Osprey Farpoint 55 2026 changes- not pleased.

We bought the Farpoint 55 based on a strong endorsement from our son and partner, who are quite happy with theirs from many weeks of traveling Europe.  Unfortunately, with the "newest version that just came out recently" (Osprey support terms), the product has been changed in ways that left us frustrated and dissatisfied:

-Most importantly, the daypack front attachment system has been changed from buckles to a hook in a loop.  The hook and loop attach/detach action is exceptionally difficult to navigate by feel, and in a difficult place on the body to see.  It wasn't even easy for one person to wear the main pack and another to slide the hook through the loop for them.  In contrast, the previous version’s buckles are much more tactile, and can be done by feel, by the wearer.  This change alone is enough for us to regret this bag.  Previous release is easy, the update has made it hard.
Other changes made are:

-Removal of an interior pocket of the 40L bag
-Removal of a mesh pocket on the 40L bag hip strap
-Removal of support for a hydration bladder in the 15l bag
It was quite a disappointment to realize the product that I bought had these changes.  I wanted to love our Europe travel bag as much as my son does his version, but it’s going up for sale.

reddit.com
u/swy — 1 day ago

Road/gravel/bikepacking/adventure bike for midwest US roads and gravel

Looking for something that's more "endurance road bike which is at ease on gravel and a green trail" than "drop bar XC MTB". It'll feel at home loaded with bikebacking gear- plenty of dropouts for attachments and stable at speed, but not be a major drag to take out on the road with others on endurance road bikes. I already have a hardtail and full sus MTB for trails, Surly ICT for year round commuter. Prioritize a comfortable ride for hours over optimum aerodynamics and responsiveness- I'm not trying to be faster than anyone, just not to be at a measurable disadvantage for group rides, while being at home on midwest gravel.

Leaders so far: Specialized Diverge, Otso Warakin, Trek Checkpoint SL6, FELT Broam, Surly Midnight Special.
Budget: <$3K would be nice.

reddit.com
u/swy — 2 months ago

Picked up my first one today ($50 REI close out), but as I “what if” my cook kit and pad in it, they feel too wide.

What gear do you find fits there best?

reddit.com
u/swy — 2 months ago