A versatile, comfortable and sustainably made daypack for everyday use, hiking and biking.
As Osprey’s most sustainably made pack to date, the Talon Earth 22 is a highly appealing option for those who care about our planet. But it’s also ideal for those who value high quality, performance and versatility in a daypack. Read on to see why I’m loving carrying anything and everything in it, from my groceries and my laptop to essential hiking equipment and picnics!
Osprey Talon Earth 22: The stats
| Best for: | Everyday use, day hikes, cycling |
| Capacity: | 22 litres |
| Weight: | 1.1kg |
| Pockets: | 8 |
| Material: | 100D x 210D wave check high-tenacity nylon |
| Eco-conscious: | Bluesign® approved recycled nylon, PFC/PFAS-free DWR |
| Overall rating: |
Features of the Osprey Talon Earth 22
Back panel
The back panel fits close to the body with mesh that sits over EVA foam (50% recycled content) for an airy, breathable and super comfortable design.Shoulder straps
Padded mesh straps offer comfort and breathability, and an adjustable sternum strap provides support on more active adventures. For once, this is high up enough on the chest to suit lady wearers. A truly unisex pack.
There is also a mesh pocket on one of the shoulder straps which has a popper button for holding sunglasses in.
Hydration compatible
There’s a small port hole at the top of the bag to feed a hydration tube through. This can be held in place under elastic tabs on the shoulder straps. Inside the laptop sleeve is a tab to hang a reservoir from. Alternatively, a reservoir can be stored externally to the main pack, between the back panel and the laptop sleeve.
Main access
The zippered entry to the main compartment extends half way down the sides of the pack enabling the compartment to be opened right up for easy access to stuff stored at the bottom. There’s also a small zippered mesh pocket inside at the top which houses a key attachment.
Laptop sleeve
As well as the main compartment, there is a laptop sleeve next to the back panel which is accessed via an external zipper. The sleeve is padded to protect laptops but also has enough room in it to house a laptop that is in its own case.
Top pockets
Externally you can access a good sized top pocket which is ideal for storing a wallet and phone. This pocket is zippered and sits between the main compartment and the laptop sleeve.
Side pockets
Deep stretchy mesh pockets, complete with side compression straps over the top, secure in place water bottles or other stuffable objects like spare layers / rain jackets.
Lid lock and bike light attachment
Near the base of the backpack is a small attachment point for a small rear bike light. This is also good if you’re walking at night and need to be seen. Additionally, there’s a lid-lock toggle which handily feeds through the spaces in your bike helmet to keep it securely attached to the bag without it dangling around.
Hip belt
The wing-style hip belt is lightly padded with an easily adjustable buckle. The belt also features two zippered pockets which fit in a surprising amount – excellent for on-the-go snacks, accessible phone storage or compact camera storage.
Osprey Talon Earth 22 review
Many years ago I invested in my first “proper” daypack. I was broke and it was a big deal to spend upwards of £70 on anything! It was the Osprey Escapist, and I loved it! It came with me everywhere and I filled it with everything. For more information about my beloved Escapist, read my full review.
Since then, I’ve tested and used a vast array of backpacks and daypacks; they’re one of my favourite pieces of outdoor equipment. Some have been great and some have been just OK. But now that an Osprey daypack is back in my life, they all seem a little inferior in comparison. There’s something about Osprey backpacks that I just love. Perhaps it’s the fit or the attention to detail that Osprey seems to nail every time? Or maybe it’s just that I’m a little biassed because I loved my first daypack so much?|!
Either way, I’m very much loving adventuring out in the wild with my new Osprey Talon as much as I am hauling my shopping around in it. Finally, a replacement for my old multi-sport Escapist that served me so well. A one bag fits all solution to the crossover between adventure and everyday life.
Versatility and comfort
I’m a huge fan of outdoor clothing and equipment that can be used for more than one specific purpose or activity. Which is certainly contributing to my enjoyment of the Talon Earth.
Firstly, it feels comfortable no matter the activity. The back panel doesn’t sit too high at the neck when cycling, and the straps are shaped well to not rub against handlebar-bracing arms. I also love the lid-lock which gets used a surprising amount, especially when I dismount from cycling to the shop or to a cafe / pub.
Wearing the Talon Earth hiking is also a joy on the comfort front. The back panel and winged hip belt seems to hug the back rather than sitting against it. The result is that it moves with you as you walk, minimising pressure points and rubbing.
Secondly, the usability of the backpack is straightforward. Everything just functions well. From the spacious and elasticated side pockets (that are much more capacious than they appear), to the padded internal laptop pocket, and all the storage options, toggles and pockets in between. There’s nothing superfluous or unnecessary yet it also offers a lot in terms of functionality.
Durability
I’ve only been using the backpack for a few months, so can’t comment on how durable it is, yet. However, based on my previous experience using and abusing the Osprey Escapist for over 5 years, I’m anticipating that the Talon Earth will stand up to the usual Osprey high standards. I will, however, update this should it start performing negatively on the durability front.
Eco-credentials
The Talon Earth is one of a kind when it comes to sustainability and is one of Osprey’s most versatile, technical daypacks with these eco-credentials. Much of the pack is constructed with recycled materials (mesh, webbing, framesheet, main pack fabric) but also the zippers, labels, thread and tape are all made from recycled materials. Additionally, the plastic hardware is made from Certified Renewable natural gas, further adding to its already impressive eco-credentials.
Finally, the Talon Earth is Osprey’s first Bluesign approved pack.
What I love the most about the Osprey Talon Earth 22
The versatility and its ability to be used in a variety of everyday and outdoor scenarios is probably my favourite thing about the Talon Earth. I also really enjoy the functionality of pretty much all the features. Oh, and it’s super comfortable too!
What I don’t love so much about the Osprey Talon Earth 22
This is one pricey daypack. Yes, it’s got some great eco-credentials, but I really feel we shouldn’t still be having to fork out more for this. Aside from this, the only downside for me is that it doesn’t come with a waterproof cover. Living by the sea in Cornwall means that the conditions are very changeable and bad weather is often not forecast or expected. A waterproof cover would certainly add to the versatility and for a daypack of this price, really should be included.
You can buy a raincover separately. And it’s a good one: the Osprey Hi-Vis Commuter Raincover. It has loads of reflective strips to make you super visible in low light or when cycling on the roads. Plus, the fabric is Bluesign approved and is 100% recycled.
Verdict
I’m a huge fan of Osprey packs. They ooze quality and never compromise on comfort. But they’re also very well designed in terms of usage and functionality. And the Talon Earth 22 is no different. I really love it and carry it with me on almost all my everyday chores as well as for day hikes and everyday cycling. Plus, it gains massive kudos from a sustainability standpoint.
Overall, it gets 4 out of 5 from me, with a point deducted for its lack of waterproof cover and its rather high price tag.
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Disclaimer: Cool of the Wild received this product free in return for an honest review. We only recommend gear that we love from companies we trust and we are under no obligation to give a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are that of the reviewer and we are in no way influenced by the brand or company.
