Osprey Talon 22 Review (Day Hikes, Mountain Biking & More)

Thinking about getting the Osprey Talon 22 Backpack? If you’re into hiking, climbing or cycling, you definitely should! It’s an awesome multi-sport backpack that works for many different activities, so it’s easy to get plenty of use out of it.

I use it for all of my mountain bike riding and day hikes and it has served me very well for over 2 years. It even replaced my old Camelbak which I was very reluctant to part ways with!

You can read all about the features of this backpack in my detailed review, and see exactly what you are getting for your money.

Read on to find out if the Talon 22 is the right versatile backpack for you!

Specifications, Materials And Durability

The Talon 22 is made entirely from recycled 100D x 210D Nylon – and Osprey has focused on Bluesign approved material in this upgraded model too. It has excellent tear and abrasion resistance, and incredible water repellency even without any extra coating.

Therefore, it’s safe to say that this is one incredibly durable backpack. It can survive years of everyday use, and it’s even backed with Osprey’s lifetime warranty. So, that if you manage to beat the hell out of it over time, they will happily send you a replacement bag.

The only reason why the Talon 22 doesn’t get a perfect score in this section is that it is not fully waterproof. It has excellent water resistance, but if you get caught in a heavy downpour, items that are at the top will get a little wet.

But ‘a little wet’ is still really good for an outdoor backpack! Just be mindful of this and put the most water-resistant items at the top of the big compartment when you’re packing, and it will all be fine! Or get yourself an Osprey rain cover – it’s the only way to make the backpack 100% waterproof.

Comfort (Backpanel And Harness)

Outdoor backpacks need to be comfortable to wear for long periods of time, in order to be considered good packs. This means thick padding in the backpanel and harness and plenty of ventilation so that you don’t sweat bullets.

Does the Talon 22 fall into the category of a good hiking backpack, or will it disappoint you? Let’s see!

AirScape Backpanel

Osprey’s Talon pack is equipped with AirScape back panel. This particular back panel is known for being very breathable, and often used in their backpacks. This means that although you will sweat and my back does get wet wearing it, it is way better than just direct contact with the backpack

How is this done? The AirScape accordion foam back panel is covered with mesh, with an abundance of spaced-out foam ridges that allow air to flow freely. On top of that, there’s plenty of padding in both the back panel and the harness, ensuring that this feels decent against your body and that nothing pokes you in the back while you’re moving around.

I expected nothing short of premium carrying comfort from Osprey, and the Talon 22 completely lived up to my expectations while wearing it!

Adjustable Back Length

One thing that makes the Talon 22 a fantastic option for everyone is that you can adjust the length of its harness. This makes it incredibly easy to make the backpack fit you perfectly, ensuring that it’s very comfortable on your backpack.

The main reason why you experience pain in your back and shoulder isn’t the weight of a backpack. It’s because it’s either not adjusted properly, or it just doesn’t fit you. You won’t have that problem with the Talon 22 – it is designed so that it can fit a wide variety of body types, making it a great choice for lots of people.

Padded Hip belt And Sternum Strap

The padded waist belt of the Talon 22 is heavily padded and covered with breathable mesh, just like the entire back panel. You can adjust its length, so that it hugs your hips comfortably, instead of cutting into your skin.

A properly adjusted hip belt is one of the most important features for your carrying comfort. Its job is to transfer the load of the pack from your shoulders to your hips so that you don’t actually feel the weight of the pack. This is why you can carry 30lbs+ on your back, without feeling uncomfortable or experiencing nasty back pains. I certainly carried enough of a load in this pack and never had any complaints on a ride or day hike.

The sternum strap is just as important; it keeps the shoulder straps in place and makes sure that one of them won’t slip while you’re walking around. And the one on the Talon pack doubles as a safety whistle, so you can always draw attention to yourself quickly, in case of an emergency.

This Osprey backpack was designed to cling to your body like a leech, and it shows. Once you put it on and buckle all those belts and straps, it will feel comfortable and weightless, just like a good hiking backpack should.

Organization and Accessibility

In this section, we’ll take a look at all of the different pockets and compartments of the Talon 22. Its capacity is enough for day hikes and easy climbs, but does it have enough different pockets to let you stay organized? Let’s see!

Top Loading Main Compartment

Hiking backpacks usually have top-loading main compartments, and that’s exactly the case with the Talon. No surprises there; in fact, the backpack features a very standard main compartment. It’s roomy, and it has one internal pocket – nothing out of the ordinary.

This should be enough to hold all your main hiking and climbing gear – there’s plenty of space in the other pockets for any smaller accessories.

