Talon 22 for backcountry daypack?

I’ve used an Osprey Stratos 24 for years as a day pack.  It was the right size for me and very comfortable.  I also liked the arching frame, although I often mounted my water bladder in that space that might have reduced air flow.  In general that pack didn’t deliver the air flow I expected because it seemed like the the sides still contacted by back.

I also found that it wasn’t big enough for me.  24 liters should be enough but it was a long curving space, so bulky items filled up the space inefficiently.  The Talon may pack better.  I would take your stuff to REI and see how it packs.

It is also a very heavy pack for it’s size.  Mine weighs in at 41 oz?  Significantly More than my ULA multi-day backpack.  I’m not carrying that much, but still – that’s a lot.  I think the Talon is less than 2 lbs.

So I ended up picking up a used Zimmerbuilt Quickstep here on BPL.  It’s a completely different type of pack, much bigger than I need and no frame structure whatsoever – no hip belt either.  The pack weighs less than 10oz.  It’s 2 lbs lighter than my Stratos.  I use water bottles with a hydration tube instead of the bladder and saved a little more weight there.  Done and done!

I use my daughters kids osprey jet 18 for day hikes from base camp on a backpacking trip.

What is your pack weight like that you need a 85L pack even with 2 boys coming along?  I just don’t see the justification of bringing a second 2lb pack along for day hikes.  Perhaps a drybag with straps at less than 8oz.

That said the Talon is a fine day pack for hiking but not compactable enough to use on a backpack trip