Osprey Talon 11
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By Stacey O'Connor Osprey Talon 11 Review Facts
There are a ton of outdoor and adventure companies that make backpacks in addition to making other equipment. At Osprey they specialize in the unique nuances of creating a perfect backpack because they only make backpacks and travel, adventure bags. By solely focusing their attention on these products, they are able to develop the perfect backpacks for traveling and adventuring. The Osprey Talon 11 is the ideal pack for speedy, lightweight racing and trail running.
Runners raved about this pack for long distance adventure racing. They found it to be the perfect companion for day hiking and adventuring. Osprey used their expertise to create a product that is both lightweight and durable. It provides exceptional breathability and is designed to keep runners cool even in extremely hot conditions. They listened to their athletes and made sure to include what was important to them in the construction of this pack. They added superior comfort and lumbar support through the Hip belt as well as room for an easy access to all their accessories by adding in 4 different, perfectly placed pockets. The placement of these pockets allows athletes to access their items without the need to spot their activity. Runners found the pack to be sleek and stylish and loved the four different color options offered.
The pack stays new looking for much longer than other similar bags, and runners found that in addition to the reasonable price tag, the value is increased due to the Osprey Talon 11’s durability. This bag isn’t a good choice for overnight adventures due to its smaller size, but it is the perfect, lightweight companion for adventure racing or day hiking.
Editor's Pros & Cons
Pros
- Lightweight
- Breathable
- Multiple colors
- Comfortable, supportive hip strap
- Easy to access pockets
Cons
- On the small side
- Not made for overnight camping or hiking
Use
Use
Adventure runner after adventure runner reviewed and loved this backpack. While adventure racing isn’t the only use for this backpack, it seems to be one of it’s greatest uses. It is fairly easy to find a high quality, affordable casual day hiking backpack, but this backpack is designed to provide superior fit and function of adventure racers. It is lightweight and snug enough to be used at higher speeds. It only 4 ounces empty and the single larger pocket is not designed to hold a ton of extra weight.
Additionally, the pack is designed to stay snuggly against the body without the possible irritation and chaffing that can be caused by a loose, ill-fitted back. Osprey designed this bag for the runner who is looking to for longer runs and needs a companion that will securely stay latched to the back without bouncing and causing a distraction. In addition to the obvious adventure racing, runners found this pack to be a multi-sport accessory and were great for light travel as well.
Additionally, the pack is designed to stay snuggly against the body without the possible irritation and chaffing that can be caused by a loose, ill-fitted back. Osprey designed this bag for the runner who is looking to for longer runs and needs a companion that will securely stay latched to the back without bouncing and causing a distraction. In addition to the obvious adventure racing, runners found this pack to be a multi-sport accessory and were great for light travel as well.
Breathability
Breathability
Osprey included specific design elements to ensure that runners received a highly breathable product in the Osprey Talon 11. Adventure runners understand that a pack that causes too much sweat or doesn't wick away moisture properly spells disaster for their races. The Osprey Talon 11 makes sure to quickly and effectively wick away sweat.
To start, the pack features Osprey’s patented Airscape technology along the back panel. This design provides a molded fit with foam ridges along the back that conform to the shape of the back. This design and material provide air channels to the runner to ensure maximum ventilation in the back where runners tend to accrue the most sweat during warm runs. In addition to the breathable back panel, the shoulder straps and hip belt are both made using a highly breathable mesh covering. The engineering team at Osprey worked to create a pack that was breathable and airy on all of its surfaces. Runners commented that even during the summer months and the hottest days, they were able to stay comfortable with this pack on and didn’t feel that it created unwanted warmth or perspiration.
To start, the pack features Osprey’s patented Airscape technology along the back panel. This design provides a molded fit with foam ridges along the back that conform to the shape of the back. This design and material provide air channels to the runner to ensure maximum ventilation in the back where runners tend to accrue the most sweat during warm runs. In addition to the breathable back panel, the shoulder straps and hip belt are both made using a highly breathable mesh covering. The engineering team at Osprey worked to create a pack that was breathable and airy on all of its surfaces. Runners commented that even during the summer months and the hottest days, they were able to stay comfortable with this pack on and didn’t feel that it created unwanted warmth or perspiration.
Comfort
Comfort
Regarding comfort, many runners commented the pack fit so perfectly that they almost forgot they were wearing it. Many times, the problem with an adventure backpack is that it tends to bounce and cause friction with can lead to chaffing, blisters, and hot spots. This pack provided a snug fit and confirmed the shape of the runner’s body and created an individualized fit for each runner. This can be attributed, in part, to the Airspace technology and the design of the back panel that uses molded foam ridges to conform to the shape of each runner. Likewise, runners were very pleased with the hip belt that was designed to keep the pack secure and also provide Lombard support for the runner.
Many runners commented that it is hard to find a good hip strap because they tend to sneak up toward the torso and cause discomfort, but the design of this hip strap stayed put around the hips. The shoulder straps were also well reviewed. They are made with a soft, breathable mesh lined nylon that provided maximum airflow and did an excellent job of wicking away sweat without causing friction or irritation to the shoulders or armpit areas.