One thing to note is that the 22-liter capacity of the Talon 22 is likely not going to be enough for experienced climbers. You won’t be able to fit a rope, a harness, and all the other items in this pack, so you should definitely look some something in the 35-40L range. But for those who are looking primarily for a hiking backpack or are just starting to discover the joys of alpinism, this should be plenty.

Zippered Top Pocket

There’s an extra zippered pocket on this pack. It’s just above the main compartment, and it’s perfect for any items you want to have more easily accessible – a first aid kit, some snacks, maybe a GPS.

This pocket has an internal key clip, so it’s the perfect place to put your keys without worrying you’ll lose them, or have to rummage through the bag to find them.

Stretch Pocket On Front Panel

The front panel of the Talon features a stretchy mesh pocket that’s perfect for keeping spare layers of clothing. It also works for any bulky items you can’t fit in the main compartment, and just stuff you want to keep separate and easily accessible.

I often use it for my layers when I am out on a ride or hike. Get hot and throw it in the mesh pocket. Get cold, you can quickly grab it again! The only limitation is size so you can’t squeeze anything huge in there like a bulky fleece. But a slim layer or rain jacket is easy.

The opening of this pocket can be secured with a compression strap, meaning you can adjust how tight it is. So, it’s also great for any really small items you don’t where else to put, and you don’t have to worry about them falling out of the mesh pocket.

Zippered Hip belt Pockets

Hipbelt pockets are one of my favorite features on all backpacks because I’m that person that needs to have their phone handy at all times. Having to take off my backpack to have access to my phone is unacceptable, so I require either hip belt pockets or shoulder strap pockets.

I also love using these pockets for things like keys or snacks. It is a pain to get your keys out of your pack when you get home from a ride (I find). So, I stash them there for easy access when I arrive.

The great thing about the Talon 22 is that it has two hip belt pockets, which are made from the same material as the rest of the backpack. So, really good water resistance on them. Even if you get caught in a downpour, your phone should stay pretty dry inside.

Side Mesh Pockets

The Talon 22 is equipped with two stretchy side mesh pockets, as you would expect from a standard hiking backpack. They are roomy enough to fit big water bottles, and they have compression straps that go over them.

This means that you can use the pockets not only for a water bottle, but also for any smaller items you’re afraid of misplacing. Just tighten up those compression straps, and the contents of the mesh pockets won’t be able to move an inch.

On top of that, the side pockets are also good for some bulkier items that you don’t have anywhere else to put. They can fit a tripod, a lens, and anything that’s not too much bigger than the actual pocket. These aren’t designed to hold hiking poles, but the backpack does have a separate attachment point for those, and I’ll tell you all about it in a minute.

External Bladder Sleeve

 

This hiking backpack is equipped with an internal hydration sleeve. It’s right behind the backpanel, so it provides some extra cushioning between the contents of the main compartment and your body.

Since it is an external hydration compartment, it doesn’t take away from the capacity of the backpack at all, meaning that you have plenty of space for all your other hiking gear. On top of that, the sleeve features an internal loop so that you attach the bladder to it, and access it easily whenever you need it.

The external sleeve of the Talon 22 is compatible with all of Osprey’s Hydraulics (LT) reservoirs, so you have plenty of options when it comes to the amount of hydration you need.

However, the hydration bladder is not included in the purchase of the backpack, and that’s one reason for the lower rating. If you want to make use of the external sleeve, you would have to purchase Osprey’s Hydraulics (LT) reservoir, and all the accessories you might need separately. Unless you already own a hydration bladder compatible with this pack.

Another thing worth noting is that Osprey has multiple accessories that allow you to attach the hose to the sternum strap so that it stays firmly in place. This makes that you can actually set it up so that you don’t have to use your hands to drink – just bite on the valve and water will flow!

Versatile Features

Is the Talon 22 a versatile backpack, or is it only good for day hikes? It has several features that make it great for other adventures as well, so let’s take a look at what those are and how you can use them!

LED Light Attachment Point

There’s an attachment point for an LED light at the bottom of the front panel – a staple feature of all decent cycling backpacks. It helps you ensure you’re always visible and the dark, and makes those evening rides just a little bit safer.

And the light’s not just useful for riding your bike at night – it’s a feature that’s great for anyone who spends a lot of time outside after dark. If you’re a fan of night hikes and camping trips, this is a feature that can make your life a lot easier.

LidLock Helmet Attachment

Osprey’s popular LidLock attachment point is another feature that the Talon 22 boasts. This is an awesome feature for cyclists, as it lets you attach a bike helmet to the front panel of the backpack. You don’t have to carry it in your hands, and it doesn’t take away from the capacity of the backpack at all.

