REASONS TO BUY
Tons of features
Fully adjustable
Very comfy
Decent ventilation
REASONS TO AVOID
Less ideal weight-to-volume
Smaller side pockets
Separate hydration compartment
Osprey Talon 22 Review
This pack boasts a time-tested design that's ready for nearly any adventure
Credit: Zach Lovell
RELATED: Best Daypacks of 2024
Our Verdict
The Osprey Talon 22 continues to be a top performer in almost every metric, making it a great all-around daypack. Despite tough competition from other options, it remains among the best daypacks for multi-adventure use, performing exceptionally well in many activities. Thanks to its outstanding ventilation, adjustable fit, and Osprey's updated AirScape back panel design, the Talon is among the most comfortable backpacks we've tested. This pack includes a helmet attachment, bungee attachments for trekking poles, an ice axe loop, and a blinker clip patch. You can easily carry a typical day pack load and even use this bag for mountain adventures, commuting, or travel. Except for extra-large loads, we enthusiastically recommend this pack. Check out our full daypack review review to see how it compares next to other top daypacks.
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 This Product
Osprey Talon 22 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awards |  Best Overall Daypack |  Best for Big Days | Best for Trail to Town |  Best Bang for Your Buck | Best Buy on a Tight Budget |
| Price | $119.93 at REI Compare at 4 sellers | $159 List $46.83 at REI | $100 List $99.95 at REI | $60 List $59.95 at REI | $26 List $21.99 at Amazon |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Bottom Line | Time tested and a great option for versatility, this pack once again proves it's an excellent all-arounder | This highly capable pack particularly excels in carrying heavy loads on longer days | This feature-filled daypack is a great option for outdoors or urban environments | The updated Flash 22 is lighter than ever while still providing excellent performance for many types of activity | A high-volume backpack that boasts a lightweight design at a staggeringly low price |
| Rating Categories | Osprey Talon 22 | REI Co-op Traverse 32 | REI Co-op Trail 25 | REI Co-op Flash 22 | Venture Pal 35L |
| Comfort (25%) | |||||
| Versatility (25%) | |||||
| Ease of Use (25%) | |||||
| Weight-to-Volume Ratio (15%) | |||||
| Construction Quality (10%) | |||||
| Specs | Osprey Talon 22 | REI Co-op Traverse 32 | REI Co-op Trail 25 | REI Co-op Flash 22 | Venture Pal 35L |
| Advertised Volume | 22 L | 32 L | 25 L | 22 L | 35 L |
| Measured Weight | 30.7 oz | 41.0 oz | 30.9 oz | 14.0 oz | 10.5 oz |
| Weight per Liter | 1.40 oz/L | 1.28 oz/L | 1.24 oz/L | 0.64 oz/L | 0.30 oz/L |
| Back Construction | Vented, contoured | Contured, foam pad | Contured, foam pad | Removable foam pad | Nylon, no foam or structure |
| Hydration Compatibility | Externally accessed sleeve, holds up to 3L, bladder not included | Internal hydration sleeve, hook and loop attachment point | Internal hydration sleeve | Internal hydration sleeve | Internal sleeve that can be used for hydration, but no pathway for the hose |
| Hip Belt | Broad, padded, with pockets | 1 3/8" webbing, countoured padding, ventilated outer layer | 3/4" webbing | Broad, ventilated but not padded. | None |
| Number of Pockets | 10 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 5 |
| Description of Pockets | 1 main compartment zippered, 1 stretchy mesh shoulder strap pouch, 2 waist zippered, 2 side stretchy mesh, 1 back stretchy mesh, 1 top zippered, 1 open hydration reservoir pocket behind back panel, 1 internal mesh compartment zipper | 1 main combo top-loader/side panel zip, 1 internal mesh w/ overlap closure (inside of lid), 1 external zip on top of lid, 2 mesh side bottle w/ button closure/expansion, 2 oversized hipbelt zip | 3 stretchy mesh side, 1 top zippered, 1 main compartment zippered, 1 bottom zippered for rain cover | 1 main zippered, 2 mesh side pockets, 1 side zippered pocket, 1 top pouch | 1 main zippered, 2 external zippered, 2 mesh side pocketed |
| Materials | 100D x 210D wave check high-tenacity nylon | 300D recycled ripstop nylon | 210-denier ripstop nylon | 70D nylon, polyurethane coating | Nylon |
| Outside Carry Options | Bungee helmet tab, blinker light patch, ice axe loop and bungee holder, front-side pole carry bungee loops | Trekking pole lash points, ice axe attachments, daisy chains,attachment loops, compression straps | Daisy chain, ice axe, pole loops, sleeping pad straps (bottom and top) | Ice axe loop and bungee holder, 10 loops for additional straps or attachments | 2 exterior straps |
| Whistle | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Key Clip | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Other Notable Features | Blinker patch, front-side pole carry loops | Steel frame w/ 1 internal stay, hydration tube holder on shoulder strap, included rain cover, water bottle pockets angled forward to allow on the go access | None | Removeable foam back panel doubles as sit pad, removeable sternum, removeable Packmod bungee | Incredibly lightweight for its capacity, folds up into its own pocket, reflective tape on exterior |
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Our Analysis and Test Results
Our team of experts found the Osprey Talon 22 to be an excellent pack that rolls comfort, versatility, and ease of use into one do-it-all package. This pack has been put through rigorous testing in various conditions and has proven useful in almost any situation.
