Osprey Talon Velocity Review

My shared interest of trail running and backpacking have led me to explore various packs for both running and backpacking. 

I've logged hundreds of miles in various running vests, with the Salomon ADV Skin 5 being my preferred choice.  I have completed 4 ultra marathons with this vest, covering single distances of up to 40 miles.

For backpacking adventures, I've traditionally relied on packs in the 60-75 liter range to support multi-day trips.  My primary pack has been the Osprey Atmos AG 65. 

Originally, I had began planning for a two day trip on the Quehanna Trail in Western Pennsylvania.  I loaded the Velocity 20-liter with enough gear for myself and my pup.

However, as the weekend approached, the weather did not cooperate.  The forecast called for rain the entire weekend and temps in the low 40's.  These were less than ideal conditions to test a gear kit that was lighter than I have ever carried. 

Last minute, my friend Nathan became available to get out for something closer to home.  We decided to do an overnight trip in Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Northeast Ohio.  There is a new camping facility called Valley Overlook that opened over the summer and offers primitive camping sites in the heart of the CVNP.

The forecast for rain was no better in CVNP than it was for the Quehanna Trail, but we decided it would be a good opportunity to test our gear and abilities with a cold & wet overnight.

We began with some dinner in Peninsula at the Winking Lizard Tavern and plotted a route that would take us 7 or 8 miles along a mix of the Buckeye and Bridle trails to reach our camp.  

I started planning for a trip with the Talon Velocity 20 before actually getting the pack. One of my initial questions was, 'How much gear can I fit in a 20-liter pack?' It was a challenging question to find an answer to, and one that I really wanted more information. Here is what I learned: my fully packed gear list for our overnight trip.

Sleep/Shelter System:

• Nemo Dagger 2P Footprint
• Bear Butt Hammock Tarp
• Thermarest NeoAir XTherm Sleeping Pad
• Nemo Fillo Pillow

Packed Clothes:

• REI Wool Baselayer
• Patagonia Puffy
• Outdoor Research Helium Rain Shell Jacket
• Arc'teryx Lightweight Rain Pants
• Minus33 Wool Beanie
• Arc'teryx Gloves

Miscellaneous & Safety:

• iPhone 12
• First Aid Kit
• Black Diamond Spot Headlamp
• Coast Tactical Light
• Benchmade Bugout Knife
• Fire Starter Fuel
• Mini Bic Lighter
• Toiletries

Food/Water/Cook:

• 2 500ml Hydrapack Soft Flasks
• Be Free 1-Liter Filter
• 6 Honeystinger Waffle/Bars
• 2 Dehydrated Mountain House Meals
• REI Flask
• Old Fashioned Drink Mix Kit
• Toaks 750ml Pot
• Small Fuel Canister
• MSR Stove

The final weight of the loaded pack stood at 16 lbs and 2 oz, excluding water weight.  It was a full load, but not busting at the seams.  

In my initial planning for a two night trip, I had packed 2-3 lbs of additional food for myself and dog.  This was nearing the edge of a reasonable volume capacity and also began to feel a bit stressed on the carry weight.

I can imagine a scenario where upgrading a couple of additional items to ultralight gear, and weather cooperating, that I could make a multi-day trip of two or three days with this 20-liter pack.  Anything beyond that and I would certainly look to step up to the 30-liter version.  

With a comprehensive gear list and pack capacity covered, let's dive into the features that make the Talon Velocity a great choice for swift adventures on the trail.

Pack Weight Comparison:

The pack itself weighs 1.9 lbs, falling within the expected weight range. However, it leans toward the heavier side compared to other similar use packs that I've come across.

Carrying Weight Comfortably:

While carrying just under 20 lbs, and featuring multiple adjustment straps to position the weight close to the body, the Velocity does provide a very agile load that moves where you move.  It also has an ample amount of external pockets and tie down straps to extend capacity beyond the internal storage compartment.  At times I did find the waist strap difficult to tighten quickly while on the go.  All other adjustments were easy to use.   

