The Osprey Talon 33, the popular larger version of the Osprey Talon 22 is a fantastic option for outdoor lovers that need just a little extra space. This pack is currently half price at Blacks, so we would recommend getting in on the action now!
The Osprey Talon 33, part of the Talon and Tempest range from the brand, is one of the most capable packs in the lineup.
With a 33L capacity, the pack solely caters to hikers and walkers in contrast to the smaller 22L pack which offers cyclists a viable option. Nevertheless, with the larger capacity and increased size/weight, it’s a pack that’s best suited to users whose feet are planted firmly on loose ground.
Let’s take a look at the Talon 33 and see what makes this pack stand taller than the competition.
If you’re familiar with the Talon range (and get excited by things on two wheels) you’ll notice one immediate difference with the larger variant.
That’s right, there’s no helmet storage on the front of the pack. That’s because the Osprey Talon 33 is a dedicated hiking backpack and it does a fantastic job of being the benchmark pack in the market.
Diverting our attention away from what it doesn’t have to what it does and walkers will be pleased to note an attractive top-loaded pack littered with great storage solutions.
There’s a pair of hip belt pockets for storing valuables and snacks (I would argue that snacks should come under valuables), that we’ve really grown to appreciate. A walking pole attachment making it super easy to carry hiking assist and a stretchy phone mount found on the harness to keep your mobile phone.
Users that like to use a bladder will also find an external hydration access point towards the back of the pack, it may not be something that everyone uses, but it’s great to have the option. As far as features are concerned, the Talon gets full marks for attention to detail.
Now let’s talk about that harness. The Talon range does tend to have one common gripe that the harnesses can be a little tight on those with bigger builds and although the packs are designed to accommodate most body types, it is something to keep in mind when purchasing.
The harness itself is of great quality, as you’d expect from Osprey, with a pair of adjustable padded shoulder straps, sternum strap and hip belt designed to keep the pack tightly strapped to the spine. Ventilation is good too with the pack benefitting from the Airscape technology promoting cooling – vital when hiking in the summer months.
Peeking our heads inside the main backpack compartment now and we’ll find a great amount of truly usable space.
With 33L to play with, hikers are able to pack absolutely everything that they need to successfully complete even the most challenging of trails. Additionally, if couples are looking to share a daypack, the capacity of the Talon 33 is more than enough when packing sensibly for most trips.
The pack features a top-loaded design which is exactly what you want when shopping for a hiking pack as well as countless other storage options, some of which we covered a little earlier. An external stretch pocket is perhaps the only one that we’ve left to cover making it the perfect place to store approach shoes or light waterproofs on the go.
In terms of usability and the space that the Talon offers, it’s hard to go wrong with the 33 – if anything, there’s too much space!
The weight of the pack is just 1.1kg in a super sturdy design that easily takes just about anything that’s thrown at it.
The pack has the standard Osprey 100D x 210D Bluesign Recycled Robic Nylon material to thank for its superior stats proving a long-lasting and impressive solution. We’re yet to find any complaints about the pack concerning durability, although a waterproof cover is not included with purchase, something that should be added on if required.
The Talon 33 also comes in four great colours when purchasing the most recent versions from Osprey Europe (typically the best place to purchase in the UK). Cosmic Red, Ceramic Blue, Ecplise Grey and our personal favourite Stealth Black featuring minimal branding is our top choice. Unlike the smaller brother pack, Limon Green is not featured in the line-up, but between you and me, that’s probably a good thing.
As for the 2021 version of the pack, we’re yet to get our hands-on experience, although we’re hearing great things about the product.
One small issue that some users have noted is in the harness design which is typically catered to a slimmer frame. When purchasing, it’s important to ensure the correct sizing (S/M or L/XL) is chosen via the size guide at Osprey Europe.
The pack should fit the majority of builds, but if you’re an individual that has had issues in the past with harnesses, it may be worth keeping in mind.
There’s a reason that the Talon range sits on the top spot of the podium in the hiking range and it’s only enforced by the 2021 pack.
As a mid-range to high-end backpack, the Osprey Talon 33 is hard to beat and with the All Mighty Guarantee included, it gives peace of mind that users are only buying the best.
We can’t recommend the Talon range highly enough, just maybe avoid going for the Limon Green options…
