Osprey Talon 22

Summary

Reasonable price and lots of adjust-ability for a small pack.

This is a really nice pack, but large folks should try it on before purchasing. It has plenty of adjustments to fit many sizes, but if you are over 6 feet, you will want to make sure it fits you properly. Variances in torso length will determine if this pack is right for you.

That said, I still use this pack for urban adventure where I'm not really putting long miles in. The hydration bladder fits well into the pack and there is plenty of room for your basic gear set.

There are a variety of pockets, external an internal, for storage use and convenience. Because of its small size, load distribution isn't really a concerning factor. Once items are in the pack, the side straps can be adjusted to cinch everything down nice and snug.

Fit and finish for all Osprey products is top notch and potential buyers should always feel confident in their purchase.

The Talon 22 was exactly was I was looking for in a pack. I needed a lightweight pack for 3 purposes:

1. Day hikes - I have a laptop pack already that doesn't work well for hiking. I needed a pack that has a hydration sleeve, outer pockets and straps (but not a lot so they aren't dangling and get caught in everything). 

2. Ultralight overnighters - The talon 22 proved to be the perfect amount of space for minimalist overnighters. I carried a 20lb load (food/water/gear) comfortably, that included the following gear:

Sleeping Bag - Montbell UL SS #5 - 1lb 2oz
Sleeping Pad - Therm-a-Rest Zlite - 14oz
Shelter - GoLite Shangri-La 1 Fly+Nest - 2lb 4oz
Stove -  Jetboil PCS
Water filter - Katadyn Hiker Pro 
Other Misc - Food, 2L water, clothing, pack cover, camera, etc 

When packed correctly, the back doesn't bulge out even when stuffed to maximum capacity. The hip belt works great (unlike most daypacks I've tried) at taking the weight of the pack off the shoulder straps. The pack fit like a glove, allowing me to climb over fallen trees and over rocky terrain without shifting around.

3. Airline travel - I never check luggage in, and I don't like wheeling my bag around. This is the right size for a carry on that fits all my belongings, and still stuffs under my seat or in the overhead compartment.

I needed a day pack for a day hike up Arizona's highest peak, Humphrey's Peak just north of Flagstaff. The Talon 22 was my choice. It easily handled two 70 oz. hydration bladders and the rest of my gear like a champ. The pack was very comfortable and I would recommend it to anyone who needs a lightweight technical day pack for hiking or even trail running.

02/10/11 I recently bought the Talon22 as a day pack.  I like to do fast day hikes. The pack is extremely comfortable.  I carry a pretty heavy water load and a couple of extra layers.  

The pack has lots of adjustments and is ruggedly constructed.  Great little pack.