Many runners commented that it is hard to find a good hip strap because they tend to sneak up toward the torso and cause discomfort, but the design of this hip strap stayed put around the hips. The shoulder straps were also well reviewed. They are made with a soft, breathable mesh lined nylon that provided maximum airflow and did an excellent job of wicking away sweat without causing friction or irritation to the shoulders or armpit areas.
Size
Size
Runners appreciated that this backpack is offered in two different sizes. A small/medium and a medium/large. While neither of the sizes offers a ton of space and are not suggested for longer trips or overnight endeavors, runners appreciated the options. However, this backpack is only made of a unisex design. For some runners, this was not an issue, while others commented that they appreciated backpacks that are designed for the unique shape of a woman’s body because they found the fit to be more precise and comfortable.
Durability
Durability
This backpack received very high marks. One runner even commented that they had the backpack for over a year and “it hasn’t aged a day.” Considering that this backpack is designed to take the runner out into the elements on longer runs and hikes, this is a key feature of this product. Runners commented that the material used is highly durable and seems almost resistant to rips and tears. Also, the casing holding up well to the elements, the engineers designed features like the zippers and bungee attachments also held up. Not a single reviewer commented on a faulty zipper or product malfunction. The high level of durability exhibited by this product makes the Osprey Talon 11 an exceptional value.
Accessories
Accessories
One of runners favorite accessories found in this backpack are the four zippered pockets. Each pocket is located in an easy to access area and is large enough to fit a phone or GPS like gadget, phone or MP3 Player. These pockets are made with a stretchy mesh so they can stretch to accommodate a variety of items snugly. They come with a zip enclosure to ensure that your most valuable items stay securely in place throughout your adventures. In addition to the pockets, this pack features a front bungee cord unit in the main pocket of the pack. This is ideal for holding a jacket or sweatshirt in place during runs. Runners also appreciated the stow on the go trekking pole attachment that is found in this backpack.
Style
Style
The Osprey Talon 11 is offered in four different colors: Martina red, black, ultramarine blue, and spring green. Regardless of the color selection, the pack has a svelte, streamlined look that is both small in size by rugged and adventurous. Runners found this to be a great look for adventure racing or even for use a day to day pack to carry their items around campus or work.
Price
Price
The price of this backpack is more than reasonable. Adventure runners know that a high-quality backpack can certainly cost them, but this product is priced slightly below the average running or athletic backpack price. Additionally, the quality is so high that this product will last runners much longer than other similar competitors. Another piece of good news is that the Osprey Talon 11 is an older model of this product. While still a wonderful purchase, the newer models have significantly bumped the price of this pack down, and it is now easier to find it on sale if you are patient.
Key Features
Key Features
- Stow on the go trekking pole attachment along the side
- Mere 4 ounces empty
- Multiple colors offered
- Bio stretch hip belt
- Airscape back panel for added breathability
- 5 pockets including the main compartment
- Mesh-lined shoulder straps
- Mere 4 ounces empty
- Multiple colors offered
- Bio stretch hip belt
- Airscape back panel for added breathability
- 5 pockets including the main compartment
- Mesh-lined shoulder straps
Bottom Line
Bottom Line
Osprey used their technical skill and expertise in the art of backpacks to create a product that is perfect for the adventure racer or the hiker looking for a lightweight daypack. The empty Osprey Talon 11 weighs a mere 4 ounces. This pack comes in two sizes, small/medium and medium/large to accommodate all runners. The pack is exceptionally breathable and is made using Osprey’s patented Airscape material for their back panel. This is one of the features that Osprey includes to make this a very comfortable pack. IN addition to the Airscape material, this pack is made to snuggly fit along the back, eliminating the risk of bouncing or unwanted movement.
For this reason, runners love the Osprey Talon 11 as a speed pack that they can use on their more aggressive trail races. Regarding storage, runners can expect to find a large pocket on the back. This pocket is covered with bungees that are perfect for securing a jacket or raincoat. The pack also has four zippered pockets to hold valuables and provides easy access to runners. In addition to all of the updates and special features that this pack offers, runners were surprised and pleased at the reasonable price tag. It comes in slightly under the average racing backpack price range on the market today. Runners also gave this backpack extremely high praise in the area of durability which increases the overall value of this product. The backpack comes with the option of four different colors ranging from bright to basic black.
For this reason, runners love the Osprey Talon 11 as a speed pack that they can use on their more aggressive trail races. Regarding storage, runners can expect to find a large pocket on the back. This pocket is covered with bungees that are perfect for securing a jacket or raincoat. The pack also has four zippered pockets to hold valuables and provides easy access to runners. In addition to all of the updates and special features that this pack offers, runners were surprised and pleased at the reasonable price tag. It comes in slightly under the average racing backpack price range on the market today. Runners also gave this backpack extremely high praise in the area of durability which increases the overall value of this product. The backpack comes with the option of four different colors ranging from bright to basic black.
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