You know those days where the pack either earns its place on your back or quietly ruins the whole experience?
For me, the Osprey Talon 33 proved itself somewhere between a long, sweaty ridge hike and a stripped-back overnight where every single litre actually mattered. It’s not a big pack, and it’s not trying to be. But when you’re moving fast, packing light, and pushing through full days on the trail, that’s where it starts to shine.
I’ve used Osprey packs for years for both backcountry trips and bouts of travel, so this isn’t my first rodeo with their lineup. The Talon 33 has come with me on everything from multi-day hikes to short camping trips and even some minimalist travel legs through Asia. Sometimes it’s been exactly what I needed. Other times, its limitations showed up.
And that’s really what this review is about.
This isn’t going to be a generic love letter to Osprey. The Talon 33 sits in a very specific lane, and while it’s one of my personal favourites, it won’t suit everyone. Pretending otherwise isn’t helpful when you’re trying to decide what to actually buy.
So in this guide, I’m breaking down how it performs in the real world, from comfort on long hikes and overall trail performance, to how it handles travel, where the packing limitations start to bite, and who this pack is genuinely for (and who should be looking elsewhere).
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★★★★★☆
| Pros | Cons |
| + Lightweight and a joy to carry | – Not fully waterproof |
| + 33L is the sweet spot between roomy and spartan | – 33L is limited – Day use only |
| + Durable and well built | – Minimal padding on hip belt |
Quick Answer: The Osprey Talon 33 is perfect for you if you…
- …are an ultralight trekker.
- …need a durable day pack.
- …are traveling to hot-climate regions and do not want to check-in a bag.
- …want to travel and hike with a lightweight backpack.
- …prioritize technical backpack performance.
- …want a lightweight bag without sacrificing durability or comfort.
- …need a backpack with a lifetime guarantee
Quick Answer: The Osprey Talon 33 is not the perfect backpack for you if…
- You need room for bulky gear and equipment, and shoes.
- You want hiking backpack for 3+ multi-day hikes. It’s just not big enough.
- All you need is a suitcase to travel from the airport to your hotel. A hiking backpack is overkill.
- You’re traveling to cold places, and need to pack a lot of layers and boots.
The Osprey Talon 33 is not intended to lug around a ton of heavy gear, but it’s only 33 liters in volume, so you won’t be able to carry a ton of gear anyway. This is a backpack for shorter hiking and camping trips and travel trips with minimal stuff.
If you are looking for a larger backpack for travel or hiking, I recommend checking out our reviews of the best travel backpacks and the best hiking backpacks.
Warranty and Value
At the time of writing (April 2026) this pack will set you back about $205 USD. Quality backpacking gear is never going to be cheap, and to be honest, the price is high for a 33L day pack, and yet the Osprey Talon backpack is still reasonable considering how technical and versatile it is.
Like most Osprey packs, the Talon 33 also comes backed by their well-known “All Mighty Guarantee” which it’s genuinely one of the better warranties in the game.
If something goes wrong due to a fault, they’ll repair or replace it without much fuss. That kind of support adds real peace of mind, especially if you’re the kind of person who actually uses your gear hard over the years.
It’s not a free pass for abuse — general wear, airline damage, and accidental mishaps aren’t covered — but compared to most brands, it’s still a solid safety net.
And when you’re buying a pack you plan to rely on for years, that does count for something.
Fit and Sizing
The Osprey Talon 33 comes in two sizes:
Small/Medium: .87 kg/ 1.90 lbs
Medium/Large: .91 kg/ 2.02 lbs
Dimensions: (CM) 62 (l) x 30 (w) x 29 (d)/ (IN) 24 (h) x 12 (w) x 11 (d)
Fit matters more with the Talon 33 than most people expect. Because it’s a relatively lightweight, close-fitting pack, even small sizing issues can show up quickly, especially once you’ve got it properly loaded. If you can, try it on with some weight inside rather than judging it empty on a shop floor somewhere.
The good news is that the adjustable back length gives you a decent amount of flexibility to dial things in. Get it right, and it sits comfortably and moves with you. Get it wrong, and you’ll feel it before the day’s over.
