New Osprey Packs

New to Facewest this spring are the updated Osprey Talon and Tempest packs. The Talon was launched in 2007 as a lightweight unisex multi activity backpack.

Skip forward 7 years and Osprey introduced the Tempest which is a women’s specific version of the Talon, with changes to the back length and hip belt to better fit female dimensions.

I have been a fan of the Talon range of packs for quite some time and have had a Talon 33 since around 2008. These packs are very light and ideal for a vast array of activities and are a true multi activity pack.

The 2021 range of packs have gone through quite a change since I got my pack but many of the key design features are the same. Here is a run down of the key features on the Talon and Tempest packs.

Back system and Harness

The Osprey Talon/Tempest packs hinged around their AirscapeTM Suspension system. This is an Injection-Moulded HDPE back panel which has die-cut foam fixed to it. This panel is then covered with a stretchy mesh which allows a great amount of airflow through the back system keeping you cool. The mesh continues through onto the BioStretch Harness and hip belt allowing the shoulder straps and waist belt to move and flex as you do.

Adjustment

Both the Tempest and Talon are available in two back lengths Small/Medium and Large/XL. Back length adjustment is easy to use and very intuitive. This consists of a strong Velcro panel that can be unstuck and moved up and down to set the position of the shoulder straps to suit the user. The waist buckle adjustment is done in the same way as most packs except you pull from the hips instead of towards them. This means that the adjustment is done against the weight of the pack rather than a direct pull against the buckle.

Volume & Storage

Osprey pack volumes are stated for the main compartment only and the Talon/Tempest range have some really nice additional on the go storage area.  Probably one of the most defining features of these packs is the large and very useful stretchy dump pockets. There is one on either side of the pack and one on the front.  These are ideal for storing your wet waterproof jackets in or warm jackets whilst on the go, or even a water bottle for easy access.

Each hip fin on the waist belt has a small double zippered pocket ideal for quick access to kit such as your compass, phone, car keys or snacks. A nice addition this year is a mesh pocket on the left shoulder strap which is large enough to accommodate most mobile phones.

Whilst this feature has been on Osprey packs for a while it’s new to me and I like it. The Stow-on-the-Go pole stash is a really great feature. This essentially allows you to quickly stow your poles whilst, you guessed it, on the go. No need to fold your poles up, or faff around stashing your poles under your compression straps. A simple yet effective plastic covered bungee cord allows you to quickly stow your poles under you left arm.

Materials

The materials used on this year’s packs are a key area of change. Osprey have moved to using a Bluesign recycled high tenacity nylon. This super tough 100 denier recycled nylon is made up of both post-consumer waste and industrial waste. By using recycled waste they are avoiding plastic waste being unnecessarily dumped into landfill.