Osprey is well-known for their technical packs designed to enhance user experience in the great outdoors. The Talon Earth 22 is a great example of this, and this time the outdoor brand has gone one step further by creating their most sustainable pack to date.
In fact, the Talon Earth 22 has even earned bluesign designation, a certificate awarded to products that show the very best sustainability practices, most notably consumer safety, minimal impact on people and the environment, and responsible use of resources.
Perhaps the pack’s most notable feature (or features) is the sheer number of pockets and compartments. It took me quite a few minutes to get to grips with them all, but in usual Osprey style, it quickly became clear that every element of this pack has a purpose.
There are three zippers at the top of the pack; one offering access to a laptop sleeve, which is padded on both sides – this can also serve as a space for your water reservoir, with a hydration point at the top; one to a shallow, easy-access pocket, ideal for storing small snacks and items; and one to the main storage area, which itself has another small, zipped, mesh pocket, perfect for stowing valuables.
The main storage area is nice a roomy, and easily large enough to pack gear for a day walk. For well-organised packers, it could also serve as an overnight bag for multi-day treks, city breaks and bike-packing.
Two medium-sized mesh pockets (with tightening straps) on the side of the pack are perfect for water bottles and snacks, while small, zipped pockets on either side of the hip belt can be used to stow quick-access kit. There’s even a little pocket on the arm strap – meshed and buttoned – which could serve as a place to put your navigation device.
Additional features include a tuckaway ice axe attachment with bungee tie-off, a LidLock bike helmet attachment point, and a blinky light attachment.
For a pack of this size, I was really impressed to see that Osprey has included an adjustable backpanel (AirScape), which, alongside the additional tightening straps, allows you to tailor the pack to fit your body. This essentially makes the Talon Earth 22 unisex. Made with a 100% recycled framesheet and EVA foam containing 50% recycled content, the backpanel is comfortable and offers support and suspension as you move over steep, tough terrain.
It's worth noting that the pack is, relatively speaking, quite heavy (1.1kg). Given the number of superb features, however, this feels like a worthwhile compromise.
The Talon Earth 22 is designed for unisex hiking, and is available in three colours: tundra green, ocean blue, desert brown.
Facts at a glance
- RRP: £160
- Weight: 1.1 kg
- Size: 22L. 51H 25W 23D
- Fabric: Bluesign® approved recycled 100D x 210D wave check high-tenacity nylon, PFC/PFAS-free DWR
Also consider...
Osprey Hikelite 26
This neat little pack comes in at the strikingly low weight. Yes, it has a back-to basics approach – but it still has some useful features, including a rigid wire frame, as well as good looks in a range of colours.
With a moderate payload, it’s very comfortable and airy in warm weather, thanks to the taut mesh panel and ventilated foam shoulder straps.
Without adjustable back length, the fit will suit those less than my 180cm height – I found find the narrow belt rode up well above my hips. No problem with a moderate load – but once over 5kg, that would start to get uncomfortable.
Deuter Trail 22 backpack
Designed for vigorous days out in the hills – but a good option for less energetic pursuits, too. Mesh fabric on the hip belt, shoulder straps and back makes the pack breathable, and its close-fitting nature, and flexible frame, allows loads to be distributed evenly through your body, improving comfort.
The main compartment can be accessed via a draw-string opening at the top of the pack, or more conveniently from a two-way zip on the front. There is extra storage in the lid and room for a map in the zipped side pocket. Another elasticated pocket on the outside of the pack offers an ideal spot for a small water bottle. Additional features – including a detachable rain cover, an SOS label and loops for attaching carabiners, a helmet and hiking poles – increase the adventure value of the Trail 22. The pack is also free of harmful PFC chemicals, reflecting Deuter’s ambition to become entirely PFC-free by summer 2020.
The women’s version is the Trail 20 SL, which is two litres smaller than the men’s Trail 22 but includes all of the same features.
