Best Peak Design Backpacks: Outdoor, Everyday, and Travel
Since 2010, Peak Design has been making rad products. It’s now 2024 and they have a serious lineup but which of their products are worth it? In this blog post, I’m going to give you my honest feedback on a bunch of the products from the new Peak Design Outdoor Line of Backpacks and Slings to the now classic Everyday Backpack. This comprehensive Peak Design backpacks review will go through the top Peak Design backpacks and slings that I think are worth your consideration.
I’ve been working on a big backpack article for another blog I write for and Peak Design sent me a ton of their bags to try out. I decided to compare my favorites and give you a closer look. I hope my real-world assessment will be helpful and move past the hype.
Brenda and I are always taking our cameras wherever we go. I love nerding out on camera bags but realistically I don’t own very many because they are expensive and I’m pretty picky about the products that I actually use. I test a lot of photography gear but most of it goes on eBay after I’m done reviewing it. In this article, I’ll give you my feedback on what bags I kept and which ones I think are worth looking at for your next bag purchase!
I hope you enjoy my Peak Design Backpacks Review! Or just watch this video:
Shop the bags & Slings:
If you just watched the video and know what bag you want, here are some links to help you shop:
- Outdoor Backpack Line:
- Outdoor Slings:
- Everyday Backpacks:
- Everyday Slings:
- Travel Line Backpacks:
- Accessories
About Peak Design
To give you a little background on Peak Design, they were founded through a super successful Kickstarter campaign and have continued to expand their product line from camera straps to bags, phone cases, and a tripod. Their latest launch is the Outdoor Line – a series of bags focused on adventure. I appreciate that they are an employee-owned company that supports many environmental causes and offers lifetime warranties so you never have to worry about if your gear will last.
I’m going to start with the new Outdoor Line which is probably what I’m most excited about, and then I’ll talk about the Everyday Bags which a lot of people really love. I’m going to preface this by saying that Peak Design bags are expensive but get what you pay for!
If you’re just starting out, go cheap, that fancy bag isn’t going to make you any more money, and looking cool doesn’t pay the bills. But if you’re a working pro, a nice camera bag can make your gear that much easier to access allowing you to get the shot when time is of the essence.
Peak Design Backpacks Review Outline
Peak Design Outdoor Line Review
First up, let’s talk about the new Peak Design Outdoor line. These backpacks are specifically designed for outdoor enthusiasts and photographers. After testing these bags for a few months, I can say they are definitely innovative. They have two sizes of backpacks plus a handful of slings and I’ll also discuss the camera cubes.
Peak Design definitely has a contender here for the best camera backpack, in my opinion. From the easy access to the main compartment to the ruggedness of the entire bag, I’ve really been enjoying using it. I’ll start with the 45L bag since that’s probably my pick if I could only have one.
However, I’m really excited about the 25L pack for smaller shoots or as a travel backpack when I want to keep things lighter.
Peak Design Outdoor Backpack 45L Review
Whether you’re headed for a rugged mountain photo shoot or packing for a weeklong trip, the Peak Design 45L Backpack promises to be your all-in-one solution. With its large storage capacity, incredible durability, and thoughtful design for both comfort and convenience, this bag is built for adventurers and photographers who need gear that keeps up. But is it truly the ultimate travel companion? Let’s dive in and see if this bag lives up to the hype!
We’re going to talk through the numerous qualities of this bag, but first I’d like to highlight a few of my favorite features:
Flexible load capacity
Lightweight yet durable
Very thoughtfully designed (tons of little features)
Functionality: Accessibility, Ease of Use, and Storage Capacity
At 45L this bag is well suited to the majority of my shoots. It feels scalable with the ability to get larger or smaller depending on how you pack it. It also feels sleek, not bulky which I appreciate.
Initially, I was a little confused about how this bag works but after using it, I’ve come to love the design – big main pocket zipper, back hatch, stretchy side pockets, and lots of customizable attachments like the sling bags
Make sure you check out the video so you can watch me walk through the main and side compartments, demonstrating easy access. I love that it gives quick full access to the main compartment via the main zippered pocket. It also helps you stay organized with various camera cubes.
