Osprey Packs

Talon Pro 20L Backpack

This is my first hiking

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] This is my first hiking pack that I have ever owned, and I am extremely pleased with the construction quality and all of the adjustability to make this packed amazingly comfortable on long hikes.

Bring back last year's version!

Please bring back last year's version of this bag, everything about it was perfect, and the carbon color with the red accents was the best color osprey has ever made for their bags. The new one is not anything like the previous gen one- and it is unfortunately just about worse in every way.

New favorite little pack

Took me a while to figure out how this pack was different from the regular Talon series - the company's description was briefer than I wanted. Despite being labeled as lightweight it's slightly heavier, shorter, and smaller than the standard one which seemed curious. The back plate is different, as well. It appears to be a molded plastic that's form fitted and maybe more rigid. All this means that it hugs my back and stays put with reasonable loads and active movement. The fabrics do appear to be more resistant to wear and abrasion, but only time and use will really tell. Since getting it a couple of months ago I've used it for some day hikes, grocery shopping, and beginning rucking. I currently have it packed with big books bringing the weight up to 18 pounds. It has been perfectly comfortable doing hill climbing workouts at the ski hill for 30 - 60 minutes. It feels like it is part of me with the weight nicely supported on my hips and stabilized by the strap system. There isn't any swaying or flopping around like other day packs I've used in the past. It's perfect for quick grocery runs on my bike, too. The only negative I've run into so far is that the little pockets on the shoulder straps that are shown holding a phone in the video are really small. The vid must have been filmed long enough ago that smaller phones were the norm. I have an iPhone 12 Mini and it has to be wedged in hard and it still hangs out the top too much. It seems snug, but as the elastic stretches out I'm not confident it will stay put during active movement. I just put it one of the hip belt pockets or the inside pocket if I won't be reaching for it for photos or texts while on the go. Can't imagine a bigger phone would even go in the opening. Perfect for a nut bar, though.

Durable!

I have the talon 18, it was in my trunk when my car was hit from behind by a semi truck at highway speed, bag got launched out the window on impact. Bag was unscathed. This bag has the durability of an 90s action film hero, while my vehicle had the durability of a 90s action film villain.

I wanted to love this!

I wanted to love the Talon Pro 20 but like the user before commented, the opening for the hydration sleeve is way too tight. I use a 3L reservoir and when it was full, I could not get it to fit without being worried it would pop. You could finagle it but I was worried it was too tight. For the reason I returned and purchased the Stratos 24 which was a perfect fit for my reservoir! I will say I have not tried it with an Osprey specific but use a Camelbak 3L reservoir.

Good and bad

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

Size Bought:

Large

Height:

5' 8"

Weight:

156

I’ve had a previous version of the Talon 22. Loved the pack and figured the upgrades to the pro looked good. I do like the fabric, durability, and the way it carries. But…and it’s a big “but”… I can no longer reach anything in the side pockets. Too far back since the pack is narrowed and taller so can’t contort my arms to get anything in or get it out. I pretty much have to remove the pack which is way too much work and inconvenience. I’ve tried and tried but will probably have to return it; just lost so much functionality. In addition the hip belt pockets are the same size but a non-stretchy material. So also harder to use; should have used more fabric to compensate for the no stretch.

Good for tall people / long backs

I like this pack, and it's the only small day pack I could find that can be adjusted to fit my very long back. It's very comfortable and adjustable. The only drawback, and it's a pretty big one, is that the opening to the hydration sleeve is too small - it makes it very difficult to put a full hydration bladder in there - think trying to stuff a sausage through a keyhole. You can make it work but it's no fun.

Excellent ventilation on daypack

The Talon Pro 20 is a well designed, comfortable, lightweight backpack ready for a day hike in the woods or to serve as your daily bicycle commuter around town. Osprey's AirScape suspension is the highlight of the backpack allowing excellent ventilation and cooling with any activity. The Talon Pro 20 construction contains bluesign approved recycled materials and a PFC-free DWR coating. As with all of Osprey's products the Talon Pro is backed by its lifetime All Mighty Guarantee. Overall great backpack.

Great light hike pack

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

Size Bought:

L/XL

Height:

6' 3"

Weight:

210

I upgraded to this from the standard Talon 22. This is a great light hike/bike pack. Much more comfortable than the standard Talon due to the updated backpanel. My only complaints is lack of organizational options. One more sleeve or pocket inside would be nice to keep gear from sitting low in the pack. Also a couple of lashing points on the outside would be good. But overall still a great pack.