One Good Looking Pack!
I may have just retired my old Talon 22, but I alrEady have many things to say about the newer version. I can’t say that I have tested a wide variety of day packs, but I have put these packs through the wringer. Here are my thoughts!
Size: I can definitely tell the difference between the Small/Medium and the Medium/Large. The latter fits my torso much better and allows me to more effectively transfer weight to my hips using the hip belt. The sizing, however, is not perfect. Like I mentioned in my previous post, the straps on the newer Talon (M/L) rub against my neck and traps. I will be playing with this over the next couple of weeks to try to fix it, but it hasn’t been too cumbersome. We are also heading into the “winter” months down here in North Carolina so I will have layers on that will protect me from any serious abrasion.
Weight: The pack itself is relatively lightweight. It is feature-rich, so it is in no way an ultralight pack. Empty the M/L weighs in at 26 ounces. I will probably remove some of the straps to bring down the weight and to cut down on the potential for snagging tree branches and such.
Functionality: I actually use this pack more for biking than I do anything else. It is my main commuter pack and feels supremely comfortable after a long day of riding or a quick commute to work. It also works very well for a quick “grab and pack and go” kind of hike. Packing efficiently, you could definitely do a quick overnighter with this bad boy. You can probably sneak 10-20 lbs worth of gear/food/etc. into it without breaking a sweat.
Improvements: The design is almost identical to the previous model. Osprey added a pocket on the inside of the main compartment, changed in the interior fabric on the small interior pocket, tweaked the hip belt design to allow for larger pockets, added a helmet securing system, and left everything else just about the same. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. This pack has been very popular and I am sure that it will continue to be.
Overall: Osprey makes great packs and the Talon 22 is no exception. This is a functional and versatile day pack that will carry what you need where you need to go.
The Bare Bones
Name: Osprey Talon 22
Materials: Lightweight synthetic blend
Weight: 26 oz
Available Colors: Blue, grey, green, and orange
Recommended Uses: Fast packing, day hikes, bike touring
Price: $100.00
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