This Osprey Talon 22 review is for those who want to have a backpack that they can use for fast hiking or biking.
The Talon 22 is specially made for those on the quick move; on foot or on a bicycle. This backpack has internal and external compression to prevent the contents from shifting as you move your body quickly.
This backpack gives easy and fast access to your bicycle helmet. You can also attach trekking poles without taking off the backpack.
Unlike some of the other Osprey products, the Talon 22 comes optimized with a slot for a hydration pack. Osprey sells several hydration packs that go very well with backpacks such as these.
Because Osprey knows that you are on the move with this backpack, they have designed it with a peripheral frame sheet. This transfers the load evenly across the back panel. This, along with the mesh back panel, helps prevent sweat from building up along the backside.
You may like to read: Osprey Talon 44 Review
Osprey Talon 22 Features
- Weight: 1.32 or 1.65 pounds; depending on the size you choose
- Dimensions: 20 x 10 x 9 or 22 x 10 x 9 inches
- Adjustable shoulder harness: The shoulder harness can be adjusted to different torso lengths. Adjustability is one of the staples of the Osprey brand.
- Adjustable hip belt: The hip belt is adjustable to the size of your own waist. It is covered with mesh to make it breathable.
- Mesh front compartment: Apart from the main compartment, there is a mesh front compartment to store your smaller gear.
- 4 different colors: This backpack comes in 4 unisex colors: Onyx Black, Avatar Blue, Shamrock Green, and Flame Orange.
Zippered front panel:
The zippered front panel compartment allows you to view all your gear at once by unzipping it completely. No more rummaging through from the top of your backpack.
Helmet attachment system:
You can attach your helmet quickly to the side of the backpack. This is great for people on the go who do not want to spend too much time fiddling with their gear.
Peripheral frame sheet:
The frame on this backpack is slightly different from other Osprey hiking packs. It has a peripheral frame sheet that transfers the load evenly across the back panel. Since this backpack is made for those on a quick move, it is important that heat transfers evenly. This prevents too much sweat build-up from certain sections of the backpack.
Large hip belt pockets:
Since the Talon 22 is made for those on the move, it would not be complete without large hip belt pockets. In these pockets, you can store your frequently used items. This stands in contrast with other Osprey backpacks that tend to have hip belt pockets that are too small.
Inside-out compression strap:
It is important to have adequate compression while you are biking or running. The Talon 22 comes with compression straps inside and out. This ensures that the contents do not shift as you are on the go.
2 side mesh pockets:
The two side mesh pockets allow you to store things that you are going to be retrieving on a frequent basis. There, store your water bottle or snacks.
External Hydration Sleeve:
Osprey offers several hydration pack products. This backpack allows for the insertion of a hydration pack inside of its external hydration sleeve.
Trekking pole attachment:
Do you hike with trekking poles? You can easily attach or detach your trekking poles from the Talon 22 trekking pole attachment system.
Pros
- Hip belt pockets on this backpack are larger than other Osprey backpacks
- An awesome backpack for biking or running, but can be used for hiking
- Made from water repellent material
- It has an expandable pocket that you can use to store dirty clothing
- Easy to use a hydration pack with this backpack
Cons
- The hip belt pockets are meshed and see-through. This may not be suitable for someone who wants to store their items privately.
Osprey Talon 22 Price
The Osprey Backpacks are available on Amazon. Listed below is the latest price of the Osprey Talon 22!
- Internal padded laptop sleeve
The Verdict
The Talon 22 is on the smaller side of Osprey’s line of backpacks. It is a great solution for those looking for something that they can move fast with. The compression straps keep their contents from moving around while you were swaying back and forth on your bicycle or run.
Due to its size, the Talon 22 likely cannot be used for several days at a time. It is not made to carry enough of a load for days’ worth of clothing. If you are looking for a backpack that you can use during the day, while coming home at the end of the night, the Talon 22 is great. But if you are looking for something that is bigger, Osprey makes other backpacks that are optimal for running and cycling, yet carry heavier loads.
For example, the Kestrel 32 is also made for those who cycle and run.
But since it has so much room inside of it, you can use it for hiking and even overnight camping. Some prefer to use the Talon 22 for hiking as well. But it simply does not have as much room. This is not necessarily an issue if you are only going hiking for one day. One thing we love about the Kestrel 32 is the fact that it has an integrated rain cover. Instead of purchasing a separate rain cover to cover your backpack, the Kestrel 32 comes with one inside of an external pocket.
If you are on the lookout for a hiking backpack and don’t mind so much if you cannot cycle or run with it, the Kyte 46 might be for you. It has even more room than the Kestrel 32, and it is big enough for several days of hiking. While it would not be wise to run with his backpack, some customers have used it while mountain climbing.
Whether you like the versatility of a sports backpack, or simply wanted a pact that you can use for multiple purposes, the Talon 22 is an excellent choice.