Osprey Talon 44L

Quick Verdict

Best for: 2 – 4 day overnight hikes on various terrain. Hip belt pockets, hood and a bottom zipper for easy access to the bottom of your pack.

Avoid if: You want a 6+ day overnight pack (it’s 44L). 

Reviewer Rating: 5⭐️

Overall score: –/100

MODEL

PRICE

WEIGHT

TERRAIN

SCORE

Osprey Talon 44L

$350 NZD

1.3kg 

Tramping

-/100

Cactus Foray 75L

$1,000

3kg

Multi day tramping

60/100

Key Specs

  • Category: Tramping packs

  • Tested by: NZ hiking guide

  • Weight: 1.3kg
  • Price: $350 NZD
  • Intended use: Tramping/Hiking

Scores

Key: 1=Very poor 2=Poor 3= Decent 4= Great 5 = Best in category

1=20 points 5=100 points toward overall rating

  • Comfort: 5/5
  • Weight: 4.5/5
  • Features:  4.5/5
  • Durability: 4/5
  • Value: 4/5
  • Reviewer Rating: 5/5

Who this Pack is for:

Ideal user: Back country trips, on and off trail. Overnight and multi day hikes.

Ideal terrain: NZ national parks, tracks, DOC tracks, off trail.

Do not buy this Pack if:

You Intend on buying a pack for 6+ days (with the exception of ultra light hikers). 44L is a great size if you have small packable gear but possibly too small for some newer to tramping. 

I also would not recommend this as a backpacking travel hybrid as there is multiple access points (hard to put a lock on) and could be venerable to damage.

Pros:

  • ✅ Light weight
  • ✅ Feature heavy
  • ✅ Unbelievably comfortable

Cons:

  • ❌  bladder slot is mostly osprey compatible.

Field testing summary:

Terrain tested: Off trail, on trail, guiding, river crossing.

Weather tested: Rain, coastal, alpine, indoor, hot weather, Hail, Snow.

Distance or time worn: Minimum 150 days 750km 

Verdict:

After using various other packs for years this one felt different to me, it carries heavy loads very well while still feeling comfortable, also is pretty light and well thought out on features. If you are new to tramping and on a tight budget the pack is NOT a piece of gear you need to spend heavily on and can probably get a second hand one much cheaper, in saying that I think this is a great value for money pack if you are wanting a fair price for great quality.

Alternative Pack models:

Where to buy: