Osprey Talon 22 vs Gregory Zulu 30
Quick take: The Osprey Talon 22 costs $5 less; the Gregory Zulu 30 carries more (30 vs 22 liters); the Osprey Talon 22 is lighter (1.9 vs 2.4 lbs).
| Spec | Osprey Talon 22 | Gregory Zulu 30 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $145 | $150 |
| Rating | 4.8★ (2,600) | 4.6★ (600) |
| Type | Daypack | Daypack |
| Frame Type | Frameless | Internal Frame |
| Capacity | 22 L | 30 L |
| Weight | 1.9 lbs | 2.4 lbs |
| Max Load | 25 lbs | 30 lbs |
| Torso Fit | Adjustable 16-20 in | Adjustable 16-22 in |
| Material | 100D x 210D recycled nylon | 210D recycled nylon |
| Back Panel | AirScape ridged foam | FreeFloat suspended mesh |
| Adjustable torso | Yes | Yes |
| Ventilated back | No | Yes |
| Raincover included | No | Yes |
| Hipbelt pockets | Yes | Yes |
| Removable lid | No | No |
| Hydration sleeve | Yes | Yes |
| Fits BV500 bear can | No | No |
| Warranty | Osprey All Mighty Guarantee (lifetime) | Gregory lifetime warranty |
Pros & cons
Osprey Talon 22
- ✓The default daypack recommendation across r/hiking — the wrap-style harness moves with your body in a way boxier packs don't.
- ✓The AirScape ridged back panel carries better when scrambling than trampoline designs, staying tight to your center of gravity.
- ✓An adjustable torso on a daypack is rare and makes online buying safe.
- ✓The stretch front pocket swallows a shed layer without stopping — the feature owners use most.
- ✓Dual zippered hipbelt pockets fit phones and snacks, uncommon at this size.
- ✓The LidLock helmet clip and Stow-on-the-Go pole attachment genuinely work, making it a favorite of peak-baggers.
- ✓At 1.9 lbs it disappears on short trips yet handles 20+ lb summit loads.
- ✓Osprey's lifetime warranty on a $145 pack seals the value argument.
- ✗The foam back panel runs warm — sweaty backs are the top complaint versus the trampoline-mesh Stratos.
- ✗No raincover included, unlike the Stratos and Hikelite.
- ✗The main compartment is one big tube; organizers wish for more internal structure.
- ✗Bottle pockets are tight to reach with the pack on for broad-shouldered users.
- ✗The hipbelt is webbing-plus-mesh, not padded — fine at 15 lbs, thin at 25.
- ✗The 22L size fills fast in winter; layer-heavy hikers should size up to the 33.
- ✗Popular colorways sell out every spring.
- ✗Price has crept up over the years, narrowing its edge over house-brand rivals.
Gregory Zulu 30
- ✓The 30L size with a real frame bridges day hiking and ultralight overnights — owners call it the most versatile size in the roundup.
- ✓The FreeFloat pivoting hipbelt moves with your hips, which reviewers credit for comfort on 15-mile days.
- ✓Suspended mesh ventilation matches the Stratos while carrying more.
- ✓The adjustable torso plus padded, pocketed hipbelt gives full-size-pack fit features in a daypack.
- ✓An included raincover at $150 completes the ready-out-of-the-box package.
- ✓The clamshell-style main opening makes packing far easier than top-tube rivals.
- ✓Carries 25-30 lbs comfortably, which the 22-26L class can't.
- ✓Gregory's lifetime warranty backs it.
- ✗At 2.4 lbs it's heavy if you only ever carry 10 lbs of day gear.
- ✗Bulky for travel — the frame and mesh don't compress into luggage.
- ✗The mesh trampoline bows into the bag, and 30L packs more like 26-27.
- ✗Bottle pockets angle awkwardly for one-handed grabs, a recurring gripe.
- ✗The suspended back stands the load slightly off your center of gravity on scrambles.
- ✗Overkill (in price and features) for casual walkers versus the Hikelite.
- ✗The hipbelt pockets are on the small side for big phones.
- ✗Fewer US retail touchpoints than Osprey for trying sizes.