Osprey Escapist 25 vs REI Co-op Flash 18 Pack

I have an Osprey Escapist 25 which is the wrong size for me (makes my back hurt a lot) so I'm looking to replace it. I'm torn between Talon 22 and Talon 33 (I'm a loyal Osprey fan who owns 4 osprey bags, lol).

Unlike other reviewers, I find this pack to be in the small side. It's great for quick hikes to hold a small jacket and sandwich, but doesn't hold much more than that. I've been trying to make a crag-bag out of this, but I can't even fit my harness and shoes in here, let alone jacket, food, other gear, etc.

I got this pack as a Christmas gift and have given it moderate usage since then. I've done at least one day hike a week and a few weekend hikes with the pack. It packs easily for these light loads. The only complaint I would have is that it can be difficult to adjust at first, granted this was my first serious hiking pack so I guess there is a learning curve

What's nice is these little loops on the outside and I use these for attaching a lot of different things like when we're hiking so I'll use a carabine...

There's no framing in the pack, it's just this kind of a sheet back panel with that molded foam over the top, so it is very flexible and it's going to...

We like it as it is light, for the dimensions, for the comfort as it is renforced in the back and for his inside pocket with a zip . The zip pocket is well placed because when you carry your backpack on your back, you can carry your day pack in the front and have easy acces to your keys or money in the zip pocket.

Here it goes down pretty far right to about here. Okay, then we've got the main compartment. So at the moment I've got a cushion in a pump and our tak...

it's just pull folder, there's no house or they lock it and then also on the front it has this small zipper pocket you can fit your phone, your wallet...

It doesn't make you sweat ye at all. You can adjust obviously the limb for the body by these straps. Here you've got a chest strap you can adjust, you...

Most backpacks don't have cleaning instructions. However I have to return the backpack because one part of its design does not suit me. The shoulder straps seem to be made so as to fit a person with broader shoulders. Of course when a backpack is filled with items it can fit differently than if it is empty

3L reservoir fits in the sleeve outside of the pockets, little strap pockets are great for easily accessible items and the straps both chest and waist make for unmatched stability and comfort while bike commuting. I love this backpack,can't say enough good things about it.

I use this pack for commuting by bike. I had last year's and had to exchange it because the Velcro that held the back pad in just fell apart and every time I reached in my hand went back to no hands land. They fixed that with this one, and added an even easier (!) drawstring top, outside pocket, and two inner slip pockets. It's such a great size and is so lightweight

The real test will be the quality and durability of the zips - lots of them - no problems so far after several months' use.

I originally bought this to keep in my personal carryon for flight to Turkey but may just use this for my carryon! The zippers are sturdy and the fabric durable. It comes in lots of colors but I like what I ordered/received. I highly recommend.