Without anything in it the bag is light as a feather but includes a rigid aluminum frame.
This means when you have the hip belt fully tightened the bag feels even lighter because the weight is transferred to the hips which is lower in your center of gravity. The bag also has a lot of mesh which makes it nice in hot weather but also means if the straps are on bare skin they can feel scratchy. As we found out, when hiking the Inka Trail you should avoid tank tops. A t-shirt or long sleeved lightweight shirt is best or you will probably get chafing no matter what kind of bag you have (at least two of us had chafing from our bags even when they weren't fully loaded). I used the bag as my hiking bag on the inka trail which was lightly loaded with one change of clothes, water in my platypus, and my DSLR.
So why would I get the Talon (mens version) instead of the Tempest (womens version).
Well much to the disbelief of sales persons my back is actually so long I don't fit into any womens bags - even the womens bags that claim to be adjustable. I have denied this reality in the past and purchased womens specific fit bags and consequently suffered an aching back after just 30 minutes of wearing it. If you're really interested in your torso size get fitted for a road bike you'll probably get a more accurate measurement than from a sales person guessing what bag you'll fit based on your height and sex. I for one am 5'4" so most sales people fit me as a women's small which is about 4 sizes off. When I say I'm actually a mens large they usually tell me "well this womens bag is adjustable and it's a prettier colour". Don't go for the pretty colour people! I do wish they sold womens bags in larger torso sizes, however, because the hip belts on the mens bags are usually too big for me. Despite the hip belt being on the verge of being too big and the shoulder straps being a bit scratchy I still think this is the best bag for hiking the inca trail. If you're carrying a DSLR camera I would consider the Lowepro Photosport or the Jack Wolfskin Photo Pack Pro as a day pack.
 |
| Being a tourist with my Osprey Talon 44 lightly loaded (the rest of my stuff was in compression sacks back at the hostel) |
 |
| Being a tourist with my lightly loaded talon 44. |
Since hiking the Inka Trail I've also taken this bag to Europe which it easily gets carried on the plane or into checked baggage where it has held up well. My only complaint - too many straps hanging out everywhere. I would like a place to tuck the straps when the bag isn't very full like in the photos here.
The Talon 44 is the perfect backpacking bag since it's lightweight, compact, compressible and still comfortable for long walks to the train station with all your gear. I love the size because it makes it easy for a short person to put it up on a high baggage compartment or it even fits under the seats in an airplane!
 |
| Hiking with the Talon 44 loaded up. |
You also might like: Photosport 200 Pack Review