Osprey  Talon 22 Pack - Men's

The new generation Talon 22 fails to deliver.

It is so sad to say that the newer Osprey packs are designed for maximum profits and not maximum hiker benefits. The latest Talon 22 is less usable than previous models. The pseudo Airscape design does not breathe. There is no way for air to circulate. Your back will be as sweaty as ever. While still rated at 22 liters it has less usable space. One good note is that the belt pockets are more user friendly. Osprey needs to look back at their better, more usable Talon 22. In addition, Osprey needs to design a breathable back space, maybe using the same design as the Stratos 24, but better. Oh well, back to using my well worn 15 year old Talon 22.

too heavy

Osprey makes solid and reliable stuff. We still have and use a couple of Ospreys from back before they moved their manufacturing overseas. That said, these are simply too heavy. There is no excuse anymore for making a bag this size that is this heavy. My REI Flash 22, same size, weighs 14 oz and has most of the same attachment points and other features. I used the Flash 22 for 2 weeks of trekking in the Alps in September and it was great. Other makers are making comparable lightweight bags. By comparison, the REI Trail 25 which REI is also promoting weighs almost a pound less than this Osprey. I have a wonderful 30L Tom Bihn travel bag made with 1050d Ballistic Nylon that weighs the same as this Osprey.

Disappointed

I bought this new version to replace my 15 year old Talon 22 which is finally developing holes in the mesh back and bottle pockets. It came in 2 sizes and fit me perfectly. I ordered this new version as a replacement and am very disappointed. It’s “one size fits all” doesn’t fit me at 5’9” and 163 at all. It’s very stiff, the back is uncomfortable and the yoke where the straps begin pokes and rubs my neck. I’m a returning it to REI.

Latest Talon 22 does not work for cycling

The latest Talon 22 is terrible for cycling. The back panel is now completely rigid, and while the shape is comfortable for hiking, it curves the wrong way for cycling. The molded shape that snugs comfortably into my lumbar region while walking creates a deal-breaking single point of contact as soon as I lean over my handlebars. Also, the new model is taller, and the top of the pack hits the back of my helmet. I have purchased two previous Talon 22 packs over the years and used them for cycling daily. They've been great, and I was happy to pay full retail for another replacement. The Talon 22 is no longer a good pack for cycling. It still has the helmet attachment, and photos show the pack with a bike helmet attached, so I expected this pack to work great for riding. It does not. At all. I'm returning it. I have at least 10 Osprey packs. I keep buying Osprey because the packs are so well designed. But this one? I can not believe any of the designers ever took it for a ride. While I'm complaining, this pack is really heavy. It's much heavier that my old ones. It's even heavier than my 55L thru-hiking backpack. That's not why I'm returning it, but I'll be looking for a lighter pack to replace it.

Up To Osprey Standards

Excellent larger volume day pack or smaller overnighter for backpacking. Carries great. I have had three other (larger) Osprey backpacks. They were all good, well designed. The fit is personal, but unless you are wanting ultralight, Osprey usually fits my build (6 feet, 190 pounds). I did pick up the version of this pack that is for larger wasted folks by error (saw it on sale and didn't recognize the size difference.) It did not fit my 35" waste AT ALL. Otherwise, Talon 22 is typical good quality and excellent circulation on Osprey ventilation system.

This Talon 22 is much

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] This Talon 22 is much improved versus the pack Osprey replaced, a 5+ year T-22 pack that probably had more than 5000 miles on it. What's improved: (1) size of hip belt pockets, they are bigger, (2) zippers on said pockets. These can actually be opened, and (3) hydration bladder space. There are other changes that are probably improvements, but those matter little to me. Great pack. Great service from Osprey.

Originally posted on Osprey

Best day sack I’ve had

If you are more portly of build most outdoor companies assume you are inactive and therefore not a customer. Not so Osprey who do quite a few key models in extended fit. This is game-changing. It means a) it’s comfortable b) you can actually use the belt pockets c) it doesn’t rub. Now, if those making boots could do extra wide fit….

Originally posted on osprey-emea

The backpack works well. This

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] The backpack works well. This is my second Talon 22 and I noticed a number of improvements including a better frame support, sturdier top holder for the poles and easier to access pocket for the water bladder. The only think I miss is the clip for the water bladder which was easily fixed by using a small carabiner.

Originally posted on Osprey

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.]

Originally posted on Osprey

Talon-Tastic

Great pack. Designed well and very comfortable. Great for longer hikes. The addition of a 3 litre hydration pack is really convenient for full day hot weather hiking. Product quality is excellent.

Originally posted on osprey-emea