You’re most likely here because you need a high-quality backpack and are looking for reviews for the Osprey Talon Pro.
As I write this review article, I have taken my Osprey Talon Pro on at least 6 long hikes in order to make a comprehensive review of this bag’s performance.
Smart of you to conduct further research and check the reviews before making the big purchase! After all, you wouldn’t want to spend a ton of money on a premium backpack only to find out it’s missing a few necessary features.
This review will answer all your questions about the Osprey Talon Pro 30 and if it’s the most suitable product for you. I’ll pinpoint all the good, the bad, and the ugly, among other necessary information for you to be absolutely sure it’s well worth the investment.
Having previously used an Osprey Farpoint 40L for years, it was a no brainer for me to test out their newest hiking backpack.
My partner, Anna ordered the female specific version which is the Osprey Tempest Pro 28L while I decided to order the Osprey Talon Pro 30L. We have a ton of exciting hikes coming up soon so we both wanted reliable hiking backpacks for our travels.
View Contents
- Osprey Talon Pro Key Features
- Osprey Talon Pro
- Osprey Talon 30L Features
- Osprey Talon Pro 30L Size Guide
- Osprey Talon Pro 30 Warranty
- Osprey Talon Pro and Hydration Pack
- Who is the Osprey Talon Pro For?
- Who is the Osprey Talon Pro Not For?
- What I Love About the Osprey Talon Pro
- What I Don’t Love About the Osprey Talon Pro
- Other Osprey Talon Sizing Options
- Overall Opinion on the Osprey Talon Pro 30L
Osprey Talon Pro Key Features
One of the reasons we opted for this backpack is because of how lightweight it is. Coming in at 1.1kg, this backpack is one of the lightest we’ve used, considering it comes with all the bells and whistles.
As I was going to be using it as my hiking backpack as well as my travel backpack, I needed something big enough for my 16” macbook and the Osprey Talon Pro does the job, despite not having an internal laptop sleeve.
If you’re looking for something slightly smaller, they also have an Osprey Talon Pro 20L. This hiking backpack is MADE for the outdoors and has a ton of small details to make your time in nature enjoyable.
Osprey Talon Pro
Osprey Talon Pro 30L Specs:
Weight: 1.1 kilogram
Maximum Dimensions (in cm): 62L / 29W / 26D
Main material: 100D Robic (93% Nylon and 7% Polyethelene) and 200D Extreema (NANOFLY)
Volume: 30L
I personally found this bag to be just the right size. I was going back and forth between the 30L and the 20L but decided to go with the later one as the smaller pack was only significantly lighter (0.9kg)
My main goal is to use it as a hiking day pack but since we also travel full time, it will also have to double as my main travel backpack for gear. I am also planning on using it on a multi-day hike from Porto to Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
From my initial tests, I can say that the Talon Pro 30L will do all that and more. It has ample room for me to pack everything that I need as I don’t intend on carrying big gear like sleeping bags or tents.
Osprey Talon 30L Features
Nanofly Fabric
The
Osprey Talon Prois made of Nanofly fabric, which integrates ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene ripstop and 100D nylon. As a result, the backpack material is light yet abrasion-resistant. It’s suitable for intense hiking or camping trips, keeping you comfortable and your things safe.
Even with its lightweight features, the backpack has strong material that allows you to add all the necessities without hassle.
You won’t have to worry about the light pack falling apart from all the items, whether it’s water bottles, clothes, gadgets, and the like. It’s well-constructed and can last long with proper care.
As mentioned, I have been an Osprey user for years and can attest to how well their backpacks are constructed. The Nanofly fabric is a new addition to the Talon backpack line and I am genuinely impressed by how lightweight and sturdy everything is.
Airscape Suspension
Another unique and notable feature the Osprey Talon Pro 30 offers is its AirScape Suspension, which is an injection-molded and die-cut foam back panel for extra comfort and breathability. The ventilation helps lessen sweat and heat from trapping in your body, keeping you cool the entire time you’re out.
It also transfers your bag’s load from the harness to the hip belt, so you can focus your energy more on the trail than on dealing with back pain.
Again, this is something that Osprey does very well. Proper back ventilation plays a huge role when you’re hiking in hot climates so having this built in their designs is another plus in my books.
