Hiking Backpacks · owner-verdict comparison

Rook 65 vs Talon 22: what real owners say

Real owners rate these about evenly: 73% of 11 Rook 65 owners recommend it, vs 77% of 417 for the Talon 22.

Verdicts aggregated from Reddit, enthusiast forums, and YouTube owner comments — affiliate reviews excluded. Sample sizes differ; judge accordingly. How we score

Rook 65

73%of 11 owners recommend
73% recommend · 27% neutral · 0% don't
Owners praise
  • Praised as a reliable, well-made bag overall, owners repeatedly say it works great and they like it
  • Comfortable to carry, including on short and multi-day hikes
Full owner report →

Talon 22

77%of 417 owners recommend
77% recommend · 17% neutral · 6% don't
Owners praise
  • Exceptionally comfortable to wear, even loaded and on longer days
  • Extremely durable, with many owners reporting 7-12+ years of hard daily or trail use before any real wear shows
  • Ideal size and versatility for day hikes, commuting, cycling, and travel/carry-on use
Owners complain about
  • Too small for anything beyond a single day out; owners routinely outgrow the 22L volume and wish they'd sized up
  • Difficult or impossible to fit a 2-3L hydration bladder, a problem owners say got worse on the newer redesigned version
  • Stiff, hard lumbar/hip-pad area causes back discomfort or poor fit for some wearers
Full owner report →

Which should you buy?

Get the Rook 65 if
  • ✓Short-to-multi-day hikers wanting a simple, comfy, bomb-proof bucket pack
  • ✓Hot-climate backpackers who value the ventilated mesh back panel
  • ✓Budget-conscious buyers who want a reliable, no-frills hauler
Skip it if
  • Long-distance or thru-hikers wanting more organized, easy-access pockets
  • Anyone needing a more water-resistant fabric than the stock material
Get the Talon 22 if
  • ✓Day hikers wanting a comfortable, lightweight pack for 5-9 hour trail days
  • ✓Commuters and travelers who want one bag for laptop, gear, and daily carry
  • ✓Owners who want durability, some report 7-12+ years of daily abuse with no failures
  • ✓Cyclists and scramblers needing a stable, body-hugging pack that carries loads comfortably
Skip it if
  • Anyone needing to fit a 2-3L water bladder, many say it barely fits or won't fit
  • Multi-day or heavy-load hikers, several found the 22L volume too limiting and sized up

What Rook 65 owners say

“I find it a great bag in general but the squeaking can be very annoying.”
— randomcheesecake555 on Reddit
“I do like the simplicity of the bag and the air vent mesh against your back is really nice for the hot days.”
— DiscountJunior6884 on Reddit

What Talon 22 owners say

“I found this system works really well.”
— Nysor on Reddit
“it'd still be perfectly comfortable aside from the weight.”
— Kuryaka on Reddit
“love is my day hiking pack, a Talon 22, because of how it never quite seems to fit what I need.”
— Creator13 on Reddit

Rook 65 vs Talon 22: frequently asked questions

Is the Rook 65 or the Talon 22 better?

Real owners rate these about evenly: 73% of 11 Rook 65 owners recommend it, vs 77% of 417 for the Talon 22.

Who should get the Rook 65?

Owners point the Rook 65 at short-to-multi-day hikers wanting a simple, comfy, bomb-proof bucket pack, and hot-climate backpackers who value the ventilated mesh back panel.

Who should get the Talon 22?

Owners point the Talon 22 at day hikers wanting a comfortable, lightweight pack for 5-9 hour trail days, and commuters and travelers who want one bag for laptop, gear, and daily carry.