Several years ago I started researching packs for day hikes instead of overnight backpacking trips. My son, daughter and myself had found that we like to get out in some new country and explore during the day, yet it’s nice to come back to a cabin or condo and get some good rest at night, and maybe even soak in the hot tub, take a swim or relax by the fire.
It was during this search that I came across these highly rated and versatile packs known as Osprey Talon packs. There are several sizes to choose from but we found that the 22 liter packs were small and light enough, yet had plenty of room for anything we wanted to take on our day hikes.
Osprey Talon 22 Pack Review
Here are the things I like about the Talon 22 Daypack:
- Lightweight
- Durable Material
- Multiple Compartments
- Mesh Back Panel and Side Straps for Improved Breathability
- Trekking Pole Straps
- Side Strap Pockets
- Easy Access Compartment for Water Bladder
There are many other features to this pack but these are the features that I find the most helpful for me as I have taken this pack out on more then 15 hikes in the past 5 months.
Whether I’m hiking in the Summer, Fall or Winter, the pack is large enough and flexible to fit any of my hiking needs, no matter what time of the year I hike.
I have decided that the Colorado winters are not going to keep me from getting out in mountains and continue hiking, and I have been more then happy with how my Osprey Talon 22 pack has been the perfect piece of hiking gear for me, my son and my daughter. My daughter actually uses the Osprey Tempest 20, which is the women’s version of the Osprey Talon 22 and she loves her pack as well.
It has been so fun and incredible to share times on the trail with both of my kids. Sometimes there are friends and family with us but many times it’s just Father and Son or Father and Daughter time.
Osprey Talon 22 Features
Let’s break down the Osprey Talon 22 pack features a little more with some of the things that Osprey has to say about their pack.
- Designed with Lightweight Construction
- Useful Features for Fast Movers and Multi-Sport Activities
- Continuous Lumbar-to-Hipbelt Wrap
- Multi-Sport Focus
- Side Stretch Mesh Pockets
- Stretch Mesh Harness Slash Pocket
- Top Panel Zippered Slash Pocket
- Aluminimum Peripheral Frame
- Atilon Framesheet
- Lightweight and Comfortable Surfaces
- Mesh Covered Foam Harness
- Adjustable Sternum Strap with Safety Whistle
- Stetch Woven Harness Pockets
- ErgoPull Hipbelt Closure
- Seamless Lumbar to Hipbelt Body Wrap
There are even additional features then this but for the sake of time, I have limited this list to what has been the most important to me.
Here are a few photos of my Osprey Talon 22 on the trail.
There are 4 Colors to choose from.
I’m always happy to buy gear that is highly rated and has great reviews and then find out for myself that it really is all it was claimed to be.
I am more observant these days when on the trail to see what gear people are using and am quick to engage them in conversation to find out what they use and why it’s important to them.
I see other hikers on the trail that don’t have good gear and I understand we are all at different places in our lives and we can’t always buy the gear we want. I’ve been there before, partly due to ignorance and sometimes due to the bottom line in my checking account.
I must say though that the right gear is essential for happy hikers, backpackers and campers but more importantly for improved safety
- Dual-zippered access to main compartment
- External hydration sleeve accommodates up to a 3L reservoir (sold separately)
- Adjustable shoulder harness to dial in perfect fit
- Stretch mesh pockets on both sides of pack provide convenient storage for bottles and smaller items.
- Two zippered hipbelt pockets and LidLock helmet attachment
My daughter is on the Western Mountain Rescue team in Gunnison, Colorado, and she is always telling me stories of injuries and even events ending in the death of the hiker, which could have been avoided with the right gear or emergency satellite messengers.
I hope you take the time to research the gear that is right for you and if I can be of any help, please leave a Comment Below or send me an Email.
You can see a short video of the Osprey Talon 22 pack here.
