Hoka Clifton 9 Running Shoes vs Osprey Talon 22 Hiking Backpack (2026)

✍️ By the 247Verdict Editorial Team📅 Updated 05 October 2026

Which is better? We compared both on score, owner ratings, pros and cons.

Hoka Clifton 9 Running Shoes

9.0/10 Excellent

4.5★ (8,400 owners)

Maximal cushioning, wide base, 244g, road running. The most cushioned mainstream road shoe.

Full Review

Osprey Talon 22 Hiking Backpack

9.1/10 Excellent

4.7★ (18,600 owners)

22L daypack with integrated hydration sleeve, AirScape ventilation, lifetime warranty.

Full Review

At a Glance

	Hoka Clifton 9 Running Shoes	Osprey Talon 22 Hiking Backpack
247Verdict Score	9.0/10	9.1/10
Owner Rating	4.5★ (8,400)	4.7★ (18,600)
Verdict	Excellent	Excellent
Weight	244g	850g

Quick Verdict

This is a genuine draw — both score within 0.15 points of each other. Hoka Clifton 9 Running Shoes: Maximal cushioning, wide base, 244g, road running. The most cushioned mainstream road shoe. Osprey Talon 22 Hiking Backpack: 22L daypack with integrated hydration sleeve, AirScape ventilation, lifetime warranty. Choose based on your specific needs. Check the current price on Amazon →

Pros & Cons Side by Side

Hoka Clifton 9 Running Shoes

Maximal cushioning stack absorbs impact for long-distance daily training and recovery runs
Wide base provides exceptional stability during fatigue at late-race or high-mileage stages
Lightweight at 244g for the amount of foam — Hoka's engineering achieves cushion without weight
Meta-Rocker geometry promotes smooth heel-to-toe transitions reducing leg fatigue
8,400 Amazon reviews at 4.5★ from marathon runners, physio patients and everyday walkers

Cushioning height looks chunky — aesthetics divide opinion
Wide base limits feel for technical trail running — Salomon XA Pro is better on technical terrain
Premium pricing at £130+ for a daily trainer

Osprey Talon 22 Hiking Backpack

AirScape trampoline back panel provides genuine airflow — meaningfully cooler than solid-contact packs
Fits both men and women with gender-specific harness options
Integrated hydration sleeve holds 3L reservoir (bladder sold separately)
Dual ice axe loops and hipbelt pockets make it genuinely versatile for technical terrain
Osprey All Mighty Guarantee — warranty coverage for life, including damage

22L is on the smaller side for overnight trips with gear
Hip belt pockets are small — can't fit large phones
Hydration bladder not included despite the sleeve

FAQ

Which is better, Hoka Clifton 9 Running or Osprey Talon 22 Hiking?

Is the Hoka Clifton 9 Running worth the extra cost?

The Osprey Talon 22 Hiking Backpack matches or exceeds it at a potentially lower price point.

Who is the Hoka Clifton 9 Running best suited to?

Maximal cushioning, wide base, 244g, road running. The most cushioned mainstream road shoe.

Who is the Osprey Talon 22 Hiking best suited to?

22L daypack with integrated hydration sleeve, AirScape ventilation, lifetime warranty.

What are the main downsides of each?

Hoka Clifton 9 Running Shoes: Cushioning height looks chunky — aesthetics divide opinion; Wide base limits feel for technical trail running — Salomon XA Pro is better on technical terrain. Osprey Talon 22 Hiking Backpack: 22L is on the smaller side for overnight trips with gear; Hip belt pockets are small — can't fit large phones.

Do owner ratings agree with our verdict?

Largely, yes — Hoka Clifton 9 Running Shoes sits at 4.5★ from 8,400 verified Amazon owners, and Osprey Talon 22 Hiking Backpack at 4.7★ from 18,600.

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Links below are affiliate links.