Hipbelt and Harness
The backpack also comes with a flexible BioStretch harness and hip belt for improved range of motion and dynamic movement as you traverse tough trails. It even has a continuous lumbar-to-hip belt wrap to keep you and the backpack stable. This extra support is crucial, especially when on the trail for hours on end.
The backpack also has a wide and comfortable abdominal belt that helps stabilize the entire bag. You can adjust the straps on both sides, adding to the pack’s practicality.
The hip belts of my Osprey Talon Pro are very well constructed and sit on my hips well. As long as you measure your size properly, you will love how this pack fits on you.
Topload Packing
The Osprey Talon Pro 30 has wide top access, making it easier for people to pack and remove items as needed. Many people also appreciate how simple it is to open the top of the backpack. Rather than all the buckles and straps, it has one water-resistant zipper.
Moreover, it comes with many useful compartments, such as two expandable side storage spaces, a place for a water bladder, and stretch volume to fit clothes and kits. At the backpack’s sides are two large pockets where you can store your smartphone, kit, or other necessary items to reach for conveniently.
The backpack’s interior also features a mesh storage pocket and water outlet at its base. It’s designed to be tall and narrow, positioning one’s spine well without feeling too stiff.
While a lot of people are not a fan of top loading backpacks, they do offer better support and are highly recommended for hiking backpacks. While I personally prefer front loading backpacks, this wasn’t such a huge deal breaker to me as I knew it was better for my long hikes and multi-day adventures.
Other Useful Features
The features above aren’t all the Osprey Talon Pro 30 offers. What many love about the backpack is its spacious design and attachments made for intense hikes. It offers an internal key attachment clip, LED light attachment point, and a stowable single ice ax loop which I use for my hiking poles.
The backpack is also water-resistant and features thin yet sturdy straps sliding appropriately. Like the back part of the bag, the shoulder straps are comfortable and breathable, and also having a load booster to lessen the pressure on your back.
Overall, the Osprey Talon Pro 30 is a study, versatile backpack that prioritizes comfort without scrimping on functionality. The backpack is great for day hikes, overnight camping, ski trips, and the like. It can withstand any type of trip under any weather, fitting more than enough items for light packers.
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Osprey Talon Pro 30L Size Guide
The Osprey Talon Pro 30 comes in two sizes, which are:
S/M: Has a volume of 1,703 in3 or about 28L. Its dimensions (cm) are 57H x 29W x 26D.
L/XL: Has a volume of 1,831 in3 or 30L. Its dimensions (cm) are 62H x 29W x 26D.
The size you get will depend on your body type and preferences. Osprey offers a helpful guide so you can get a perfectly-sized bag. Refer to the following photos or head onto Osprey’s official website.
I am 6 foot tall and ordered the L/XL size which fits me perfectly. I highly recommend you get yourself measured as this plays a huge role in your bags overall fit and comfort.
One of the things that sets Osprey aside from other backpack competitors is that they create men and women specific bags which overall adds to the comfort and fit.
Osprey Talon Pro 30 Warranty
Another great benefit Osprey offers for most of their products is their lifetime warranty. They call it the All Mighty Guarantee, ensuring that you have a quality backpack for life.
Regardless of where you bought the backpack and its condition, if there is an issue, you simply have to ship it to Osprey to have the issue fixed for free. All you need to pay is for the shipment.
While some reviews have commented on the high price Osprey’s backpacks have, the lifetime warranty gives assurance that you won’t have to worry about costly repairs and bag replacements for a long time. Combine that with the quality construction and features the bag offers, and you truly get what you pay for (and more).
Osprey Talon Pro and Hydration Pack
As mentioned above, the Osprey Talon Pro 30 features a water outlet at its base. The external hydration reservoir sleeve allows you to have easier access to water to quench your thirst conveniently. No need to stop to take out your water jug for a quick water break, because you can stay hydrated even as you hike.
Of course, you have to bring even more water for strenuous hikes and trips, which you can do so as the backpack has two side pockets big enough for large water bottles. Although the hydration reservoir sleeve is not included, it is worth buying.
