I’ve been living out of a backpack for the last four years. I’ve tested the Osprey Farpoint 40 and the Tortuga Setout on dozens of trips across Asia, Europe, and North America. Both are popular carry-on backpacks for digital nomads. But they serve very different people. Here’s what I’ve learned after thousands of miles with each.
Why Most Digital Nomads Pick the Wrong Backpack
The biggest mistake I see is buying based on hype, not your actual travel style. People grab the Osprey Farpoint because it’s the most recommended bag on Reddit. Or they pick the Tortuga Setout because it looks more organized. Both are solid bags. But one will frustrate you if your priorities are wrong.
The core problem is simple: comfort vs. organization. The Osprey Farpoint 40 is built like a hiking pack. It carries weight beautifully. The Tortuga Setout is a travel suitcase in backpack form. It packs more efficiently but sits heavier on your shoulders.
Here’s the hard truth: if you walk more than 20 minutes with your bag daily, comfort matters more than pockets. If you mostly take taxis and stay in one place, organization wins.
Osprey Farpoint 40 — The Comfort King
The Osprey Farpoint 40 has been my main bag for three years. It weighs 3.2 lbs (1.45 kg) and measures 21 x 14 x 9 inches. That fits every major airline’s carry-on limits, including budget carriers like Ryanair and EasyJet.
What makes it special is the suspension system. The frame is a lightweight alloy that transfers weight to your hips. The shoulder straps are thick foam with a sternum strap and load lifters. I’ve walked 45 minutes through Bangkok heat with 25 lbs inside and barely felt it.
But the organization is basic. One main compartment, a laptop sleeve, and a small front pocket. You’ll need packing cubes or pouches to stay sane. I use the Eagle Creek Pack-It Cube Set ($34) to separate clothes, tech, and toiletries. Without cubes, the Farpoint becomes a messy black hole.
The Farpoint 40 costs $190. That’s $60 less than the Tortuga Setout. If you walk a lot or take public transport, this is the better buy.
When the Farpoint Fails
It’s not perfect. The laptop sleeve is inside the main compartment — you have to unzip the whole bag to get your laptop out during security. The front pocket is too small for a 15-inch laptop charger. And the bag doesn’t stand upright well when packed. It flops over.
If you need quick access to your laptop or work in cafes, this gets annoying fast.
Tortuga Setout — The Organization Master
The Tortuga Setout costs $249. It’s 45 liters (5L more than the Farpoint) and weighs 4.1 lbs (1.86 kg). That extra weight comes from a structured frame, padded dividers, and a separate laptop compartment.
This bag is designed for digital nomads who carry tech. The laptop compartment is rear-loading — unzip the back panel and your 15-inch MacBook Pro slides in without touching your clothes. There’s a padded tablet sleeve, a mesh pocket for chargers, and a hidden passport pocket.
The main compartment opens like a suitcase. Two large zippered mesh pockets keep cables and toiletries separated. I’ve packed a week of clothes, a laptop, a Kindle, and a travel camera without needing extra pouches.
But here’s the catch: the hip belt is thin and removable. It doesn’t transfer weight well. With 20+ lbs, the bag pulls on your shoulders after 15 minutes of walking. For airport-to-hotel trips, that’s fine. For hostel hopping or train stations, it’s a pain.
Who Should Buy the Setout
If you work while traveling and need quick laptop access, the Setout is better. The separate compartment means you can grab your computer without unpacking everything. The organization also helps if you’re messy — everything has a home.
But if you’re a budget traveler who walks miles with your bag, skip it. The weight and poor hip belt will make you miserable.
Side-by-Side Specs
| Feature | Osprey Farpoint 40 | Tortuga Setout |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $190 | $249 |
| Weight | 3.2 lbs | 4.1 lbs |
| Capacity | 40L | 45L |
| Laptop access | Internal sleeve | Rear-loading compartment |
| Hip belt | Thick, padded, removable | Thin, removable |
| Carry-on compliant | Yes (21x14x9) | Yes (22x14x9) |
| Organization | Minimal | Excellent |
Three Things Nobody Tells You About Carry-On Backpacks
First, weight matters more than volume. A 45L bag that weighs 4 lbs empty eats into your airline weight limit fast. Most budget airlines cap carry-on at 10 kg (22 lbs). That leaves only 6 kg for your stuff with the Setout. The Farpoint gives you 6.8 kg.
Second, hip belts aren’t just for hiking. Even in cities, a good hip belt takes pressure off your shoulders. If you’ll walk more than 15 minutes with your bag, prioritize a real hip belt. The Farpoint’s is excellent. The Setout’s is barely functional.
Third, packing cubes are non-negotiable. No matter which bag you pick, get a set of compression cubes. I use the Gonex Compression Packing Cubes ($19 for 4). They reduce clothes volume by 30% and keep everything organized. Without them, even the Setout’s pockets won’t save you from a messy bag.
My Verdict After 4 Years of Testing
Here’s my honest take: buy the Osprey Farpoint 40 unless you need quick laptop access every day.
For 90% of digital nomads, the Farpoint is the better choice. It’s lighter, cheaper, more comfortable, and fits stricter airline sizers. The lack of organization is solved by $20 worth of packing cubes. The poor laptop access is annoying but manageable if you pack smart.
Buy the Tortuga Setout only if you:
- Work in cafes or co-working spaces and grab your laptop 3+ times daily
- Carry a lot of tech (camera, drone, multiple drives)
- Almost never walk more than 10 minutes with your bag
- Can handle the extra weight and higher price
I’ve switched between both bags depending on the trip. For long-term travel through Southeast Asia, the Farpoint wins. For short work trips to Europe where I need my laptop at every stop, the Setout makes sense.
Neither bag is perfect. But knowing your travel style makes the choice obvious. If you’re still unsure, start with the Farpoint. You can always add packing cubes later. You can’t add a better hip belt to the Setout.
