Disclosure: Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Our reviews are always our own honest opinion. Learn more.

Osprey Talon 22
#3 — Best All-Around Day Hike Pack

Osprey Talon 22 Review (2026)

The pack most hikers should buy first, and the one they usually keep

★★★★★
9.3/10
Reviewed by William • Updated August 2026 $160

The Talon 22 has been the reference point for day hike packs for years because it gets the fundamentals right rather than chasing a gimmick. The AirScape ridged back panel ventilates well without the sweaty flat-panel feel, the BioStretch harness moves with your shoulders on scrambly terrain, and the organization is thoughtful — a real hipbelt pocket, a stretch front shove-it, and trekking pole attachments that work one-handed. At 1lb 15oz it is not ultralight, and that weight buys a suspension that carries 20lb comfortably.

Check current price →
$160 retail
TrailCraft Score

What Works

  • AirScape back panel ventilates without a suspended mesh trampoline
  • BioStretch harness moves naturally on technical terrain
  • Genuinely useful hipbelt pockets
  • One-handed Stow-on-the-Go pole attachment
  • Osprey All Mighty Guarantee — lifetime repair

Limitations

  • 1lb 15oz is heavy against frameless alternatives
  • No dedicated laptop or flat sleeve
  • Hipbelt is fixed length — sizing matters
  • $160

At a Glance

Capacity22L
Weight1lb 15oz / 879g
FramePeripheral wire, AirScape panel
Hydration3L reservoir sleeve
HipbeltPadded with pockets
SizesS/M and L/XL
WarrantyAll Mighty Guarantee

Score Breakdown

Value for Money
8.8
Comfort
9.6
Organization
9.4
Ventilation
9.0
Durability
9.2

What Sets It Apart

Three seasons of Shenandoah and Blue Ridge day hikes with loads from 8 to 22 pounds. The suspension is the reason to buy it: frameless packs are lighter and start to hurt above about 15lb, and the Talon carries a full water load, lunch, and layers without the shoulder fatigue that ends a long day early. The hipbelt pockets get used constantly and are sized for a phone, which many competitors get wrong.

The pack most hikers should buy first, and the one they usually keep

Who This Is For

Hikers who want one pack for everything from three-mile loops to long day hikes, anyone carrying more than 15lb, and people who value organization over minimum weight.

Note: Prices are current as of August 2026. Some links are affiliate links.

Also Consider

See the full comparison

All 14 options in this category ranked side by side.

View Full Comparison →

Common Questions

Talon 22 or Osprey Daylite Plus?
The Talon has a real suspension and carries heavier loads comfortably. The Daylite Plus is lighter, simpler, and cheaper — better for short hikes with light loads.
How much can it comfortably carry?
Up to about 25lb. Beyond that the wire perimeter frame reaches its limit and you want a larger pack with a proper framesheet.