Gear Review

Osprey Talon 22 – A benchmark day walking andhiking pack

Light, stable and brilliantly comfortable, the Talon 22 has become a go-to pack for fast-paced hill days and longer summer walks.

Reviewed with UK hillwalking, scrambling and all-day comfort in mind.

At a glance

Headline verdict

In one line: A superbly comfortable and stable 22L pack that moves with you on the hill.

Best for: Day hikes, fast-and-light hillwalking, scrambling and summer mountain days.

Not ideal for: Heavy winter loads or walkers who prefer a very structured frame.

Bottom line: One of the best all-round daypacks ever made — and there’s a reason it’s so popular.

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Full review

How the Osprey Talon 22 performs on real hill days

Fit & comfort

Comfort is where the Talon 22 really shines. The close-fitting AirScape™ back panel, combined with the flexible BioStretch harness and hipbelt, keeps the pack glued to your body without feeling restrictive.

On uneven ground and scrambles, it moves with you rather than lagging behind — a huge plus if you like a dynamic, agile feel.

Ventilation

This isn’t a fully suspended mesh back, but ventilation is still very good. The foam channels and mesh do a solid job of managing sweat on warm days, without pushing the load away from your centre of gravity.

Storage & organisation

The 22-litre capacity hits a sweet spot for day walks. There’s room for spare layers, food, waterproofs and a small first aid kit without encouraging overpacking.

Stretch mesh pockets, hipbelt pockets and the classic Osprey shove-it front pocket make organisation intuitive and quick on the move.

Stability on rough ground

This is where the Talon 22 stands apart from more casual daypacks. The low-profile design and excellent compression keep the load tight, making it ideal for rocky paths, ridges and light scrambling.

Hydration & features

The internal hydration sleeve is easy to use, and there are external attachment points for trekking poles and ice axes. While it’s not a full winter pack, it can stretch into shoulder-season use without issue.

Durability

The materials strike a good balance between weight and toughness. It’s not bombproof, but with normal hill use it holds up very well. Treat it like a technical daypack, not a haul bag, and it’ll last years.

Value & alternatives

It isn’t cheap, but the Talon 22 earns its price through comfort, fit options and thoughtful design. Cheaper packs exist, but few feel this good when you’re moving quickly over rough ground.

Summary

Pros, cons & who it’s for

What I liked

  • Exceptional comfort and stability
  • Excellent pocket layout and usability
  • Available in multiple torso sizes

What I didn’t

  • Not designed for heavy winter loads
  • Premium price compared to basic daypacks