Let make this short and to the point. I thought this pack was light, comfertable, and had a useful design. The only complaint is in its materials. Everything seemed fragile, and after only two trips one of the buckles broke. It may have been a fluke, but that isn't a good sign. I have owned several Osprey Packs and all the others were well built, and help up well.

I did a lot of research before choosing a pack to take on a 10-day trip to Italy. I originally purchased the Osprey Ariel 55, but decided it was too big to take on trains, so I opted for the smaller Talon 44. It was really the perfect bag for the trip. I packed light, but I fit several pairs of clothes, bathing suit, a pair of sandals, a guide book, fleece, rain jacket, towel, toiletries, sleep sheet, bowls, and some food it in and had tons of room (probably a third of the pack space) leftover. I don't think the pack would do well with a lot of weight (over 25-30 pounds), but it was comfortable for the 15 pounds that I had in it. If you use a hydration bladder it goes outside the main compartment, between the back panel and the inside of the pack, so you have to put the full bladder in before you pack to get the best fit.

The mesh, zip pockets on the hipbelt are a nice touch. The hipbelt, while not removable, is smaller on the small/medium pack than the medium/large. I tried on the medium/large and I couldn't get the hipbelt tight enough, but the small/medium fit well. (For reference, I'm a medium torso and a small hipbelt with the Osprey Ariel.)

I don't think I would have gotten away with carrying the pack on the plane, but thankfully the airline didn't lose it, so no worries there!

This pack is great. I just finished a mission trip in the Baja Peninsula. The trip was finished out with a 10.5 hr. hike in the Sierra Mountains. I carried 20-25 lbs. mostly water, cliff bars, filter, and sleeping pad. The temp. was 100-104. I hiked 45 km. The pack worked great, awesome fit, and the airspeed design worked great. I highly recommend this pack. I didn't get any rub marks or chaffing from the straps. Due to the pack design there was plenty of air between my pack and my back.

This is a quality made bag. It is perfect size for weekend excursions or 1 week long travels. There is a large main compartment inside, a large outer pocket (perfect for shoes or sandals), a water hydration pocket (which is right behind the back), 2 small waist/hip pockets on the waist belt (which are too small for any practical uses -- but they might be good for holding candy wrappings?), 2 side pockets (right by the compression straps) which are ideal for water bottles, 2 stretch woven pockets on the shoulder straps (which look like they're perfect for placing small cell phones), a removable top pocket with internal stash pocket, a plethora of bungee and additional tie-off points, sleeping bag straps (which are at the bottom), and a zippered lower section which allows you access to the bottom inside of the pack without having to rummage through the top. The pack looks great aesthetically (I got the Moonlight Blue version and I've already rec'd compliments from my mom and sister) and is functional. HOWEVER, I'm skeptical about the durability of this pack. The plastic buckles seem very minimal and thin, and I'm afraid to go hard on them. The stretch woven "cell phone" pockets on the shoulder straps also feel like they're going to wear holes through them over time. Most importantly the fabric of the bag seems quite thin as well. With that being said, I highly suggest not using this bag for any type of airport or overseas travels, where the bag might be subjected to harsh throws and frictional abrasions. This bag is only ideal for fast, on-the-go weekend or week-long trips and shouldn't be used and/or relied upon as a durable travelers bag, because it simply isn't designed to be. I would get something from Osprey's Travel Series if you're planning on using your bags for more rigorous purposes. The foam (such as on the shoulder straps and hip belt) is also much thinner than I had expected before it arrived. Otherwise this Talon 44 is very lightweight (2lbs 7oz) and perfect for short term, personal trips. Also, I am 5'9" and weigh about 140lbs: I got the size M/L 2600 cu inches (44L) one and it fits near perfect. I got this bag on sale, but I would only pay full price for it if it was a little bit more durable. To sum it up, this is my first Osprey bag and they have definitely made a good impression on me. Recommended!

I recently completed two tramps in New Zealand. The Milford Track and Routeburn Track .The Tramps were 5 days and 3 days respectively.
The pack was laden with 12kg and was a breeze to carry.Being 5' 6" tall I chose the small size which proved so comfortable on my back, hips and shoulders.The pack design fits comfortably to the contours of your upper body.I like to "jog test" a pack and there was no appreciable movement against my body momentum. The pack is light weight and easily coped with the 12kg.
Awesome pack highly recommended

