Osprey Talon 22 Review: Jack of All Trades
Updated:
Apr 30, 2026The Osprey Talon 22 ($175) is one of the most well-rounded daypacks we’ve tested. Its body-hugging fit, just-right cushioning, and versatile 22-liter capacity make it ideal for everything from quick summit pushes to all-day hikes. It’s tough enough for regular abuse, thoughtfully organized, and packed with features without feeling cluttered. While it’s a bit pricey and not built for hauling seriously heavy loads, it nails the balance of comfort, function, and durability for most day-long adventures.
Comfort & Support
Organization
Weight
Durability
Water Resistance
Sustainability
Weight
2 lb. 6.1 oz.
Hipbelt
Padded
Suspension
Framesheet
Fabric
100D & 420D nylon
Capacities
6, 11, 22, 26, 33, 44L
Pros
Cons
Osprey Talon 22
For this season's top models, see our guide to the Best Hiking Daypacks.
For a 22-liter daypack, the Osprey Talon 22 strikes an ideal balance between comfort and minimalism. The shoulder straps are lightly cushioned yet effective, and the padded hipbelt is a major win in this weight class—many competitors rely on simple webbing instead. The backpanel hugs the body nicely and offers a supportive fit, even under moderately heavy loads. I regularly carried around 20 pounds (and occasionally more) on hikes through the Picos de Europa and coastal trails in Cantabria, and the Talon never felt overwhelmed. Its semi-rigid plastic framesheet provides just enough structure to comfortably support the load without feeling overly stiff.
The pack’s breathability and backpanel design also impress. The mesh-covered foam back isolates you from pointy gear—like carabiners in my climbing kit—and offers enough ventilation to stay comfortable in mild to warm conditions. While I haven’t tested it in scorching heat, the airflow has been more than sufficient on long, active days. Compared to more stripped-down models like the Hyperlite Daybreak 17, the Talon 22’s padding and ventilation are a clear upgrade. I also preferred the Talon’s padded hipbelt, which provides better load transfer and overall support than the Daybreak’s basic waist strap.
Overall, the Osprey Talon 22 is one of the most comfortable daypacks in its class. It carries surprisingly well for its size and is versatile enough to handle everything from peak bagging to hauling climbing gear to the crag. It doesn’t reach the plush levels of larger, more supportive models like the Osprey Stratos 34, but it’s not trying to. For its intended use—light-to-moderate day hikes with up to 15-20 pounds on your back—it nails the comfort and support equation.
The Talon 22 offers thoughtful storage that works well in real-world use, with just enough structure to keep gear accessible without overcomplicating the layout. The main compartment is easy to load thanks to a wide U-shaped zipper, and the internal hydration sleeve—with a clip to secure the bladder—was a useful feature for long hikes. A small internal zip pocket with a key leash was my go-to spot for valuables like a wallet and sunglasses. It’s a simple system, but it covers the essentials well.
The exterior storage hits a nice balance between streamlined and functional. The two side stretch pockets fit 1-liter bottles with room to spare, and the large rear shove-it pocket was especially useful for stashing a rain shell or wet layer. I used the small top zip pocket often for sunglasses or snacks, and the hipbelt pockets were large enough for my phone and a few bars. For technical outings, the ice axe loop, trekking pole attachments, and helmet carry system add legitimate versatility. That helmet carry also worked well with my biking helmet, and a set of slits at the base of the pack allow you to attach a rear bike light (a bonus for commuting or urban riding). The one notable omission is a rain cover, which Osprey includes on some of its other packs like the Stratos. Still, the Talon’s layout felt dialed for both everyday hikes and more involved missions.
At 2 pounds 6.1 ounces, the Talon 22 sits in the middle of the daypack market—not ultralight, but not burdensome either for the vast majority of done-in-a-day adventures. For comparison, the REI Co-op Flash 22 weighs just 14 ounces and offers the same capacity, but it lacks the structure, support, and ventilation that make the Talon more comfortable under heavier loads. The Flash feels floppier on the back and doesn’t handle gear-dense setups nearly as well. On the heavier end, the Osprey Stratos 24 comes in at 2 pounds 12 ounces and includes a full internal frame. That added structure makes sense in the 34-liter version, but feels like overkill in smaller capacities.