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- Premium efficiency and design
- Storage tuned to the each season
- Purpose designed to help mak the most of each exploration; Internal hydration sleeve
- Large panel loading main compartment provides accessibility to inside contents
- Large panel loading main compartment provides accessibility to inside contents
- Dual stretch mesh side pockets provide additional storage options
- The multi-function interior sleeve can be used for either a hydration reservoir or tablet
- Mesh-covered die-cut foam back panel provides both comfort and ventilation.
- Front zippered pocket with mesh organizer and key clip
- A tensioned mesh backpanel keeps the weight off your back, enabling highly ventilated carrying comfort.
- Clean, uncluttered designs are easy to use and understand.
- Because rain or shine, there's no excuse to not hit the trail. Stores in a zippered pocket at the base of the pack and made with bluesign approved fabrics and DWR treatments made without PFAS.
- + bluesign approved main body and bottom fabrics + GRS-certified 100% recycled main body and bottom fabrics + All DWR treatments made without PFAS
- Traditional panel loader design with convenient zip access to main compartment
- Premium efficiency and design
- Storage tuned to the each season
- Purpose designed to help mak the most of each exploration
- Multifunctional interior sleeve helps separate and organize gear
- Premium efficiency and design
- Storage tuned to the each season
- Purpose designed to help mak the most of each exploration
- Zip organization pocket with key clip, drop-in mesh pockets and zip pocket
Osprey Talon 22 Pack
Pros
- Easy Access
- Lightweight Material
- Mesh Hipbelt
- Seams Removed for Comfort
- Multiple Pockets to Choose From
Cons
- None
I used to Love Backpacking/hiking and camping on the A.T.
We used to get dropped off every Summer for our 50 mile hike thru the White Mountains of New Hampshire or the Green Mountains of Vermont.
Of course our backpacks held freeze dried food in it , a whole weeks supply along with our tent, and other things, all together we were hauling about fifty pounds up those mountains, but I was young then
I like the light weight design of the day pack , it seems like it holds quite a few things.
What kind of things do you put in it besides your water?
Hi Phil. Hiking in the White Mountains of New Hampshire sounds like a lot of fun, but like you said, it is easier when your younger.
I carry the following items in my daypack:
1. Emergency kit
2. Emergency Satellite Messenger (SPOT X)
3. Quick Dry Towel
4. Bug Spray
5. Sun Screen
6. Lip Balm
7. Bear Spray or Other Appropriate Weapon for Safety
8. Food & Water
9. Utility Knife
10. TP
11. YakTrax or ICETrekkers (when it snows)
12. Flashlight(s)
13. Extra Clothing
14. Rain Gear
15. Trekking Poles
16. Camera
17. Broad Rim Hat (when hiking above tree line)
18. Gloves & Other Appropriate Cold Weather Gear
19. iPhone in Case I do Have Cell Service
20. Sunglasses
That covers most of what I typically carry but it varies with the time of year and how difficult the trail is.
I hope that helps.
Rick
Thank you for this great review.
First off, let me express my jealousy as to your locale. I love Colorado, especially near Frisco. Don’t get me wrong, I live in Northern California and I have access to great locations too but Colorado has always been my favorite state for its beauty in nature.
I love the whole day-hike mentality. There’s something to be said for returning to a peaceful, secure and relaxing area for the evening. Camping is great too but there’s something to be said for creature comforts, LOL.
I really appreciate this review. One thing I don’t have yet is a backpack for hiking. I usually run around with a bottle of water, some snacks, and my drone. I really need something to make that all fit securely and comfortably on my back vs. being in the way or dangling from my waist.
Now, most of my hiking is in the warmer months (I like to ski but not hike in the snow) and this backpack seems to offer pretty good ventilation so I’m not sweating to death as I’m trekking along.
The integrated emergency whistle is a nice touch too. You never know if/when you might need it.
Thanks again. This is definitely a backpack I’m going to look closer at.
Scott
Thanks Scott for the great comments.
I am not the most wealthy person around but I do like to have some of the best gear when I’m out on the trail. The Osprey Talon 22 has been great for me.
You may have to test out different packs and see how well your drone attaches to them. Good luck and let me know what you end up buying.
Rick