It's hard to look for a pack online and not come across an overwhelming amount of praise for Osprey. A combination of durability, affordability, and their fantastic All Mighty Guarantee makes Osprey packs widely used and renowned by all but the most fervent ultralight hikers (I've seen more on trails than any other brand). After being impressed by my friends' large Aether 70 packs and being a sucker for a good warranty, I knew I wanted an Osprey. The next step was finding which pack suited my situation most. It had to fit a few specifications:
1. Easily packable (so I can tuck it in a suitcase if I need to travel with something else as my carry on);
2. Comfortable for both multiday trips and dayhikes;
3. Ability to externally attach gear.
The Talon 44 and Exos 48 both fit these specifications, but I preferred the Talon's suspension and found it at a significantly lower price. I've used it for a significant amount of time and in varied conditions and am so far validated in my decision to purchase the pack.
The 44l size is great for long day hikes with lots of extra gear, and the pack very comfortably fits my rain shell, a midlayer, a change, bulky camera equipment, a significant multi-person picnic, a first aid kit, and anything else I need to throw in. You can also pack for a minimal day hike by detaching the hood, though it won't be as comfortable or convenient as a smaller capacity pack if you just plan to bring water and snacks. For multiday trips, it comfortably fits a (stuff sack'd) sleeping bag, pad, two full changes of clothing, first aid kid, folding wood stove, mess kit and food in the main internal pocket. A tent can easily be held in the sleeping pad attachment straps (which I highly recommend over attaching your pad there if your pad is inflatable. If bringing a foam pad it can even be wrapped externally around the tent and stored altogether with the straps, which might snag a bit but will also protect your tent). Bringing camera equipment (in my case, a Horizon Kompakt film camera and multiple rolls of film or a Pentax Kr with 18-55mm lens) along with multiple days worth of gear is tough, and probably can be done if you go ultra minimal, use a tarp shelter and make full use of all external pockets, but I haven't found it worth the weight and volume. This pack also made me thankful I use a folding wood-burning stove; storing fuel in the internal pocket would make the situation a little uncomfortably tight and might squeeze out some gear or my second water bottle. I'm equally glad I use a bear hang. In areas where a bear can will be necessary, I can see this being an unreasonably small pack and carrying lots of rigid containers (mess kit, bear can, camera case) would require really careful packing for anything over 2 days.
Also, be prepared to stuff all external mesh pockets for long trips and easy accessibility of rain gear. They will stretch out. In fact, just keeping the raincover in the main external mesh pocket has stretched mine out significantly. This isn't a huge deal because the buckle keeps items from falling out, but the mesh sags considerably when empty. Also, when comparable packs come with rain covers, it seems silly that Osprey doesn't include one with the pack, considering it really is essential as the material of the pack doesn't hold up well to wetness without it. To summarize my feelings about the pack, here's a short pro/con list:
Pros:
Overall, I'm incredibly happy with my purchase. The Talon 44 is a great all around pack, especially for people who pack light or are in hot climates, but don't want to break the bank or go super minimalist. It's also great for day hikers who want a little luxury or have to carry their spouse's/children's gear. I'll be taking it on the Black Forest Trail in late August and it should keep me well provided for for 4.5 days! I'll post my final pack list once I finish it and I'm sure the pack'll be up for the challenge.
1. Easily packable (so I can tuck it in a suitcase if I need to travel with something else as my carry on);
2. Comfortable for both multiday trips and dayhikes;
3. Ability to externally attach gear.
The Talon 44 and Exos 48 both fit these specifications, but I preferred the Talon's suspension and found it at a significantly lower price. I've used it for a significant amount of time and in varied conditions and am so far validated in my decision to purchase the pack.
The 44l size is great for long day hikes with lots of extra gear, and the pack very comfortably fits my rain shell, a midlayer, a change, bulky camera equipment, a significant multi-person picnic, a first aid kit, and anything else I need to throw in. You can also pack for a minimal day hike by detaching the hood, though it won't be as comfortable or convenient as a smaller capacity pack if you just plan to bring water and snacks. For multiday trips, it comfortably fits a (stuff sack'd) sleeping bag, pad, two full changes of clothing, first aid kid, folding wood stove, mess kit and food in the main internal pocket. A tent can easily be held in the sleeping pad attachment straps (which I highly recommend over attaching your pad there if your pad is inflatable. If bringing a foam pad it can even be wrapped externally around the tent and stored altogether with the straps, which might snag a bit but will also protect your tent). Bringing camera equipment (in my case, a Horizon Kompakt film camera and multiple rolls of film or a Pentax Kr with 18-55mm lens) along with multiple days worth of gear is tough, and probably can be done if you go ultra minimal, use a tarp shelter and make full use of all external pockets, but I haven't found it worth the weight and volume. This pack also made me thankful I use a folding wood-burning stove; storing fuel in the internal pocket would make the situation a little uncomfortably tight and might squeeze out some gear or my second water bottle. I'm equally glad I use a bear hang. In areas where a bear can will be necessary, I can see this being an unreasonably small pack and carrying lots of rigid containers (mess kit, bear can, camera case) would require really careful packing for anything over 2 days.
Also, be prepared to stuff all external mesh pockets for long trips and easy accessibility of rain gear. They will stretch out. In fact, just keeping the raincover in the main external mesh pocket has stretched mine out significantly. This isn't a huge deal because the buckle keeps items from falling out, but the mesh sags considerably when empty. Also, when comparable packs come with rain covers, it seems silly that Osprey doesn't include one with the pack, considering it really is essential as the material of the pack doesn't hold up well to wetness without it. To summarize my feelings about the pack, here's a short pro/con list:
Pros:
- Big enough for multiday trips, small enough for day hikes
- Durable
- Great suspension for its weight
- Lots of external gear storage options
- Relatively inexpensive
- Osprey's All Mighty Guarantee
- For multiday trips, it'll keep you packing light!
- Takes up very little space empty
- Mesh sags easily
- Rain cover purchased separately ($30 MSRP and hard to find on sale) and essential
- For long trips, at least a tent has to be carried externally, leaving it vulnerable to snagging on brush and possibly tearing.
- There are lighter packs available
- Can't really carry both camera gear and multiple days of equipment
Overall, I'm incredibly happy with my purchase. The Talon 44 is a great all around pack, especially for people who pack light or are in hot climates, but don't want to break the bank or go super minimalist. It's also great for day hikers who want a little luxury or have to carry their spouse's/children's gear. I'll be taking it on the Black Forest Trail in late August and it should keep me well provided for for 4.5 days! I'll post my final pack list once I finish it and I'm sure the pack'll be up for the challenge.