With attachment points for both a helmet and an LED light, the Talon 22 is a pretty good cycling backpack as well. And this is one of the main reasons why it got a perfect score when it comes to its versatility of use!

Trekking Pole Attachment Points

Osprey’s Stow-on-the-Go trekking pole attachment points are a staple feature on their multi-sport backpacks. So, it’s no surprise that the Talon 22 is equipped with this feature as well.

It’s very easy to use the loops – just take a hiking pole, put it through the loops on the shoulder straps and hip belt, loop it around a couple of times, and voila – the hiking poles won’t go anywhere.

It’s a great feature to have on those long hikes when you need to take on some really rocky bit and you need full use of your palms. Or when you just don’t need the poles anymore, and you’re tired of carrying them in your hands.

Ice Axe Loop

The Talon 22 features a single ice axe loop – a tool that is a must for climbers who aren’t afraid of taking on the icy mountains. This means it’s a good backpack for climbs and not just day hikes. And all of its other features are pretty useful for climbers as well.

Naturally, if you’re looking for a backpack specifically for multi-day climbs, you probably shouldn’t get the Talon 22 – its capacity is too small. But if you’re wondering if you could take this Osprey pack on the occasional climb, the answer is a resounding yes!

Value For Money

Osprey’s Talon 22 is a pricey backpack – is it actually worth so much?

If you just look at the quality of materials and the number of features you get on the pack, then it definitely is. This is truly a premium backpack that works for so many other things than just hiking. It will eliminate the need for a proper cycling backpack, and it could even replace a climbing backpack, for amateur alpinists.

But when you look at backpacks that are in a similar price range as the Talon 22, you’ll notice that you can actually get a lot more for your money. The main issue here is that Osprey does not include a rain cover or a hydration reservoir with this pack – and what’s baffling is that they do include them with so many of their other backpacks.

The largest Osprey Hydraulics reservoir will set you back some $40, a cleaning kit is another $20 and a rain cover is also some $20. That’s nearly the price of the backpack, just in accessories, you might occasionally use.

Obviously, this is only going to be a pricey investment for people who are just discovering Osprey packs. And it is an investment – Osprey stands by their lifetime warranty. Even if it takes you years to beat up one of their packs, 90% they will send you a brand new one to replace it. And these are accessories you could use with most of their backpacks, so it’s not like you’re going to throw them away if you decide to switch from Talon to the Hikelite.

Osprey Talon 22 Review: Final Thoughts

All in all, Osprey Talon 22 is an amazing versatile backpack. If you need something to bring on day hikes, easy climbs or just for riding your bike around the town, it is a great backpack for you.

The Talon 22 is made from water-resistant nylon, and it features an incredibly comfortable AirScape backpanel that has great ventilation. And it is so lightweight that you might just forget you’re wearing it – especially if you make use of the comfortable hipbelt!

With a spacious main compartment, an external hydration sleeve, and a total of six pockets, staying organized in your adventures comes naturally. And let’s not forget about all the external attachment points – you’ll never have to carry trekking poles, ice axes, or a helmet in your hands again!

Head over to Amazon if you want to get the Talon 22 – you check out the prices and all of the color options there!

In case you’re not impressed by this pack, check out our related posts – you might like one of the other versatile backpacks I have reviewed.

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OSPREY SKARAB/SKIMMER REVIEW
OSPREY ESCAPIST REVIEW
OSPREY FARPOINT TREK REVIEW

Osprey Talon 11 vs 22

You might be considering whether the Osprey Talon 11 might suit your needs better as a pack than the Osprey 22.

It’s a valid question to ask and I highlight the key differences below so you can make the right choice.

The Differences

Unsurprisingly, there aren’t many differences between the two backpacks, but there are some which make the choice rather obvious.

• The Talon 22 has 11 more liters of storage space compared to the Talon 11

What One Should You Pick?

In all honesty, there aren’t any other major differences between the two packs bar the extra 11 liters of storage space the Talon 22 provides.

With an extra 11 liters of storage space, you will be able to hold more for longer day hikes and maybe even be able to do an overnight trip.

However, this means the Talon 22 is for hiking and not much else.

When you remove 11 liters of space, you get the Talon 11 which is suitable for day hikes if you pack very light, and you can use it for trail running as well.

Who Does The Talon 11 Suit?

If you are a trail runner and day hiker, the Talon 11 creates a bunch of versatility that the Talon 22 simply can not give.

The Talon 11 is small and comfortable enough for running with and day hiking, whereas the 22 is too big for running!

Overall, pick the Talon 11 if you run, and stick with the Talon 22 if you only hike!