I have competed in a half iron man and spent a lot of time training using water bladders and not all of them are made equally! Osprey’s hydration pack is a product that just works. It is well constructed which means no leaks.
Some reviews mentioned that they have a difficult time adding the hydration packs to the Osprey Talon Pro but for me, it slides right in.
I also love the magnet attachment to your chest strap, making your water bladder easy to reach.
Who is the Osprey Talon Pro For?
The Osprey Talon Pro 30 is more suitable for people who love traveling light. You might be surprised that a 30L backpack offers more than enough space for travelers, and you’ll feel happier packing light as you won’t have to worry about lugging too many things!
As mentioned, I will be using this for a 15 day multi-hike from Portugal to Spain. I will be staying in guest houses along the way so aside from clothes and toiletries, I really won’t need much. I did a test pack and have 3 shirts, 3 bottoms, 3 underwear and toiletries and this backpack still has a ton of room left.
A huge benefit to the backpack’s compact size is how you can use it as a carry-on. You can pack everything you need in the bag, saving you time and money.
How? You won’t have to pay extra for checked bags, wait for your luggage on the carousel, or even risk losing your bags!
On regular travel days, I have my suitcase and this backpack which holds my documents, and all my electronics.
So, if you travel light but still need enough space for the valuables, then this backpack is for you. Its large and deep main compartment won’t have you sacrifice, meaning you can pack more of what you need when traveling or going on adventures.
Who is the Osprey Talon Pro Not For?
If you’re the type who travels the world needing at least 2 big suitcases’ worth of items, then this isn’t the backpack for you.
If you’re the adventurous traveler who packs for intense hikes, bringing tents, cooking equipment, or sleeping bags, this may not be the perfect backpack as you would most likely need something a bit bigger.
I think the most important thing to keep in mind is its size. If you’re planning on bringing a lot of gear with you, you may want to opt for a larger sized pack like the Talon 36L, Talon 44L.
If you’re looking for a lightweight hiking day pack, I cannot recommend the Talon Pro 30L enough.
What I Love About the Osprey Talon Pro
You know when you get a backpack and everything just works well? This was my experience with the Talon Pro. It is a well-constructed bag that does everything it’s meant to do and more.
I have tested this backpack multiple times while hiking here in Slovakia and it is so comfortable. I even took it flyfishing and didn’t find a need to place my backpack down due to how comfortable it was.
It is sturdy, well built, and has a ton of great features that are useful for hiking. I particularly love the clips in the back for an ice axe which I use for my trekking poles. All the zippers are well made and have enough compartments.
What I Don’t Love About the Osprey Talon Pro
While I am just nitpicking, I would have preferred that this backpack comes with its own rainfly. Although it isn’t a game changer, for the price point, I would have wanted this to be included.
In an ideal world, this backpack would also have a built-in laptop sleeve similar to the Osprey Farpoint 40L but I do understand that it is a hiking backpack first. Apart from those two things, I have no doubts that I will be using this backpack for many years to come.
We have previously reviewed the older versions of the Osprey Talon and it really is one of the best hiking backpacks from Osprey. The nanofly is a great addition to the Pro edition of the Osprey Talon.
Other Osprey Talon Sizing Options
While the Talon Pro is their newest bag, there are older models of the Talon which are all highly rated! If you’re looking for something smaller, or larger, here are a few other options.
Model | Size | Price Check |
---|---|---|
Talon 11L | 11L | Amazon | REI |
Talon Pro 20L | 20L | Amazon | REI |
Talon 22L | 22L | Amazon | REI |
Talon 26L | 26L | Amazon | REI |
Talon 33L | 33L | Amazon | REI |
Talon 36L | 36L | Amazon |
Talon 44L | 44L | Amazon | REI |
Overall Opinion on the Osprey Talon Pro 30L
Overall, this is a great improvement to the ever so popular Talon series of Osprey. The nanofly fabric addition makes this pack even more lightweight and durable.
I have taken this bag hiking over 6 times now and cannot find any faults to its construction and usability.
Although it is in the higher spectrum when it comes to costs, you definitely get what you pay for as it is a well-made backpack that will last you years.
If you are looking for a durable hiking backpack, the Osprey Talon Pro is one of the best in the market!
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