“Osprey Talon 22 backpack (photo backpacks are great for storing/accessing gear, but suck at backpacking”

77% of 417 verified owners recommend the Talon 22, based on real owner verdicts aggregated from Reddit, enthusiast forums, and YouTube.
Affiliate blogs here say 86% recommend, while the owner-based score is 77%. They earn a commission on every sale — so we show them for transparency but never let them move the score.
The headline score reflects owners (Reddit, enthusiast forums), independent lab tests, blogs with no affiliate links, and YouTube owner-comments when they line up with owners. Affiliate blogs is shown for perspective but kept out here — hover the i for why.
Synthesized from what Talon 22 owners say — not a spec sheet.
“Osprey Talon 22 backpack (photo backpacks are great for storing/accessing gear, but suck at backpacking”
“I found this system works really well.”
“love is my day hiking pack, a Talon 22, because of how it never quite seems to fit what I need.”
“I started with an Osprey Talon 22 and later changed to a REI Flash 22. I like the Flash a lot better”
“I have a talon 22 and the chest strap popped off on one side”
“it'd still be perfectly comfortable aside from the weight.”
“Rides pretty well and enough organization for what I need it for.”
“I got a talon 22 and was disapointed (especially the volume that ended up low for my use).”
“I love the Osprey Talon 22 as a hiking daypack!”
“Great low profile, versatile day back. Love mine :)”
“the Osprey Talon 22 which I also purchased before returning it and keeping the Deuter.”
“I have to apply body glide on my lower back or it runs too much”
“it was comfortable, the pockets were well laid out (+1 for the hip belt pocket being iPhone compatible), and the size was right… yet I was just never excited about it.”
“it's the best damn bag I've ever owned.”
“I disliked the talon.”
“to replace my I osprey talon 22 for hiking and traveling. It is a world of difference on my back.”
“Quite a good pack.”
“have been using an REI Flash 18 for day trips instead of the Talon 22, as I never carried much in the Talon 22 for day trips, and it was too small for anything longer”
“It is a little harder to find stuff in the talon because the main area is just one big pouch, but that also allows you to fit things so much more easily.”
“Only sign of wear is the Osprey symbol rubbing off.”
“I've been using an Osprey Talon 22 and it constantly annoys me because it's not big enough.”
“tough packs that are very comfortable.”
“The newest version of the Talon 22 makes it almost impossible to get any sized bladder in.”
“I own a Talon 22, but it’s a bit too technical for walks around town. I find it better for hiking.”
Practical notes owners raise — setup, quirks, and issues to watch for. They don't say whether the person likes the product, so they're not counted in the score, but they inform the pros, cons, and who it's for.
“The bag itself is extremely light and very, very comfortable! This might be its #1 selling point. I love that the main compartment zips open pretty wide for access to the bottom. The easy-access pockets on the top and front are also great.”
“For just day hiking I actually use a Talon 22 and it has a bit much space for my needs. If you plan on using it overnight then a 22 is not big enough. Choosing between a 33 and a 36 just makes me wonder why such a small size difference. Me I'd lean towards using your own physical size to decide.”
“I’m 6’0’ 170lb and own the new Talon 22. I got it in the largest size and it only fits if I extend the shoulder thing to the max spot. I think you’d be too tall for it.”
“My backpack (osprey talon 22) has an attachment for my helmet, I carry my backpack with me everywhere though so not sure how well this would work for you.”
“Yes! I only travel with my Osprey Talon 22, I normally put it in the overhead, but have definitely gone under the seat in the past.”
“I can reach mine on the osprey talon 22, nalgene or smartwater bottle, or whatever else I have stashed in there. Some packs that have larger side pockets have a hole in the side of the pocket to place the bottle at a more horizontal angle.”
“But my Fuji setup all fits in my Osprey Talon 22 comfortably with a thermos and extra layer.”
“Can confirm, I have an Osprey Talon 22 day pack (very similar to the Stratos 24, although I suspect OP has a larger Stratos model) and the Peak Design Capture clip is mounted on the left strap, and I can also attach my Think Tank Mirrorless Mover 10 by threading the hip strap through the mirrorless mover's belt loop.”
“I have an Osprey Talon 22 and I can fit my 13" Macbook Air in it with lots of room to spare. The daylite looks a lot smaller though and looks like it has only a 13 liter capacity.”
“I just use my regular day hike Talon 22. I clip my shoes to the outside of the pack though. Plenty of room for a water bottle, chalk bucket, chalk bag + rope equipment, and personal items.”
“I did an overnighter with my Talon 22 once. Just to see if I could. It was just about bursting at the seams, but I did it, and without strapping/dangling anything on the outside of the pack”
“**Osprey Talon 22** Loadout: 2L water bladder, Extra layer, Rain parka, Snacks, Poop kit, Headlamp, Knife, Trekking poles, Towel (lightweight), First aid kit, Sunscreen, Bug spray”
“I prefer just running a hydration pack in the built-in compartment in my Osprey Talon 22, that way I have a pack and hydration with the same weight as the pack you have.”