Customer reviews from Peak Design
Peak Design - Outdoor Backpack 45L - Black
Average customer rating
4.3
(276 Reviews)
Rating breakdown 276 reviews
5 Stars
171
4 Stars
59
3 Stars
25
2 Stars
11
1 Star
10
87%of customers recommend this product.
(
202 out of
232)
Customer Reviews for Peak Design - Outdoor Backpack 45L - Black
Customer Rating
5
Fantastic backpack
on April 1, 2025
Posted by: AG
from BC, Canada
Bought it a couple of months ago. Using it for a daily work bag / commuting and for weekend outdoor stuff with kids, snowboarding, hiking, etc. Love it. I wasn't expecting to like the quick open front stuff pocket so much, it's great for shoving snacks, jackets, gloves etc. Water bottle holders are nice and deep.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting Peak Design
Customer Rating
5
Outdoor Backpack & Packing Cubes
on April 1, 2025
Posted by: tom
from Germany
I have Outdoor Backpack 45 l & several Ultralight Packing Cubes. Together they are a great and versatile combination for different use cases, be it a hike or a weekend trip.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting Peak Design
Customer Rating
4
Lots of pockets, and easy access
on March 31, 2025
Posted by: Boffeloffe
from Sicily, Italy
Used the PD Outdoor Backpack 25L for a week skiing. In 20 degrees minus it is annoying that you can't use the chest-strap without taking your skigloves off. The strap system is too tiny and very difficult to use with big gloves on.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting Peak Design
Customer Rating
5
By far the best backpack I ever had
on March 30, 2025
Posted by: Anonymous
from Islamorada, FL
I backpack around the world and I've used many forms of backpacks over time. This one is by far the best one I've ever used. Its extremely comfortable, fits amazingly well in the overhead bin, and is lighter than a lot of competitors in the same class. It isn't ultra light but it does offer various functions you don't find in ultra light backpacks. The back panel and carry system are absolutely comfortable. I've been recommending it to everyone I know!
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting Peak Design
Customer Rating
3
Some stuff is amazing, some not as much.
on March 30, 2025
Posted by: Anonymous
from Slettestrand, Denmark
There are some general awesome features on this product. All other PD products I've bought have been amazing.
The general build quality is pretty high. Zippers feel awesome and some cool details are generally on the pack. Pack works very well with SMedium cube. Sidepockets are awesome - they are unbelievably huge!
Shoulder straps are fairly comfortable, wide. Feels good, though, very warm in even when used for snowshoing in -20dgrC.
The hook system for the chest support is rubbish and practically impossible to open with one cold and wet hand or when wearing gloves. Same goes for the attachment strings which uses the same system.
The roll top is a reasonable solution, but does not stay safely shut when riding bumpy singletrack.
The hipbelt is hard to tell. Because, the fit of the backpack is for rather short backs. It's definately not suitable for tall scandinavians. The hip belt sits mid-abdominal even when the backpack is hanging so low, it's bouncing a lot around.
So, as a day working pack it's reasonably good, but it's a bit of a stretch from a proper outdoor pack than can handle actual severe usage without squeaking and stuff you can operate when youre wet and cold. Which the outdoors tend to be :)
The general build quality is pretty high. Zippers feel awesome and some cool details are generally on the pack. Pack works very well with SMedium cube. Sidepockets are awesome - they are unbelievably huge!
Shoulder straps are fairly comfortable, wide. Feels good, though, very warm in even when used for snowshoing in -20dgrC.
The hook system for the chest support is rubbish and practically impossible to open with one cold and wet hand or when wearing gloves. Same goes for the attachment strings which uses the same system.
The roll top is a reasonable solution, but does not stay safely shut when riding bumpy singletrack.
The hipbelt is hard to tell. Because, the fit of the backpack is for rather short backs. It's definately not suitable for tall scandinavians. The hip belt sits mid-abdominal even when the backpack is hanging so low, it's bouncing a lot around.
So, as a day working pack it's reasonably good, but it's a bit of a stretch from a proper outdoor pack than can handle actual severe usage without squeaking and stuff you can operate when youre wet and cold. Which the outdoors tend to be :)
Written by a customer while visiting Peak Design
Customer Rating
5
Incredibly flexible yet very streamlined backpack
on March 30, 2025
Posted by: heninng
from Bochum, Germany
I've already used the backpack a couple of times and am extremely satisfied. Not only for outdoor adventures, but also for city trips lasting several days.