Straps & Tension Adjustment

There are a total of twelve tension straps, designed to ensure a snug and secure fit.  These include: 

• Two compression straps on the top and bottom of each side, ideal for securing internal items.
• A compression strap looping over the top from front to back.
• Load lifter straps, positioned at the shoulder strap and top of the pack.  
• Tension straps on the bottom of the vest, connecting diagonally across your side and back to the pack.  
• Fully adjustable chest straps that can move up and down vertically to be customized to your desired fit.  
• A waist strap, ensuring the pack remains securely in place around the waist and above the hips.  

Back Storage & Pockets

The main storage area is an undivided compartment that maximizes the internal space.  To keep smaller items organized and accessible, the internal compartment features a zippered pouch, providing a secure location for critical items like your compass, maps, keys, credit cards or any other smaller necessities. 

The top of the main storage area is a drawstring closure, covered by a mesh extension that pulls over the top and runs down most of the pack's length.  This is one of my favorite features, as it results in a large mesh pocket that is nearly as tall as the pack itself.  It's a great place for wet clothes, rain gear, or even to stow away an extra dehydrated meal or two.

On the sides of the pack, you'll find mesh pockets that have access from both the top and a side cutout, allowing easy access while on the go.  I have mixed feelings about the cutout access.  While convenient for reaching back to stuff items like hats or gloves, I found myself concerned about items falling out.  A similar feature is found on my Osprey Atmos 65 offering access to a Nalgene water bottle without pulling the pack off, but with two soft flask pockets up front on the Velocity, it lessens the value of accessible water storage.  I would prefer to see the side cutout eliminated on one side, or even better, the addition of a way to clasp it closed.  There is already a loop on the stretchable mesh, I added a safety clip through the loop and back through the pack to better secure items in the left pocket.

Front Storage & Pockets

The front vest pockets are a true highlight for me.  They are exceptionally well designed with the following elements:

• Two hydration sleeves that fit my 500ml HydraPak soft flasks perfectly - no fighting to get them to slide in.  
• Over top of each of the hydration sleeves is an additional storage pocket.
• On the left is a vertically zippered compartment to secure important items.
• The right side is an open pouch.  This pouch was my preferred place for storing my phone to keep in easy reach.  It slid in and out easily but held firmly in a vertical position with no concern that it would go anywhere.

Around the waist belt are two more pockets. The one on the right is zippered and the left is an open pouch.  

• The right-side zippered pocket is large enough to store my headlamp, tactical light, pocket knife, and extra batteries, all with room to spare.  
• The left-side open pouch is perfect for storing fuel, and I easily fit three Honey Stinger Bars along with three Honey Stinger Waffles.    

I used a Sea to Summit pack cover in size small which was a bit big for the pack but still did the job.  Osprey makes a similar hi visibility rain cover which should fit in size small based on a 20-35 liter pack size recommendation.

I did eventually make it out on the Quehanna Trail with the Talon Velocity.  I spent two nights and two days packing along parts of the Eastern Section of the trail.  My pack list was essentially the same as outlined above with the exception of an extra day of additional food.  To improve organization and add a bit of extra volume, I also used a 1.5 liter Mountainsmith lumbar pack which carried most of my smaller items, electronics, honey stinger bars/waffles, etc...  My goal was to travel fast and light with reasonable comfort, the Talon Velocity was a perfect fit for the trip.

The Velocity impresses as a dynamic addition to the Talon/Tempest series, seamlessly blending the efficiency of a trail running hydration vest with the capacity of a 20-liter or 30-liter pack.  Designed for those seeking fast and light adventures on the trail, it offers a versatile and comfortable solution.

Usage Insights:

• Overnight Fastpacking: Through an overnight trip in adverse conditions, the Talon Velocity demonstrated its capability to handle a diverse load.
• Load Weight Management: Engaging in a two night trip along the Quehanna Trail, the 20-liter version paired with a small lumbar pack, efficiently carried all of my necessary gear, hinting at its potential for multi-day trips with ultralight gear.

In conclusion, I find the Talon Velocity to be an exciting new pack from Osprey, offering a blend of trail running agility and backpacking functionality.