One of the most important decisions before heading to the outdoors is to pick a backpack. It also may be one of the biggest investments you have when you start exploring and adventuring more. It is important to find a pack that fits your needs and has the versatility to do everything that you need. That is where the Osprey Talon 22 EF comes in. It is a versatile day pack that is available in the Extended Fit line from Osprey so it is available to even more body types. I was sent a pack to test out and here are my thoughts on the Osprey Talon.
As a disclaimer I would like to mention that I have an affiliate agreement withOspreyand any purchase you make from this website results in me getting a small commission.All opinions on this page are my own and based on my own experiences with this backpack. This review is for general informational purposes. Your experience with the pack may be completely different.
Specs on the Sportlite EF Backpack
Before I get into my review I always like to show what the brand is saying about their product. Here is Osprey’s description of the Talon EF pack. “Whether you’re bagging peaks or bikepacking, the Talon 22 EF is the perfect versatile carry solution..”
Here are the rest of the technical specs directly from Osprey before I give my opinions down below.
Spec Sheet*
Cost$160.00
ColorsCeramic Blue, Eclipse Grey
SizesS/M EF, L/XL EF
Dimensions (inches)9.06H X 10.63W X 19.29D IN. S/M
The is a lot to like about the Osprey Talon 22 EF and I have enjoyed hiking with it. For me, the fit was great and I also really enjoyed the storage capacity of the versatile day pack. Here is a bit more detail on what I like about the Talon.
The Extended Fit Line
The Talon EF 22 is part of the new line of Extended Fit packs that Osprey has released. They continue to release new packs in this series as well. The Extended Fit series is designed for bigger bodies with hips measuring 40-70 inches. The EF packs also have redesigned some of the other features to help fit bigger bodies a little bit better. What I like about the EF line is that they kept the core of the pack the same and just made it fit different bodies a little better. This means, the review of the regular Talon pack is the same as the EF line, the EF just fits me a bit better. The next few sections are EF specific but the storage and other features will all be universal to the regular sized talon packs.
The Extended Fit line of the Osprey Talon helps fit more bodies.
Chest Strap
One thing that is a little bit different in the EF line is the Chest Strap is a bit longer. This allows for those of us, like me, who have a wide chest to be able to actually buckle the chest strap and have some room to tighten it. On traditional straps, I usually can get them buckled but I need to have it on the loosest setting and the tension gets pretty tight. The Talon also has an adjustable chest strap so it can be moved up and down so it will fit different heights better.
A longer strap helps fit broader chests on the Osprey Talon EF.
Harness
The harness on the EF lines are also built to accommodate a thicker frame. This allows the shoulder straps to fit in a normal position for most people. For the Talon, the harness is made with “BioStretch” seams that allow for more flexibility. The two different size packs that are available also are adjustable to fit different torso sizes.
The Extended Fit line from Osprey is designed to fit bigger bodies.
Hip Belt
The Hip Belt in the EF line is the most noticeably different feature to the naked eye. The Hip Belt extends much further than a traditional pack. On the Osprey Talon EF, the hip belts measure about 14 inches on either side. This extension allows the hip belt pockets to extend more into the front of someone who might be larger in the hips and waist. The Talon comes with a zippered pocket on either hip belt for a lot of quick access extra storage. Along with the extended hip belt, the extended fit also comes with a longer waist strap that will fit hip measuring up to 70 inches.
The longer Hip Belts on the Osprey Talon EF have better access for bigger bodies.
Overall Fit
All of the Extended Fit adjustments make for a really great fitting pack for me. However, if you aren’t a bigger body, the regular Talon will also fit you great. Having the torso adjustments and different sizes makes it easy to find a pack that fits properly. The back panel is also great for comfort. Osprey uses something they call Airscape. This is a foam that helps with both airflow and to keep you cool, but also helps with fit so the pack is comfortable on your back. I found the Talon to be super comfortable and it has become a pack that I love to use on my shorter day hikes.
Me wearing my Osprey Talon 22 EF.
Osprey Talon Storage – Main Pocket
When it comes to backpacks, they aren’t very good if they can’t hold anything. The Osprey Talon 22 EF has plenty of storage for a day hike and beyond. The main pocket is roughly 18 inches in length by 9 inches wide. For me, that is enough space for me to carry my first aid kit, camera gear for my videos, a few extra layers and more. The main pocket feels even bigger with all of the external storage options on the Talon.