When the backpack is empty, it has a very slim profile, but if you need more space, this is no problem at all.
When the backpack is empty, it has a very slim profile, but if you need more space, this is no problem at all.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting Peak Design
Customer Rating
4
shows promise!
on March 29, 2025
Posted by: peter
from Australia
when I unboxed this I couldn't for the life of me figure out how to open it. so I had to look up how to open it videos on youtube. I don't enjoy tutorial videos, so that was a bit annoying. however once i watched the video, it is super simple to open and close. quite innovativeand novel!
o People in the street comment on how comfortable it looks, but after carrying my full kit in it I didn't have that same experience of all day comfort.
I really miss a full size tripod holder.
the hip belt came off the other day whilst it was folded up, and it took a few minutes to reattach it in the dark. but when not in use it does fold in snuggly
I love the options of cordhooks and gear loop system however have not yet made too much use of this except for chest straps.
I am disappointed in the amount of pockets available, to organise my gear.
o People in the street comment on how comfortable it looks, but after carrying my full kit in it I didn't have that same experience of all day comfort.
I really miss a full size tripod holder.
the hip belt came off the other day whilst it was folded up, and it took a few minutes to reattach it in the dark. but when not in use it does fold in snuggly
I love the options of cordhooks and gear loop system however have not yet made too much use of this except for chest straps.
I am disappointed in the amount of pockets available, to organise my gear.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting Peak Design
Customer Rating
5
Brilliantly practical
on March 29, 2025
Posted by: Em
from Bucharest, RO
I bought the 45l outdoor backpack for longer trips.
I found it big enough for my needs in order to avoid checked-in luggage (something I'm allergic to, mainly because of the long queues at the luggage lane and the concept of luggage lottery).
I found it big enough for my needs in order to avoid checked-in luggage (something I'm allergic to, mainly because of the long queues at the luggage lane and the concept of luggage lottery).
It did an excellent job, although sometimes "sacrifices" had to be made with regard to the things I could put in. It's a brilliant piece of kit, but 3 weeks is a long time, apparently.
Anyway... let me try to provide some useful information here, if possible:
- it's great for carrying a lot of stuff over a lot of days and territory. It can take quite a lot of stuff and abuse. Many suitcases were thrown over it in the back of the bus and it braved without a wince or protest. It can also take verbal abuse, I think, but I only had words of praise for it so I can't confirm.
- it's also quite light, too, which is convenient. Things change if you put rocks and anvils in it, but that's on you. The bag itself is by no means a porker for the amount of stuff it can take.
- sometimes I wished for a few more pockets, but with a bit of planning and a few organising cubes (I had 2 from PD and a few from amazon basics) it did a great job to hold all my stuff in place. And I could find said stuff easily, as well, without too much digging. Of cube was for toiletries, one for cables and adapters and backup phone etc, and 3 for clothing. I'd try a few more cubes next time. Still, a few more pockets never hurt. Never. Ask anyone with cargo pants.
- the closing mechanism -the lace thingy- made me nervous at first, it seemed weak and vulnerable and unlikely to hold together all my things. It did, though, and it's quite a clever system. With a full bag it's a bit optimistic to operate it with one hand, but most of the time it is actually doable. Combined with the roll-up system that secures in place with magnets, your stuff is safe inside and has no chance to escape accidentally.
- the closing mechanism -the lace thing-... no, you're not having deja-vu, I just want to add one more thing. It really is more sturdy than it looks (it doesn't look very sturdy). After +3 weeks of frequent use, I didn't notice any flimsy-ness, slimming or falling apart. I don't know what material and sorcery it's made of, but PD did a great job with it.
- the external flap/compartment is quite convenient for packing a jacket or a larger piece of clothing. The things you put there may not be as well protected from the rain and dust as the things inside, but if you're not going through rain on a dusty road during a volcano eruption you'll be fine.
- the side pockets are generous and hold stuff well. I'm a bit paranoid about pockets without zippers or snaps or velcro, but these elastic-y things seem safe enough to make me assume I'll still have my things in them at the destination.