On the shoulder strap, this bag has a really nice capture clip camera mount and a nice phone pocket. The roll top gives expanded capacity and the sneaky back pockets keep small items handy. The hip belt and shoulder straps are durable and fully featured with load lifters and customizable chest strap height.
One of my favorite features is that the hip belt folds away when not in use
Versatility: Travel-Friendliness and Organization
This bag is as comfortable in an airport as it is on a summit. I did just travel with the 25L version of this bag and it fits into the category of a personal item which was really handy when I didn’t want to have to pay for a carry-on bag. The 45L is definitely a carry-on bag, not a personal item.
Some of the travel-friendly features I liked:
Sleek/slender laptop pouch (quick zipper access for removing your laptop at security)
Customizable & removable camera cube sizing
Sneaky zipper pockets on the back
For more mountain-ready features, I liked:
Rugged waterproof fabric (and rolltop closure)
Lots of rugged attachment points for extra gear
Comfy hip belt & shoulder straps
Adjustable torso height on suspension
In terms of camera-specific versatility – the cubes are very customizable to fit whatever you can think of. Choosing a smaller or larger cube gives more room for non-camera gear (layers, food, etc). A quick note on the sling bags – they can be attached in a variety of ways via the daisy chain cord to add capacity.
Design and Build Quality
This bag is very well thought out in terms of its comfort and slender build – padding where you need it, not a lot of extra fluff. I also liked the look of this bag – fewer zippers and it has some cool design elements like the clamshell back panel – I’m going to be trying this out with my backcountry ski gear (shovel/probe.) With the thoughtful design of the hip belt (which has a very cool latch mechanism) and shoulder straps, even heavier loads can be comfortably carried.
In terms of quality, you can really tell that peak design thought of the smallest details like the magnet closures on the rolltop and the daisy chain style attachment points surrounding the bag. Several features keep your gear safe: weatherproofing, padding, and anti-theft features. I haven’t had the chance to take this bag out in inclement weather just yet (winter is here in Colorado) but I don’t foresee any issues – this pack looks very well-sealed and waterproofed.
In terms of anti-theft – this pack doesn’t yell camera bag and doesn’t have a lot of external zippers you need to worry about people accessing while you’re moving through crowded spaces. The most valuable items (camera gear and laptop) are stored in the main compartment and the small zippered pocket on the back is not easy to spot. I always carry my cameras with me as a carry-on so having everything nicely protected in a well-designed pack is important.
Value
The Peak Design Outdoor Backpack 45L goes for $330 plus around $110 for the camera cube. Given the thoughtful design and high-quality build (in addition to the lifetime warranty) I think this is a solid value. I think the quality and versatility of this bag certainly justify the cost.
The primary camera bag I’ve been using for the past few years, the Shimoda Action X40 is $340 plus around $100 for a camera cube and I think the peak design offers very similar features/value. One big difference right off the bat is the Shimoda feels more durable – from the heavy-duty zipper to the outside fabric, it definitely feels more durable. Time will tell if I reach for this Peak Design bag more than the Shimoda
Pros: Full access, Flexible capacity, lightweight, great suspension Cons: a little confusing at first (lots of straps), expensive. I think this bag is ideal for people who take their gear farther out and want a rugged, quality bag that is nice to carry.
Peak Design Outdoor Backpack 25L Review
Are you looking for a smart idea for a super sleek and adventurous camera backpack? I’ve looked at a LOT of bags and the Peak Desing Outdoor Backpack 25L is one that I keep coming back to for three reasons:
It’s small and lightweight yet feature-rich
It has great organization
And it’s stylish
When I first got this bag along with its bigger brother the 45L version, I was a bit skeptical. There were a lot of straps, not very many zippers and it wasn’t initially obvious how the bag functions. After using and traveling with it, I can officially say that it’s awesome.