Performance Comparison
We spent weeks with the Talon 22, thoroughly testing every aspect to ensure our review was comprehensive.
Credit: Jacob Clark
Comfort
The back panel uses Osprey's updated AirScape design with a mesh-covered, ridge-molded foam that helps prevent curving when both the main compartment and a hydration bladder are full. The Talon 22's excellent ventilation keeps our back cool, and its BioStretch harness and hip belt provide great suspension and comfort. The Talon 22's comfort is exceptional, and one of the best small daypacks we've tested.
While the mesh-covered ventilation design is good, it falls short of some of the super-breathable suspended-mesh back panels we tested. However, the Talon 22's flexible frame allows for an almost full range of motion, making it perfect for dynamic activities. While the hex-mesh material on the back panel and hip belts can be rough for bare skin, it helps keep the pack from slipping during dynamic activities like scrambling.
While many 22 liter packs don't offer much adjustability, the Talon boasts excellent capabilities for dialing in the best pack fit.
Credit: Zach Lovell
This pack excels at carrying weight, particularly for a daypack. We loaded this pack up with over 20 pounds in testing, and the Talon 22 didn't even flinch. If you need an option that can handle weight and still offers mobility, this pack is worthy of your consideration.
We loaded up the Talon 22 with dumbbells and then went for a hike. This pack has minimal issues with weight.
Credit: Zach Lovell
Versatility
The Talon 22 is loaded with features that make it the perfect option for almost any scenario, whether you're a weekend warrior or living a dirtbag lifestyle. This pack is ideal for office, travel, and outdoor use.
The extra carrying features add to the pack's versatility, such as the helmet attachment that allows you to commute without stuffing your helmet inside. The front-side trekking pole carry feature allows you to go hands-free and get your poles out of the way without taking off the pack. The Talon 22's avalanche gear stash, crampon stretch pocket, and ice axe loop make it perfect for winter warriors.
The exterior helmet attachment is just one feature that makes this pack so versatile for hauling an assortment of gear.
Credit: Jacob Clark
Ease of Use
Due to all of its features, the Talon 22 has a slight learning curve. However, once you learn how to use all the bungees and adjustments, it's a very capable pack. The panel-loading design makes this an excellent travel pack that's very easy to organize from the plane to the trail.
From the helmet attachment to the adjustable frame size, we were able to utilize the features of the Talon 22 without an instruction manual. The pockets are great for smaller items, like sunscreen bottles, but they can prove problematic with larger water bottles.
With the pack only partially filled, it was easier to fit water bottles in the tight side pockets.
Credit: Zach Lovell
We were less excited about the external hydration compartment, which gave us pause in more rugged terrain, particularly climbing, though the bladder is unlikely to fall out. Additionally, when cinching down the load lifter straps, it squeezes and strains the bladder. Many shoppers won't mind this component of the pack, but it is a good thing to be aware of.
For most, the external hydration compartment won't be a deal breaker, just be aware of it if the pack is ever upside down.
Credit: Zach Lovell
Weight-to-Volume Ratio
The Talon 22 weighs 30.7 ounces with 22 liters of volume, bringing it to 1.40 oz/ liter. This was one of the lower scores in this metric, though its weight is largely due to its extra features and robust support. It uses a tough, PFC-free DWR nylon fabric and certified bluesign fabric, which contributes to its weight.
Fortunately, many will find that the Talon 22's comfort and features justify its weight. Since this is a relatively smaller pack category, even the heaviest of bags only weigh around 3 pounds, so some shoppers will likely not mind the trade-off of weight to capabilities.
While this isn't the lightest pack out there, it offers many features and enough volume for a typical day outing.
Credit: Zach Lovell
Construction Quality
The Talon 22 held up well in all of the situations we tested it under, from the desert to snow, bushwhacking, road biking, and in-town commutes. Even our older models (which we frequently loan out) have yet to show much wear.
The Talon 22's zipper covers help keep out water, and the new PFC-free DWR fabric improved its performance in hose testing. While it doesn't come with a rain cover, the fabric does a decent job keeping water out for a limited time or light rain. If you live in a particularly rainy environment, consider Osprey's Hi-Vis Raincover or use a dry bag to line the pack.
We sprayed every daypack with a hose, both with and without their rain covers, to size up water resistance. The Talon 22 did very well in this metric.
Credit: Dan Scott
Should You Buy the Osprey Talon 22?
The Osprey Talon 22 offers incredible comfort, and its features make it perfect for many types of outings. The Talon 22's durability is also impressive, and even after years of testing, it has yet to show much wear. Overall, the Talon 22 is a top-performing daypack that is worth the investment.
What Other Daypacks Should You Consider?
Although the Talon 22 comes packed with features, fantastic adjustability, and top-notch comfort, we recognize that it is a bit spendy. For a great value, the REI Co-op Flash 22 costs less than half as much as the Talon 22. For those looking for a more conventional daypack for use around town, check out the 20L Osprey Daylite Plus. If price is less of an issue, and instead you're looking for some additional payload capacity, theREI Co-op Traverse 32 is our favorite heavy-duty daypack.
—
Zach Lovell, Jacob Clark, and Dan Scott
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