This is a quality made bag. It is perfect size for weekend excursions or 1 week long travels. There is a large main compartment inside, a large outer pocket (perfect for shoes or sandals), a water hydration pocket (which is right behind the back), 2 small waist/hip pockets on the waist belt (which are too small for any practical uses -- but they might be good for holding candy wrappings?), 2 side pockets (right by the compression straps) which are ideal for water bottles, 2 stretch woven pockets on the shoulder straps (which look like they're perfect for placing small cell phones), a removable top pocket with internal stash pocket, a plethora of bungee and additional tie-off points, sleeping bag straps (which are at the bottom), and a zippered lower section which allows you access to the bottom inside of the pack without having to rummage through the top. The pack looks great aesthetically (I got the Moonlight Blue version and I've already rec'd compliments from my mom and sister) and is functional. HOWEVER, I'm skeptical about the durability of this pack. The plastic buckles seem very minimal and thin, and I'm afraid to go hard on them. The stretch woven "cell phone" pockets on the shoulder straps also feel like they're going to wear holes through them over time. Most importantly the fabric of the bag seems quite thin as well. With that being said, I highly suggest not using this bag for any type of airport or overseas travels, where the bag might be subjected to harsh throws and frictional abrasions. This bag is only ideal for fast, on-the-go weekend or week-long trips and shouldn't be used and/or relied upon as a durable travelers bag, because it simply isn't designed to be. I would get something from Osprey's Travel Series if you're planning on using your bags for more rigorous purposes. The foam (such as on the shoulder straps and hip belt) is also much thinner than I had expected before it arrived. Otherwise this Talon 44 is very lightweight (2lbs 7oz) and perfect for short term, personal trips. Also, I am 5'9" and weigh about 140lbs: I got the size M/L 2600 cu inches (44L) one and it fits near perfect. I got this bag on sale, but I would only pay full price for it if it was a little bit more durable. To sum it up, this is my first Osprey bag and they have definitely made a good impression on me. Recommended!

Fantastic. I needed a lightweight pack for long day hikes and mountain climbing, something that could handle a variety of gear and conditions. The Talon 44 does this easily. The size provided plenty of space without being bulky. And the bottom opening is great for providing direct access to your gear, greatly simplifying gear management. Best of all, when you get the pack adjusted to your body it feels like is a part of you. Absolutely great feel when you are scrambling up and down rocks.

While the waist belt is not detachable, it can be folded back out of the way if you need to wear a harness. Simple and effective, even if not by design.

I highly recommend this pack based on my early experience with it. Extremely comfortable, adjustable, the right size, good storage options, and light.

I am in love with this pack! I worked on a trail crew in the Uinta mountains in Utah. I needed something that i could stuff in my big Gregory pack and pull out for use on day hikes and what not and this was perfect. It doesn't even feel like you are wearing a pack and it fits so much stuff. I highly recommend this pack.

This pack is absolutely my favorite. It has been great the couple weekend backpacking trips I've taken on. Regardless of how heavy or light my pack is it feels comfortable on and is easy to maneuver through tight passes with. Would definitely recommend it.

I use this pack all the time. Used in southern utah/northern arizona. Back is pretty breathable, much more so than my 08 atmos(sucked). VERY light, VERY comforable, holds more than you would think a pack of this size would. Used it on a few 5-7 day backpacking trips, although a little low on space for the 7 days, it performed like a champ. I really could not recommend this pack enough. Easy 5 stars. I am actually making an hour drive tomorrow just so I can go and buy the smaller version of this pack, the talon 22. Blast backcountry! Get more in stock!

This pack has been great for on the go traveling. It's light, roomy, and versatile. The hip belt is comfortable, easily adjustable, and has convenient pockets, the camelbak stowage is accessible, and the stretchy front and side pockets allow easy access and venting. Things that could be improved: lots of straps hanging all over the place, more compartments to separate gear, and less cumbersome opening on top (tie strap and buckle). Overall, an awesome pack that's already earned it's money in Singapore, Malaysia, Germany, England, and Wales.

I've taken this pack on several week-long trips and it is a perfect size. Its possible to stretch about 4 days out of it if packed light and correctly. It was easy to attach tools to the outside with the pulls and stretchy pockets. The padding and durability of the shoulder straps would be the only downside, as they are very minimalist. But then again, that's what this pack is for.

Received this Osprey pack from my brother in the Special Forces, he swears by Osprey packs. I put it to the test by stuffing way more than I should have into this compact light weight grenade of awesomeness. I took it on a deep winter mountain hike and camping trip. The group I was with was packing 65 Liter+ packs and expected me to carry my fair share of the group kit. Like a Gypsy I strapped things all over my Talon 44 and set off into the Mountains. My Talon performed flawlessly even when I fell down the north face of the mountain though thick wet snow and branches tearing at me for 200 meters. I have only one negative experience and it really highlighted a huge benefit of the bag to me. I put a three liter platypus bladder in the hydration reservoir and filled it to the brim. Combine this with my overstuffed pack and the exertions of breaking trial through snow up to my chest at times, I'm 6'2", and the pressure proved too much for the Platypus bladder and it developed a small hole which leaked out onto my back. I was worried that I would have a block of ice for a pack when I discovered the rupture sometime later, but the Talon wasn't phased and my gear was good to go when we made camp that night. Learn from my mistake and pack appropriately and use a correctly sized bladder. This bag rocks, after years of using an "ALICE" pack in the Army, strapping this bag on felt like an extension of my body and didn't hold me back. As your lawyer, I recommend you purchase this bag and take an adventure. I was an animal to this pack and it took all I could throw at it and laughed in my face.

