Osprey Escapist 25 vs REI Co-op Flash 22 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).

I hadn't planned to get the Flash, but after trying on a bunch, that one was the one that felt the best for me. If you're a beginner backpacker, you're probably hiking with some heavy and/or bulky gear, so it's even more important to get a comfortable pack that fits you properly (they'll measure you at the store).

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

But if you do have the trekking poles attached to the package so you can't expect the pack is, sit up very nicely. Alright, so now that this is fully ...

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...

However, it is surprisingly comfy, giving you good support when you're carrying your items with you. Even though it offers minimalistic features, this...

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...

For flights, as “personal item” stowed under seat in front in economy, this has a better volume and extra useful features like the flap lid and exterior mesh pockets compared with the Flash 18...but the Flash 18 is a lot narrower and I can stick a foot on either side with the Flash 18 but not the Flash 22, which tends to hog all the under seat space

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

THis is a great little backpack. Only giving it 4 stars because the zipper didn't work very smoothly. Otherwise, no complaints!