A stable and efficient running vest-inspired daypack

Plusses: Stable, comfortable, efficient and relatively hard wearing
Minuses: Axe and pole attachments could be improved

880g (m), 821g (w) / 20L

Features: The Talon Velocity (the women’s version is the Tempest Velocity 20) brings running vest stability and features to a tramper’s daypack. The 210/420D main sack has dual access stretch side pockets, compression straps, pole/axe attachments and a large mesh front pocket/sleeve. There’s an external hydration sleeve behind a breathable harness, and the waist belt and shoulder straps have various storage for food, phone and hydration flasks.

Fit: This pack comes in two back lengths and has a further 10cm of torso length adjustment via a Velcro-fixed shoulder yoke, which allows the fit to be easily fine tuned. It’s also available in a 30L version.

Comfort: A limpet-like fit can be achieved thanks to the adjustable torso length combined with running vest-style shoulder straps, which have double sternum straps. These straps are wide in the chest area, which spreads the pack load, provides more stability than a traditional harness and means less independent movement of the pack. All harness contact points are perforated for airflow and breathed well.

In use: A second benefit of this style of pack is accessibility to food, hydration and gear without opening the main pack. There’s a place for everything: phone, snacks, water, GPS – and all within easy reach.
The Stow-on-the-Go pole holder held my walking pole for those times I wanted my hands free, but held it a bit higher than desirable, meaning it bounced a little as I ran. The additional axe/pole holders on the main sack would be better if they were adjustable (these could be user-modified with ease).

Value: This pack is in a class of its own but is priced in line with its closest competitors.

Verdict: It’s not the lightest pack in its category, but the Talon and Tempest Velocity 20 bring durability to a feature set that will suit fast day walkers, runners, alpine scramblers and those who like to keep gear accessible.