I took it on a trip to the desert where it performed really well and I took it on a photo gig where I hopped on a plane for a one-day gig in California. It fit neatly under my seat as a personal item (no charge for a carry-on) and I was able to pack everything I needed for the day.
Functionality: Accessibility, Ease of Use, and Storage Capacity
At 25L this bag is well suited to smaller shoots where I’m just taking a camera or two and two or three lenses. It’s definitely a smaller camera bag and won’t hold as much gear as the 45L big brother. The Smedium size camera cube latches nicely into the bag giving it some shape and protecting your camera from other gear well. The smaller 25L size feels very sleek and comfortable to carry.
As with the larger 45L Outdoor Backpack, I was initially unsure if I would like the design. Lots of straps, and a clamshell back that felt confusing. After getting used to it over a couple of trips, I love it. It provides great organization and separation of gear in a small package.
If you need more space, you can add on a sling bag to one of the many daisy chains on the front or back. The Smedium (yes you read that right) camera cube is the largest that will fit inside this bag and I highly recommend getting some sort of cube to ensure the bag holds its shape.
Because the 25L Outdoor Backpack doesn’t have an internal frame, I don’t recommend using it without a cube. The bag kinda lays flat and stuff spills out when you unzip it fully.
On the shoulder and waist straps, you’ll find the same slick features as the 45L version: stretchy pockets, capture clip mount, and comfy padding. The hip belt can be removed if you don’t plan on carrying much weight.
The size of this camera bag is just right for me for smaller missions and I appreciate having a smaller choice when the project is simple.
Versatility: Travel-Friendliness and Organization
As with the larger version, the 25L Outdoor Backpack by Peak Design is as comfortable under an airline seat as it is on a mountain ridgeline. This bag is as comfortable in an airport as it is on a summit.
Some of the travel-friendly features I liked:
Sleek/slender laptop pouch (quick zipper access for removing your laptop at security)
Customizable & removable camera cube sizing (Smedium is the largest)
Sneaky zipper pockets on the back
For more mountain-ready features, I liked:
Rugged waterproof fabric (and rolltop closure)
Lots of rugged attachment points for extra gear
Comfy hip belt & shoulder straps
Quick access stretchy phone pockets on shoulder straps
Design and Build Quality
As with the above bag, this bag is very well thought out in terms of its comfort and slender build – padding where you need it, not a lot of extra fluff. This bag has all the same awesome features in a smaller package that packs a punch. From durable fabrics to stretchy water bottle pockets, Peak Design really thought his one through.
Value
This backpack is $250 + $70 for the smedium packing cube. It’s similar to the 45L bag above so make sure you read that full review. I like a lot of the same stuff about this smaller bag.
While on many shoots the 45L capacity is more practical for me, I love the idea of using the 25L outdoor backpack when I can make do with a smaller option. It’s especially great as a personal item on airplanes. Potential cons are that the white color while stunning could eventually look dirty and this pack has no frame so you sort of need a camera cube to give it shape.
Peak Design Outdoor Sling 7L Review
The Peak Desing Outdoor Sling 7L comes in at $90 + $60 for the extra small camera cube). I usually carry more than just a sling bag but for someone who just carries a smaller camera and a lens, this is a rad bag. It’s well thought out, has great organization internally with stretchy pockets and zipper pockets, and it looks good. I love that it is customizable whether you want to bring a camera cube or not.
Without the camera cube, it is lightweight and sleek. If you are bringing a camera, throw in the cube and it provides plenty of protection.
Pros: lightweight, flexible carry, fits a XS camera cube, feels nice (fabric, zippers, latch, etc)
Cons: pricey with the camera cube
This bag is great for everyday use, straps nicely onto the Outdoor Backpacks, and holds a decent amount of stuff including camera gear if you opt for the cube.
