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Traveling with hand luggage only? It’s easier than you think
Less to carry, more to experience – sounds too good to be true? In fact, minimalist travel can feel liberating and be more practical than you’d expect. The right travel backpack makes all the difference and can even replace a suitcase.
Why hand luggage travel is worth it
Especially for flights or trips with multiple stops, traveling with hand luggage saves time, money, and stress. No waiting at baggage claim, no worry about lost luggage, no unexpected fees at check-in – just maximum flexibility at every stage of your trip.
Many airlines now allow generous hand luggage dimensions, and when your backpack is well-organized with separate compartments for your essentials, one-bag travel becomes an easy, practical choice that works for almost any destination.
To make it work, you’ll need a backpack with smart features designed specifically for travel, offering both comfort and structure.
What makes a great hand luggage travel backpack?
Not every backpack is made for minimalist travel. Here’s what to look for:
- Size and volume: ideally 40–55 liters to meet hand luggage standards
- Back and carry system: stowable harness for easy transport on flights
- Organization: separate compartments for laptop, clothes, toiletries, and documents
- Security: lockable zippers for added theft protection
- Material: lightweight, durable, weather-resistant – ideally with recycled content
Travel made easier: Osprey Farpoint & Fairview
Two standout models for hand luggage travel are the Osprey Farpoint and Osprey Fairview, both available in 40L and 55L versions. These backpacks are designed to meet the needs of today’s frequent travelers – whether for city breaks, longer backpacking trips, or international journeys.
The smaller versions fit standard hand luggage requirements. The 55L versions can also work as hand luggage with a smart trick: place the main pack in the overhead bin and store the removable daypack under the seat.
Both models feature stowable back panels and padded handles for easy handling on planes. Inside, compression straps, a spacious main compartment, and a dedicated laptop sleeve help you stay organized.
Water-repellent DWR coating and recycled polyester make these packs sustainable and tough. And if anything does go wrong, Osprey’s All Mighty Guarantee covers you worldwide.
What’s the difference between Farpoint and Fairview?
Farpoint is designed for men and fits taller frames. Its look is sleek and functional. Fairview is designed for women, with ergonomically curved shoulder straps and a more padded hip belt for a close, comfortable fit – ideal for longer carries.
>> View all Osprey Farpoint models
>> View all Osprey Fairview models
Extra feature on the 55L
Both 55L models include a handy detachable 15L daypack with its own laptop sleeve and mesh side pockets – perfect for day trips or as extra storage. The daypack attaches securely to the main pack and completes your setup.
- Hand luggage-friendly size
- Stowable shoulder and hip straps for easy storage on flights
- Lockable main compartments for added security
- Large, easy-to-access main compartment with internal compression
- Special compartments for toiletries, tech, and clothes
- Durable, eco-friendly materials with DWR coating
- Ergonomic fits for men and women
Minimalist travel made simple
Pack by outfit, not by item: choose clothing that mixes and matches so a few pieces create multiple looks. This saves space and helps you avoid that "I have nothing to wear" feeling on the road.
Packing cubes are a game-changer: they keep your bag organized, compress your clothes, and make it easy to find what you need. 
When it comes to tech, less is often more. Think carefully about what you really need – sometimes your phone is all you need. And before you head to the airport, double-check your airline’s hand luggage rules – especially with budget carriers, sizes can vary a lot.
More freedom with less luggage
Whether it’s a city break, light backpacking, or a digital nomad trip, traveling with hand luggage lightens your load and gives you real freedom. With a well-designed backpack like the Osprey Farpoint or Fairview, one-bag travel becomes easy, comfortable, and reliable.
>> Discover more Osprey products for your next trip