The Best Day Hiking Backpacks for Every Adventure
Osprey has been making Talon packs since 2007. Head to any popular trail, and I guarantee you'll see someone hauling one. Their popularity is well earned, and the latest top loading 33L iteration is impressively well specced and weighs just 2 lbs., 12.5 oz. No, it's not a gossamer thin, ultralight pack, but the 100D high-tenacity nylon is tough and made from 100 percent bluesign-approved recycled materials, with a non-PFAS DWR. Annoyingly, there's no rain cover, but that omission aside, it's a superb daypack.
The clever back panel used here can be adjusted between 17-22 inches to fit a good range of torsos, and the injection-molded design combines well with the wide hip belt to offer a great level of support. That said, the hip belt has day hike, rather than multi-day, levels of cushioning, but that's fine as the 33L capacity limits how much you can take anyway.
It is a versatile pack with a large top lid, two zippered pockets and a large front stretch pocket that I stash jackets, bike locks and all sorts in. There's a couple of stretch side pockets too, zipped snack pockets where you need them, and everything can be cinched down tight to minimize bouncing. You can safely carry two ice axes too, and the clever hiking pole storage means you can access and stow them without taking the pack off. —Chris Haslam Specs Capacity 33L Weight 2 lb 12 oz Pockets 8 Sternum strap Yes Waist Strap Yes
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