Osprey Talon 22 vs Escapist 25
Osprey Talon 22 vs Escapist 25 are two compact hiking backpacks that have made some people confused. These two backpacks are available in a similar price range, and they are both seem to be compact and lightweight enough for day hiking, commuting, and biking. Osprey Talon 22 is awesome because it is very nimble and portable. Nobody wants to carry around a bulky backpack on a subway, and Osprey Talon 22 is convenient enough while still providing a decent capacity. On the other hand, Osprey Escapist 25 is slightly bigger, but also with an increased capacity.
Size and Capacity
Osprey Talon 22 is available in Small and Medium sizes. The Small size is 18.1” x 11” x 11”, with a weight of about 1.34 lbs. The capacity is about 20 liters (1220 cubic inches). Meanwhile, the Medium size is 20.1” x 11” x 11”, with a weight of about 1.78 lbs and a capacity of 22 liters (1343 cubic inches). In general, Osprey Talon 22 is great for biking and daily commuting. The size is enough for putting all your gear and essentials. Not small enough? Take a look at Osprey Talon 22 vs Tempest 20!
Osprey Escapist 25 is also available in Small and Medium size options. The Small size is 18” x 11” x 12”, 2.12 lbs. It can give you 23 liters (1404 cubic inches) of capacity. The Medium size is 20” x 11” x 12”, 2.25 lbs, providing a total capacity of 25 liters (1526 cubic inches). The increased capacity of Osprey Escapist 25 makes this model great for traveling, hiking, and camping.
Load Range and Durability
Despite the similar designs, Osprey Talon 22 vs Escapist 25 are made from different materials. Osprey Talon 22 is made from lighter fabrics, and the recommended load range is from 10 lbs – 20 lbs. The main fabric is 70D x 100D Nylon Mini Shadow Brick, and the reinforcement fabric is 420HD Nylon Packcloth. The bag is lightweight, but it won’t be suitable for carrying heavy loads.
On the other hand, Osprey Escapist 25 is built from 210D Nylon Mini Hex Diamond Ripstop, which is quite thicker and stronger, also reinforced with 420HD Nylon Packcloth. The recommended load range is from 10 lbs – 25 lbs.
Features
Again, despite the similarities, the two models come with different features. Osprey Talon 22 comes with the AirScape backpanel that is lightweight and comfortable, with precision cuts for air circulation. It keeps your back cool and breathable. The waist pockets are pretty big, very useful for storing small items. The backpack is very easy and simple to use.
Osprey Escapist 25 also comes with the AirScape backpanel and hipbelt pockets. However, the hipbelt pockets are smaller. The backpack features an external hydration sleeve for a hydration pack as well as an integrated raincover.
Osprey Talon 22 vs Escapist 25
Conclusion
If you mainly use the backpack only for biking and daily commuting, and you want the most compact and nimble backpack available, choose Osprey Talon 22. However, if you don’t mind the slightly increased size, you should choose Osprey Escapist 25. It is more durable, versatile, and feature-packed. It is suitable for biking and commuting, great for hiking and traveling. The integrated raincover is very useful to protect your bag from foul weathers.