Peak Design Outdoor Sling 2L Review
At $60 the Peak Design Outdoor Sling 2L is a great little bag for carrying everyday items. I love that it is super lightweight and compact. Great for holding this like business cards, batteries, memory cards, phones, and other small items, Brenda brings it on every shoot! Although it doesn’t hold cameras or lenses, this has become an essential piece of our camera kit! (doesn’t fit a cube)
Pro: compact, stylish, good organization, lightweight, fabric feels nice
Con: doesn’t hold a camera cube, pricey
This bag is great for photographers or anyone who likes sling bags – they’re super popular these days and I can see why, just handy to have a place to put your stuff.
Peak Design Accessories Review
Peak Design Camera Cubes Review
Ranging from $50 – $120 these new Peak Design Camera Cubes V2 are a definite upgrade from the last version by Peak Design. They come in Large, Medium, Smedium, Small, Xtra Small . The new Peak Design Ultralight Cubes are cool, weatherproof, durable, have folding dividers, and can be used as a bag themselves by attaching straps.
Pro: durable, lightweight, flexible
Con: expensive, not as rigid as I’m used to
These cubes are great for packing camera gear in the Outdoor Backpacks as well as the travel backpack or any of the other Peak Design bags that don’t have internal organization built in. These cubes are ideal for anyone who has a Peak Design Outdoor Backpack and wants to carry some amount of camera gear. They fit nicely and attach into accessory straps on the Outdoor Backpacks with clips
Peak Design Ultralight Packing Cubes Review
Launching alongside the Outdoor Line were a series of ultralight packing cubes ranging in price from $15-$25 for the 1-10L Versions. They are great for sorting gear and keeping things tidy in whatever bag you use. They are lightweight, stretchy, and quite handy, especially for sorting cables, batteries, or other little items that tend to get lost. Can even be used as slings themselves with the strap attachment points.
Peak Design Capture Clip
The Peak Design Capture Clip allows you to keep your camera accessible and ready to capture the moment whenever you’re carrying a camera bag. It clips onto a shoulder strap or waist belt and allows you to attach your camera with a simple metal latching mechanism. I use it on all my adventures and love the speed it affords me in capturing things. I also like not having the camera swinging around on a camera strap in an uncontrolled way. Highly recommend!
Peak Design Camera Leash – Best Camera Strap
I hate camera straps but when you need one, you need one. Hanging off a cliff, out of a helicopter, on a boat, or anywhere else that your camera would be lost if dropped, you need a strap. Otherwise, I don’t want the hassle of a strap on my camera. The Peak Design Camera Leash fills both needs with the quick detach anchor system. I put the little plastic anchors on my cameras and now keep the camera strap in my bag 90 percent of the time. Pop on the Peak Design Camera Leash only when you need it and the rest of the time it stays neatly out of the way!
Peak Design Everyday Bags Review
Originally launched via Kickstarter back in 2015, the Peak Design Everyday Backpack has been updated with Version 2, and now the new coyote color featuring the X-Pac fabric which is more durable and waterproof than before. There are a number of versions of this bag so be sure to pay attention when making your purchase. I prefer the maglatch version to the zippered version and I like the 30L even though the 20L is nice for smaller framed people.
While I love many of the products Peak Design has released, the Everyday Backpack has never really been appealing to me for one big reason: I don’t love the side access and stacked gear organization system. I much prefer a big open zipper pocket to get access to all my camera gear instead of having to use side zips.
Despite this, the Everyday Backpack has been super successful and many people love it so I’ll give you some more details below in case it suits your style.
Peak Design Everyday Backpack 20L
$280-$300 – Pro: stylish, flexible, easy access, full-featured, feels nice Con: no full access (I prefer cube style storage), left/right side confusion – great bag for someone who carries a camera but also carries other stuff and wants a bag for everyday use. Holds a moderate amount of gear and looks great for places like the office, airport, or coffee shop.
Peak Design Everyday Backpack 30L
$300 – $325 – Same as the 20L but bigger – still love all the same things and I have the same critiques.
$125 – Pro: high quality, looks good, holds a decent amount of gear, Cons: a bit rigid and hard to access – best for someone who likes taking a camera and a lens out for a walk
$95 – similar to the bigger brother but half the size. This tends to exacerbate the access and rigidity problem – good for a small point-and-shoot but feels too small for its own good – I’d say this is best for someone wanting to carry a small camera and a few other items but wants the smallest everyday bag possible.
Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L and 30L Review
Next up, let’s talk about the Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L and 30L options. Are you looking for a camera backpack that you can also travel with? Want to bring your camera gear and the clothes you’ll need for a few days on the road in one bag that fits in an overhead bin? This is the perfect bag for one-bag travelers carrying camera gear and personal items (clothes etc).
Here are three things I like about this bag that I think make it awesome:
Size – holds plenty of stuff
Suspension – I like how it tucks away
Access – I like how it fully opens for easy access to all your stuff
Peak Design Travel Backpack Features
The Peak Design Travel Backpack features a durable and weather-resistant design, making it perfect for travelers who need a reliable bag.
The bag has a 30L or 45L capacity, depending on the version, and is designed to be a versatile travel companion.
It features a main compartment with a clamshell opening, zippered mesh pockets, and a protected luggage tag holder.
The bag also has a sternum strap and optional hip belt accessory for added comfort and support. Note that the sternum strap is hard to use and easily lost.
Design and Comfort
The Peak Design Travel Backpack has a sleek and modern design that is both functional and stylish.
The bag features a rigid structure that provides extra safety for your gear but is still comfortable to wear.
The shoulder straps are padded and adjustable, and the hip belt is designed to distribute the weight of the bag evenly. Its ok but not adjustable and therefore inadequate for long carries.
Camera Gear Storage
The Peak Design Travel Backpack is designed to be a great travel bag that also works as a camera bag.
It has great organization and works well with the Peak Design camera cubes. The large cube mostly fills the main compartment.
The camera cube is designed to be removable, so you can use it as a standalone bag or attach it to the main compartment when carrying cameras.
Travel Features
The Peak Design Travel Backpack has a number of features that make it perfect for travel, including tuck-away suspension and an expandable back compartment.
The bag also has a luggage pass-through, so you can easily attach it to a rolling suitcase. However, it is too large to function as a personal item so this only works with roller bags you’ll be checking.
The bag is designed to be carry-on size, so you can take it on the plane with you.
Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L vs Peak Design Travel Backpack 30L
Let’s talk about size and capacity options. The Peak Design Travel Backpack comes in two sizes: 30L and 45L.
Peak Design Travel Backpack 30L Review
The 30L version is perfect for day trips.
Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L Review
The 45L version is better suited for longer trips or when carrying a full professional photography kit.The bag is designed to be expandable, so you can fit more gear in it if needed
Durability and Weather Resistance
The Peak Design Travel Backpack is made with durable and weather-resistant materials, including the optional X-Pac fabric just released in 2024 that offers extra durability and weather resistance.
The bag is designed to withstand the rigors of travel, including rain and snow. I didn’t fully test it in a downpour so I’d be careful unless your camera gear is zipped in the waterproof camera cube.
The zippers are also weather-resistant, with a special coating to keep them running smoothly.
Who is the Peak Design Travel Backpack for?
The Peak Design Travel Backpack is perfect for one-bag travelers who need a reliable and versatile bag to hold camera gear and clothes and personal items for airline travel.
When fully loaded with cameras and clothes, it will be heavy. For heavy loads a roller bag is nice but I prefer a backpack so I can move quickly through airports.
The bag is also great for everyday carry, as it’s comfortable and stylish.
Final Verdict
The Peak Design Travel Backpack is a top-notch bag that is perfect for travelers who need a reliable and versatile way to carry cameras and stuff for a multiday trip.
It is pricey but with Peak Design’s lifetime warranty, you’ll know it will last a long time.
Conclusion: Peak Design Backpacks Review
I hope you enjoyed my Peak Design Backpacks Review and that it helped you get a sense of the Peak Design lineup and all the incredible bags they are now offering! If you want to check current prices on anything use the links in this post! If you have any questions leave a comment down below and I’ll do my best to get back to you!