It’s one of those packs where taking the time to properly fit it really pays off.
More information on Osprey’s sizing charts can be found on their website.
Weight
Weighing 2.02 pounds at most, the Osprey Talon 33 is pretty light. Yes, you can find backpacks that weigh less for the same capacity, but then you won’t be getting the storage features or comfortable padding that come with the Talon 33.
This bag is meant for getting off-trail and so you want a support system and padding. I’ve always found that this bag does a good job at staying lightweight while remaining comfortable.
Comfort and Carry
This is easily one of the Talon 33’s biggest strengths.
Osprey’s AirScape suspension system does a lot of the heavy lifting here. It gives you that close-to-body, stable carry without turning your back into a swamp — something you really start to appreciate on long hikes in warmer climates. It’s one of the better ventilation setups I’ve used on a pack in this size range.
The padding is also more generous than you’d expect for a lightweight 33L pack, especially through the shoulder straps and hip belt. Combined with the flexible frame design (or lack of a traditional metal one), it keeps things feeling light and agile while still hugging your body properly.
Fit plays a big role too. The adjustable torso length lets you dial things in by shifting the harness up or down, which makes a noticeable difference once the pack is loaded. There’s also a simple sternum strap with an integrated whistle to help fine-tune how it sits across your shoulders.
As long as you pack it sensibly, it’s genuinely comfortable for full days on the trail. But it’s worth being clear — this isn’t a heavy-haul pack. Once you start pushing beyond around 9–14kg (20–30 lbs), the lack of a proper frame becomes noticeable.
It also comes in multiple sizes, plus a women’s-specific version (the Tempest), which is worth trying if it better suits your body shape. With a pack like this, getting the right fit makes all the difference.
Attachments and Straps
Exterior straps and attachment points matter more than people think, especially once you start balancing weight and figuring out what doesn’t need to live inside your pack.
The Talon 33 does a good job here without going overboard. The standout is the “Z-shaped” side compression strap, which lets you secure trekking poles while still keeping a water bottle in the side pocket. This is a small detail, but genuinely useful when you’re moving and don’t want to keep stopping.
You’ve also got dual loops for trekking poles or ice axes at the base of the pack. Not everyone will use these, but if you’re getting into more technical hikes or mixed terrain, they’re there when you need them.
The compression system overall works well for tightening the load and keeping things stable, and it doubles up for strapping bulkier items externally, such as a jacket or even lighter gear you don’t want taking up space inside.
One of the more underrated features is the elastic on the shoulder straps. It’s perfect for holding sunglasses or quick-access bits, and it’s one of those things you don’t think about until you start using it constantly.
For the average buyer, not every attachment here is essential. But if you’re actually out hiking regularly (and not just using it as a travel bag) these features quietly make life easier without adding unnecessary complexity.
Organisation Features and Pockets
If you like to nerd out on backpack organisation, the Talon 33 has enough going on to keep things interesting, without turning into an over-engineered mess.
In total, you’re looking at around 8 external pockets, and most of them earn their keep:
- Top lid pocket(s):
A zippered pocket on top, plus a mesh pocket underneath the lid. Great for small essentials you don’t want buried — think headlamp, snacks, documents. - Front shove-it pocket:
The standout. Perfect for stuffing a jacket, wet gear, or anything you want separate from the main compartment. Easily one of the most-used features on the trail. - Hipbelt pockets:
Dual zippered pockets that are genuinely useful — ideal for your phone, snacks, keys, or anything you want without stopping. - Shoulder strap pocket:
Stretch mesh on the strap — simple but effective. Works well for sunglasses or quick-grab items. - Side stretch pockets:
Dual stretch pockets that hold water bottles securely and are easy enough to access on the move. - Hydration sleeve:
External sleeve that fits up to a 2L bladder. Slightly different from Osprey’s usual internal setup, but it works well and keeps things accessible. - Top-loading only (limitation):
No bottom compartment, no front or side panel access. Everything goes in from the top — which means you need to pack smart.
Overall, it’s a streamlined setup. You’re not getting suitcase-style organisation, but for a 33L hiking pack, that’s kind of the point. It keeps things simple, light, and functional, as long as you’re happy working out of a top-loader.
