Osprey Talon 22 - Review 2023

A Sized-Down Workhorse

We love (and most outdoor enthusiasts do) Osprey backpacks for one reason- the high-quality build. The Talon 22 is a small but super dependable pack for day hikes and ranks among the most popular options for hikers, bikers, and people with an active lifestyle.

That there are two sizes, S/M and L/XL, means that choosing the right fit is also possible.

For serial hikers and bike trekking, this bag does have the level of comfort and the features for facilitating the journey. It’s hard to imagine any regrets associated with buying this bag for said activities. Packed with Osprey’s penchant for compression straps the Talon hugs the body well during some trail or canyon running.

It has a pair of the brand’s trademark systems, BioStretch and AirScape, providing breathability and moisture-wicking. This Osprey backpack offers valuable perks like a built-in helmet clip and trekking pole stow-away lash point. The external bladder sleeve keeps condensation away from hydrophobic items too–but we’ve not yet seen if rainwater will collect in it.

The Talon 22 has an excellent construction that can withstand the test of time. It’s a solid yet straightforward daypack with the performance you’d expect from an Osprey backpack. Many people think it’s the best pack for day hikes. It’s very possible.

Construction and Design

Osprey Talon 22 Daypack has an undeniable outdoorsy look, and it’s available in four colors- Stealth Black, Cosmic Red, Limon Green, and Eclipse Grey.

You can choose your Talon 22 from four colors.

Materials-wise, the shell of this Osprey backpack has a 100D x 210D HT Ripstop Nylon. Compared to typical polyamide or ripstop nylon, its high tenacity version carries better tear-, abrasion- and water resistance. Although the denier count is not that high, it doesn’t mean that your Talon 22 has a weak fabric. The Airwave ripstop pattern also aids in keeping any tear as small as possible.

Upclose: 100D x 210D HT Airwave Ripstop Nylon

At the base, the 420HD Nylon Packcloth protects the bottom section. It has a polyurethane coating inside, enhancing its water resistance on top of the DWR outside. This fabric is mid-weight and ready to take abuse from rough surfaces, especially during your adventure into the wilderness.

The internal frame of the AirScape back panel is HDPE-made. It’s a durable and sturdy plastic sheet with high tensile strength. It won’t break or crack under different weather conditions (i.e., during cold winter).

Each section of this Osprey backpack is cleanly held together by solid stitching. Don’t worry if the seams of Talon 22 will rip apart while you’re walking or riding your bike. All the zippers glide like butter and are coupled with large pull tabs, making it easier to open/close the compartments.

The large zipper pulls amp up Talon 22’s ease of use.

Overall, Talon 22 has a top-notch construction that you can depend on for years (as long as you’re using it with proper care). The design is active-inspired and straightforward yet packed with a robust build you can trust. And if ever your Osprey backpack needs repair, you have the lifetime All Mighty Guarantee to cover your needs.

If you still want to go with the “the higher the denier, the better” cliche, Patagonia Refugio has 600D nylon.

Harness System

Like in Osprey Aether 65, Talon 22 serves you a breathable and snug harness system- AirScape. It’s a die-cut and injection-molded back padding with foam ridges promoting optimal airflow. The close-to-body fit also provides better weight distribution. Pair that with a BioStretch harness connecting the hip belt section to the lumbar area, and this Osprey backpack flows with your movement.

AirScape back panel and BioStretch mesh layer offer breathable and comfy snug.

The shoulder straps are not as dense as Arc’teryx Brize 25, but it’s enough given its 22-liter capacity and the balance the entire suspension system provides. The same goes for its hip belt. They’re easy to calibrate on the fly and don’t dig on the skin.

You’ll also find that the adjustable sternum strap of this Osprey backpack has an integrated emergency whistle. We appreciate this safety feature that Patagonia Refugio and TNF Jester lack.

The sternum strap with a built-in whistle is handy during emergencies.

The load lifters effectively transfer weight from your shoulders to the rest of your body down to your hips. You won’t feel weighed down during your hike or bike ride.

Load lifters keep weight off of your shoulder as much as possible.

Talon 22 is another statement of the comfort you’ll experience when carrying an Osprey backpack. It’s packed with a couple of the brand’s signature suspension systems, AirScape and BioStretch, ready to serve you with a pleasant carrying experience.

Still not convinced? Click here for our comprehensive guide to the best daypacks today.

Lash Points

It’s almost like you can attach anything anywhere in this Osprey backpack. Talon 22 is overflowing with lash points as a daypack should. Since the storage inside isn’t that big, it’s a bonus that you can clip other gear outside.

On the face of the bag, there are attachment loops on both sides. There are two bungee ties on the right to hold your ice ax vertically, while on the left, you have Stow-on-the-Go. It’s a loop pair, with one at the bottom of the side pocket and another at the shoulder strap. Your trekking pole is slanted to your front, making it just a quick snatch away!

Along the shoulder straps, additional lash points are present so you can attach your sunglasses or compass. There’s also another little mesh pocket with a snap. It can stretch out, a very accessible spot for your phone.

