What is the Talon 44?The iconic Osprey Talon 44 was developed to be a hugely versatile and lightweight pack for just about any outdoor activity where you need to carry plenty of kit in supreme comfort. It's perfectly at home thrashing around the mountains, travelling across the world or carrying out some minimalist multi-day backpacking. This new and updated version builds on the already incredible reputation of the Talon and incorporates recycled fabrics and an injection-moulded back panel for greater comfort.
What is it made of?The Talon 44 is made primarily from an environmentally-friendly 100x210D recycled Robic nylon. The entire Talon range now uses recycled fabrics, meaning you're getting the same stunning performance with the knowledge that you're reusing fabric that would have otherwise gone to landfill. This fabric provides lightweight durability to ensure that the Talon 44 will survive years of abuse, whatever your chosen activity. The base is made from an even tougher 420D recycled nylon, providing additional abrasion-resistance in this high-wear area. All fabrics are treated with a durable water repellent coating to resist light showers; this doesn’t make the pack 100% waterproof, so if you're walking in torrential rain then we'd recommend the use of drybags to organise your kit and keep it dry.
What is the backsystem?Building on the success of the last generation Talon, this latest generation version incorporates an updated injection-moulded backsystem. Technology from Osprey's larger and heavier weight packs has been applied to the Talon range, but still maintaining the lightweight and compact characteristics of the original design. The hip belt features seamless lumbar support and wraps around the body tightly and securely. The new shape of the back panel creates increased airflow and reduces the overall contact between your back and the pack. All Talon packs sit close to your back for stability and security yet still breathe superbly. The Talon 44 uses a flexible HDPE framesheet to provide support and to transfer weight to your hips whilst maintaining flexibility and freedom of movement.
Even though the Talon 44 is available in two back lengths, the AirScape back system is adjustable to ensure the perfect fit using a simple yet highly effective Velcro pad on the shoulder harness that can be easily set to various heights depending on the user. Please remember that your torso length and not your height will determine the back length. For example, I’m 191cm tall, yet only have a 47cm torso length.
The shoulder harness and hip belt are made with BioStretch materials, die-cut EVA foam and stretch fabrics so they flex and move with your body for unrestricted movement when scrambling, climbing and trekking.
What are the features?The Talon 44 features a top-loading design, giving you easy access to your kit with the ability to compress the pack down if not fully loaded.
Hydration access is simple and quick thanks to an external sleeve that lets you whip out your bladder for refilling without having to enter the main compartment. Despite its minimal weight the Talon 44 does not scrimp on storage with twin zipped hip belt pockets, a stretch front stash pocket, stretch mesh side pockets, a top lid pocket and an under-lid zipped pocket with a key clip.
A single ice axe loop gives winter walking capabilities and the unique “Stow-on-the-go” trekking pole attachment system allows you to safely stash your trekking poles away when they are no longer required without having to remove the pack or pester a mate to do it for you.
Side compression straps pull the weight closer to your back, increasing comfort and carrying efficiency; they also stop gear from rolling about in a half-full pack. Osprey calls these “InsideOut” straps as they can either be used inside or outside the side pockets. Inside the pocket, they compress the pack and not the pocket and outside the pocket they secure the contents of the pocket and compress the pack. Simply thread the straps in the manner that suits your needs.
And finally, there’s a built-in emergency whistle on the buckle of the adjustable sternum strap.
- Recycled Robic nylon fabrics
- Adjustable torso length
- External hydration access
- Internal key attachment clip
- LED attachment point
- Seamless lumbar to hipbelt body wrap
- Single ice axe loop
- Sternum strap with whistle
- Stow-on-the-go trekking pole attachment
- Stretch front pocket
- Stretch mesh side pockets with InsideOut compression
- Twin zippered hipbelt pockets
Getting the correct fit for your rucksack is as important as getting the fit right for your boots. A badly fitting pack can inflict misery and discomfort and completely ruin your adventure. This guide is designed to help you get the best fit and comfort from your chosen pack so that carrying all your kit becomes a pleasure and not a chore.
ADJUSTING THE BACK LENGTH
If the pack has an adjustable back length, adjust this to your correct level. Your back length is not related to your height but your torso length. Many packs, and specifically the bigger and more technical packs are available in different back lengths or feature adjustable back systems. Contrary to popular belief, your torso length and not your overall height is the key to getting a well fitted pack. Tall people don’t necessarily have long torsos, just as shorter people don’t always have a short torso length.
Your torso length can be found by measuring from your C7 vertebra (the bony protrusion at the back of your neck when looking down) to the height of your iliac crest (top of your hip bones, where you put your hands on your hips). This measurement will give you an idea of which pack back length to choose.
Once you've got the back length sorted, either by selecting the correct size pack or adjusting the back system, you can begin to follow these simple steps to help achieve a comfortable carry.
LOOSEN OFF ALL STRAPS
Before you start fitting the pack, loosen off all the straps as this will make it easier to get the correct tension later.
TIGHTENING THE HIPBELT
Fasten the backpack hipbelt, the general position is the same as where you’d put your ‘hands on hips’ This area is called the pelvic girdle, and what you can feel when you rest your hand on the area is the bony protuberance, the iliac crest. The iliac crest can support the weight from a pack comfortably, and for sustained periods. The padded section of the hipbelt should encompass this and fit securely.
Tighten the straps so the hipbelt feels secure and held firmly around your body. Ensure that the lumbar pad is centered to your lower back to give you maximum support. Remember that your hips carry most of the weight of the pack, so this should be firm but comfortable.
ADJUSTING THE SHOULDER STRAPS
Next, adjust the shoulder straps, pull them until they start to become snug, but ensure that they are not too tight as to lift the pack off your hips. Remember tightening them will stabilise the pack but will increase pressure over the shoulders. If the back length of the pack is correct the shoulder straps will be flush to your shoulders whilst the hipbelt sits in place comfortably. The point where the shoulder straps attach to the main body of the pack should be roughly half way down your shoulder blades; this ensures that the shoulder straps rolls evenly over the top of your shoulders to distribute the weight correctly.
FASTENING THE CHEST STRAP
Fasten the chest strap and pull until taut but not tight, the elastic section should not be extended. This helps keep the shoulder straps from catching in your shoulder joints and keeps the stability of the pack when moving over rough ground.
ADJUSTING THE TOP TENSIONERS
Top tensioner straps link the shoulder straps to the top of the pack. When tightened, their main function is to stabilise the top part of the pack. The optimum angle for these straps in 45º, but they will stabilise the load even when horizontal or at a more obtuse angle. Tighten them until you feel the top part of the pack rest against your pack, over tightening them will create excessive pressure on the front of your shoulders.
ADJUSTING THE SIDE TENSIONERS
Side tension straps are linked to the hipbelt. By tightening these straps you can stabilise the load but reduce the hipbelt flexibility. Where balance is critical tightening them can help you feel more secure. However, if you are striding out over easy terrain it’s better to loosen these straps to allow full hip flexibility.
ADJUSTING THE SIDE COMPRESSION STRAPS
Side compression straps come next, pulling these tight does two things: firstly, it stabilises the load, secondly it can lift the lower part of the pack, repositioning the load closer to your back.
ADJUSTMENTS ON THE GO
Following these steps should give you a comfortable but secure fit on your pack. Sometimes adjustments will need to be made on the go depending on the terrain or the load you are carrying. The perfect fit is very much a personal preference so experiment with different tensions on the pack to find what suits you best.