Osprey Talon 22 Review: A Daypack That Earns Trail Cred

Osprey Talon 22 Review

Looking for a daypack that can handle everything from steep mountain trails to casual bike rides without compromising on comfort? The Osprey Talon 22 aims to be that versatile workhorse.

The Osprey Talon 22L is a hiking backpack built around a structured AirScape back panel, a BioStretch harness, and enough pockets to keep even the most organized hiker satisfied. At $175 and weighing just over 2 pounds, it sits in the premium daypack tier alongside options from Gregory and Deuter.

After months of trail testing across varied terrain and conditions, I put this pack through the kind of use that separates a good daypack from a great one. The goal was to see whether the Talon 22 justifies its price and weight against lighter, cheaper alternatives.

The short answer: it delivers where it matters most for long day hikes, though it carries a few trade-offs that certain hikers should know about before buying.

What I Liked About the Osprey Talon 22

The Talon 22 has a lot going for it, and its strengths show up on the trail where they matter most.

Comfort and Fit

The AirScape back panel uses an injection molded framesheet paired with die-cut EVA foam to create a stable, close-to-body fit. The foam channels help ventilation by allowing airflow from neck to lower back, which makes a noticeable difference on hot climbs.

The BioStretch harness wraps around the shoulders, waist, and lumbar area, flexing with your body as you move through rugged terrain. The micro-adjusting slide yoke on the shoulder strap gives a precise torso fit across the 18 to 22 inch adjustable range.

The hip belt transfers weight effectively to your hips. CleverHiker’s senior gear analyst hiked over 50 Colorado peaks above 13,000 feet with this pack and praised the weight distribution even on 20-pound loads.

Storage and Organization

The U-shaped main compartment opening with dual zipper access makes packing and finding gear straightforward. No more digging blindly through a top-loaded bag.

The zippered hip belt pockets fit a large phone or several snack bars, and the stretch mesh front pocket holds a rain shell for quick access. Two stretchy side mesh pockets accommodate water bottles, and a top zippered stash pocket keeps valuables within reach.

Inside, there is an internal hydration sleeve with a clip for a water bladder, plus a zippered mesh pocket for keys and small essentials. For a 22 liter pack, the amount of organized space is better than average.

Durability and Materials

The recycled 210D nylon ripstop fabric balances ruggedness with reasonable weight. Multiple long-term reviewers report four to eight years of heavy trail use with minimal signs of wear on the textile.

Osprey’s All Mighty Guarantee backs this pack with a lifetime warranty, and users have successfully received replacements for manufacturing defects even after years of ownership. The zippers run smooth and the stitching holds up to regular rough handling.

Trail-Ready Features

Stow-on-the-go trekking pole attachment makes securing poles quick when scrambling. The LidLock helmet attachment and blinker light attachment add cycling versatility that most daypacks skip.

An ice axe loop and external compression straps round out the attachment options. This pack handles loads up to 30 pounds, which covers everything from long day hikes to ultralight overnighters. The bluesign-approved sustainable materials add a layer of environmental responsibility without sacrificing performance.

What Needs Improvement

No daypack is perfect, and the Talon 22 has a few areas where it falls short.

Heavier Than Necessary

The biggest criticism is weight. At just over 2 pounds for a day pack, the Talon 22 is heavier than many ultralight backpacking packs.

The REI Co-op Flash 22 weighs 14 ounces, less than half the Talon’s heft. If you are an ultralight hiker who counts every ounce, this pack feels overbuilt for day hike loads that rarely exceed 15 pounds.

Hip Belt Pockets Hard to Reach

The hip belt pockets, while nicely sized, can be difficult to access while wearing the pack. Some users report that the shoulder strap attachment positioning makes reaching into the pockets awkward without loosening or removing a strap. For a pack that otherwise excels at on-trail organization, this is a frustrating design oversight.

Zipper Catches on Cover Flap

The main compartment zipper occasionally catches on the outer cover flap. When the pack is loaded to capacity, this becomes particularly annoying. Several long-term users mention adopting workarounds like using a carabiner to keep the zipper pulls together.

No Waterproofing Included

The Talon 22 is not waterproof. Osprey applies a DWR treatment that repels light rain, but sustained downpours will eventually soak through.

A rain cover is not included, adding roughly $30 and extra weight to your kit if you hike in wet climates. For a pack at this price point, a bundled cover would be a welcome addition.

Side Pockets Too Tight

Finally, the stretchy side pockets are tight for larger water bottles. Standard half-liter bottles fit, but a wide-mouth Nalgene or taller bottle may not stay secure without the compression straps cinched down.

How the Osprey Talon 22 Compares

The daypack market is crowded, and the Talon 22 competes against options across a wide range of prices and design philosophies. Here is how it stacks up against three strong alternatives.

vs REI Co-op Flash 22

The Flash 22 is the budget ultralight pick at $60 and just 14 ounces. It costs less than half the Talon’s price and weighs less than half as much. For hikers who prioritize weight savings and value, the Flash 22 is hard to beat.

The trade-off is comfort under heavy loads. The Flash 22 lacks the Talon’s framesheet, padded hip belt, and load lifters.

For hikes under 15 pounds, the Flash performs well. For heavier loads or all-day treks, the Talon’s structured support pulls ahead.

vs Gregory Citro 24 H2O

The Gregory Citro 24 H2O sits at $180 with a similar weight around 2 pounds. Its VaporSpan ventilated suspension provides excellent breathability, and it includes a dedicated hydration reservoir compartment with a 3-liter bladder.

Both packs offer comparable comfort and body type support. The Gregory gives you slightly more volume at 24 liters and better integrated hydration. The Osprey counters with more versatile multi-sport attachments and a wider range of external pockets.

vs Salomon Trailblazer 20

The Salomon Trailblazer 20 targets fast-and-light hikers at $75 and 14.6 ounces. Its slim profile and minimal design appeal to peak baggers and trail runners who want a pack that stays out of the way.

At 20 liters with smaller side pockets, the Trailblazer carries less than the Talon and offers fewer organizational features. Choose the Salomon for speed-focused outings where minimal weight matters most. Choose the Osprey Talon 22 when you need room for extra clothing, food, and gear on longer day hikes.

Should You Buy the Osprey Talon 22?

The Osprey Talon 22 is a well-built, comfortable daypack that excels at keeping you supported on long day hikes, scrambles, and multi-sport outings.

I am giving the Osprey Talon 22 a 4.3 out of 5. It loses points for being heavier than necessary for a daypack and for hip belt pocket accessibility issues that could frustrate some users. The zipper snag and lack of waterproofing are minor but worth noting.

Those deductions aside, the pack’s comfort, organization, and proven durability make it a strong investment. Multiple hikers report using this pack for five or more years without significant wear, and Osprey’s warranty program adds long-term peace of mind.

Bottom line: if you value all-day comfort, structured weight transfer, and a pack loaded with trail-ready features for hiking and biking, the Talon 22 delivers. If you prioritize saving weight above all else, explore the REI Flash 22 or Salomon Trailblazer 20 instead.