Osprey also offers a lighter, sportier alternative in the Talon Velocity series. The Talon Velocity 20, with its running-vest-style harness and more flexible backpanel, weighs in at around 1 pound 14 ounces. It’s a compelling option for fast-and-light missions, though it sacrifices some of the Talon 22’s versatility and load-carrying comfort. Personally, I never found the Talon’s weight to be an issue during day hikes, even with a full load of food, water, and climbing gear. It’s not the pack I’d reach for on an ultralight alpine push, but for most use cases, the balance of durability, features, and carry comfort outweighs the extra ounces.
After three months of hard use, the Osprey Talon 22 has held up impressively well. I’ve put it through everything from rock scrambles in the Picos de Europa to rainy coastal hikes and snowy mountain treks. It’s been scraped against granite, soaked in wet brush, and dragged through mud—and aside from a bit of dirt on the bottom, it shows almost no signs of wear. The fabric has proven to be surprisingly abrasion-resistant, and I’ve never felt the need to baby the pack in rough terrain.
The build quality feels consistent with what I’ve come to expect from Osprey. The zippers, buckles, and stitching all feel solid, and the materials strike a good balance between durability and weight. The pack is made with 100-denier high-tenacity nylon, which isn’t the burliest fabric out there—packs like the Arc’teryx Aerios 35 or Osprey Manta 24 use 200–210D nylon—but it’s more than tough enough for a typical daypack. And the bottom of the pack utilizes a far thicker 420-denier nylon. Given its light weight and extensive feature set, the Talon’s construction hits a sweet spot. It feels like a small but capable workhorse—versatile enough for a wide range of trips and likely to last through many seasons of use.
The Osprey Talon 22 isn’t waterproof and doesn’t include a rain cover—two factors worth noting if you regularly hike in wet conditions. The outer fabric has a DWR (durable water repellent) coating that sheds light moisture well, and I’ve found it holds up fine in brief drizzles. But once the rain picks up, the fabric can saturate quickly. Since I often carry a camera, I don’t take chances with water exposure, and I’ve made a habit of packing a rain cover anytime the forecast looks questionable. The Talon doesn’t offer enough inherent protection to go without one.
Compared to other packs in Osprey’s lineup, the omission stands out. The Osprey Stratos 24, for instance, includes a built-in rain cover despite a similar capacity. That said, Osprey does sell a separate rain cover sized for 20 to 35-liter packs. It costs $35, weighs just under 4 ounces, and comes in a bright, high-visibility color that adds a safety bonus on cloudy days. For most users, that’s a worthwhile add-on. I don’t think the lack of waterproofing is a dealbreaker, but it’s something to plan around if you carry sensitive gear or hike in consistently wet areas.
Select icon to view details:
Longevity
Choosing durable outdoor gear and keeping it in use for longer is one of the best ways to reduce environmental impact. Our proprietary longevity rating assesses factors like overall build quality, materials, fabric denier, component durability, and real-world performance. A green check indicates that we expect the product to be long-lasting relative to its peers, a yellow check mark indicates average longevity, and a red X indicates a product that may have a limited lifespan.
PFAS-Free DWR
Durable water-repellent (DWR) finishes can contain PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). These highly persistent “forever chemicals” are used in outdoor gear for their strong resistance to water, oil, and heat, but are linked to environmental contamination and a range of health concerns. A green check mark indicates the product uses a PFAS-free DWR, while a red X means the DWR contains PFAS.
Recycled Materials
Recycled materials are prevalent in outdoor gear, with nylon, polyester, wool, and down among the most common, but the composition varies widely. A green check mark indicates the product is made with a substantial amount of recycled materials (100% recycled or the core fabric that makes up most of the product is recycled), a yellow check means it contains a moderate to small amount of recycled materials, while a red X means there are no recycled materials in the product.
