Customer reviews from Peak Design
Peak Design - Outdoor Backpack 45L - Cloud
Average customer rating
4.3
(272 Reviews)
Rating breakdown 272 reviews
5 Stars
169
4 Stars
57
3 Stars
25
2 Stars
11
1 Star
10
87%of customers recommend this product.
(
199 out of
229)
Customer Reviews for Peak Design - Outdoor Backpack 45L - Cloud
Customer Rating
4
Top quality
on March 25, 2025
Posted by: EPF
from Massachusetts
This is my second pack. I still own the original (with the side openings).
I bought the new one because I found that the accessing my gear from the sides created a problem of dropped gear if I forgot to zip it up.
I'm still getting used to the new one (lots of options to make it fit comfortably). I like being able to tuck the hip belt away.
I miss the ability to slide the pack over my carry-on.
Needs work on better integrating the camera cube and the pack. Maybe have the ability to remove the cover of the cube when in the pack?
All your products are of the highest quality. Still a fan!
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting Peak Design
Customer Rating
3
Doesn't hit the high standard of Peak Design!
on March 24, 2025
Posted by: Anonymous
from London
I love Peak Design products, but I wish I had read the other reviews on the internet, something doesn't hit the mark
Cons: It's quite hard to access the main comportment. The rolltop doesn't really make any sense There are way too many strings everywhere, it does feel like it needs an engineering degree to figure out how to make everything work. I wish there were more organisation pockets inside.
Pros: Material is great, sturdy. I like the front straps, and the pockets inside of them. It looks good, and works well with the eco-system.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
Written by a customer while visiting Peak Design
Customer Rating
1
Beta version of the backpack
on March 21, 2025
Posted by: still_wolf
from Europe
I borrowed the 45l backpack for a weekend in nature with the SMedian Cube. My findings:
+Comfortable back system
+Finally a better-made hip belt
+Interesting and probably durable material in the front
+Two side pockets on each side, the smaller one allows you to remove a bottle without taking off the backpack
+The shoulder straps are great and the option to insert a phone or attach a Capture (I haven't tried it) is amazing
+Kangaroo pocket
+Comfortable back system
+Finally a better-made hip belt
+Interesting and probably durable material in the front
+Two side pockets on each side, the smaller one allows you to remove a bottle without taking off the backpack
+The shoulder straps are great and the option to insert a phone or attach a Capture (I haven't tried it) is amazing
+Kangaroo pocket
-The front pockets have no pockets (like the Everyday or Travel)
-No side entry
-The fabric (except the front part) is relatively thin to translucent - I don't know if it will withstand branches and won't tear
-I don't understand the 2 chest straps, they are difficult to put on, it's tedious and after 15km and 1.5km in altitude I hated them (however, they understood the optimal mechanism for the hip belt)
-The long cord of the main compartment caught on branches several times, as well as the board benches
-The main compartment cord often does not hold in front of the main compartment lid. It would be enough if the cord was pulled through the eyelet to the additional cord above the back :-D (that no one thought of)
-The main compartment has one main magnet and 2 auxiliary ones. It is not enough, at least 4 auxiliary magnets would be needed.
-Inside the main compartment only one pocket without an organizer (gold Everyday and Travel)
-I understand that PD want to sell a lot of Paking Cube, but one free compartment is more suitable for hiking. I do not want to look for which Cube I put spare socks in after a hard hike. It would be possible to put a ZIP and Velcro around the perimeter of the main compartment and in case of interest, the customer could buy a pocket and make a compartment in the backpack like Shimoda has.
-Probably due to pressure on customers to buy Tech Pout, there are no organizers in the main compartment
-For a hiking backpack, I would like a bottom pocket in the backpack for a light sleeping bag
-Although they appreciate the idea of putting the hydration pack closer to the back due to the leverage principle, putting it so close to the photo equipment without waterproofing is not wise. At the same time, the tube gets in the way when opening the hole (if they had made a hole for the tube in the part of the back system, where the hydration bladder strap begins, and not at the entrance to the main compartment of the backpack, the tube would just disconnect from the shoulder strap and the back lid would open when I take out the camera; or they could have been inspired by the Osprey system)
-Very poor hydration bladder attachment
-A pointless race for low weight, but when using all those Cubes, the backpack is still much heavier than it would be with integrated organizers
-It's a shame there's no mount for a rear bike light
-The PD logo could have been reflective
-I would have liked a set of auxiliary straps instead of cords that are thin and cut into things
-If Shimoda makes a more airy back for the X series, this backpack will be unsellable
-No side entry
-The fabric (except the front part) is relatively thin to translucent - I don't know if it will withstand branches and won't tear
-I don't understand the 2 chest straps, they are difficult to put on, it's tedious and after 15km and 1.5km in altitude I hated them (however, they understood the optimal mechanism for the hip belt)
-The long cord of the main compartment caught on branches several times, as well as the board benches
-The main compartment cord often does not hold in front of the main compartment lid. It would be enough if the cord was pulled through the eyelet to the additional cord above the back :-D (that no one thought of)
-The main compartment has one main magnet and 2 auxiliary ones. It is not enough, at least 4 auxiliary magnets would be needed.
-Inside the main compartment only one pocket without an organizer (gold Everyday and Travel)
-I understand that PD want to sell a lot of Paking Cube, but one free compartment is more suitable for hiking. I do not want to look for which Cube I put spare socks in after a hard hike. It would be possible to put a ZIP and Velcro around the perimeter of the main compartment and in case of interest, the customer could buy a pocket and make a compartment in the backpack like Shimoda has.
