What makes the Osprey Talon 22 a top seller year after year is its balance of weight, comfort, and features. If you still want to go with the “the higher the denier, the better” cliche, Patagonia Refugio has 600D nylon. 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. Both are well-designed and very functional daypacks, but the choice should come down to your priorities on carrying comfort versus weight. The hydration sleeve is able house a 3-litre bladder, which barely alters the profile of the back of the pack.

Talon Earth 22 Backpack | Review - Outdoors M Osprey Talon Earth 22 Backpack | Review - Outdoors M

The Talon 22 uses a flexible HDPE framesheet to provide support and to transfer weight to your hips whilst maintaining flexibility and freedom of movement. If back ventilation is a top priority, the Osprey's Stratos 24 is the better bet, but we think most people will be happy with the Talon’s design.

As the leader in custom-fit backpacks, out pack-fitting technique ensures a properly fitting pack that maximise efficiency, comfort and safety both on and off the trail. The AirScape ventilated back system coupled with the padded waist belt makes it so comfortable, if it’s not loaded to the gills you almost forget you’re wearing it. 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 Talon 22 Review : Best hiking Daypack - Gear Hacker Osprey Talon 22 Review : Best hiking Daypack - Gear Hacker

In the end, it’s hard to beat the value of the Trail 25, but the Talon 22 is the better performance option and the more comfortable daypack overall.Running on varied and challenging trails is a welcome break from the monotony of pounding pavement (or even worse, the belt of a treadmill). But load it down with extra water or heavy gear, and it will droop and the thin padding on the hipbelt will start to feel less comfortable. All in all, we’re excited to see the changes and appreciate Osprey’s efforts to improve this popular line. It has a pair of the brand’s trademark systems, BioStretch and AirScape, providing breathability and moisture-wicking. 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.