Osprey Talon 22 Men's Hiking Pack

Product Information

Its lightweight focus means forgoing the suspended panel that you get with the Stratos and larger backpacking-specific models, but the entire back and hipbelt are made with mesh and have just enough spacing to generate some airflow. If I'm stowing poles then it's either for the long term, or it's because I'm doing a short section of scrambling and need my hands free; either way the place for the poles is safely out of injury range on the side of the pack. The BioStretch harness is seamless to improve durability and next-to-the-skin comfort in warm weather environments. It has a pair of the brand’s trademark systems, BioStretch and AirScape, providing breathability and moisture-wicking.

Osprey | Mens | Talon 22 | Yerba Green - Trekitt

Hydration access is simple and quick thanks to an external sleeve that lets you whip out your bladder for refilling without having to enter the main compartment. The side compression straps can be threaded either inside or on top of the side stretch pockets; I'm not quite sure why, but either way there isn't an awful lot of strap to go around, so the compression straps don't double very effectively as places to stow stuff. Side compression straps come next, pulling these tight does two things: firstly, it stabilises the load, secondly it can lift the lower part of the pack, repositioning the load closer to your back.Compared to typical polyamide or ripstop nylon, its high tenacity version carries better tear-, abrasion- and water resistance. This is down to its open mesh fabric, which overlays a back panel made up of foam ridges and tons of air space. Though not that roomy, it’s still better than daypacks with no hip pockets like the Gregory Arrio and TNF Borealis. An elastic ring sewn into each shoulder strap seemed deeply mysterious until I remembered that some people like to slurp their water, infant-like, out of a sucky tube.

Talon 22 - Men’s Day Hiking Backpack - 22L - Osprey Packs Talon 22 - Men’s Day Hiking Backpack - 22L - Osprey Packs

When it comes to the reservoir itself, instead of the usual internal sleeve and hole-in-the-side-of-the-pack arrangement, Osprey have sensibly located the sleeve externally, slipped between the back panel and the bag itself. The zipped pockets on each side of the hipbelt allow quick and easy access to smaller items such as phone, snacks and GPS. The AirScape ventilated back system coupled with the padded waist belt makes it so comfortable, if it’s not loaded to the gills you almost forget you’re wearing it.

The first thing you’ll want to do when you get the pack is to adjust the torso length so that the waist belt sits comfortably on your hips. Despite its minimal weight the Talon 22 does not scrimp on storage with twin zipped hip belt pockets, a stretch front stash pocket, an internal mesh pocket with a key attachment clip, stretch mesh side pockets and a top zipped pocket with a soft lining to keep sunnies and devices scratch-free. With my Giro MTB helmet, I find that if you have the back of the helmet towards the top of the bag, it doesn’t move around at all. Aimed at those looking for a minimalist yet durable pack for mountain and alpine trips, the Core 35 prioritises functionality over unnecessary features. Though not usually a fan of hip pockets I've been happily stuffing jelly babies and thin gloves into these, so I guess I'm halfway to being a convert.

Osprey | Mens | Talon 22 | Yerba Green - Trekitt Osprey | Mens | Talon 22 | Yerba Green - Trekitt

What makes the Osprey Talon 22 a top seller year after year is its balance of weight, comfort, and features. It’s what you grab for nearly any type of outdoor adventure, whether it’s a hike, bike ride, or day on the slopes.This Osprey backpack offers valuable perks like a built-in helmet clip and trekking pole stow-away lash point. Those of a spartan disposition might find it a bit fussy or cluttered, but the majority of people are likely to find a use for at least some of these features. There's only one downside; with all its open mesh on display, if you put this bag down in the snow the back panel will get caked. Contrary to popular belief, your torso length and not your overall height is the key to getting a well fitted pack. It’s not the most comfortable or feature-rich pack on the market, but the intelligent design satisfies the needs of most day hikers, bike commuters, and travelers.

REVIEW: Osprey Talon 22 - UKClimbing UKC Gear - REVIEW: Osprey Talon 22 - UKClimbing

While it doesn't come with a rain cover, the fabric does a decent job keeping water out for a limited time or light rain. The 6-liter design has limited appeal—it’s a little on the large side for running and is much too small to use as your only hiking bag. On top of this, there are two side pockets which are perfect for water-bottles, a large pocket on the back (we often slip flip flops, a rain cover and even a camera lens in there) and pockets on the waist straps for keys or small items. Osprey built this pack with more than just hiking and travel in mind, and they’ve added in a few functional multi-sport features.We’ve taken the Talon 22 on hundreds of day hikes and on day trips when travelling around the world as well as the odd overnight hike.