Our Verdict
The Osprey Talon 22 is an excellent daypack, known for its outstanding features, comfort, design, and quality. If you’re looking for a versatile best Osprey daypack for hiking, cycling, and travel, the time-tested Talon 22 is an excellent choice. It is made from lightweight, high-quality materials that are durable and breathable. This backpack strikes the perfect balance between style, comfort, and functionality, making it a top performer among its competitors.
View at Amazon: Osprey Talon 22L Hiking Backpack
The Talon 22 includes several key features, such as an AirScape back panel system, a continuous wrap harness, and a hip belt for added comfort during your trip. It also has all the characteristics of a sports pack, including a LidLock helmet attachment, an ice axe loop, a bungee attachment for trekking poles, and a blinker clip patch.
Related: Osprey Rook 65 Backpack Review
While it does have some limitations, such as the lack of an integrated rain cover, it remains a popular choice. After years of hiking and traveling with the Talon 22, we present our in-depth review below.
Performance Comparison and Testing Results
Carrying Comfort
The Talon 22 has an ergonomic design that makes it comfortable to carry. It features adjustable BioStretch shoulder straps and a dual-zippered hip belt, which help balance the weight, reduce the chances of strain, and minimize fatigue during long trips.
While hiking and traveling, I never felt the need to remove the pack during breaks, as it was far more comfortable on my shoulders than any daypack I’ve ever used.
The Osprey AirScape back panel features the latest version, which consists of a mesh cover and ridge-moulded foam. This design helps prevent discomfort when both the main compartments and hydration bladder are full. The back panel keeps your back cool and reduces sweating during long hiking trips or cycling.
The Talon is designed for dynamic activities. The hex-mesh material on the back panel may feel rough against bare skin, but it helps keep the pack firm and prevents slipping during active use.
This bag is ideal for carrying weight, especially as a daypack for all your gear and essentials. It can easily handle up to 20 pounds without issue. However, be mindful of the weight limit. Overloading the bag will cause it to sag, and the hip belt may become uncomfortable throughout your trip.
Storage and Organization
The Osprey Talon 22 features the best storage system for day hiking and other outdoor activities. The main compartment of the bag is quite spacious, allowing you to easily store clothes, snacks, and equipment. It also includes two zippered hip belt pockets where you can keep small items, such as keys and energy bars, so they are readily accessible when needed.
In the Talon 22, I was able to pack my jacket, a spare shirt, hiking pants, snacks, a water bladder, and hiking shorts with ease. The mobile charger and power bank fit comfortably in the inner pocket, while in the top-side pocket, I stored money, tickets, and keys.
Without knowing how to properly pack your gear, you’ll struggle regardless of the pack you use. However, I never had any issues organizing my gear in this pack while hiking and traveling.
The helmet features a LidLock attachment for a secure fit, external hydration sleeves for easy access, a front stretch mesh pocket for additional storage, and trekking pole attachments for added versatility.
Weight
With a weight of 30.7 ounces, the Talon 22 is a lightweight daypack compared to similar models. The weight-to-capacity ratio (22 liters) is quite good, making it comfortable even for long hikes. I took it on full-day trips and day hikes and never felt any discomfort on my back or shoulders.
During travel, I only needed to remove it while sitting in a taxi; otherwise, I wore it almost all the time. I tackled several tough and rough hikes with lots of uphill and downhill terrain while using this pack, and to my delight, I never felt uncomfortable. This is thanks to the high-quality design and construction, which, I believe, was crafted by Osprey with an understanding of the pain points hikers face.
Additionally, I have tested the Osprey Talon 22 and have never encountered any issues with comfort, ventilation, or storage.
Construction Quality and Durability
The Talon 22 boasts exceptional construction quality and stability, making it the top choice for a hiking daypack for years. It is made from 420-denier nylon, which helps balance the weight.
We tested it during our trip and were highly impressed with its stitching, as well as the high-quality buckles, zippers, plastic components, and cords. You won’t need to worry about damage or wear during hiking or other outdoor activities.
Although I haven’t passed through dense and sharp bushes with this pack, the material appears durable enough to handle it. I even overloaded the pack with hiking gear and tried to close it with the zippers.
Despite the extra weight, the zippers didn’t jam or cause any issues. The opening and closing are smooth, showcasing the zipper’s quality. However, I recommend against overloading the pack.
This backpack is a popular choice due to its durability and robust materials. It provides consistent performance and maintains its shape and structural integrity. To avoid damage, it’s best to carry a limited amount of weight.
Ventilation
If ventilation is your top priority for a backpack, Osprey is one of the best choices, with its AirScape back panel, and the Talon series features the best design. The back panel has an innovative design with pleated foam covered in breathable mesh, which promotes air circulation and reduces heat buildup during intense activities.
