Outside the backpack
Starting with the outside, the main feature of the bag is instantly recognised as that piggyback-style joining method of the main hold-all inspired backpack with the smaller 13-litre Farpoint Day.
We’ll separate the two for just a second and turn our attention to the main pack which, on first impressions, is a good-looking, smooth, harness-less design, perfect for throwing into the hold luggage at the airport. The harness is actually located inside the zipped pouch, great for avoiding snags and keeping everything neat in the cargo hold.
Unpacking the harness with a single zip and folding the cover away, a pair of sturdy shoulder straps, a typical sternum strap and an incredibly useful waist strap will greet you. The bag is comfortable to wear for long distances, although a little more padding in the shoulders would be a welcome improvement.
When manoeuvring the pack, you’ll find a pair of grab handles, great for throwing your belongings into overhead lockers or carrying them between buses and taxis. A single, sturdy grab handle at the top makes lifting lightwork whilst another located on the side allows the pack to be carried similar to a big ol’ 70-litre briefcase.
Moving on to the daypack and the 13-litre Farpoint Day meets all of our expectations of what a typical daypack should be. Externally, you’ll find a single zip compartment and additional top-stash (for sunglasses etc.) as well as a pair of netted compartments, designed to hold water bottles. A pair of great quality shoulder straps and a sternum strap keep the pack where it should be and a small but mighty grab handle is perfect for throwing the bag into those narrow overhead bins.
Heading back to the party piece of the pack with the joining of the two and you’ll find not one, but two methods of pack combination. A perimeter zip and additional pair of compression straps allow for a ‘piggy-back’ configuration (as pictured) and is the way that most will wear the pack in transit. Alternatively, you can clip the daypack to the harness of the main pack, forming a ‘kangaroo’ configuration, keeping any valuables in sight on your chest.
We do love options and with plenty available with the Fairview 70, it makes carrying your travel essentials a breeze, wherever you may be.