Osprey Talon 44 vs Exos 48 Comparison

[@Thebluedocful]

In a world where we're increasingly having to make decisions on buying products without trying them first, it's great to have reviews as informative and clear as this. Thanks Martin. I was thinking about the Exos 48 - my Atmos 65 is too big for spring / summer camps. But there's just one or two features missing from the Exos 48 that I wouldn't have noticed without your review. Subscribed!

[@HikingWithMartin]

Thanks Simon I’m trying to do my actual reviews based on real world experience as a lot of these things only become evident after some use, thanks for the sub!

[@Thebluedocful]

@@HikingWithMartin it’s a bit of a shame mate as they are perhaps the best mesh side pockets I’ve seen on a pack! Thanks again

[@nickcraggs7478]

No one is forcing you to shop online, you could visit your local specialist store. Use them or lose them!

[@drewowen8543]

Solid video, mate. Comprehensive, simple explanations about both the good and the bad, really easy to follow and understand. Thanks!

[@HikingWithMartin]

Thanks you Drew it’s great to have this feedback

[@pault5947]

Now that's a proper review, very helpful thanks.

[@leekayne]

Brilliant !!! This is the most thorough examination of an Osprey Exos that I’ve seen along with what you think about the features and design and why you think it I know your doing a comparison with the Talon but it highlights the pros and cons really well. I’ve got the Atmos AG 50 and a 3FUL 40 + 16 and I’ve been considering buying an Exos 58. This video is really helpful. nice one 👍🏻

[@HikingWithMartin]

Well thank you very much, im going to try and do a lot of reviews but with experience of using them because i think its important to point out the downsides probably more-so than the upsides! Glad it was useful Lee!

[@andrewcallahan612]

I really liked this roundup - thank you! But I do want to note that the Exos 48 seems to have been updated in 2022, changing some of the things talked about in the design (e.g. the straps are different, and there's waist strap pockets now). So people watching this will want to also cross-check some more recent reviews of the Exos 48.

[@Ruckanonymous]

There was a lot of push back from consumers about the fact that the Exos line had lost hip belt pockets, and yet, the Exos line got heavier. Osprey seemed to have reverted back to having hipbelt pockets with the latest generation of Exos line.

[@tomaszbosak3290]

Thanks for your much to the details review. I have Talon 44, which I've been used only once for longest trip & to me like with many different gears, all's about individual preferences, desire & needs. Outside pockets (for up to 1l bottle each side & central mesh pocket for waterproof staff like trousers/jacket are game changer & fulfill all my requirements, which in same time is game over comparing to other brands & packs with similar size.

[@kirinwake]

Great review Martin, Thank you!

[@meanderingkiwi]

Great review. I have just looked at both packs and agree with most all your comments. The Talon 44 with the larger external pockets would be pretty to close to the ideal pack. Thanks again for taking the time to do such a comprehensive and clear review.

[@HikingWithMartin]

Thanks Gordon more reviews coming, nice to get positive feedback.

[@nigellack2576]

Thanks for this thorough and useful review.

[@DS-ej6du]

Great Review Martin, new for this year is a Talon 55, definitely on my list

[@HikingWithMartin]

Well I think could be ideal really

[@davidhale1568]

Yep if the Talon had the exos side pockets that you can actually squeeze a tent into if needed and a better back pocket it would have been a worthy replacement for my original Talon. I suspect that the hip belt on the exos works better because it has a bigger area and wider straps than on my old Talon.

[@HikingWithMartin]

@@davidhale1568 ah there you goif you read my reply to your other comment you sadi the same thing basically!

[@SaunterOn]

Fantastic review and comparison...just ordered a Talon 44, and your review of it was definitely one of the better ones, and helped reassure me as to my decision. Many thanks 🙏

[@davidhale1568]

I ended up adding some thin memory foam to the exos straps to stop them swishing up, be interesting to check out the new version when available

[@davidhale1568]

Your review is Spot on, I finally went for the exos 48 to replace my 18 years old tallon 44 which being the small to medium size is actually 42. I've done three long distance backpack's with the exos I've been trying to figure out a way of improving the shoulder straps, I think the thing that annoys me most is the pack won't stand up! So not quite a replacement for my old Talon, I have found an excellent replacement for it in the shape of the Gregory stout 45 a similar weight to the talon much bigger side pockets better waist belt with good pockets and better shoulder straps, a little less ventilation but very adjustable back length. Have only done a day walk with it but seems to fit the bill.

[@HikingWithMartin]

You know you are absolutely right about it not standing up that drives me mad I didn’t mention it before ever as I thought it was just me. Glad you found a solution

[@dalefalgate2716]

I have both and I think I prefer the talon but the seam that the bottom material is attached to the back material just under the hipbelt, seems to stick out and I can feel it digging into my lower back.

[@HikingWithMartin]

Dale id message Osprey about that as I dont think its meant to be like that.

[@matthewschembriify]

Thanks Martin for an excellent comparison of 2 great packs, highlighting the pros and cons one tends to discover on a walk rather than when trying out in store. Any opinions on the Kestrel 48?

[@HikingWithMartin]

Haven’t used it I’m afraid so can’t really comment on it. But I’d say it looks like a good pack, only way to find out is to try it but can’t comment on something I haven’t used with any real accuracy I’m afraid

[@Regantdarcy]

Good comparison btwn Osprey’s two light weight backpacks. I have both the Talon 44 & Exos 48, and I like both. But I tend to reach for the Talon more.