Ventilation is essential, particularly in three seasons, excluding extreme winter. Even in mild weather, sweat is common during vigorous hiking. I often get wet even with high-quality, lightweight clothing. Without proper ventilation, it becomes difficult to continue hiking without taking frequent breaks.
The AirScape back panel was a great help during my various hikes in non-extreme winter conditions. Additionally, the clear space between your back and the pack prevents the bag from rubbing against your body. Imagine if the bag shifted around on your back while you’re soaking wet.
Whether hiking in warm climates or tackling steep trails, the Talon 22 backpack helps keep your body cool and reduces the chances of excessive sweating. Talon 22 users appreciate this backpack for its comfort without sacrificing stability.
Fitting and Adjustability
The Osprey Talon 22 backpack features a flexible design and offers the best fit for a variety of body types. It has an adjustable torso length that can be altered up or down using Velcro attachments near the top, allowing users to customize the bag for optimal comfort and weight distribution.
While most backpacks are not unisex, one feature we appreciate about this bag is that it comes in two standard sizes and two extended sizes: the Talon for men and the Tempest model for women.
Thanks to its flexible fit, the backpack improves stability and reduces the risk of strain and fatigue during long treks. While hiking with the Talon 22, I rarely felt the need to tighten the front straps, yet the bag fit snugly against my back and didn’t move at all.
The ease of adjustment makes it stand out among its top competitors. Regardless of your body shape or size, you can adjust the straps to achieve a perfect fit. Most of the time, I adjust the front and side straps while on the go because it’s so easy to modify them for comfort.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Provide a perfect balance of style, comfort, and functionality for lightweight adventures. | It does not have a rigid frame, so it can droop if you overload it. |
| Lightweight and durable design | No integrated rain cover. |
| Provide exceptional ventilation with an Air Scape back panel. | Limited space for carrying large gears |
| Adjustable shoulder straps for personalized fitting |
Comparison With Competitors
The Talon 22 is one of the trendiest packs on the trail, but it faces competition from many other products in the market. Its closest competitors are the Osprey Talon 22 and the REI Co-op Flash 22, primarily due to budget considerations.
The Osprey Daylite Plus is another option if you are looking for a small pack for a quick hike or daily use. However, the Talon 22 clearly stands out from its competition due to its superior ventilation, adjustability, and well-thought-out design.
Should You Buy the Osprey Talon 22?
The Osprey Talon 22 is an excellent choice for those seeking a durable, comfortable, and lightweight daypack. This backpack is ideal for biking, hiking, and everyday use, offering a great balance of durability, ventilation, and adjustability. Its ergonomic design ensures a comfortable fit.
With 22 liters of storage, the Talon 22 may not be the best option for those needing a bag for multi-day trips. However, if you’re looking for a backpack for short to medium-length trips or other outdoor activities, this is definitely a worthwhile investment.
FAQs
Does the Osprey Talon 22 Have a Rain Cover?
No, the Osprey Talon 22 does not come with an integrated rain cover. However, you can use it with Osprey’s aftermarket rain covers, which are sold separately. These rain covers will help protect your bag and gear in rainy weather. Therefore, it’s a good idea to always carry a rain cover during unpredictable weather conditions.
What Size Hydration Bladder Fits in Osprey Talon 22?
The Osprey Talon 22 features a 3-liter external hydration sleeve to accommodate a hydration bladder. It is designed for easy access to water during outdoor activities. As a result, it is a popular choice among cyclists, hikers, and travelers who want to stay hydrated during their trips.
Osprey Talon 22 vs Stratos 24
The Osprey Talon 22 is a lightweight bag that offers versatility and supports dynamic movement, making it an ideal choice for cycling and hiking. In contrast, the Stratos 24 features a more structured design with a mesh back panel for ventilation, making it better suited for hikers who need a backpack for long trips.
What are The Key Features of Osprey Talon 22?
The Osprey Talon 22 is constructed for hiking, biking, and day-to-day short adventures. These key features include:
- Air Scape Back Panel: Provides ventilation and reduces the chances of sweating.
- Bio stretch Harness and Hip Belt: Easily adjustable and provide stability during the adventure.
- External Hydration Sleeve: Help the hydration bladder with up to a 3-litre external hydration sleeve.
- Multiple Storage Option: Multiple sections to arrange gears during the trip; a capacious main compartment, zippered hip and belt pockets, side pockets and a front shove-it pocket.
- Lid lock Attachment: To secure the cyclist’s helmets.
- Trekking Pole Attachments: Best for hiking gear.
Osprey Day Lite Plus vs Talon 22, What is the Difference?
Osprey Day Lite is a small-scale, inexpensive backpack is suited for casual use and short trips, while Talon 22 is an adjustable, durable daypack with a 22L storage capacity. The Talon is the reliable pick for cycling and other active ventures, and the Day Lite Plus is best for light hiking and daily use.
