice converting the Osprey Sojourn from a backpack to wheeled luggage and adjust the straps to fit you perfectly. This will save you time and hassle when you’re on the go, ensuring a smooth and comfortable transition whenever you need it.

backpack open with packing cubes

Packing tips

  1. Organize with Packing Cubes: I can’t stress enough how much packing cubes have changed my travel game. They keep everything neatly organized and make it super easy to find what you need without digging through your entire bag. Plus, they help compress your clothes, freeing up extra space for souvenirs or those last-minute items.
  2. Distribute Weight Evenly: Trust me, your back will thank you if you balance the weight properly. Place heavier items like shoes and books towards the bottom and closer to the wheels. This way, your backpack won’t tip over, and it’s easier to carry when you need to convert it to a backpack.
  3. Get a backpack cover: Consider getting a luggage protection cover for your Sojourn to make it easier to spot on the luggage carousel.

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