Like the back system, the hipbelt and harness also give a close and comfortable fit. The shoulder straps are wide and comfortable, with a touch of padding, while the hipbelt fins do enough to support the weight of the pack while also allowing complete flexibility too. 

The Talon 55 comes in two sizes, S/M and L/XL. I’m 5 foot 10 and found that the S/M fitted me perfectly after I’d refined the fit by adjusting the back panel. This, by the way, is a very easy process as it’s a simple rip and slip Velcro panel that can be lengthened or shortened by at least 6 inches. 

Features

One thing that you can always expect from an Osprey pack is that it’s going to have lots of useful details and features – and there’s no change here. There’s an array of points where you can fasten trekking poles or an ice axe for instance and loads of compression straps, a bladder sleeve, floating top lid and all the other bells and whistles, including a whistle that’s built into the chest strap. 

In terms of pockets, there are two medium sized ones on the hipbelt that will take a bag of Haribo each. These are easily big enough for most smartphones. There’s a big pocket across the lid that I found to be big enough for my waterproof jacket and there’s a similar pocket under the lid too. There are two stretchy mesh pockets on either side, both of which have toughened up bases so you can carry trekking poles in them without the tips causing damage – and these are dual entry so you can just about reach around and grab things out of them without needing to take the pack off. This, I found, works with bags of sweets but is tricky with a water bottle. 

There’s another big stretch mesh pocket across the front which will easily swallow a down jacket and waterproof jacket together. I’ve been impressed by the durability of this mesh. Often these types of pockets can tear or become scuffed easily but I’ve found it’s held up nicely for me. 

And there’s one more mesh pocket which is on the harness. This is cleverly designed so that the fabric can be tucked away when the pocket isn’t in use. It’s only issue is that it’s a little on the small side and only really big enough for an energy gel or chocolate bar.

Access to the main compartment is via a drawstring at the top, at the base and via a long zip down the middle and, as such, I’ve found this pack is great for keeping my kit organised and, perhaps more importantly, easy to find. 

Materials and Structure

All of the Talon and Tempest packs across the collection are made from a lightweight but very durable ripstop Robic Nylon that’s derived from recycled materials. It also has a water resistant treatment that’s free from  PFAS. Unfortunately, it’s not waterproof and it doesn’t come with a rain cover so whenever I’ve trekked with this I’ve always made sure all of my kit is stored safely in dry bags. I’ve found other rain covers from 50 to 60 litre packs will work with this too. 

Heavy loads are managed well thanks to an internal lightweight frame. This isn’t removable. That’s really all there is in terms of structure here and to me that’s a good thing as it means the Talon 55 (and all the packs in the Talon and Tempest range) will pack down completely flat. That means you can stick it in the bottom of a duffel bag or suitcase without it swallowing up all the space. That makes it great for when you’re going on a holiday that might involve some trekking over the course of it. 

Osprey Talon 55 Verdict

At 1442g this is just above what I’d classify as ultralight (for something lighter from Osprey you might want to look at the Talon Velocity or the Osprey Exos), still, it’s by no means a heavy backpack and it does bring a lot of features to the table, all of which will make life on the trail that little bit easier. 

It’s comfortable, convenient, it feels aerodynamic and it also feels well made and durable too – it’s the kind of pack that gives the impression that it’ll last a long time.