-Probably due to pressure on customers to buy Tech Pout, there are no organizers in the main compartment
-For a hiking backpack, I would like a bottom pocket in the backpack for a light sleeping bag
-Although they appreciate the idea of putting the hydration pack closer to the back due to the leverage principle, putting it so close to the photo equipment without waterproofing is not wise. At the same time, the tube gets in the way when opening the hole (if they had made a hole for the tube in the part of the back system, where the hydration bladder strap begins, and not at the entrance to the main compartment of the backpack, the tube would just disconnect from the shoulder strap and the back lid would open when I take out the camera; or they could have been inspired by the Osprey system)
-Very poor hydration bladder attachment
-A pointless race for low weight, but when using all those Cubes, the backpack is still much heavier than it would be with integrated organizers
-It's a shame there's no mount for a rear bike light
-The PD logo could have been reflective
-I would have liked a set of auxiliary straps instead of cords that are thin and cut into things
-If Shimoda makes a more airy back for the X series, this backpack will be unsellable
Summary: I'm giving it one star because the backpack feels more like a Beta version than a final product. I'll wait for the next version of PD or Shimoda to buy a backpack :-)
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
Written by a customer while visiting Peak Design
Customer Rating
5
I love this backpack!
on March 18, 2025
Posted by: Hannah
from Seattle, WA
I went back and forth about 20 times on whether or not to buy this backpack, as I have a very short torso and wasn't sure it would fit. I finally ordered it for a recent trip, and I love it! I also got the hip belt, which made it even comfier. It's adjustable enough that it fits my short little torso, and carried everything I needed for a weekend trip. I love all the pockets and how easy it is to organize. It looks sleek, it carries a huge amount for its size, and now I think I need the 45L one too.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting Peak Design
Customer Rating
2
Big Bummer
on March 9, 2025
Posted by: camalot
from Oregon
I bought this bag when it was still being crowd funded. Honestly, I had such high hopes for it. Unfortunately, it's been one of my biggest buying regrets. I took it to Joshua Tree for its first outing, after two plane flights and eight days in the field it's already already looking beat up. I loved the theory and conception for pretty much everything here... but all the features are just a little too convoluted or annoying or just not sized correctly. Extremely disappointing given the money.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
Written by a customer while visiting Peak Design
Customer Rating
3
Wild choices
on March 7, 2025
Posted by: bob27
from Seattle
Everything about this backpack is kind of just OK - if you are a "digital" person who wants to be an "outdoors" person. There's nothing really wrong with the construction of the pack, it's decent enough - but the thought that this would be an actual contender in the backpacking space is wild. I don't think I need to say anything more than the front pouch with the hanging string has no protection from the elements, unless you purchase and use the rain flu full time. It literally opens upwards. It's a wild choice for something marketed as a pack for being outside with. Wild.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
Written by a customer while visiting Peak Design
Customer Rating
5
Wonderful. A manual transmission not an automatic
on March 4, 2025
Posted by: Shcire
from Glazers, Seattle
I’m genuinely baffled by the negative reviews—this bag is nearly perfect. It’s designed first and foremost as a camera bag for the outdoors, and it excels in that role. Comparing it to a dedicated outdoor pack misses the point. If you’re not carrying a camera or optics, just use a different bag. This one is purpose-built to protect and transport sensitive gear using their modular cube system.
I carry a 115mm spotting scope and max out the 35L just with my optics and equipment—but, there’s still 10L of expandable internal storage and plenty of external carry options. The large camera cube fits perfectly, and the tie-downs and attachment points are exceptionally well thought out. This bag is like a manual transmission—it requires some planning and customization to get the most out of it. Watch the setup video, experiment with different configurations, and take the time to dial it in. This isn’t a grab-and-go pack—it’s designed for forethought and intentional use, and when set up properly, it’s incredibly efficient.
Example: The extra tie-downs and removable straps along with the chorded rail system are a stroke of genius. I use them to anchor the bag to my tripod, keeping the weight on the ground and tensioning up 90% of the weight to the center mass. This eliminates normal bag swing —small details like this make the pack truly versatile.
The attention to detail is exactly what Peak Design is known for, and they absolutely delivered here. I couldn’t be happier with this bag.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting Peak Design
Customer Rating
3
Good concept, needs an update
on March 3, 2025
Posted by: Trevor
from San Diego
I own pretty much every PD product. Had the Outdoor since kickstarter and have tested it for a few months. I feel the Everyday could have crossed with the Outdoor and could be perfect. I like it and dislike it. It’s very strappy, and takes a bit to figure it out and tinker with. Never had a “camera” bag this comfortable while carrying every camera and glass I have, but it’s still pretty techy with the event of going outdoors occasionally. Not what I’d use for multi day or even an over night tbh because it’s still not light weight. Getting the camera out quickly in a pinch is a pain, hence must have the Capture clip, which is cool for any bag. Since it’s back access only to a module, the waxy material on the outside has damaged immediately on first use because it has to lay on the ground, huge disappointment cause the material in Everyday (although not the most soothing to the touch) has been beaten down drenched and still looks new; front material on Outdoor scuffs easily. Plus the cubes float around a bit too much even with the clips and hard to use so just don’t use them, the hip clip has unclipped a couple times while bending over, and the breast straps are annoying to latch but eventually break in a bit. Think for traveling it’s a good bag but it won’t replace an Osprey or just using the Everyday, everyday. And Everyday needs some drastic improvements for spontaneous long photography walks. Problem is if going on a day photo hike, can’t keep switching bags, something important always gets left behind. Again, Outdoor 45l bag is super comfy, but it can’t really expand more than I have to fit me if I gained a little more weight, and I’m not large.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
Written by a customer while visiting Peak Design