I've owned my fair share of Peak Design bags, including 45L Travel Backpacks, and currently using the 30L Travel Backpack for weekend trips. While I love them, the Travel Backpacks can become absolute tanks when fully packed, so I decided to try the Outdoor 45L for backpacking-style travel.
I recently took it to Guatemala, and it is easily the most comfortable Peak Design bag I've ever carried. Even fully packed, it never felt like a tank. The hip belt is extremely comfortable, although I didn't always find it necessary because the lighter construction makes the bag comfortable on its own. The stretch side pockets are also great for adding accessible storage.
My biggest gripe is security. If I ever needed to check this bag, there isn't a way to fully secure all of the access points. The back panel can potentially be locked, but the roll-top/fold-down opening still provides access to the main compartment, secondary compartment, and front pockets. I also wish the shoulder straps could be stowed like they can on the Travel Backpack.
My dream would be a hybrid between Peak Design's Outdoor and Travel lines: the lightweight construction and comfort of the Outdoor 45L with the organization, security, and stowable straps of the Travel 45L. Adding some of the Travel Backpack's internal organization would make this an absolute game changer.
I've adapted to the differences because I'm admittedly a Peak Design stan, and overall I would absolutely recommend the Outdoor 45L for travel. It's the first larger Peak Design backpack I've owned that gives me the capacity I want without feeling like I'm carrying a tank on my back.
This pack deffo stepts out of line – in terms of the luggage line and design language of PEAK. Frankly, I find that refreshing. They dare to try new things. And they pretty much nailed it. What I usually take out in the wilderness is way bulkier and heavier. No idea why we think "it needs that" to survive the harsh outdoors. Apparently … 2 straps and some parachute-silk is enough.
One star off for the – admittedly – very practical pull string … that – annoyingly – catches on everything!
PEAK! My guys! How can you be the masters of dangle-stop, cleverly hiding straps for a decade, and then release a bag that clings to stuff like a kitten on a whool sweater?
Used on one trip to the Swedish archipelago. Worked great as a photo and hiking bag. Brought a small camera cube, tripod, clothes for a few days and combined it with a capture v3. Very happy!
I’ve had this backpack for a month or so now. It’s a good backpack, really light and flexible. I use it for commuting for work and it’s decently durable. Surprisingly it does fit the 16” MacBook Pro so that’s a huge plus. I’d recommend it but keep in mind it’s definitely on the lighter end so don’t expect the same type of padding you’d get out of the everyday backpacks.
This backpack has a good size and the pocket at the back makes it very easy to pack things up at the end of your trip. I think the only complain I have is that the main waterproof material is easily scratched.
Best Tripod Mount – Finally, a backpack with a tripod mount that’s actually functional. No blocked access or awkward positioning. Lightweight & Spacious – 45L of volume without the bulk. Bladder Placement – A bit tricky to access, typical for back-opening designs. Main Compartment – Slightly limited access, but not a dealbreaker.
The backpack is as convenient as it should be. It's really comfortable to carry heavy stuff. I use it with my Thule cube, that fits perfectly well. It's a little bit too long (I'm 156 cm), but it disturbs my neck just a little bit (in the travel backpack it's really annoying). The outer plastic material gets dirty quickly, but it's easy to clean. I hope the plastic won't break on the folds (w'll see in a year or later...)
I bought the backpack with a discount 40% and it was the good price.
I absolutely love this thing! I'm a rock climber but also a photographer and this bag is perfect for doing both. I paired it with a medium photo cube, which secures my camera gear while leaving plenty of space for a harness, shoes, and rack. I can throw a rope on top and either a water bottle in a side pocket or camelback inside. When I'm not climbing/shooting I also do a fair amount of route development and I have plenty of space for a drill, brushes, etc.