 Ben Plenge tests the Osprey Talon 6 to see if the Enduro Snatchel, bum bag or fanny pack has come of age for those wanting to pack light.
Osprey are known for their quality riding packs, amongst other disciplines, and their Talon 6 branches out into the bum bag/fanny pack market as a more catchily-titled ‘Lumbar Pack’.
Ben Plenge has been rocking through the West Country slop to see if there’s room in his heart for such things.
Photos by Sam Dugon.
Key Features:
- AirScape™ mesh covered accordion foam backpanel for comfort and fit
- Twin 570ml BPA free Hydraulics™ bottles included
- Seamless lumbar to hipbelt body wrap
- StraightJacket™ compression
- Twin zippered hip belt pockets
- Zippered panel access
- £60.00 RRP
- OspreyEurope.com
Full Enduro.
I’ve gone and done it. After years of mocking mates who took the bum-bag plunge years ago, I have gone and got myself a bum bag. All I need now is a tube and a banana taped to my top tube, goggles with my open face lid and I will be, Full Enduro.
To be fair, waist packs like this have lost a lot of their stigma, as more and more people adopt them as a way to ride without the restrictions of a back pack. The Talon 6 from Osprey is a generously-sized model designed for running and hiking, although as you will read, it is a great option for trail riding too.
It features two main compartments with a combined total of 6 litres of storage, 2 x 570ml water bottles that sit in holsters either side of the storage, and a pair of mesh pockets on the waist straps for bars and bits and bobs. The main storage compartment is big enough for a light weight waterproof jacket, a mini pump and a few spares, whilst the smaller front compartment features a clip for the van key and space for wallet, phone and some snacks.
Storage Wars.
To allow for different amounts of kit to be packed, the whole bag can be cinched down tightly with a pair of straps that Osprey call, Straight Jacket Compression. These stop an empty pack from bouncing around, and can also be used as external storage for a helmet chin bar or a piece of clothing, although whatever you store there will get muddy.
The bottles are specifically shaped to work with the Talon 6 and between them offer over a litre of water that should see you hydrated for an hour or two depending on the weather. They are BPA free which is good news for your health and have nice soft nozzles that are nice to drink from. They sit securely in their holsters and have little elastic loops that hold them in place. I never felt them move or lost a bottle on a ride, even when crashing over the bars!
Whilst storage is important, the most important thing to consider is how the bag sits when you are riding, particularly when you are riding down rough trails. The Talon 6 is secured by quite a slim waist strap at the front and the back panel is large, supportive and well ventilated.
In the line of fire.
Although the strap is pretty small, I found that the bag stayed very still on my hips throughout my time testing it. You have to snug it up a bit tighter before dropping in and then I would usually back it off a little for the climb back up. It is worth noting that I wore the bag just above my hips rather than on my waist and I felt it was both comfier and more stable when positioned here.
I have used the Talon 6 on a wide range of trails including some pretty gnarly sections and have never felt distracted or annoyed by it. The only time I noticed it was when I would occasionally push my hips out too far and brush it on a tree as it sticks out a little at the sides. Given its size, it is very stable and I preferred using it over a pack of similar size.
One main drawback of a bum bag is that is is right in the firing line of the mud on your back wheel, and I found the bottles got blasted with crap on muddy rides. One answer to this is to wear it underneath your jersey or jacket, which became my preferred approach this winter. It keeps the bag and bottles clean, it makes the bag more stable and it is a bit more low-key if you are not ready to fully come out of the bum bag wearing closet.
What do we think?
If you are looking to ride without a back pack then the Osprey Talon 6 is really worth a look. It is a reasonable price and is very well made, showing no signs of wear despite several crashes and many muddy rides followed by jet washing. It is big enough for all your kit and water and sits comfortably in place, just where you need it.
We love:
- Feels secure regardless of trail.
- Built to last.
Not so good:
- Outer storage exposed to elements.
