Name: Osprey Talon 22
Brand: Osprey

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.

Hiking through coastal trails wearing the Osprey Talon 22 hiking daypack

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’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 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. I didn’t expect to use them often, but appreciated having them on hand for more gear-intensive days. The one notable omission is a rain cover, which Osprey includes on some of its other packs like the Stratos (for more, read our Osprey Stratos review). Still, the Talon’s layout felt dialed for both everyday hikes and more involved missions.

Hip pocket on Osprey Talon 22 hiking daypack

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 (for more info, see our review of the women's Tempest Velocity 30). 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.

Hiking up rocky trail wearing the Osprey Talon 22 hiking daypack

Hiker jumping off rocks wearing the Osprey Talon 22 hiking daypack

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.

Front bottom view of the Osprey Talon 22 hiking daypack

The 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 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 $25, 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.

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Longevity

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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 Talon 22 fit well from day one and has remained reliably comfortable across a variety of terrain.

Close-up of backpack straps on Osprey Talon 22 hiking daypack

Gregory Miko 20 ($140): 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.

Osprey Daylite Plus ($75): A True Bargain-Bin Pick
Not everyone needs a high-end daypack for their outings. The Osprey Daylite Plus has plenty to offer for a minimalist design, starting with its wallet-friendly $75 price tag—saving you about $85 compared to the Talon. It’s simpler and less technical, with fewer organization features and a flimsier webbing hipbelt versus the Talon’s well-padded, hip-hugging design. However, it doubles nicely as an around-town pack, thanks to its hydration bladder/laptop sleeve and a variety of colorways to match your style game. If your ambitions lean toward moderate trail days mixed with casual use, the Daylite Plus offers great savings. But for dedicated hikers needing superior storage, more support and cushion, and better technical chops, we’d go with the Talon. For a deeper dive, see our Daylite Plus review.

Osprey Talon 22 ($160)

Front view of Osprey Talon 22 hiking daypack on hiker

4.7/5

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.

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Weight

2 lb. 6.1 oz.

Capacity

22L (6, 11, 26, 33, 44L)

Hipbelt

Padded

Suspension

Framesheet

Comfort & Support

4.5/5

Organization

4/5

Weight

3/5

Durability

3.5/5

Water Resistance

3/5

Sustainability

4.2/5

Gregory Miko 20 ($150)

4.5/5

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.

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Weight

2 lb.

Capacity

Capacity: 20L (15, 25, 30L)

Hipbelt

Padded

Suspension

Frameless

Comfort & Support

4/5

Organization

4/5

Weight

3.5/5

Durability

3.5/5

Water Resistance

3/5

Sustainability

3.8/5

Osprey Daylite Plus ($75)

Close-up rear view of hiker wearing the Osprey Daylite Plus hiking daypack

4.1/5

The Daylite Plus checks all the boxes you’d want in a simple, affordable, and durable daypack. While it doesn’t support weight very well and has a pared-down feature set, it’s an attractive and versatile option for everything from casual hiking to travel.

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Weight

1 lb. 4.6 oz.

Capacity

20L

Hipbelt

Webbing

Suspension

Frameless

Comfort & Support

3/5

Organization

3.5/5

Weight

4/5

Durability

4/5

Water Resistance

3/5

Sustainability

4.1/5

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.