How to Choose a Backpack

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Looking for the pack to suit all your summer adventures? Osprey® Talon 44 is designed for cragging and climbing, to overnight and thru hiking!
Shop newer versionBest Use | Backpacking |
---|---|
Frame Type | Internal Frame |
Gear Capacity (L) | 44 liter |
Gear Capacity (cu. in.) | 2,700 cubic inches |
Weight | 2 lbs. 10 oz. |
Adjustable Torso Length | Yes |
Fits Torso Length (in.) | 18 - 20.5 inches |
Fits Waist/Hips | Unavailable |
Material(s) | Nylon |
Frame Material | Aluminum |
Number of Stays | 1 peripheral hoop |
Suspended Mesh Back Panel | No |
Pack Access | Top |
Number of Exterior Pockets | 4 + main compartment |
Sleeping Bag Compartment | Yes |
Gender | Unisex |
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This pack was both large and comfortable enough to carry 10 kilo / 22 pounds of gear and food for a 4 day, 100 kilometer / 62 mile hut to hut trip to Arctic Lappland. The stretchable pouch on the back is a superb feature for quick and repeated access to raingear, extra layers, hats, and such. I also found it real easy to get stuff in and out of the pack, as it has great access and a stretchable but strong fabric throughout. The hip belt at first appeared flimsy but it proved super comfortable and held the load right on my hipbones. Another set of great features are the hip belt pouches, for energy bars and small items, and the shoulder strap pouches, which were handily perfect for my camera and mini camcorder. The 2 side pockets held full liter sized water bottles, an unexpected perk for a pack of this size. As the owner of a much beloved massive expedition sized 95 liter Dana Terraplane LTW weekend, I never thought I would sing the praises of a pack that is nearly ethereal. This pack floated on my back through long days - you can't go wrong with it.
I have only used this pack once, but I have to say that it was amazing. I used it for an overnight backpacking trip and it fit everything I needed, and more. It is extremely comfortable. It weighed about 30lbs, but I didn't even feel like I was carrying a heavy pack at all. It's very adjustable, and easy to adjust while hiking. Some people complained about the side pockets. I was able to fit 2 small water bottles in each pocket, but they are difficult to get in/out if your pack is full. The hydration system is nice, as you don't need to unpack the backpack to refill. Overall I found this backpack amazing, and so comfortable.
If you are looking for a nice travel or day hiking pack then this pack should definitely be considered. Although it's only 44 L, you can pack a surprising amount of stuff due to stretchable body. I took it on a family trip to Scotland this past August and I was able to fit everything I needed for the 10-day trip into the pack and take it as a carry-on. That worked out extremely well when we landed and half of the plane's luggage didn't make it. It functioned well as both luggage and as a hiking pack when we were hiking in the Highlands. Overall, this is a great pack for the money and I highly recommend it.
I have had this pack for a few years and I would say that it has been more durable than expected - I literally nearly killed myself tumbling through a rock field and the backpack came through unscathed plus it protected my back!! I am the kind of person who likes a few bells and whistles as well as lightweight gear and this pack fits the bill. The straps are comfortable and I love the stretch pockets as well as the pockets on the straps to keep items for easy access. My husband now wants one for himself!
I'm an ameteur that's being nudged into hiking and backpacking by my Scout friends and they dragged me in to REI to try on the Talon 44. We loaded it up with twenty pounds and I practically jogged around the store. It felt like it was barely there. From what I know and have done, this is a bit of a lightweight but is an excellent day hike/light backpacking pack. Its nice and stretchy but stays strong and compresses well. The hydration pouch idea is profound and I'm surprised nobody's figured this out before. Props to Osprey for innovating convenience! I do agree with everyone that the hip belt pockets are a little annoying to close, but that hardly is a reason to shy from this great pack. One thing that bugged me a little was that the colors are darker in person than in the pictures. Osprey's site has a more accurate color for them, I was a bit surprised to see that the Magnesium pack was almost black. Though, again, its not a big deal, but I personally like to have aesthetiaclly pleasing equipent as well as rugged and functional.
I have absolutely loved this pack! I have used it backpacking and on day trips and couldn't be more thrilled with it. The suspension is very comfortable (even slightly overloaded), the straps are very adjustable, and the pockets are perfect. The main compartment is cavernous (I have put more gear than I thought possible into it) and it does not have unnecessary pockets and zippers in the way. It is also more durable than I thought it may be. Get this pack, you will not regret it.
I bought this for backpack traveling instead of backpack camping and hiking. This replaced a North Face backpack that I had been using for over 2 years. I'm currently living in Europe and travel on 4-5 day trips 2-3 times every month and this has been great. The compartments make organizing easy, the bottom zipper allows me to get things out of the bottom of my pack without unpacking everything and the stretchy fabric means I can fit one more souvenir :) I also used it for a quick 2 day trip and, cinched down, it looked like a regular backpack so I don't think I'll ever need another pack. The pack by itself is light so it doesn't count much against my weight allowance for carry-on bags on the budget airlines. The best part is how adjustable it is. I'm a 5'1" 118 pound woman and the S/M pack fits great.
This seems like a very nice, lightweight pack. Besides Osprey has a great replacement program now. They say they will fix ANYTHING. My only point of caution is that the volume is tight. Be sure that you can fit all the gear you need in 2,500 cubes, I can, but I think about 4-5 days is my limit with this pack. In it's own right it is a unique size. The pack has plenty of outside attachments, the buckle's do not seem OVERLY light weight to me, just light weight. It is very well designed. It has a lower access compartment. It also has a pealess whistle built into the sternum strap... Thats forward thinking. I love this pack and am very very glad I bought it while I am young. I plan on using it until Osprey will no longer live up to their "any product, any reason, any era – The Osprey All Mighty Guarantee".
Im in the army and I've done my fair share of load carrying. If I were capable of using this pack instead of a ruck sack, I definitely would. One con I would consider is the material. Although very light and breathable, it does not fare well in wet conditions. It is great for its size. I'm upgrading to the aether @ 85L soon to hold me off on extended hikes. Although this pack is a 44L, a ~65 lb sack lasted me 5 days in the wilderness. Overall. It kicks butt.
I echo all other reviews but want to add some specific statistics. I just completed a seven day trip over the High Sierra Trail where this pack carried a 10 quart pot, communications and navigation gear and 700 cubic inch capacity bear canister (in the pot) as well as my minimalist sleeping and personal gear without a problem. I was stunned with how well it carried the weight and how well the straps performed. This pack was the envy of the trip.