I use this pack to bring my rope and the rest of my climbing gear to the local crag and it can handle it all!!! Only thing I don't like about the sizing is I'm right between the small and the medium. Ended up going with the small. Don't get me wrong, I love this pack's lightweight and all of it's features. But I think osprey needs to tune their sizing a bit more. It holds all the gear I need for a long day hike through the adirondack mountains. Unlike most other backpacks I've used, the Talon series provides me the best ventilation for my back. A huge plus in my book. I've put comfortably carried around 40 pounds on a multi day trip and was completely comfortable!

Con:
Sizing

I use this sucker for fastpacking and it is so comfortable and so light. It has a freakishly large volume compared to other 42-44 liter packs, as Osprey packs often do in my experience. Construction is very durable all around, comfort is top notch, too many cool features to mention. I promise you will love it.

I am very happy with this pack. I have been on two lengthy - but short - trips (one up Half-Dome in Yosemite, and the other up Mt. Timpanogos in Utah). On both trip the pack fit and rode better than any pack I've ever hauled. The adjustments allow me to get it to ride just the way I like, and they can be changed incrementally when fatigue rolls in.
The only gripe I have is that the little pockets on the belt could be a little further toward the center. Also, I fear the large, stretchy pocket in front (very, very handy) is going to get too stretchy in the future. I stuff a lot of gear in this front pocket, access it frequently, and want that pocket to never give out.
Highly recommended!

When I first got this pack I was not sure about it-it kind of has a funny shape.

However after using it it (Hut to Hut-no tent or bag), I think it is great.

It rides really well, the most important attribute.

The only funky things are the buckles, which seem whimpy and are; give them a good pull and they will snap in two

This bag is awesome. So light, lots of room, great access and storage. The shoulders aren't super-padded, nor is the waist belt, but adjusted correctly, I've had no problems. The buckles do seem delicate, but no complaints so far... Perfect mid-sized pack!

Excellent backpack, lightweight and comfortable. Good adjustment on all straps and mesh back has good air circulation. Excellent for day trips or overnight, highly recommended!

Love this pack. It fits all my gear for an overnight rock or glacier climb. The bladder compartment that can be accessed from the outside of the pack is genius, makes it much easier to get your bladder in and out. My only gripe is it gets a bit uncomfortable above around 35 lbs. But Osprey advertises this as a light-weight backpack better for light loads so that is what I expected when I bought it.

I bought this pack so it can last a while before I have to by a new one. The pack is light and very comfortable. I also like the back support it gives you.

I am super stoked that I got this pack, it rocks! I actually consider myself pretty picky when it comes to shopping for my gear, but this pack has everything that I need, and wanted, plus more. Super roomy, great build, and very lightweight at the same time. I really love that it has almost a mini sleeping bag compartment (although it is not seperate from the rest of the pack) since it makes it convienient in getting things out of the bottom of the pack. Great pack, carries well, will last a long time!

I love this backpack and have posted about it before. but I recently took it snowboarding because I needed a bigger pack that my snowboard one. I totally jimmy rigged this for my snowboard to fit on it. It was awesome. Provided more support than my snowboard pack does. I took the straps that hold the top compartment down and did a cross through my bottom binding. then took a rope and tied the top of my board to the shoulder straps and it held my board so snug and awesome! I put my crampons in the bottom of the pack so I could easily get them out with out taking my board off. I had my crampons in a case so it did not tear the fabric. I was pretty stoked on this bag. I used it July 12 and 13th in the heat on a glacier and so the breathable material on the back of the pack was awesome and I did not get all sweaty on my back like on other backpacks. So this pack is much more useful than I could ever imagine. I have used it for so many things it is crazy. You will get your use out of this backpack!

I use this pack for almost everything! I can throw my climbing rope and gear in it. I use it for day hiking, over nighters, traveling, mt board gear. I have stuffed it full of camping gear and clipped and cinched so many things to the outside as well. I have put a cold camelbak in the back compartment and it offers extra cooling on my back. It is extremely comfortable and the breathable back on it is fantastic in the summer. I have had lower back surgery and have it fused now. It is hard for me to find packs that work well with that and this one and any other osprey I have used has been amazing on my back!