Osprey Talon 44
In this review you will find the best backpacks for hiking with the volume from 40 to 55 liters. Backpack is an essential piece of hiking equipment. Backpacks with the volume from 40 to 55 liters are appropriate for up to 2-day long hiking tours, depending on the equipment you want to take with you. If you are going on a technically complex over-night tour, where you need climbing harness, via ferrata set, helmet and other special gear, you’ll probably need bigger backpack with the volume of at least 60 liters. But for easier over-night tours, where you don’t need any special equipment, backpacks with the volume of 40 liters provide enough space. In general hiking backpacks with the volume of 40 liters are recommended for a day long technically complex tours or easy over-night tours.
1. Buying a Hiking Backpack – What is important?
Weight:
Backpack for hiking should be lightweight. Every hiker tries to eliminate as much excessive weight as possible. This allows hikers to save energy and become exhausted later. Modern hiking backpack with the volume of 40 liters should not weigh more than 2 kg.
Ventilated Backpanel:
Backpanel should provide sufficient ventilation. A ventilated backpanel allows sweat to evaporate. Hikers using backpacks with ventilated backpanels also sweat less. Ventilated backpanel has air channels and is usually covered by robust mesh fabric. The backpanel should also provide comfort.
Pockets and attachment points:
Internal and external pockets are necessary. Hiking backpacks usually have external pockets on sides and hip belt, lid pocket and internal pockets for valuables. Different attachment points are usually available. For example attachment points for ice axes, hiking poles etc.
Hydration system compatibility:
Backpacks compatible with hydration systems have a pocket or a sleeve where you insert the water reservoir. Hiking backpack should have a compartment which can carry water reservoir with the capacity of 3 liters. Attachment point for the hydration system’s mouthpiece should be on the straps.
2. The Best Hiking Backpacks for 2015 Review
Best Hiking Backpacks for 2015
Osprey Talon 44
Montane Torque 40
Lowe AirZone Pro 45:55
Deuter Futura Pro 42
Gregory Mountain Products Alpinisto 50
Comparison
Feature/Product
Osprey Talon 44
Montane Torque 40
Lowe AirZone Pro 45:55
Deuter Futura Pro 42
Gregory Mountain Products Alpinisto 50
Weight (Pair)
1040 g
1375 g
1620 g
1740 g
1700 g (Size L
Material
Nylon
Raptor TL
210D Mini Rip
Deuter-Super-Polytex
Macro Lite 210
Nylon
Volume
44 liters
40 liters
45 liters + 10 liters extension
42 liters
51 liters (Size L)
Backpanel
Ventilated, AirScape
Ventilated, Comfort Back Pad
Ventilated, AirZone
Ventilated, 3D AirMesh
Ventilated
Chest Strap
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Hip Beltl
Yes
Yes (removable)
Yes
Yes
Yes (removable)
Osprey Talon 44
1. Osprey Talon 44
Suitable for:
Hiking
Mountaineering
Trekking
Walking
Via Ferrata
The Osprey Talon 44 backpack is designed for those who prefer lightweight hiking. The backpack weighs only 1040 g. However, functionality of the backpack is not limited because of its lightness. It is equipped with the AirScape backpanel which provides maximum comfort. The ridged AirScape backpanel is made of foam and covered with grip mesh. Therefore it provides superb breathability and great body-to-backpack contact. Aluminum rods inside the backpanel are lightweight and efficiently stabilize the load. The torso length can be easily adjusted for the best fit. The Osprey Talon 44 has an external water reservoir sleeve which fits reservoirs with the volume of 3 liters. It is located between backpanel and main compartment. The backpack has 2 stretch mesh pockets on the sides, stretch front pocket, internal and external lid pocket and 2 zippered hip belt pockets. External front stretch pocket is perfect for wet equipment like rain jacket, active t-shirt etc. Hip belt pockets are big enough for cell phone, camera and other necessities you regularly need access to. Additionally the backpack is equipped with emergency whistle on chest strap, twin ice axe loops and Stow-on-the-Go trekking pole attachment. The trekking pole attachment system is fascinating because it allows you to store the poles without removing your backpack. The Osprey Talon 44 is lightweight, comfortable and affordable. What else would a hiker want?
Pros:
Weight
Stow-on-the-Go trekking pole attachment
Ventilated backpanel
Comfortable
Perfectly placed pockets
Cons:
Fabric could be more durable
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Best Buy!
Osprey Packs Talon 44 Backpack
Video
Montane Torque 40
2. Montane Torque 40
Suitable for:
Hiking
Mountaineering
Trekking
Walking
Via Ferrata
Climbing
The Montane Torque 40 is a bit heavier than Osprey Talon 44 but it is also made of a stronger and more durable fabric. The Raptor TL fabric is known for its abrasion resistance. It is also DWR treated which makes this backpack completely waterproof. At key places, the Raptor UTL fabric is used which is even stronger and tougher. The backpanel has channels that wick sweat and rainwater away from the body and provide additional ventilation. It is equipped with the VertErgo climb system which provides efficient stabilization of the load. The VertErgo can be also removed to reduce weight of the backpack. Next to the VertErgo system you will find folded emergency sleeping mat which can be used for survival. The backpack has large top pocket with the front access and internal security pocket. It is also equipped with the internal water reservoir sleeve and top right tube opening. The downside of this backpack is lack of pockets. There are no pockets on the sides which are otherwise convenient for water bottles. The pockets are also missing on the hip belt. On the other hand the Montane Torque 40 has a supreme ice axe attachment system with compression straps. The hip belt is removable by buckles which comes in handy when going lightweight. The buckles on the backpack are durable and innovative design allows you to use them with the gloves. The Montane Torque 40 is best for those who are planning to do technically complex tour.
