Having a super-light and versatile outdoor backpack with plenty of features for sports, trips, and cycling is the dream of every nature lover. The Osprey Talon 22 S/M hiking backpack pleasantly surprised us with its design, equipment, and price-to-performance ratio.
At first glance, the common series of classic Talon hiking backpacks became the flagship of the American brand Osprey. Interest in this iconic backpack has lasted for several seasons, which is confirmed by numerous compliments and a constantly growing number of satisfied owners. As soon as the opportunity arose to test this piece, the decision was made.
Talon on your own back
The spacious Osprey Talon 22 S/M backpack clings to your back and pampers it during a wide range of activities from spring to autumn. Thanks to the AirScape back panel made of foam with breathable mesh, it ensures better airflow and back ventilation. You will notice this on mountain hikes, trail running, cycling, and other activities where you really work up a sweat.
Thanks to the flexible foam and pleasant-to-touch mesh, carrying it is more than comfortable even in a tank top. The backpack adapts to your back with any change in the center of gravity. Whether you are braking suddenly on a bike or leaning sideways while walking and balancing on uneven terrain, the backpack will not restrict you.
The back panel is also perfectly complemented by a padded seamless hip belt, which pleasantly wraps around the hips. When tightened, it stabilizes the backpack's position and minimizes bouncing on your back during movement. With the correct adjustment of the chest strap and the height of the shoulder straps according to your back size, it also helps distribute the weight of the load so that you feel the backpack as little as possible after a full day of carrying. Even with its lightness, the backpack can easily carry not only standard but also quite extensive equipment for at least a full day spent in nature. This is due to the high-quality and durable synthetic fabric – nylon in combination with EVA foam and a lightweight frame.
The Osprey Talon 22 S/M backpack is equipped with attachments, loops, and pockets for:
- trekking poles
- ice axe
- cycling helmet
- hydration bladder (1.5 l and 2 l)
- water bottle
- LED bike light
- foam mat
- map/jacket/sweatshirt
For maximum performance
Trekking poles can be attached to the backpack easily and quickly using the Stow-on-the-Go™ system. Basically, you just thread the tips of the poles into a special flat loop on the front and then, even with one hand, secure the handles of both poles with the elastic cord located on one of the shoulder straps.
There is no longer any need to laboriously strap a cycling helmet to the outside of the backpack or squeeze it into the main compartment. You thread the plastic LidLock™ holder on an elastic cord through the center of the helmet and then just let the elastic cord return to its original position, fixing the helmet in place.
A hydration bladder is a great companion for trips into nature, best used on a bike when you can drink while riding without having to stop to pull out a bottle. Thanks to the external and easily accessible placement of the hydration bladder in the back section, you will have your hydration regime under control without worrying about anything spilling or whether, for example, a 2-liter bladder takes up too much space inside.
The InsideOut™ compression straps located on both sides will take care of your water bottle, umbrella, or a small foam mat. The long straps can be threaded through the side mesh pocket to set a fixed volume for what you want to store in it. Alternatively, small items like a jacket or sleeping pad can be attached vertically to the side of the backpack.
Passionate cyclists will appreciate the loop for hanging an LED bike light or a flasher to increase visibility and safety in traffic. However, its service will also be appreciated by pedestrians who head out to wander outside the village or city after dark.
For maximum comfort
The Osprey brand is known in the field of sports and urban backpacks and luggage primarily as an innovator and a driving force of technological progress. Talon has a large number of well-thought-out elements that really can make life easier.
The internal and external Talon pockets are designed to fulfill their purpose and be maximally useful. On the front of the backpack, there is a fleece-lined pocket for glasses and a large pocket made of elastic fabric with a buckle closure, where you can easily store a map, book, jacket, and small items. Another 2 external zippered pockets are located on the hip belt. On the shoulder strap, there is a pocket for a mobile phone or GPS. Inside the spacious main compartment with a two-way zipper, you will find a mesh zippered pocket with a key clip.
At home outdoors
With Talon on your back, you will always be in your comfort zone outdoors. The spacious single-compartment backpack with reflective elements allows for perfect organization of things thanks to a large number of pockets and special attachments for equipment for a whole range of activities. Although it is primarily a sports backpack, it can also be used for everyday wear in the city or while traveling. The only small flaw is that the backpack fabric is not waterproof, so it is necessary to equip yourself for staying in the field with a rain cover that will keep your things dry, no matter where you are headed.
Talon is intended by the manufacturer more for men, but thanks to 2 sizes of the back panel S/M and M/L, it often fits women as well. The purely women's version of the Osprey Talon backpack (narrower shoulder straps, anatomically adapted hip belt, shorter back) is the Osprey Tempest series of backpacks.
Do you or your friends have experience with the Talon backpack or the Osprey brand? Write us your observations in the comments.
Do you want to know how the testing of other products turned out? In the Testing section, you will find all our reviews including other models of Osprey backpacks.
