Some points not clear from the product description:When empty this frameless pack will easily fit into a standard roll-on 22" suitcase, taking only a few cubic inches of space.
It has stretchy side pockets on both sides, suitable for small water bottles. The lower compression straps pass inside the pockets, so you can use the straps to provide additional security for, say, a camera.
The main top collar closes up tight; for casual day pack use you can remove the top pocket and have a bag that's even lighter and easier to use.
The left waist belt pocket is see-through mesh. The right is opaque rip-stop.
Materials and workmanship are the best available and assembly is perfect. Careful attention was given to many small details for example elastic is sewn into the top pocket skirt, and the hauling loop is sewn into a reinforced seam that runs around the whole pack.
This bag weighs 1 pound and the only back support is a small, thin piece of foam!!!! It's a minimalist pack, so unless you have low weight minimalist gear or plan to use it for a day pack, it's not going to fit your needs. The exos and talon weigh twice as much and have a strong(ish) frame, so if your gear is a bit on the heavier side it's obvious which pack better fits your usage.
Most of all this is not a pack for large torso people! I am 6 feet 170 pounds and the M/L works great (S/M would be too small). However, if you are 215 pounds or so, try the fit in person before you buy it.
With that said....
All my gear that I regularly take backpacking is around 7-10 pounds depending on season (not counting water/food).
This is the best pack I've ever owned (despite the price) for my needs, which is primarily ultralight 1-7 day backpacking in Utah deserts.
I currently own the 44 talon, 26 manta, 6 raptor, 32 hornet and I've had 5+ other osprey packs and the hornet is my favorite!!!
Osprey makes hands down the best backpacking products (besides cuben fiber companies like zpacks that cost $$$) I've come across, and you can't go wrong buying any of them.
HOWEVER, make sure that pack you're looking at buying fits your own specific needs!
16 pounds or less, pack the hornet meticulously and you will love it. I haven't been able to use a hydration bladder due to the barrel effect they create on non-framed packs, so keep that in mind.
Buy Osprey Hornet 32-Litre Backpack Now
Putting design descriptions aside... we've read all about it's stretchy pockets and removable pad. Peak-bagging this-and-that. Those are great, but this pack falls short when it comes time to load it up and hit the trail for an overnight. I had hoped to use this for a day pack taking enough for a light overnight. Bivy, Ti Sol, etc. However, when I loaded the pack to full capacity with the essentials and a few extras, it practically collapsed under the weight around 25 lbs or so. The pack pulled so far away from my upper body it was almost comical. No manner of strap adjustments would right the load. I even unpacked and repacked to redistribute the weight a bit more effeciently. No luck. I finally removed extras until the load was reduced yet still sufficient for an ultralight overnight. By this time the compression straps were almost completely cinched and the pack was essentially 'half full'. Finally, it felt like I would expect it to.I have owned Osprey (and various others) packs since 1991 and have given this pack a fair try. If you want to 'stash' this pack inside another pack for peak-bagging or inside your travel luggage for trapsing around your vacation, that will likely work out quite well. However, if you are looking for something that carries an ultralight overnight load, you might want to consider something a bit more substantial. Of course, your results may vary.
I also own the Exos46 as my largest pack with ultralight gear it's more than enough for multi-day trips and am considering the 34 version to replace this Hornet 32.
I hope this helps those considering which pack will suit your needs best.
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