Bluesign Approved
Bluesign Technologies, based in Switzerland, operates a third-party textile management system that ensures materials are manufactured to strict environmental, chemical, and worker safety standards. A green check mark indicates a product is either a Bluesign Product (contains at least 90% Bluesign-approved fabrics and 20-30% Bluesign-approved accessories) or features a significant amount of Bluesign-approved materials. A yellow check mark means it uses some Bluesign-approved materials but less than the aforementioned category, and a red X means there are no Bluesign-approved materials in the product.
Responsible Manufacturing
This criterion evaluates a brand’s commitment to fair wages, safe working conditions, and reducing environmental impact through certifications and programs like Fair Trade Certified, Fair Wear Foundation, Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production (WRAP), and the Fair Labor Association, while also recognizing brands that manufacture primarily in the U.S. or Europe under strict labor and environmental regulations. A green check mark indicates a brand meets our responsible manufacturing criteria, while a red X means it does not.
Recycled and/or Reduced Packaging
Packaging can add significant waste to outdoor gear purchases, so many brands work to reduce its impact by using recycled materials, incorporating Forest Stewardship Council-certified paper products, and minimizing plastic and paper use. A green check mark indicates a brand uses recycled or reduced materials across all of its packaging, a yellow check indicates moderate or limited use of recycled or reduced packaging, and a red X indicates the brand does not make either of these efforts.
Repair Services
Repair services extend the lifespan of outdoor gear and reduce overall consumption, though programs vary widely. Some brands offer comprehensive repairs for a range of issues, while others provide limited or no repair support. A green check mark indicates a robust repair program, a yellow check mark indicates limited repair services, and a red X indicates the brand does not offer repair services.
Resale and/or Recycling Services
Resale and recycling programs help keep outdoor gear in circulation longer and out of landfills, ranging from trade-in resale platforms that offer store credit to take-back initiatives that recycle products at the end of their usable life. A green check mark indicates a brand offers both resale and recycling programs, a yellow check mark indicates it offers one or the two, and a red X indicates it offers neither.
Carbon Footprint Tracking
This criterion evaluates whether a brand measures, reports, and works to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions using established frameworks such as the Higg Index, Greenhouse Gas Protocol, or The Change Climate Project. A green check mark indicates a brand publicly reports greenhouse gas emissions data, sets clearly defined reduction targets, and uses established tracking frameworks such as Higg or The Change Climate Project. A yellow check mark indicates the brand tracks emissions and outlines reduction goals but provides limited data, lacks science-based verification, or does not clearly report progress. A red X indicates the brand does not appear to track greenhouse gas emissions or provides so little information that its efforts cannot be verified.
Annual Impact Report
Annual impact reports provide transparency and accountability by outlining a brand’s sustainability efforts across areas such as material sourcing, greenhouse gas emissions, waste, water use, supply chains, and packaging. A green check mark indicates a brand publishes a detailed, brand-specific impact report that closely aligns with our sustainability criteria and leaves little room for ambiguity. A yellow check indicates a brand provides some relevant sustainability reporting but lacks detail in key areas or is covered only briefly within a parent company report. A red X indicates a brand does not regularly publish an impact report.
The Osprey Talon 22 comes in a single unisex size designed to fit torso lengths from 17 to 22 inches. My torso is right at 21.5 inches, and I got a precise fit with minimal effort. Adjusting the torso length is quick and straightforward—you simply slide the shoulder harness along the backpanel to the desired height. I made the adjustment once and haven’t touched it since. The hipbelt is similarly easy to dial in and stays secure throughout long hikes and steep climbs.
If you fall within the standard sizing range, the adjustability is excellent. For those who need more room in the hipbelt or shoulder straps, the Talon 22 Extended Fit version offers expanded dimensions in those areas while keeping the same 17–22 inch torso range. Osprey also makes a women’s-specific version, the Tempest 22, which adjusts for torsos from 14 to 19 inches and features a different harness shape. Between the standard, Extended Fit, and Tempest models, Osprey provides inclusive options for a wide range of body types. For me, the standard Osprey Talon 22 fit well from day one and has remained reliably comfortable across a variety of terrain.
