UKC

Hi, 

I have been going down a rabbit hole in looking for a soild day pack for hiking. I have been using my blue ice wadi 22 pack up until now but it's not super comfortable for long days of walking (great for multi pitch climbs). 22l seems about the right size for longish days out (done Edale Skyline and Yorkshire Three Peaks). I'm looking to do Welsh 3000s in the summer and am looking for something more comfortable. I have been looking at Osprey Talon 22 or Hikelite 26 or Stratos 26 but can't decide after reading lots of reviews. The talon seems the most versatile pack. I'd be really grateful to gear opinions or other suggestions.

Thanks in advance, Martyn 

I don't think you can go wrong with Osprey. I've always found them well made. I don't own one in that size range but I have smaller and the other have has larger.

I've always liked Montane sacks: light, tough,  and well-featured for my needs. Though I hate the quick-release chest straps and they lack the rigid back of Osprey if that's what your after.

Thanks for your reply. I have a Montane Azote 25l and don't really rate it. Fine for commuting but not super comfy and not at all water resistant. 

You know of my love for Montane packs - you're welcome to try my Trailblazer 25 and see how you get on?

I've had an Osprey Atmos 35 as my only hiking/overnight pack for over 10 years, it could do with a couple of new clips that have been stood on (free replacements from Osprey if I pull my finger out and get in touch), and it creaks a little bit from the metal frame as it's gone a bit rusty, but it's been all over the world and has held up great. The Talon 22 looks like a similar shape thing but a bit smaller. I'd happily buy another, or something similar when needed. 

The metal frame makes it awful for climbing in, but that's not what it's made for! 

Trying a loaded pack on in a shop will tell you what pack to buy. Reviews are all well and good but over the years I've found some 5 star packs are like carrying a sack of coal as they don't fit my body. No different to boots and climbing shoes.

I may just do that! 

Yes, I feel a trip to go outdoors coming on

I have the Talon 33 as my go to rucksack and I really like it.  It's super comfortable and has taken a fair bit of abuse over the years with no big holes yet.  Main thing is whether you like having loads of bells and whistles and straps everywhere -  it works for me as I now have a system where pretty much everything has its own pocket (map, first aid kit, head torch, problem solving kit, thermos, water bottle), but a lot of people find them cluttered and over loaded with dangly bits (common complaint of osprey bags).  It also means that they catch and hold a lot of snow so probably not a great winter pack.

If you're anywhere near a more specialist shop, they're way more likely to have suitable stuff on hand to load the rucksack up and experienced staff to advise on fit.

I don’t do much hiking nowadays but I did a ton with the Talon 22 and its was spot on.  The side pockets are incredibly useful.  Being able to get at stuff, while on the move, is something I would not want to lose.  

The only time I’d not use it would be in snow, when I need ice axe, crampons, flask, extra layers etc), or when travelling light, where I’d prefer a running vest.

Build quality is good.  I prefer the Camelbak bladders over the Osprey ones but there’s not much in it.

I also have the mountain bike equivalent (can’t remember the name) and that’s great too.

For me Osprey Mutant 22 is just right, but you've got to try some on! No escaping going to a shop, or it's going to be luck if it's comfortable for your back/shoulders 

Do you really need something as technical as the Talon, with its "snowshed"! backpanel etc? What about their Sportlight 20? 

Another vote for the Talon 22.  Had mine 2 1/2 years now and it’s been my go-to sack of choice for three-season use ever since with many days use.  (In winter with axe, crampons, more clothes etc, I use a bigger sack)

Capacity just right for me, very comfortable, even when fully loaded (pretty sure in the pic I have a rope and some gear inside, just in case we needed them… we didn’t of course!).  Have used with a climbing harness on Skye, little bit of climbing and abseiling etc, though mostly scrambling/walking.

I’ve used it for bike/hiking a fair bit.  Like the external pockets, often stow the poles there as in the pic, though they also go inside if I’m worried about them catching on something.  Hip strap pockets good for snacks, smaller items.

In fact the only feature I haven’t used is the bike-helmet clip, as if I’m cycling I have it on, and if I’ve left my bike somewhere I usually leave helmet with it!

Aguille Alpine stuff - they have a few which might suit. Simple, can have stuff added if you email them to suit your needs, very well made and basically indestructable. I have a big one (Zephyr) that I use for everything form Winter climbing, to backpacking, to hauling heavy loads with climbing and camping stuff abroad. It's lasting far better than any other backpack I've tried, and although it's simple, everything just works well with properly sized buckles which are super easy to use with gloves etc.

I have had a Talon 22 for a couple of years and love it, I also have a mutant 22 which again I love but they are very different, the venting on the talon along with hip belt pockets side pockets etc is great for hiking. I use the Mutant exclusively for mountain multipitch days when you want something stripped back, light and durable. It is perfect for that but the non venting back etc make it a sweaty carry in hot weather or when hiking hard uphill. 

Both great bags but Talon for hiking general mountain use, Mutant for climbing.

Hope that helps

Ryan