- I haven't used the straps for big things like a tripod mount or those tennis racket things you use to walk on ice and snow, but you can attach quite large items with them. A tripod would look a bit too much when your camera is the size of your phone (and it's not a big phone, not even the XL or Plus or Max), just like those snow racquets would look quite silly on a beach walk in warm weather. Should you want to, though, you can attach big things to your backpack with said straps.
- the waist strap is very convenient. It can take a few small things that you can access quickly; my camera kit that I discussed one paragraph above definitely fits. You can also put a few snacks, but snacks tend to evaporate whenever I'm around, no matter where you place them; proximity and ease of access are key. The strap is convenient though. And very easy to remove if you don't want it.
- this dark red/ burgundy/ inside-of-a-cherry colour looks great. Of course, if you're an accountant or actuator I'd suggest something more grey or beige. However, I enjoy being able to identify my bag easily in a large pile of luggage at the back of the bus. Nobody needs 3 suitcases, Alice! Anyway, I received compliments from the ladies about the colour. Yes, even Alice. But then she laughed its size. Go figure...
- it's great for carrying a lot of stuff over a lot of days and territory. It can take quite a lot of stuff and abuse. Many suitcases were thrown over it in the back of the bus and it braved without a wince or protest. It can also take verbal abuse, I think, but I only had words of praise for it so I can't confirm.
- it's also quite light, too, which is convenient. Things change if you put rocks and anvils in it, but that's on you. The bag itself is by no means a porker for the amount of stuff it can take.
- sometimes I wished for a few more pockets, but with a bit of planning and a few organising cubes (I had 2 from PD and a few from amazon basics) it did a great job to hold all my stuff in place. And I could find said stuff easily, as well, without too much digging. Of cube was for toiletries, one for cables and adapters and backup phone etc, and 3 for clothing. I'd try a few more cubes next time. Still, a few more pockets never hurt. Never. Ask anyone with cargo pants.
- the closing mechanism -the lace thingy- made me nervous at first, it seemed weak and vulnerable and unlikely to hold together all my things. It did, though, and it's quite a clever system. With a full bag it's a bit optimistic to operate it with one hand, but most of the time it is actually doable. Combined with the roll-up system that secures in place with magnets, your stuff is safe inside and has no chance to escape accidentally.
- the closing mechanism -the lace thing-... no, you're not having deja-vu, I just want to add one more thing. It really is more sturdy than it looks (it doesn't look very sturdy). After +3 weeks of frequent use, I didn't notice any flimsy-ness, slimming or falling apart. I don't know what material and sorcery it's made of, but PD did a great job with it.
- the external flap/compartment is quite convenient for packing a jacket or a larger piece of clothing. The things you put there may not be as well protected from the rain and dust as the things inside, but if you're not going through rain on a dusty road during a volcano eruption you'll be fine.
- the side pockets are generous and hold stuff well. I'm a bit paranoid about pockets without zippers or snaps or velcro, but these elastic-y things seem safe enough to make me assume I'll still have my things in them at the destination.
- I haven't used the straps for big things like a tripod mount or those tennis racket things you use to walk on ice and snow, but you can attach quite large items with them. A tripod would look a bit too much when your camera is the size of your phone (and it's not a big phone, not even the XL or Plus or Max), just like those snow racquets would look quite silly on a beach walk in warm weather. Should you want to, though, you can attach big things to your backpack with said straps.
- the waist strap is very convenient. It can take a few small things that you can access quickly; my camera kit that I discussed one paragraph above definitely fits. You can also put a few snacks, but snacks tend to evaporate whenever I'm around, no matter where you place them; proximity and ease of access are key. The strap is convenient though. And very easy to remove if you don't want it.
- this dark red/ burgundy/ inside-of-a-cherry colour looks great. Of course, if you're an accountant or actuator I'd suggest something more grey or beige. However, I enjoy being able to identify my bag easily in a large pile of luggage at the back of the bus. Nobody needs 3 suitcases, Alice! Anyway, I received compliments from the ladies about the colour. Yes, even Alice. But then she laughed its size. Go figure...
All in all, if you're not a hoarder this bad boy will take care of your stuff in style and comfort. And comfort is very important for me. It's still useful to be nice to other people on the trip because you won't be able to carry a bottle of wine with it through airport security. But otherwise, it'll serve you well on your adventures. Or on your trip to the audit maybe, if you went for the grey colour.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting Peak Design