Aug 10
4
Osprey Talon 44 Backpack
Osprey Talon 44 Pack
By Karenna Awtry
The Osprey Talon 44 hiking backpack is light — under 3 lbs., in fact. That’s not such an amazing feat in the realm of ultra-light adventure-racing packs, some of which boast weights of well under 2 lbs.
What’s truly amazing about Osprey’s Talon 44 is that this day-weight pack isn’t a daypack at all; it’s a multi-day overnighter, a climbing companion, a moderate-capacity pack that’s taken flight.
How much functionality can you really stash in under 3 lbs. of aluminum, Nylon and mesh?
Osprey might just surprise you. This Osprey Talon daypack carries up to 30 lbs. of gear in comfort (with a bit of wiggle room, users have confessed). Your hydration bladder fits nicely into an internal slot — but not just your 1 liter Platypus. The Talon 44 will accommodate a 3L bag, and still leave more than enough room in the main compartment for food, clothing and other must-haves.
Osprey packs are known for their outside-of-the-box design, and the Talon 44 is no different. This spacious carrier that manages to fit into the daypack weight class is built on an unusual suspension that harkens back to the external frame packs — an inverted U-shaped frame, square across the top and quite rigid. Another unusual feature is the zippered sleeping bag access — unheard of in the ultra-light backpacking family.
The Talon 44 keeps Osprey’s high standards for comfort, too, with the air-circulating backpanel design that channels sweat away from the back while simultaneously keeping the air moving where you need it most. You can actually feel the breeze between your back and this hiking backpack.
In addition to the top-loading main compartment, Osprey gives you side stretch pockets; a floating, zippered top lid with its own internal stash pocket; small mesh cubbies on the shoulder straps (perfect for energy gels when you need a boost on the go); zippered mesh pockets on the hipbelt; and a large, stretch-woven front pocket that’ll carry plenty.
Climbing tools attach easily to tie-off points. You can secure your sleeping pad using dedicated straps. In addition, the blinker patch and tow loop are ready-made for adventure racing.
Feel free to set out for a few days’ adventures in confidence. You’ll want for nothing with the Talon 44.
Osprey die-hards and newbies alike rave about the Talon 44’s uncommon functionality. They love that it’s so lightweight, yet spacious. The ease of packing that comes with the top-loading main pocket, zippered sleeping bag access, floating lid and spacious front pocket take the frustration and fuss out of planning a hike and keeping your pace.
It’s versatile as can be, say users. If you want a do-it-all lightweight pack with a bit more oomph than a daypack, Osprey’s got what you’re looking for. It was awesome for four days of mountain hiking, in both summer and winter, says a California reviewer. The 44’s a fantastic travel companion, easily fitting into those pesky overhead bins on airplanes.
Although users give the Talon 44 unanimous praise for comfort, capacity and weight control, there are a few drawbacks to combining a hefty hauler and an ultra-light design. For one, the hipbelt and shoulder strap padding is minimalist. It’s nice to have mesh-covered padding when it comes to keeping you cool, but the straps are a bit thin and some users found that they tend to slip on clothing and bare skin.
The fabric is also more delicate than some would prefer; the occasional hiker has had to patch their pack a few times, but say it’s worth the repairs. Beyond those cons, the Talon 44 keeps pleasing its owners time and again.