Hydration Reservoir
Like many of Osprey’s hiking backpacks, the Osprey Talon 33 does come with a hydration reservoir sleeve, though the hydration reservoir is sold separately.
Having the option of hydration reservoir storage is great if you prefer hiking or traveling with one, especially for overnight hikes where water might not be available and you need to store extra water.
Weather Proofing and Durability
Durability-wise, the Talon 33 holds up well for what it is, a lightweight, performance-focused hiking pack.
The materials feel solid without being overbuilt, and it’s handled regular trail use, scrapes, and being thrown around without any real issues. If you’re using it properly, for day hikes, light overnights, fast-and-light trips then it’s more than tough enough.
Weatherproofing is where things get a bit more limited. The fabric does have a degree of water resistance, so it’ll handle light rain or a quick shower without drama. But this is not a waterproof pack, and it doesn’t come with a rain cover included, which is worth noting.
If you’re heading out in proper bad weather, you’ll need to think about extra protection. A separate rain cover or dry bags inside the pack is still the way to go if you want to keep your gear properly dry.
For hikers, that’s a pretty standard setup. But it does highlight one of the Talon 33’s clearer limitations, it’s built for performance and weight savings, not full weather protection. If you mostly stick to fair-weather hikes, it’s a non-issue. If you’re regularly out in unpredictable conditions, you’ll need to plan around it.
Is a Rain Cover Included
Unfortunately, the Talon 33 does not include a rain cover, which is a bummer as some of their newer Osprey models do. A rain cover costs around $35, which you should get if you will be traveling or hiking a lot. You’re bound to get rained on eventually. That said, Osprey rain covers are top quality. I have used one in rainstorms and even a snowstorm, and my gear stayed dry.
What 33L Actually Gets You (And Where It Falls Short)
The Talon 33 sits in that middle ground where it can feel either perfectly dialled… or surprisingly limiting depending on how you intend to use it.
Where it feels roomy
For daily use, it’s honestly overkill in a good way. You’ve got loads of space for work, school, or general carry without feeling like you’re cramming everything into a tiny bag. At the same time time it’s still streamlined enough not to feel bulky on a commute.
On the trail, this is exactly what the pack was built for. Day hikes are where it shines: plenty of room for layers, food, water, and extras without needing to overthink your packing.
It also handles warm-weather overnights and stripped-back 1–2 night trips really well. If your gear is compact and you pack smart, everything fits comfortably.
Where it starts to feel tight
As soon as you move into proper backcountry setups, the limits show up.
Carrying a tent, sleeping bag, stove, food, and extra gear quickly eats into that 33L capacity. In fact, you will be attaching thigs to the side. Realistically, you’re looking at 1–3 nights max, and that’s in warmer conditions with a fairly dialled-in setup.
Cold weather makes things even tighter. Bulkier layers and larger sleep systems don’t play particularly nicely with a pack this size.
Hiking vs travelling
The Talon 33 is built as a hiking pack first and that shows ion every single feature. It’s top-loading, doesn’t open like a suitcase, and comes with trail-focused features like pole attachments and compression systems.
That said, it handles travel surprisingly well if your style leans outdoors. If you’re the kind of traveller who mixes cities with hikes — or builds trips around being outside — then it works as a solid crossover bag.
Just don’t expect travel-first convenience. You’re trading easy access and organisation for trail performance.
Best use cases;
- Full-day hikes
- Daily carry with extra space
- Warm-weather overnights
- Minimalist 1–2 (maybe 3) night trips
Where it struggles;
- Winter loads and cold-weather gear
- Bulkier camping setups
- Travel setups that need suitcase-style access
At the end of the day, 33L is a sweet spot, but only if you stay within its lane. Push beyond that, and the Talon will remind you pretty quickly what it was (and wasn’t) designed for.
There are more travel-specific backpacks out there, like the Osprey Farpoint 40.
Osprey Talon 33 Packing Tips
Don’t look at 33 liters as a limit, but as the ultimate freedom. Trust me; traveling light is the best way to go whether you’re jumping on a moving train or hiking through the jungle. But that doesn’t mean it’s easy to pack in a 33-liter backpack, and you need a proper strategy.
