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
4
Great 25l pack, but strange bladder routing
on July 23, 2026
Posted by: Paul Bakker
I have the 25l version and use it primarily for day hikes. There is a lot to like.
- It's very comfortable to wear
- The side pockets are very deep and work great for 1.5l water bottles
- The open/close mechanism of the "flap" is very easy to use (once you figure it out)
- The flap is a great place to stow jackets etc. that you need easy access to
- The (phone) pocket on the front of the shoulder strap is great
- Attachment points for straps
- It's very comfortable to wear
- The side pockets are very deep and work great for 1.5l water bottles
- The open/close mechanism of the "flap" is very easy to use (once you figure it out)
- The flap is a great place to stow jackets etc. that you need easy access to
- The (phone) pocket on the front of the shoulder strap is great
- Attachment points for straps
The one strange miss is the routing for the water bladder. I have tried several bladders, and all of them are designed to route the hose upwards. The bag is designed to route the hose downwards, which doesn't work with any of the bladders I have. This setup seems really unnecessary complicated, and I end up just not using the hose routing. It still works fine with a bladder, but it's still a strange miss in the design.
Written by a customer while visiting Peak Design
Customer Rating
5
Incredible versatility
on July 21, 2026
Posted by: Rick
from Victoria BC
The versatility of the 45L is amazing! There are so many ways to utilize the pockets and spaces. I’m still trying different ways to store all my camera gear and accessories, tripod, water bottle, etc. The frame and the way the hip belt fits makes the pack very stable and unlike other packs I’ve used. The dual sternum straps are a great idea, however I’m still fiddling around to get the hook attached into the correct loop. Hopefully that will get easier with use. A big factor for me was the materials used and the pack being PFAS free!.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting Peak Design
Customer Rating
5
Different than the 45L Travel or 25L Outdoor packs
on July 16, 2026
Posted by: jw
from Los Angeles
I like how this bag distributes weight. The straps are better on this one than on the 45L travel backpack making it more comfortable to wear for long periods of time. It's also surprisingly different than the 25L outdoor backpack - besides being larger, it has more little pockets and places to store things.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting Peak Design
Customer Rating
5
Sleak and Functional
on July 15, 2026
Posted by: jah56
from Los Angeles
The outdoor backpack suited my needs perfectly on my recent camping trip. Its rugged and sleak. I added the hydration pack and it took the bag to the next level when hiking. Love it!
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting Peak Design
Customer Rating
4
Great bag, a couple misses.
on July 15, 2026
Posted by: Fendy
from San Mateo, CA
So far I am pretty happy with this bag. I’ve taken it on one trip and several hikes. As others have noted, the water bladder compartment lacks a solid way to hold the bladder in place, but I’m finding some work arounds. I find the rest of the compartments to be well designed and versatile. The exterior TPU coating is a little delicate, I already have circle mark on the exterior for putting my watch in there on a brief outing. So the quick wear on that exterior coating and the bladder are the main reason to ding a star. I got it at a decent deal - the peak design “don’t tell Dave” sale and my Amex offer - so overall I am pretty happy. For me it will be a travel backpack that I can turn into a hiking pack when I get there. We’ll see how it holds up on an upcoming Norway trip.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting Peak Design
Customer Rating
5
Works for EDC, 45L
on July 15, 2026
Posted by: jkim
I bought the 45L for EDC. While it is heavier than my case logic backpack, the hip straps feel great and take most of the load, quick access pouch is easy to access, and I put my quick access items in the pouches so I usually open the main compartment once or twice a day.
Written by a customer while visiting Peak Design
Customer Rating
5
Highly recommended
on July 11, 2026
Posted by: iamtienng
from Amsterdam
Just took the Peak Design Outdoor Backpack 45L on my Dolomites hiking trip, and it exceeded every expectation.
Everything about the design just makes sense. Every compartment is easy to access without unpacking the entire bag, which made switching between hiking and photography effortless. My camera, tripod, layers, snacks, and other essentials were always exactly where I expected them to be.
It's comfortable to carry all day, well-balanced, and thoughtfully designed for people who actually spend time outdoors. Easily one of the best gear purchases I've made. Highly recommended.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting Peak Design
Customer Rating
5
Incredible backpack
on July 10, 2026
Posted by: Andy Magicman
from Essex UK
I’ve owned a lot of camera bags over the years, and the Peak Design 45L Travel Backpack is easily one of the best I’ve used.
The build quality is exceptional. Every zip, buckle and handle feels solid, and it’s clear this bag has been designed to withstand years of heavy use. Despite its generous capacity, it remains comfortable to carry thanks to the well-padded shoulder straps and excellent weight distribution.
As a photographer, the flexibility is what really stands out. The expandable design gives me plenty of room for camera bodies, lenses, accessories and even clothing when I’m travelling. Everything has its place, and the layout makes it quick and easy to access my gear without having to unpack the whole bag.
The attention to detail is outstanding. Hidden pockets, weather-resistant materials, multiple access points and thoughtful organisation all make a real difference when you’re working on location. It also looks smart enough to take anywhere, whether that’s a corporate event, an airport or a wedding.
What impresses me most is how versatile it is. It’s equally at home as a carry-on travel bag, a camera backpack or an everyday work bag. It has replaced several other bags I used to own.
It’s certainly an investment, but in my opinion it’s worth every penny. If you’re looking for a premium backpack that combines outstanding quality, clever design and incredible versatility, I can’t recommend the Peak Design 45L Travel Backpack highly enough.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting Peak Design