Osprey Talon 22 Review: Your Go-To Pack for Adventure?
By Ben Carter
9.3
Consumer's Best Score
Consumers Best Verdict: Osprey Talon 22 Highlights
From fit tweaks to recycled fabrics and Osprey’s still-great All Mighty Guarantee, the 2025 Talon 22 balances comfort, organization, and durability better than most. It thrives in that sweet spot: light enough for speed, structured enough for all‑day carry. As always, the women’s counterpart is the Tempest line—worth a look if you prefer a women’s‑specific fit. Bottom line from Consumer's Best: excellent value, superb trail manners, and a design that’s been refined, not reinvented, for years.
Look, after a lot of trail miles and a few messy weather days, my takeaway is simple: the Osprey Talon 22 just works. It carries like a bigger pack without feeling like one, rides close to the body, and nails the little details—trekking pole stow, hipbelt pockets, and an external hydration sleeve that actually stays out of your way. It’s not a burly load hauler or a full waterproof rig, but for most day hikes, fast scrambles, and bike-to-trail missions, it’s the easy pick. If I were buying one daypack in 2025, this would be it.
In-Depth Look: Osprey Talon 22 Features & Considerations
Core Features & Consumer Benefits
The Talon 22 is a 22L, do‑almost‑anything daypack with Osprey’s signature close‑to‑body carry. Here’s what stands out once you’ve actually put in the miles.
AirScape back panel + BioStretch harness
The injection‑molded back panel and flexible harness create a stable, breathable carry that hugs your torso without hot spots.
Real organization that stays out of the way
Top‑zip main access, dual stretch side pockets, hipbelt pockets, and a tidy front shove‑it sleeve—quick to pack, quicker to grab.
External hydration sleeve
Keeps your reservoir separate from the main compartment, so refills don’t mean unpacking your life (small joy, big difference).
Trail‑smart attachments
Stow‑on‑the‑Go trekking pole keeper, LidLock helmet carry, ice axe loop—handy when a casual hike turns type‑2 fun.
Durable, lighter‑impact materials
Recycled, high‑tenacity nylon with PFC/PFAS‑free DWR in recent runs, backed by Osprey’s All Mighty Guarantee for long‑term peace of mind.
Important Considerations & Potential Downsides
- Not built for heavy loads
Sweet spot is day‑hike essentials; push past ~18–20 lb and the hipbelt and frame feel less supportive.
- Weather resistance, not waterproof
Light rain beads; sustained storms will soak through. Budget for a rain cover if you’re often in wet conditions.
- Hipbelt pockets run small
Snacks and a compact phone are fine; large phones in bulky cases may feel cramped.
- Narrower, athletic fit
Fantastic for movement, but broader torsos may prefer trying sizes in person to dial the yoke and strap geometry.
Who Is the Osprey Talon 22 Best For?
Day hikers & fast movers
You want a stable, breathable pack that won’t slosh around on quick ascents or ridge scrambles.
Minimalist all‑day adventurers
You carry smart, not heavy—layers, water, lunch, first aid—and still want room for a bonus fleece.
Bike-to-trail riders
Helmet carry and body‑hugging fit play nicely with short rides to the trailhead.
Travelers who hike
Packs flat, organizes cleanly, and moonlights as a compact carry‑on or city day bag.
Value-minded gear buyers
You’d rather buy once—solid materials, proven design, and a strong warranty—than chase the next new thing.
Who Might Want to Explore Other Options?
- Ultralight purists
If sub‑600 g is your line in the sand, a frameless running‑vest hybrid may suit you better.
- Heavy load carriers
Need to haul climbing hardware or winter layers often? Consider a stiffer frame and beefier hipbelt.
- Storm chasers
If you’re regularly out in heavy rain, a seam‑taped, waterproof pack or a dedicated rain cover makes more sense.
- Laptop commuters
There’s no padded laptop sleeve; a travel‑oriented daypack will be less fussy Monday through Friday.