Pros:
Weight
Fabric
Removable back system
Removable hip belt
Buckles
Emergency bivy pad included
Cons:
Not enough pockets
No pole attachment system
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Montane Torque 40L Pack
Video
Lowe AirZone Pro 45:55
3. Lowe AirZone Pro 45:55
Suitable for:
Hiking
Mountaineering
Trekking
Walking
Via Ferrata
Backpacking
The Lowe AirZone Pro 45:55 is slightly bigger than above listed Osprey and Montane backpacks. This makes the backpack appropriate also for backpacking. But bigger volume also brings additional weight. However, the backpack is still very light for the volume it offers. The backpanel allows free flow of air between the backpack and your back. It is made of durable but soft material which does not cause abrasion of the clothing. Foam pads on the backpanel provide excellent comfort. The backpack is equipped with the internal water reservoir pocket and top tube opening. The Lowe AirZone also provides enough pockets to efficiently store hiking equipment. The backpack has zippered top pocket, front zippered pocket, side pockets, hip belt pockets and shoulder strap pocket. Front pocket is perfect for map and similar items. Shoulder strap pocket is designed to fit a cell phone. However, newer cell phones which feature screens as big as 5.5 in won’t fit inside. The backpack also has a convenient side access system through which you can get items out of the backpack without opening the lid. The front elastic stowage cradle comes in handy for attaching different equipment, for example helmet, wet rain jacket or even a sleeping pad. The hip belt is fully adjustable for comfortable fit. The chest strap is equipped with the emergency whistle. The Lowe AirZone Pro 45:55 is a great backpack. The only downside is its weight.
Pros:
Pockets
Elastic stowage cradle
Side access
Fully adjustable hip belt
Price
Cons:
Weight
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Lowe Alpine AirZone Pro 35:45
Video
Deuter Futura Pro 42
4. Deuter Futura Pro 42
Suitable for:
Hiking
Mountaineering
Trekking
Walking
Via Ferrata
The Deuter Futura Pro 42 backpack is an extremely comfortable backpack. However, we have to mention that it is also the heaviest backpack listed in this review. The backpack features Aircomfort Pro System which is breathable and provides comfortable back-to-backpack contact. The backpanel is equipped with flexible steel frame which efficiently stabilizes the load and ensures a perfect fit. The backpack is made durable and top-quality Deuter-Super-Polytex and Macro Lite 210. Organizing your gear won’t be a problem with Deuter Futura Pro 42. It has an external lid pocket, internal zippered lid pocket, stretch side pockets and zippered hip belt pockets. Additionally, it has ice axe and poles attachment systems, gear loops on the lid, wet laundry compartment and separate bottom compartment. The backpack is also hydration system compatible. Shoulder straps are extremely comfortable and equipped with the anatomically shaped 3D AirMesh and load adjusters. Hip belt is also anatomically shaped and has 3D AirMesh cover. The Deuter Futura Pro 42 is perfect for those who want ultimate comfort but don’t mind couple grams of additional weight.
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Pros:
Comfortable
Pockets
Adjustability
Cons:
Weight
Price
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Best Buy!
Deuter Futura Pro 42 Pack
Video
Gregory Mountain Products Alpinisto 50
5. Gregory Mountain Products Alpinisto 50
Suitable for:
Hiking
Mountaineering
Trekking
Walking
Via Ferrata
Climbing
The Gregory Mountain Products Alpinisto 50 backpack is most appropriate for climbers, mountaineers and others who usually carry gear like crampons, ice axes and other technical items. The backpack comes in 4 variations which differ by weight, volume and torso. The backpanel is ventilated but less comfortable than backpanels of the above listed backpacks. All in all the backpack is designed for climbers. The framesheet is removable which allows you to reduce weight of the backpack. If you are carrying heavy load you should use the framesheet because it stabilizes the load. The backpack has an external lid pocket, internal security lid pocket and single wand pocket. The main compartment has a side access making it easy to get items out of the backpack. Additionally, it is equipped withthe innovative adjustable ice axe attachments and stowable crampon pocket with puncture-resistant TPU panel. Crampon pocket is also useful for storing other gear like wet clothes. The real added value of the backpack is its adjustability. Hip belt padding and top lid are both removable. The backpack also has a bivy pad which is stored inside, next to the hydration sleeve. The Gregory Mountain Products Alpinisto 50 backpack is appropriate for those who need an ultimate climbing backpack and are not comfort-sensitive.
Pros:
Ice axes attachment system
Crampon pocket
Side access
Bivy pad included
Cons:
Comfort
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Best Buy!
Gregory Mountain Products Alpinisto 50 Backpack
Video
3. The most attractive product in the review
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