Osprey Talon 36 Backpack Review

This backpack is designed for day trips, overnight adventures, and even bikepacking. It boasts a comfortable carrying system that allows for natural movement and keeps you cool. Made with recycled materials for long-lasting use, the Talon 36 is packed with features to keep your essentials close at hand. Let’s see how this pack performs for different activities and if it lives up to the hype!

Highlights

Osprey Talon 36 Backpack
Weight: 2 lbs. 9 oz. (S/M)
Capacity: 36 liters
Material: High-quality recycled high-tenacity nylon
Backpack Frame: Injection-molded AirScape® back panel with ventilated air channels
Suspension System: Continuous-wrap harness and hip belt with BioStretch seams for comfort and freedom of movement
Hydration: Compatible with hydration reservoirs (reservoir not included)

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Comfort and Fit

The Osprey Talon 36 prioritizes comfort on the trail. The secret lies in its innovative carrying system. Unlike backpacks with separate straps, the Talon 36 features a continuous-wrap harness and hip belt. This design moves with your body, allowing for natural movement and better balance, especially when navigating uneven terrain.

Next, the back panel is made with Osprey’s AirScape technology. This means the panel is breathable and ventilated. It uses a mesh material with ridges that create a small air current between your back and the pack. This airflow helps keep you cool and prevents sweat build-up during hikes.

Finally, the backpack goes the extra mile for a personalized fit. The torso length is adjustable. This means you can adjust the shoulder straps and hip belt to perfectly match the length of your torso. Having a properly fitted backpack is key for comfort – it distributes weight evenly and prevents back pain during long hikes.

Durability

Built to last, the Talon 36 tackles tough trails with ease. The key to its durability is the high-quality recycled high-tenacity nylon construction. This fancy term basically means the fabric is super strong and rip-resistant. So you can stuff your pack with all your essentials without worrying about tears or punctures. And because it’s made with recycled materials, you can feel good about your adventure’s environmental impact.

Gear Organization

Staying organized on the go is easy with the Osprey Talon 36. The main compartment opens wide for easy packing and unpacking. There’s also a handy mesh pocket inside to keep smaller items separate. For quick-access essentials like snacks or sunscreen, there’s a zippered pocket on the top lid. Need to stash a wet rain jacket? The large stretch mesh pocket in front is perfect.

Two side pockets made of stretchy mesh are ideal for water bottles or other gear you need close at hand. Even your hip belt has built-in pockets for storing essentials like phones, keys, or energy bars. This backpack keeps everything you need within easy reach.

Functionality by Activity

The pack’s versatility makes it a great companion for various adventures. Let’s break down how it performs for different activities:

Hiking:

For conquering trails, the Talon 36 has features that hikers will appreciate. The built-in hydration sleeve lets you easily carry a water reservoir, keeping you hydrated on long hikes. Another perk for comfort is that it comes in different torso sizes. This allows you to find the perfect fit that distributes weight evenly and prevents back pain during your trek.

Climbing:

Scaling a challenging rock face requires a pack that won’t hinder your movement. The Talon 36’s narrow profile keeps it close to your body, giving you the freedom of movement you need for technical climbs. The pack’s abrasion-resistant materials are also an advantage when navigating rough terrain, protecting your gear from scrapes and snags.

Traveling:

Exploring new cities or countries? The Talon 36’s well-organized compartments help you keep your travel essentials tidy and easy to find. Depending on the specific airline restrictions, the pack’s size might even allow it as a carry-on bag, saving you the hassle of checking another piece of luggage.

Capacity and Sizing

Finding the perfect backpack size is key for comfort. Packs under 20 liters are ideal for short adventures like runs or day hikes. For longer trips, consider packs between 20-35 liters. The Osprey Talon 36 falls into this category, offering more space than its sibling, the Talon 33, making it suitable for overnight adventures in addition to day hikes. If you need a pack for even longer expeditions with more gear, look at packs between 35-50 liters. Remember, the key to a comfortable fit is torso length, not your overall height. Osprey offers adjustable torso lengths for a personalized fit.

What I Like about this Backpack

Comfort and Fit:

  • Continuous-wrap harness and hip belt move with you for natural movement.
  • AirScape back panel provides ventilation to keep you cool.
  • Adjustable torso length for a personalized fit.

Durability:

  • High-quality recycled high-tenacity nylon construction resists rips and tears.

Gear Organization:

  • Spacious main compartment with easy access.
  • Internal mesh pocket keeps smaller items separate.
  • Multiple pockets for quick-access essentials and extra gear.
  • Hipbelt pockets for phones, keys, or energy bars.

Functionality:

  • Hydration reservoir compatible (perfect for hiking).
  • Narrow profile for freedom of movement (ideal for climbing).
  • Compartments for organization (great for traveling).
  • Potential carry-on size (depending on airline).

Other:

  • Lightweight design.
  • Easy to load hydration pocket.

What I don’t Like about this Backpack

  • Small and inconvenient stretch mesh pocket on shoulder strap: May not hold much and can come undone.
  • Might feel small on long torsos: Even with torso length adjustments.
  • Not ideal for heavy loads: Carries best with lighter weight for day trips or overnights.

Conclusion

The Osprey Talon 36 is a versatile and comfortable backpack for day trips, ultralight backpacking, and even bikepacking. It prioritizes comfort with a breathable back panel and an adjustable fit system. The durable materials and well-organized compartments make it a reliable companion for various adventures. However, the small shoulder strap pocket and potential fit limitations for long torsos are minor drawbacks to consider. If you’re looking for a pack for heavier loads, you might want to explore other options.