User Review: Osprey Talon 33

Osprey Talon 33
Above: The current Talon 33, which may differ slightly from the version reviewed.

Reviewed July 9, 2007 by Jon

Rating:
Design: Top Loader
Size: M/L
Number of Pockets: Many
Max. Load Carried: 15-20 Lbs
Height of Owner: 5'11"
Price Paid: $119

I purchased the Osprey Talon 33 based on Osprey's overall reputation and the fact that a fellow hiker told me on the way up to Mt. LeConte in GSMNP that he would never place another brand of pack on his back again after using Osprey products. I also found a review of this pack in the Backpacker 2007 Gear Guide and they rated it best overall daypack. Looking in the spec pages of the Backpacker gear guide it indicates that the Talon 33 has an internal frame which is not the case-it uses a foam non framed suspension.

I went ahead and kept the pack though and trail tested it this weekend on a short day hike at Bad Branch Falls in Kentucky which is unpredictably a perfect place to try out this pack. There was a section of climbing over large boulders which truly allows you to appreciate the integration of the suspension, shoulder straps and hip belt. This pack was designed to move with you, whichever angle your back is in. Many packs out there (especially day packs) need you to remain perfectly vertical for them to stay in one place on your back, but the system included on the Talon keeps everything in place nicely and comfortably.

The Airscape backpanel was comfortable, but I still ended up with a lot of sweat. I had been expecting more airflow such as in the case of the Stratos packs, but overall I was satisfied. I would say the best feature of this pack is how close the hydration pack area is to the backpanel. Placing your CamelBak or Platypus in the fridge prior to your hike and placing it in the hydration sleeve acts as an air conditioner for your back!

Prior to my test hike I loaded the pack up with my Marmot sleeping bag, Therm-a-rest Trail Lite pad and there was still plenty of room for a small backpacker's tent, so realistically you could stuff some Cliff bars in the pack, fill up on water and place some extra clothes in the pack and do a two night trip. I can't wait for my next hike with this pack or trying it out on my next mtn. bike ride.