Osprey  Talon 33 Pack

I love every bit of this pack, from design to style. EXCEPT, one huge issue. The foam/plastic back of the frame became horribly deformed within the first week of use (I use the pack daily at work). The slight lumbar support became an unbearable bulge, like a slouchy, torturous piece of junk. No matter the adjustment, the lumbar was completely too bulgy, with the top half of the pack standing 4-5 inches away from my back and the lower half pressing hard into me. My coworker had the same pack and had to put aluminum stays in it to make it more bearable for him. Eventually he gave up and returned his. I would definitely by a similar pack with the light aluminum frame, but this frame is very poorly designed.

I work at a summer camp, so I needed a bag that's lightweight, durable, and has decent capacity. This worked perfectly. if I'm packing something small or fragile, I can put it in the top pocket, there's a great map pocket under the lid, and each side pocket can hold a nalgene and act as compression straps. There's also a huge main compartment with tons of capacity. the straps are very adjustable, and osprey has a great guarantee. however, the hipbelt pockets are poorly designed, and it can be tough to get small pieces of gear out of the main compartment (especially if it's on bottom). If you're in the market for a large daypack/light overnight bag, try this one!

The Talon 33 is an awesome pack. I had the Stratos 24 with the airspeed back and it was nice for hiking, but seemed to always be just a little too small and the rigid frame made sitting on ski lifts slightly annoying. I love the new talon pack. It's comfortable, durable, and the perfect size for almost any activities. Wouldn't hesitate to buy again, I love all my osprey packs.

I bought this pack for as a day pack for a 20 day trek to Everest Basecamp. Comfort wise it was amazing compared to my travel companion. My biggest issues were the pocket on the top of the pack was not practicle when the pack was full, the side pockets for water bottles I did not care for; it felt as if my bottle was going to slip out or hard to reach. I would have prefered someplace to clip a bottle to the front. There is a place for a water bladder if you choose. I will continue to use this pack, it was very expensive yet durable.

Love this pack! I got it to use while I hike the Inca Trail but that isn't for a few more months. In the meantime, I've been using it for commuting on my bike. It easily fits a change of clothes for work, clothes for a lunch time work out and lunch. At the same time, it doesn't feel big or bulky. Because the fabric is so light weight, it also collapses down well when it's half empty. I also used it for a long weekend in Costa Rica. I can put in as little or as much stuff as I want and the bag always feel like it's the right size.

I recommend this bag over others in the Osprey line for the simple fact that it comes with a bladder -- no separate purchase necessary. One design feature that I don't get: the bladder valve does not have a dedicated channel in the rear of the bag (at least not one I can see -- please correct me if I'm wrong here). The bladder is inserted in the back, and the enclosing pouch remains unzipped for valve access. Compare this with the Osprey 10L bullet bag: there is a dedicated hole to thread the valve.

This is a great pack for me because it fit on my hips very well. You have to pick a backpack with sizes that fit you. Osprey seems to fit me the best. There are 2 things I do not like about this pack. 1) the shoulder straps are kind of wimp. They're a little thin, get twisted a lot, and stretch when the pack is really full. I feel like it'll snap one day. 2) The bottom loops aren't adjustable. I like to stick a padding or blanket down there and I have to roll it up smart so that it doesn't fall out.

I purchased this pack for use on day trips and walking the dogs in the desert. I usually carry all the extra stuff for the wife and kids, and the safety essentials. The pack rides exceptionally well, even up to 35 pounds. My only complaint would be that the side mesh pockets are a little small for holding a regular Nalgene bottle, especially when the pack is full. If you are using a smaller water bottle, it will be fine. There is enough adjustability to allow for adjustments for comfort while on the trip. The pockets on the waist belt are really handy for treats and poop bags when we don't have the leashes with us. This pack could handle a one night minimalist trip, but would be a stretch for anything beyond that. If you are looking for a day hike pack that rides well and won't feel like a burden, this is a good choice.

Backpacking: On an (18 mile) over nighter I packed my dromedary, stove, fuel, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, sandals, tent, 2 jackets, extra shirt, long-underwear, extra socks, first aid kit, DSLR camera, snacks, pack towel, water pump, hiking poles, pack pillow, wool cap, and some odds and ends. Heavy load for this small pack, and I didn't notice a thing. The straps were SO comfortable!! No digging in on the hips or shoulders. I really enjoyed the compartments to stash things in an organized manor. Cragging: Bag fits all my climbing goodies with plenty of room left. In either use I just find the thin bottom worrisome as setting it down fully loaded may cause the bottom to tear. Probably look for another cragging bag eventually, but those bags never seem to have enough pockets, as for backpacking I couldn't ask for more :)

Its easy to write a negative review on a pack all you have to do is use it and complain about all your pain and suffering. Writing a positive one is a bit more difficult. This pack is perfect in every way, to the point you don't even know its there. I have had this pack for almost three years and used it hundreds of times, it is still in perfect condition. I have used this pack for up to 7 days in the back country but mostly do 2-3 day quick trips as well as a three week thousand mile hitch-hike. I have carried it on planes, trains, and automobiles. Been caught in endless downpours, and this pack is very water resistant. I have used it bike packing and as a daily grocery getter as I refuse to own a car. The size is perfect, the fit is perfect, the weight is perfect. One last note. Osprey has hands down the best mfr customer service in the world, PERIOD! would I recommend this pack to a friend. yes yes yes. Thank you osprey :) PS I have no affiliations whatsoever with Osprey.