I also really like the way gear sits in the pocket. To me, it seems like the main pocket is a bit more narrow than some other packs that I have worn. This condenses the carry load more into the middle of the back and keeps me a little more balanced.
There is also a smaller zippered pouch inside the main pocket with a key clip. This is great for organization and making sure that the most important stuff stays where you can get to it quickly. More on that a little later though!
Osprey Talon 22 EF
Osprey Talon Storage – Secondary Pocket
The Osprey Talon also has a smaller pocket on the top of the pack. This pocket is a lot deeper than I thought it was and I was surprised by how much it could hold! It measures about 8 inches in length from the top of the pack into the middle and roughly 9 inches across.
Like I said, this pocket was a lot bigger than I thought it was. I typically use this pocket for snacks. I like to have a lot of snacks on the trail so I was able to fill it up! Also, I usually keep a pair of gloves and beanie that I keep in this space for my winter hikes. Even with that I had room for more essentials like a knife, compass and some other small things I might need to get to during the hike. I was really impressed with this pocket, however it does come at a bit of a cost. More on that below in “What I didn’t like”.
Osprey Talon Storage – Small Zippered Pouch
For a chance to keep things a bit more organized in your pack, the main pocket contains a small zippered pouch and a key clip. I use the key clip for every hike and love knowing where my keys are and that they are secure. The zippered pouch is usually where I will keep my wallet or my spare power brick to make sure that I have easy access and that it will stay above everything else in my pack. In the Talon this pouch can get a little small depending on what you have in the secondary pocket but more on that later in the blog.
Osprey Talon Storage – Open Back Pouch
I have really come to enjoy the back pouch on Osprey packs. The Talon has one of these pouches, although it is a little smaller since it is a smaller pack. I use the pouch mostly to stuff my rain jacket or something I want quick access too. I am able to stuff a rain and lighter windbreaker in the back of the talon and I love it! Anytime I have been out and get caught in a bit of spring rain, I don’t have to dig through my pack to find where I stored the rain gear. Just spin it around and pull out the jacket from the back pouch and I’m protected in seconds. The Talon back pouch also has a clip and strap tightening system to make sure you can add some security to what you leave in this open pouch.
The back pouch of the Talon is adjustable and I use it for jackets for quick access.
Osprey Talon Storage – External
The Osprey Talon has some cool features on the outside of the pack for storage as well. There is a helmet clip on the back that you can clip in a bike helmet. There is also an external setup for an ice axe. On the strap there is a bungee for your hiking poles when you don’t need them and an expandable mesh pocket that is good for sunglasses or quick access snacks. There are also dual side mesh pockets that stretch for water bottles. I take advantage of a lot of these, but I also probably don’t use them the right way. But they work for me and that is what is important!
48 ounce water bottle in the side pockets of the Osprey Talon EF.
Back Panel
The back panel of the Talon is two fold. First, it has an external pocket for a hydration bladder. This pocket has a t-shaped plastic clasp to hold the bladder in place. The water tube can then be run down the shoulder straps for easy access without having to go into the pack at all.
The second feature of the back panel is the Airscape panel that Osprey uses on many of their packs. This system is a mesh covered foam that helps keep the pack securely on your back, but also has grooves that allow for airflow. The airflow is great for keeping your back cooler on those long summer hikes! The foam also feels like it is distributing the weight across more surface which seems to make the load a little lighter. For me this has helped to feel any back aches and pains. The Airscape just makes for a really comfortable hike and I can’t imagine going back to a pack without it.
Recycled Materials
Another cool thing that I really like about the Osprey Talon is something I haven’t really seen in backpacks before. I have seen some clothes and shoes using mostly recycled materials but the Osprey Talon EF is actually made from 100% recycled Nylon. According to their website, the main compartment is made from bluesign® approved 100% recycled 100D x 210D high-tenacity wave check nylon, DWR treatments made without PFAS and the bottom is made from bluesign® approved 100% recycled 420HD nylon packcloth, DWR treatments made without PFAS.
I like to look for gear that is made sustainably or from recycled materials so I was really impressed to find this with the Osprey Talon. It is really nice that brands are working so hard to use materials that we can feel good about purchasing!
