Osprey Talon 11 -
Tested
|
Price:
£50.00
|
|
Weight: 670 grammes
|
|
Features: 11-litre fast-movers pack,
complete with Blinker Patch, front panel bungee cord, hydration slot,
snap clip buckles, stretch woven side pockets, tow loop., AirScape back
panel with ridge moulded foam and air chimneys, Talon BioStretch
adjustable harness, BioStretch built-in hip-belt, rip-stop Nylon
fabric, zip entry to main compartment, one external
and one internal pocket. Available in small/medium
and medium/large.
|
What's It
For?
The Talon's designed for erm, fast, adventure-orientated users, so
runners, mountain bikers and lightweight hikers along with adventure
racers. Just a few years ago, we'd have said that an 11-litre bag was
too small to work as a day pack, but lightweight kit means that
suddenly it's a viable option.
The Techy
Bits
Mesh-covered, ridge-formed closed-cell foam is used for the back panel
and hip-belt, the idea is to maximise air flow and minimise sweat
absorption and so keep you more comfortable.
Fabrics are specced to be light but strong Nylon with a micro-grid
reinforced pattern to maximise tear resistance.
Finally the waist and shoulder straps are anchored so there's no
whipping around and smacking in the face when running or in high winds.
Small touches but neat.
How It
Performed
There's something undeniably classy about Osprey Packs,
attention to detail is excellent and there are always loads of
thoughtful touches that show real attention to details. None of which
would matter if the pack didn't carry well.
The good news is that it does. In fact rather like the first generation
Atmos, it does a fantastic job of 'disappearing' weight as soon as you
put it on your back. The straps and belt have just enough
give for a snug, unrestrictive fit and we love the way that loose strap
ends are captive, so they don't lash around.
The ridged, ventilated foam works great as well, no sogginess from
soaked up sweat. Overall the packs sits limpet like on you back and
running, biking or simply jumping up and down on the spot are just not
a problem.
With modern fabrics and kit making smaller pack capacities a real
option, we found with the right choice of waterproof and lightweight
insulation, the Talon 11 made a great, unobtrusive day pack for walking
as well. There's plenty of storage if you use the added bungee cord,
side pockets - useable when worn - and front slash pocket.
Neatly, the hydration slot is separate from the main stowage
compartment, so it's usually possible to remove and refill without
manic rummaging in the main compartment. There are also small hip-belt
pockets and a pair of neat shoulder strap ones that take a phone say,
or a couple of bars.
Other neat touches include big reflective logos on the back of the pack
and drainage holes at the bottom of both the hydration slot and main
compartment.
Excellent small capacity pack from Osprey that carries brilliantly
walking, running or biking and has enough stowage to work as an
ultra-lightweight summer hiker's pack. Attention to detail and build
quality are second to none, though bikers used to more
compartmentalised packs may yearn for a few extra internal dividers.
Buy if you
want a stable, back-hugging small capacity pack for running, biking or
lightweight walking and hate soggy back syndrome.
|
Build quality, attention to detail and carry are all stratospheric.
Lots of stowage too.
 Very little
wrong with it to be fair. And extra internal pocket would be
the iceing on the cake.
|
|
Performance
|
|
|
Value
|
|
Know more or want to?
If you'd like to add your own
experiences of this
product check out our user review system and post your opinions to
the world. If you have questions you can mail
us direct, ask
Richard Gear or try
a posting to our
gear
forum.
Andrew Sabisky