[@HikingWithMartin]

Thanks I think they are both good just wish the talon had the exos pockets

[@glennsiviter8216]

I enjoy your gear videos Martin, they certainly help me with my gear choice conundrums 😀 I was nearly there with the Exos 48, but changed my mind for the reasons you highlight. I’ve ordered the Kestrel 48. I’m trying to lighten my load and pack size. Once again thanks 🙏🏻

[@HikingWithMartin]

Hi Glenn, glad they are useful its good for me to get positive feedback. I thinkt he kestrel 48 will be very good for you.

[@rufusduck71]

I bought the talon 44 for my 12 year old son .as itsone of the packs that can reduce down loads in size s/m and it fits him and will grow with him . Multi day walks backpacking carrying around 9 kg and no complaints . He loves it .

[@HikingWithMartin]

Good, it’s a nice pack for sure

[@k.whiking4372]

I had the Exos 48 for about 3 years and I've recently sold it to get a Stratos 50L Osprey pack. I agree with everything you said with regards to the Exos 48. I really like the pack and loved the huge side mesh pockets, but I was starting to want a little more organization, I was really missing the hip belt pockets. The features I am most surprised I like with the Stratos is the Very outside rear pocket and the side zip for the main compartment. The pack will handle another 3kg more than the Exos 48 easily.

[@HikingWithMartin]

That’s interesting I will take a look at this I’m finding the internal shape of the exos causing me some issues to pack with some of my new gear

[@philliphwang6474]

Rain fly also included in Stratos 50

[@aliabdelali2399]

Thank you, very interesting!!

[@kenken-ss7jn]

Great rew, thanks

[@steveoutdoors6522]

Thanks for the video was thinking of getting the exos 48

[@HikingWithMartin]

Thanks, it’s a good pack I have a review on my channel as well of it, I’ve tried to be realistic and show the downsides too

[@michaelmervyn6369]

Great review 👍🏻

[@iulchj]

interesting. I spoke to the Trekkit boys who said stay away from the Talon for backpacking and stick with more traditional packs. I've got a Talon 11 for running. you've pointed out alot of pro's... just looks a tad smalllll

[@HikingWithMartin]

i like the talon for its sqaure shape inside and wde shoulder straps, i dont like the tiny side pockets and the fact it cant handle much more than about 11kg very well. its otherwise a very nice design pack, i really like it. id steer most people to the exos, and ideally go and look at these in a shop.everyone likes different packs.

[@HikingWithMartin]

i think you are best off ordering 2 or 3 different packs and trying them out, at home and returning the others if you can.

[@BobSh-q8v]

Tnx for the info. I'm not sure between talon 44 or Kestler 48. I load distribution in the back is important to me as suffering some disc bulge. Would you help me make a right choice?

[@HikingWithMartin]

the right choice for you my friend is going into a store and trying them on, then buy online at the best price.

[@goringo_]

Thank you for this side to sice comparision. Any chance to get hand on the new Talon 36?

[@adamelenordID]

This is the review that im looking for. Thanks. Anyway, why no one talk about stratos 50? I think Stratos 50 also falls in this category. Do you have any suggestion about Stratos 50 compared to Talon, Kestrel and Exos?

[@HikingWithMartin]

Thanks I’ve never used the stratos I don’t think it’s as popular but I don’t know why.

[@philliphwang6474]

The comfort of Stratos 50 is hard to beat

[@hamishdb]

Great review and comparison Martin - though you could add that the two packs also weigh about the same, although I'm not sure about cost? :)

[@HikingWithMartin]

Yes don’t know why I didn’t mention the wait 🤪 cost varies a lot I bought both on sale the exos cost me £78 and the talon was £65

[@Regantdarcy]

I have the older EXOS 38 with the hip belt pockets & the Talon 44. I do like the Exos, but prefer the Talon.

[@HikingWithMartin]

Thanks for that I don’t see much on the talon packs but it’s very good, I like that’s squared off and easy to balance.

[@paul_burney]

used to have the exos - now have the talon and prefer it - if you get the exos you need to check that it will fit as it is unadjustable - also don't like the shape as find it pulls you backwards more and so end up walking hunched over - the mesh back panel doesn't make much difference in the UK imo as rarely that warm - you need to make sure your gear fits the talon though obviously

[@HikingWithMartin]

The only thing I wish the talon had bigger and better side pockets then it would be perfect but it’s excellent

[@bradl2636]

The Exos PoU is ULTRALIGHT so naturally big trade offs are to be expected.

[@WildCampingWelshman]

Great comparison Martin. They shouldn’t have removed those hip pockets on the Exos, other than that, it is a great pack. I hope you’re well mate, ATB Jiffy 👍🏻🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@HikingWithMartin]

Hi Jiffy, thanks, im doing ok buddy, hope you are well too!

[@WildCampingWelshman]

@@HikingWithMartin I’m good too Martin. Looking forward to a better Spring 🤞🏻. Keep safe mate 👍🏻

[@HikingWithMartin]

@@WildCampingWelshman me too, cant wait now, got the south downs way train tickets booked, then ill have some actual camping content.... take care mate :)

[@Voltivy12]

Torso M for 164, do you think thats good if im 164 and use torso M ? for exos 48

[@HikingWithMartin]

As a guess I’d say yes that sounds right but don’t blame me if it doesn’t fit 🙈