Me hiking in my Osprey Talon 22 EF.
Style
I really like the style of the Osprey Talon EF. I have been using the 22L model and it gives off a sleek and efficient style to it. The pack isn’t overly sized to allow for the extended fit features, instead, it is a nice smaller fit. The pack is versatile and can be used for either hiking or biking and kind of keeps that lower biking profile while still having enough space for moderate to long day hike.
I also like how the pack has a more narrow design that keeps it centered in the middle of my back and allows good movement of shoulders if I need to do any scrambles on the hike. This also allows for a more of an egg shape that looks very stylish with more of a rounded overall look than hard, squared off lines.
Osprey Talon 22 EF.
Durability
I can’t talk about really long term durability on this specific pack as I have only had it for a few months and have probably hiked with it about a dozen times. What I can say is that so far it has handled everything I have thrown at it. I hiked a lot in the winter with the pack and often set it in the snow or on ice and it has seen no ill effects.
I am also generally a bit rough on gear. From throwing it in the back of the car or dropping it on rocks and logs while I take a break, the Talon has no problem rubbing up against the typical outdoor environment. There were no scratches or scuffs. No discoloration of any kind on the pack. The nylon feels strong. I also like the way the zippers work. They have always been smooth to open or shut. I haven’t had any times where they get caught in fabric or anything else that impedes the fastening process.
As a general note, I have several Osprey packs and I have always found them to be very durable. The Talon feels like the same makeup and build so I have confidence that this pack will last a long time as well.
Osprey Talon EF on a snow hike.
Water Resistance
The Osprey Talon EF has some built in water resistance with the materials but I wouldn’t consider it waterproof. To make it waterproof you may need to purchase the separate rain cover that is available. I hiked a lot more in snow than I did in heavy downpours with the Talon so for me the water resistance worked really well.
I hiked in a couple of small snow storms and never had any problem with moisture penetrating the pack. Also, I hiked on windy days with blowing snow that didn’t penetrate the pack at all. The more common test that I did with the Talon was setting it down in the snow. Several times I set the pack down in a snow drift or just on a snow covered ground. Each time, I picked the pack up, dusted the snow off of it and threw it on with no problems at all. Most of these sessions were shorter, around 10 minutes max, while I was taking a break or eating a snack. I didn’t completely cover the pack in snow or anything that extreme, but in everyday normal use, I had no problems with the Talon in the Colorado mountain snow.
Osprey Talon EF on a snow hike.
What I Didn’t Like
There is a lot to like about the Osprey Talon EF line but if I don’t find anything I don’t like they will take away my blogger card! For me it is that they are almost a little too efficient with their space allocation.
The Talon is a smaller pack that is really efficiently designed to optimize the storage areas. One of the ways they do this is by having the small top accessories pocket function as the backside of the zippered pouch. This kind of limits the effectiveness of the zippered interior pouch. Basically, they are making two pockets out of one and if you manage both pockets you will be ok. But, since one of the pockets is zippered, it is limited in how flexible it is to still allow the zipper to close. You may have to take some things out of the small external pocket in order to fit more in the zippered pocket.
I have put together a quick video review of the Osprey Sportlite EF for those of you who like to videos. If you enjoy the video make sure to subscribe to my YouTube Channel. It is free and you will get updated for all of my outdoor content.
Wrapping up the Osprey Sportlite EF Backpack Review
The Osprey Talon 22 EF is a really nice pack and I really enjoyed it. It is a bit of a smaller daypack but has enough storage to bring everything that I need. It is also available in the Extended Fit line which makes the fit great for someone who is a bit bigger like me. Osprey makes really durable packs that can take a beating so I am happy to have one that works for day hikes, bike rides, or anything else that I want to do outdoors.
There really isn’t anything that I don’t like about the pack other than having two pockets sharing the same space but that is more for efficiency. I think that most people will be happy with this if they are doing hikes of up to about 10 miles. Also, this could be a great starter pack for anyone looking to explore the outdoors for the first time.
More Product Reviews from The Fatman
If you like this review, you can see other products I have reviewed on my Product Review Page. If you have any items you would like me to review or any comments feel free to email me at fatmanlittletrails@gmail.com. Or, you can follow me on any of the below social media platforms. Happy Hiking!
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