Osprey Talon 33 Backpack Review

Looking for a comfortable backpack for day hikes or ultralight adventures? The Osprey Talon 33 might be your perfect match. This pack is built for moving fast and light, with a breathable back panel and a lightweight design. It comes in two sizes and offers plenty of storage space, including a spot for your hydration reservoir. But before you take it on your next trip, there are a few things to consider.

Highlights

Capacity: S/M: 31 liters, L/XL: 33 liters
Weight: S/M: 2 lbs. 6.5 oz., L/XL: 2 lbs. 10.7 oz.
Adjustable Torso Length: Yes (S/M: 17-20 inches, L/XL: 19-22 inches)
Material: Recycled 100-denier x 210-denier high-tenacity nylon
Hydration Reservoir Compatible: Yes (reservoir not included)

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Comfort and Fit

The Osprey Talon 33 prioritizes comfort on the trail. An important feature is the adjustable torso length. This lets you dial in the fit so the pack sits comfortably on your back, preventing shoulder and back pain. The back panel is made of breathable mesh, allowing air to circulate and keeping you cool on hot days. It also curves nicely around your spine, providing good support for your back.

The Talon 33 also boasts a comfortable hip belt and shoulder straps. Both are padded and wrapped in breathable mesh, similar to the back panel. This keeps them comfortable against your skin and helps wick away sweat. The hip belt is especially important for carrying weight. It transfers the load from your shoulders to your hips, where you’re stronger. This takes the pressure off your shoulders and makes carrying a heavy pack feel much easier.

Storage Options

The Talon 33 offers a variety of storage options to keep your gear organized and accessible. The main compartment is spacious and can hold all your essentials for a day trip or overnight adventure. It opens from the top, making it easy to pack and unpack. There’s also a hydration reservoir sleeve inside, so you can stay hydrated on the go.

For smaller items you need to grab quickly, the Talon 33 has several pockets. There’s a stretchy mesh pocket on the front, perfect for stashing a rain jacket or extra layer. On the sides, you’ll find two mesh pockets for water bottles or snacks. The hip belt has two zippered pockets, ideal for storing your phone, wallet, or other essentials you want to keep close at hand. The top lid has a zippered pocket for easy-access items like sunscreen or bug spray.

The main storage options are as follows:

• Top-loading main compartment
• Stretch mesh front panel pocket
• Ice axe and trekking pole attachments
• Side compression straps
• Hydration reservoir sleeve
• Side pockets
• Hip belt pockets

Durability

The Osprey Talon 33 is built to last, even on tough trails. Osprey uses high-quality recycled materials to construct the pack. These materials are strong and resist rips and tears, so you can be confident your pack can handle the bumps and scrapes of adventure. The stitching throughout the pack is also strong and reliable.

It’s important to note that while the Talon 33 is durable, it’s not indestructible. The lightweight materials are designed for efficiency, not heavy-duty use. So, avoid snagging the pack on sharp rocks or overloading it with too much weight. With proper care, the Talon 33 should be a reliable companion on many outdoor adventures.

Functionality

This backpack offers several features that enhance its usability on the trail.

Strengths

• Lightweight and Comfortable for Dynamic Movement: The breathable back panel and lightweight design allow for freedom of movement, important for activities like hiking and scrambling.
• Multiple Compartments for Organization: The various pockets help keep your gear organized and easy to find. You won’t waste time digging through your pack for essentials.
• Hydration Reservoir Compatible: Stay hydrated throughout your adventure with the built-in hydration reservoir sleeve. (Note: Some users report difficulty inserting a full reservoir).

Weaknesses

• Inaccessible Side Pockets While Wearing: The side mesh pockets are positioned awkwardly, making it difficult to reach your water bottle or snacks while wearing the pack.
• Small and Oddly Placed Shoulder Strap Pocket: The tiny pocket on the shoulder strap seems impractical for storing anything larger than a key.
• Awkward Hip Belt Pocket Placement: The hip belt pockets are located far back on the belt, making them less convenient to access.

These weaknesses are important to consider, especially if you rely heavily on side pockets or easy access to hip belt storage.

Value

The Osprey Talon 33 offers a good value for backpackers who prioritize comfort and lightweight design for day trips or ultralight adventures. The adjustable torso length and breathable back panel ensure a comfortable fit. However, some drawbacks to consider are the awkward placement of the side pockets and hip belt pockets, and the difficulty of inserting a full hydration reservoir. If these features are important to you, you might want to explore other backpacks that offer better accessibility.

Conclusion

The Osprey Talon 33 backpack is a comfortable, lightweight option for day hikes and ultralight adventures. It boasts a breathable back panel, adjustable torso length, and various storage compartments. However, some weaknesses include awkwardly placed side pockets, a small and oddly positioned shoulder strap pocket, and difficulty with hydration reservoir insertion. If these drawbacks are dealbreakers, consider exploring other backpacks with better side pocket access. Overall, the Talon 33 is a good value for hikers who prioritize comfort and lightweight design, as long as they are aware of its limitations.