The Osprey Farpoint 40 has become a viral sensation, but there are plenty of alternatives that offer just as much packing power for a fraction of the price
One rucksack is causing a stir on social media as travellers and influencers alike discover the packing prowess of a high end backpack. The Osprey Farpoint 40, though costly at £140, has been meticulously designed to provide a spacious interior with numerous extra pockets and webbing to keep everything well-organised whilst on the move.
The experts at Osprey haven’t stopped there either, while the Farpoint 40 is ideal for men on a mission, the Fairview 40 is a women’s specific version, tailored to perfectly fit the female form. Whether it’s for festival fun, outdoor adventures or a quick weekend away, the right backpack can make all the difference.
For those who love backpacks but would rather not spend a small fortune on them, there are plenty of alternatives to choose from. Retailers like Decathlon, Amazon and Mountain Warehouse offer budget-friendly options that combine practicality and value without overspending.
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We’ve scoped out five standout backpacks that won’t burn a hole in your pocket, including:
Highland 40L Backpack
The Highland 40L Rucksack from Mountain Warehouse is a robust bag offering a multitude of convenient storage compartments and wearing comfort. Crafted from sturdy fabric paired with an airflow back system, it boasts plentiful pockets and includes a rain cover.
Appealing to adventure seekers thanks to its compact design, the rucksack also has a sternum strap that adds support when packed and is hydration pack compatible—ideal for extended treks.
Available to buy online, the Highland Rucksack was originally on sale for £89.99 but is currently reduced to £54.99.
Customers have left glowing reviews on the Mountain Warehouse website. One buyer said: “Well-constructed pack with lots of features. Perfect size for a weekend trip,” while another said: “Quality was perfect.”
One buyer, however expressed some concerns, saying: “Nice rucksack. Plenty of room and pockets. Comes with a built-in raincover. The frame of the sack did tend to stick into my back slightly though.”
Forclaz 40L Travel Backpack
The 40-litre Forclaz backpack from Decathlon is perfect for weekend trips or festivals and meets cabin bag size for airlines like British Airways and Ryanair Priority. Its suitcase-style opening, three internal compartments, and laptop sleeve make packing easy and organised.
External pockets offer quick access to essentials, while padded straps, a lumbar belt, and a fixed back panel ensure comfort. A rain cover is included for wet weather.
A popular choice with over 1500 reviews, it comes in a choice of three colours and is available to buy for £59.99 at Decathlon.
One buyer described it as being “Better than Osprey.” Referring to the upmarket outdoor gear company, they continued: “I have a similar Osprey bag and this is as good, if not better, in terms of design and quality.”
Another called it: “Perfect for weekend breaks – it’s light, robust, has good-sized compartments and packs down small.”
Sadly, not every customer was quite so impressed. One disappointed buyer left a review that said: “The waist belt does not support the lower back correctly, not correctly transferring the load to the hips…”
Best Travel 45L Backpack
Boasting a large main compartment, a separate section for laptops and roomy internal pockets, this premium 45-litre hiking backpack is made from Oxford fabric, ensuring it’s water-resistant, ultra-lightweight, and exceptionally durable.
With two side pockets and external attachment points, as well as adjustable shoulder straps and a chest clip, it remains stable and comfortable even when full. With enough space to carry a 17.3-inch laptop, this is an excellent choice for adventurers who want to stay connected on the move.
With an impressive 47% off the usual price of £50.99, shoppers can snap this backpack up on Amazon for £26.99.
The bargain backpack has been given a 4.6 out of five star rating by more than 4,300 Amazon customers. One customer said: “Very nice bag, good quality & good size.”
Another happy customer added: “Had the bag for 2 and half years, I’ve used it everyday for work, and training, I’ve taken it on every holiday, travels, used it as a main suitcase and only now has it started to rip, after 2 weeks with it in Thailand, top bag”
While most reviews were positive, one buyer shared concerns about the quality. They said: “Love this bag for the size, but the zips have broken in less than 3 weeks of using it, for the cost I’d hoped it would last longer
Quechua 38L Rucksack
Another popular choice from Decathlon, the Quechua 38L hiking rucksack has been designed by a team of enthusiasts who understand the importance of a practical rucksack. Designed to be comfortable even when full, it has a ventilated taut mesh back making it an excellent choice for regular mountain walking, short trips away and urban adventures.
It offers a spacious main compartment and inner pockets as well as two flask pockets and a water pouch compartment for dedicated hikers. Available in a choice of colours, customers have given it a 4.8 out of five star rating.
One buyer said: “Great for short to medium hikes, perfect storage plus opens up like a luggage,” while another added: “Very comfortable, versatile and light.”
Some buyers weren’t quite so taken, with one saying “Very comfortable, it adapts very well to the back, but the ventilation issue does not prevent me from sweating.”
Purchase now for from Decathlon for £59.99.
Mountaintop 40L Hiking Backpack
This practical and budget-friendly 40L hiking backpack is perfect for weekend hikes and short trips. It’s crafted from water-resistant polyester, which is simple to care for, and the spacious main compartment can accommodate a 15.6-inch laptop.
Additionally, it features extra front, side and belt pockets, along with thick, padded shoulder straps and a breathable back support for enhanced comfort during your travels.
Amazon customers have given this rucksack a 4.7 out of five-star rating. One buyer called it: “Perfect to take as hand luggage on the plane (jet2). Really good bag, sturdy and plenty of pockets and comfy to carry.”
Another praised it by saying: “A bag I can trust for all conditions and terrains.”
The price point remained an issue for one customer, who said: “For the price tag it has, the quality is not as expected. The 35L volume it claimed to have is indeed smaller than expected. I am disappointed with the product.”
Purchase now for £47.99 on Amazon.