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.
Verdict
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.
