Great deal on Talon 22 or is there a better pack

[ArisaemaDracontium]

I'm looking for a new mid-sized pack for bikepacking and other misadventures. I noticed REI has the venerable Osprey Tallon 22 on closeout... plus I have my dividend burning a whole in my pocket.

The Tallon 22 was a well regarded pack when it came out 5-10 years ago, but are there newer packs that are better? Should I snap one up before they are gone or get something more recent?


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[Adam Alphabet]

I've got a Talon 22 and a Talon 11. While I've bike packed with the 22 and bought it with that as the intended use I find it far too big and much prefer the 11. If you can scoop an 11 on closeout that'd be my recommendation. My friend bike packs with his trusty, decade old Talon 33 and loves it so whatever works.

[ArisaemaDracontium]

I do have a Talon 11. Aside from a few minor quibbles, I love it. I am going to need something bigger though for a variety of reasons/trips/uses.

[Adam Alphabet]

I do have a Talon 11. Aside from a few minor quibbles, I love it. I am going to need something bigger though for a variety of reasons/trips/uses.

Without oversimplifying the point the 22 is basically a larger 11... fit, features etc... If you like the 11, if it fits well and need more volume the 22 is a good move. I wish the 11 had a big stretch mesh stuff pocket on the outside like the 22 has instead of the little bungy cord. If it's cheap I'd say go for it.

[mtnbound]

I can't comment on newer packs but the Talon 22 is pure awesome.  While its size and layout is something each person must decide for their own use, the Talon 22 has worked well for me - durable, well designed with sufficient pockets on exterior (though I wish the stretch mesh was a tad bigger since I have hard time stuffing my rain jacket in there) with one large interior pocket, fits my body well and is comfortable on my shoulders, easy to get gus/bars from the small waist pockets while riding, etc.  I would grab another Talon 22 in a heartbeat since mine is coming to the end of its life cycle, particularly if it was cheap!

[ArisaemaDracontium]

I would grab another Talon 22 in a heartbeat since mine is coming to the end of its life cycle, particularly if it was cheap!

Well, you can find it cheap here: https://www.rei.com/rei-garage/product/116322/osprey-talon-22-pack

Looks like Osprey tweaked the Talon 22, made it lighter... the continuous hip-belt thing does sound like it could be valuable, but not for $35 more than the old model on discount:  https://www.ospreypacks.com/us/en/product/talon-22-TALON22.html

[ArisaemaDracontium]

I guess what I'm wondering is if there are packs that have better venting and suspension systems. I seem to recall that the Deuter EXAir was well regarded for this, as were some of the other Osprey packs... Syncros? Stratos?

[mtnbound]

Well, you can find it cheap here: https://www.rei.com/rei-garage/product/116322/osprey-talon-22-pack

Thanks.

[Lentamentalisk]

I absolutely love that pack. I've found with a good light setup, I can fit my half of a 2 person overnight camping setup in the backpack. Super convenient for an after work multi-modal S24O bike/hike/camp trip.

I've found I can't really use the hip belt while riding. But I mostly ride a drop bar bike, so that may explain that somewhat. I also don't really want my shirt hugging me that much more closely when it is hot out. I wouldn't stress the hip belt.

Also they shaved a grand total of like 1oz off the whole thing. Again, not worth it.

Save the 30 bucks.

[evdog]

Thats a great deal, as you take another 20% off the sales price with your member coupon.

I guess what I'm wondering is if there are packs that have better venting and suspension systems. I seem to recall that the Deuter EXAir was well regarded for this, as were some of the other Osprey packs... Syncros? Stratos?

I had a Manta 30 for awhile which I used for bikepacking and day rides, really liked that pack.  It tore open last fall and couldn't be fixed so Osprey replaced it with the new Manta 36.  This new pack has a nice suspension system and mesh back panel that keeps the pack away from your back.  Might be worth looking into one of the Manta's if you want something with a bit more capacity. 

The Manta 36 is far too large for day rides but for me is great for bikepacking (my bike has no room for a frame pack).  I got a Talon22 for day rides and it has been ok.  I'd prefer more smaller pockets for odds and ends, and it seems too lightweight to be very durable.  Very comfortable, though, and overall a nice pack.

[Demian]

Not sure a pack gets much 'better' than the ol' Talon 22. Still, wearing a backpack is a sweaty proposition and my main gripe with it would have to be the waist belt - it's overkill for the amount of weight, though does add some stability. Going for no pack at all is a goal for the next outing - but if you want to use a hydration pack with adequate storage for some extra gear, the T22 is a solid choice in any conditions.

[ArisaemaDracontium]

Glad to hear there isn't much better, since I just picked mine up tonight! Rode home wearing and got the fit settled in a bit. It definitely seems bit more substantial than my Talon 11, with a stiffer back and 'frame', and it looks like it has better back venting. With all that said, my Talon 11 may be an older version than this bag.

Has anyone gotten a 100oz Camelbak lumbar hydration bladder to fit in a Talon 22 or should I just pick up a Platypus bladder?