I have seen this pack just a week ago on a summit in the Swiss Alps, it looked impressive and this is why I have decided to write this Osprey Talon 6 Review.
Key features & benefits
- Bonus 2 Hydraulics bottles.
- Great design.
- Lightweight.
- Reliable.
What is this about
In the past, Osprey used to have Talon lumbar packs of 8 and 4 liters. Then some 3 years ago, as I remember in 2014, they introduced the Talon 6 instead of those two packs. But now in 2017, they have modified the Talon and Tempest series, and this Talon 6 is the new modified version of this popular lumbar pack. This is just to know if you feel confused with all those previous models on the Internet.
So as I mentioned above, I was on a summit which was over 3000 meters when a person arrived, almost running. That was one of those guys that go very fast and with a minimal equipment, I am sure you have seen them around. I saw him well before he arrived, he was speeding up towards the summit, and when he was there I saw this lumbar pack.
It was cold on the summit, with a bit of snow, so he took a windproof jacket from this tiny pack, and I think he also had waterproof pants there. We talked a bit about it and I had a proper look. He had some other things there, it looked really impressive to me.
This is not something I would use for my own tours because I do it in a different way. But clearly, this is a versatile tool suitable for many activities, just to mention trail runners, bikers, etc.
Description
This is a lightweight tool with 6 liters (366 cubic inches) capacity as its name suggests, truly multi-purpose and with a very modern design. It comes with two bonus ergonomic 570 ml bottles.
The back panel is an accordion-type foam structure with air channels, see the picture below, covered by a very breathable seamless lumbar-to-hip-belt AirScape mesh. This is a flexible and stretchy construction that maximizes breathability, and you will find it in all packs of the modified Talon and Tempest series.
On the front, you have two short straps with buckles so here you can store a piece of clothing, like a windbreaker, or you can use them simply to cinch and stabilize the load. There is a handle on the top as well. The materials look cool and durable, the design is great as you realize from the pictures.
Pockets
Obviously, with such a tool this is all about pockets. So you have two zippered hip belt pockets just like in any standard pack. On the top there is a zippered slash mesh pocket with a key clip. The main “pocket” is the main compartment, and inside of it. you have yet another hidden zippered pocket for valuables.
In addition to this, on the sides you have two vertical padded holsters for the included ergonomic 570 ml Hydraulics bottles, see the picture above. They are equipped with bungee cords to keep them in place when you run.
All zippers are with nice pull loops typical for Osprey packs, so you can use them easily with gloves.
Here is a short promotion video by Osprey about the modified Talon and Tempest series, this 6 liters pack is shown close to the end:
Specifications
- Best use: day hiking, trail running, biking, Nordic skiing.
- Weight: 0.335 kg (11.8 oz).
- Volume: 6 l (366 cu in).
- Maximum dimensions (L x W x D): 20 x 30 x 21 cm (7.9 x 12 x 8.3 in).
- Waist fit: 63 – 127 cm (25 – 50 in).
- AirScape mesh covered accordion foam back panel.
- Seamless lumbar to hip belt body wrap.
- StraightJacket compression.
- Twin 570 ml BPA free Hydraulics bottles included.
- Twin zippered hip belt pockets.
- Zippered panel access.
- Zippered mesh pocket with a key clip.
- Material:
– Main: 70D x 100D Nylon Mini Shadow Brick.
– Accent and bottom: 420HD Nylon Packcloth. - Colors: 3.
- Guarantee: Osprey’s All Mighty.
Summary, rating, pros & cons
To conclude this Osprey Talon 6 Review, clearly, this is a nicely designed and reliable tool from a famous brand, it is covered with their All Mighty Guarantee, so you can be sure when you buy it. This guarantee may be partly behind its a bit steep price. I have seen the pack used by people, it is built to do the job, and I can fully recommend it.
See how I rate this daypack:
Osprey Packs Talon 6 Lumbar Pack
Pros
- Bonus 2 Hydraulics bottles.
- Versatile.
- It looks really cool.
- Nice colors.
- Osprey’s All Mighty Guarantee.
Cons
- Expensive.
You might want to compare it with this Mountainsmith Tour Lumbar Pack. Note that there is a version for women, under the name Tempest 6 lumbar pack. The Talon is a great Osprey series that includes packs of 6, 11, 18, 22, 33, and 44 liters.
Thank you for reading, in the case of questions or comments please use the comment box below. Have a nice day.
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