Talon 22 also features a built-in helmet clip at the front. It’s a big plus for you all avid bikers out there. No need to occupy your hand carrying your helmet. Stay on the move, stay handsfree and do more.

Talon 22 is a helmet-friendly daypack.

This Osprey backpack is one of the best daypacks for outdoor enthusiasts. The loops and clips are well-thought to maximize their functionality without getting in the way of your movement.

Storage

Osprey Talon 22 provides you, well, with 22 liters of storage space. It’s sized perfectly as a daypack for a quick hike or your overnight bag for a camping trip.

Let’s look at how much room this Osprey backpack actually has. What can you fit in, and how well-organized it is.

Main Compartment

The largest room in Talon 22, the main compartment, is accessible via a 2-way zip closure. You don’t have to unzip it in the opposite direction to open/close it. Inside, there’s a hanging mesh pocket with a built-in key clip. That’s a bonus if you hate digging your hands to the bottom of your bag looking for your key.

Here, you can keep valuables safe and away from the rest of the items inside your Osprey backpack. USB cords, power bank, and other tech accessories would sit well in the mesh pocket. The rest of Talon 22’s main compartment doesn’t have anything special. There’s no laptop sleeve like Patagonia Refugio or extra organizational pockets like TNF Jester.

This Osprey backpack can accommodate your extra clothes, food supply, first aid kit, and other gear with lots of spare room.

Top Pocket

Every item you need in a quick snatch can stay in the top pocket. It has a handful of space for your multi-tool, headlamp, map, and other small items. Want to keep energy bars within reach? Stow them away in this pocket and grab them quickly when you need a bit of refueling.

Front Shove-It Pocket

A feature we appreciate, especially when hiking in unpredictable weather, is the front shove-it mesh pocket. Unlike its counterparts with solid material, the mesh fabric allows you to keep out wet waterproof gear as it drains. Once the downpour starts hitting again, you can unclip the buckle and put on your rain protection in seconds.

The Talon’s compartment also works well if you’re switching from hiking shoes to water shoes for a plunge in the cove along the trail. Once done, carry on with your trek and let your water shoes drip out by the front pocket.

Side Pockets

There’s no shortage of hydration options with this Osprey backpack. It comes with side mesh pockets with compression straps. These straps give you the convenience of sneaking in any water bottle of any size without hassle.

The side pockets are very flexible with water bottles.

It’s an edge over other daypacks such as HEIMPLANET Motion Arc, which doesn’t have a water bottle holster at all. Rest assured that whether you have 32 oz. Nalgene or a small 14 oz. Iron Flask, it’ll properly sit in the side pockets.

Bladder Sleeve

Unlike most models with the reservoir sleeve in the main compartment, Talon 22’s sitting on its external pocket at the back. It is a commonsensical design tick we liked about this Osprey backpack. It keeps any spill/leak possibilities away from causing trouble with your dry items in the main compartment. The tube runs from the top, and you can have it close at hand by keeping it fixed by the loops on the shoulder strap.

If you still prefer your reservoir inside the main compartment, you can check out Arc’teryx Brize 25 or Aerios 30.

Hip Pockets

The hip pockets of Talon 22 offer a ‘lil bit of extra room for small items. Your Bluetooth headset, some mints, a small tube of sunscreen, and change can fit in. Your phone can also stay here, but not if you have a large one.

Though not that roomy, it’s still better than daypacks with no hip pockets like the Gregory Arrio and TNF Borealis. The only thing we noticed is how far back it sits. But it didn’t affect how easily we accessed our items.

With its 22-liter capacity, the Talon 22 Osprey Backpack has enough storage and organization to keep you going for a day hike. Nothing’s over the top, and we appreciate its simplicity but reliable performance.

If you need more room, look at Aerios at 30 liters or the cheaper and conventional Borealis. Want to size down? Motion Arc is compact at 20 liters only.

Not the daypack you need? Jump to our main guide for more options.

Conclusion

Osprey Talon 22 is a high-quality daypack with all the basics and more. The size is ideal for short hikes or your daily bike commute to work.

With a lid lock for bike helmets and an external bladder sleeve all in a compression-heavy bag, Osprey has a popular day hiker that deserves its best-in-class assessment by everyone.

It’s got a comfortable and easy to adjust suspension system, external bladder sleeve, and the Stow-on-the-Go trekking pole lash point- a significant plus for every hiking lover. The overall construction doesn’t disappoint either. This Osprey backpack comes with an excellent build, from the fabric to the stitching.

And best of all, you have the All Mighty Guarantee on your back. No matter what reason you have, if your Talon 22 is eligible for repair. And this warranty lasts for a lifetime!

Now, we’re looking at the entire package for around $135. Even though this Osprey backpack model oozes excellent performance, it’s still pricey for a 22-liter daypack.

But if you’re willing to invest in a durable bag, you’ll love Osprey Talon 22.

You can check out our complete lowdown on the best daypacks here.

Buy this daypack if:

• Osprey is your go-to for any pack
• You’re willing to fork out lots for a reliable daypack
• Want a bag with a comfortable harness system

Need built-in helmet clip