Gregory Zulu 24 LT ($170): Same Price, More Carrying Comfort
In our daypacks gear guide, it’s neck and neck between the Talon 22 and Gregory Zulu 24 LT for the top spot. Both are priced around $170, but the builds differ considerably. The Zulu features a metal frame and a trampoline mesh backpanel, whereas the Talon has a semi-flexible framesheet, resulting in a slightly lower maximum carrying capacity and reduced ventilation. On the flipside, the Talon has greater multi-sport appeal (it has bike helmet and ice axe attachment points, for example), excelling at everything from bike commuting to travel. We also prefer the Talon’s mesh drop-in pocket along the front, which is more practical than the vertical zipper on the Zulu. Purely as a hiking pack, we give the edge to the extremely comfy and well-built Zulu, but if you’re in the market for more of an all-rounder, it’s hard to beat the Talon. For more, see our review of the Gregory Zulu 24 LT.
Gregory Miko 20 ($160): A More Affordable Do-It-All Option
The Miko 20 and Talon 22 share a lot in common: comparable capacities, similar do-it-all designs, and more organization than meets the eye. Both packs also feature nicely padded hipbelts, stabilizing chest straps, and semi-rigid, highly ventilated back panels. However, the Talon edges out the Miko in a few key areas—it’s made with burlier, thicker fabric, yet still manages to weigh less. It also comes in an extended fit size option (as does the women’s Tempest), whereas we have concerns about the Miko’s one-size-fits-all design. Both are quality packs, but we slightly prefer the Talon. And if you do opt for the Miko, be sure to try it on first. For more, read our review of the women's Gregory Maya 20.
Exped Skyline 20 ($165): Lighter Yet More Durable
The new Skyline 20 takes a more streamlined approach than the Talon 22, trading some structure for a lighter, more flexible carry. Its unstructured mesh hipbelt isn’t as effective at transferring heavier loads as the Talon’s padded setup, but the pack still handles typical day-hiking weights well. Where the Skyline stands out is durability and convenience: its 100-denier nylon is tougher than the Talon’s build, and it includes a rain cover—something the Osprey lacks. Organization is comparable between the two, though each has its own standout feature, with the Skyline’s shoulder-strap mesh sleeve offering quick-access storage. Ultimately, the choice comes down to whether you value the Talon’s added support or the Skyline’s lighter yet more durable design. To learn more, see our Skyline 20 review.
The Talon 22 is a do-all pack, up for everything from summit scrambles to biking around town. It offers both reliable comfort and versatile organization. While there are lighter, more supportive, and more specialized models, this is a great all-rounder for general outdoor use.
Comfort & Support
Organization
Weight
Durability
Water Resistance
Sustainability
The Zulu 24 LT is basically a backpacking pack in miniature, and we mean that as a compliment. This is a comfortable, sturdy daypack with excellent design elements, especially its breathable trampoline-style backpanel. We wish it came in more sizes, though, and was a bit lighter.
Comfort & Support
Organization
Weight
Durability
Water Resistance
Sustainability
The Miko is a simple yet technical daypack done right. It hits all the right notes for light-load hiking, and it’s versatile enough for backcountry and commuting use. However, other packs offer more impressive features for about the same price.
Comfort & Support
Organization
Weight
Durability
Water Resistance
Sustainability
Is the Osprey Talon 22 for You?
If you want one pack that can handle everything from fast day hikes, commuting, and travel to gear-heavy missions, the Osprey Talon 22 delivers. It sits snug to your back and is quite comfortable, with enough structure for heavier loads and enough agility for active pursuits. It’s not the lightest or most specialized daypack on the market, and the lack of a rain cover may be a downside for wet-weather users. But for most hikers, it offers an excellent balance of features, comfort, and durability in a streamlined package. We’ve reached for it on everything from alpine scrambles to bike commutes—and it’s never let us down.
it's trail o'clock
Hiking Gear Guides
Gear Guide
Best Hiking Shoes of 2026
Gear Guide
Best Hiking Boots of 2026
Gear Guide
Best Hiking Pants of 2026
Gear Guide
Best Synthetic Insulated Jackets of 2026
Gear Guide
Best Rain Jackets of 2026
Gear Guide
Best Down Jackets of 2026
Gear Guide
Best Fleece Jackets of 2026
Gear Guide
Best Trekking Poles of 2026
curated for you