Here are a few useful tips for packing the Osprey Talon 33:
Main Compartment:
This is where you store the majority of your gear, clothes, etc. A rule of thumb: Heavy and bulky items should be stored in the middle of the pack, towards the bottom.
This includes your clothes, food, books, a backpacking stove, etc. If you are camping, store your sleeping bag at the bottom of your compartment since you only have to access it once a day.
I suggest storing your rain jacket and other items you need to access either at the top, or in one of the external pockets. The front mesh pocket is a great spot for your rain jacket or wet clothing.
If you are traveling, it may make sense to have 1-2 packing cubes. From personal experience, more than 2 can be overkill and ends up packing bulkier. When you are traveling from point a to b, wear your bulkiest pair of shoes nad store your sandals in your bag (or the waterbottle pocket.
Top Lid:
The underside of the top lid is a great spot for your your toothbrush, make-up, and other personal items. It is also a safe place to store copies of your passport and eletronic cords.
For the top lid itself, I store my daily things: snacks, tickets, book, journal, etc.
Side Pocket:
Your side pocket is perfect for storing your water bottle! You can also store anything bulky with the compression straps too, like a tri-pod.
Other Pockets:
Keep your extra jacket in the front mesh pocket. You can also store smaller items in the hip belt pockets.
Osprey Talon 33 Cons
No pack is perfect — and the Talon 33 does have a few drawbacks worth knowing about.
Top loading only
There’s no front or side access, and no separate bottom compartment. Everything goes in from the top, which can be a dealbreaker if you prefer suitcase-style access. Less of an issue for hiking, but noticeable for travel.
A bit big for pure day use
At 33L, it can feel like overkill if you just want a simple daypack. That said, the extra space and comfort make it a nice problem to have, especially on longer days.
Water bottle access isn’t perfect
The side mesh pockets are secure, but not the easiest to reach on the move. You may need to take the pack off to grab your bottle.
Osprey Talon 33 Vs Talon 22
The Talon series at Osprey comes in multiple sizes, and the 22-liter version is also quite popular. Osprey often has multiple sizes for their series, but it’s important to know that more often than not, different sizes also means different features.
Here is what the Talon 33 and 22 have in common:
- Comfort and a back panel with foam
- Adjustable back panel
- The AirScape back panel for ventilation
- External hydration reservoirs
- Trekking pole attachments
- Front pocket
The Talon 22 is obviously the smaller backpack and it’s a bit cheaper because of that. I would go with the 22 if you are primarily biking or mountaineering, but the Osprey Talon 33 for traveling and camping.
There are a couple different features to note, and I’ll start with the Talon 22. The Talon 22 backpack features a LidLock bike helmet attachment point, which is why I recommend this pack for bikers. This pack also has several pockets to organise your equipment that the 33 does not.
The 33 obviously has its size going for it. It also has a top lid; whereas, the 22 opens by zipper like a normal backpack. This means the lid on the Talon 33 that goes over the main compartment and has an extra pocket.
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Should You Buy the Osprey Talon 33?
The Talon 33 is at its best when you use it the way it was designed: fast, light, and trail-focused.
It’s a brilliant pack for full-day hikes, warm-weather overnights, and minimalist 1–2 night trips. It also works well for travellers who prioritise mobility and plan to mix city movement with real hiking. Lightweight, comfortable, and close-fitting, it does these things exceptionally well.
Where it falls short is when you push it outside that lane. If you need to carry bulky gear, pack for winter conditions, or want easy-access, suitcase-style organisation for travel, this probably isn’t the right bag at all.
Buy it if:
- You want a lightweight, high-performance daypack
- You hike regularly and value comfort on long days
- You travel light and don’t need loads of structure
Look elsewhere if:
- You need to carry heavier loads or bulkier gear
- You want front-panel access or travel-first organisation
- You’re planning longer or cold-weather trips
Final rating: 4.6 / 5
But that score isn’t universal — it’s for the kind of user this pack is built for. If you stay within its lane, the Talon 33 is one of the best in its class. Step outside it, and the limitations show pretty quickly.
