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
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
Customer Rating
5
Great pack for dessert hikes
on March 2, 2025
Posted by: Tom from Reno, NV
from Reno, Nevada
Honestly not too much to say, very comfortable, easy to access gear, and plenty of room for all the things you may want or need for a day trip.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting Peak Design
Customer Rating
2
Good idea but…
on March 2, 2025
Posted by: JF
from Canada
The bag is very comfortable to walk with, but the padding on the shoulder is too large, it is putting pressure on each side of the neck. I will not do any hiking with it. The material are quite sturdy, but the front part comes with no hole at the bottom, snow will get in and have no place to get out as it melt. The computer sleeve have absolutely no padding , so everything you put inside the bag will touch it. I am a big fan of PD products, but it look like and unfinished bag, good idea but…I will wait for V2 with real curved shoulder strap, padded laptop sleeve on both side, holes at the bottom and easier cinch system…
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
Written by a customer while visiting Peak Design
Customer Rating
5
I have tried MANY camera bags !!!!
on February 26, 2025
Posted by: Anonymous
from Montreal
This is by far the best camera bag I have ever owned! I used it recently for a 2 weeks travel with my wife and 2 kids. i could bring my 500 f4 ii canon lens, R5, 24-70 2.8, 15-30 2.8, 70-200 2.8, mini 3 drone etc. Along with that, 4 water bottles on the mesh side pockets and front and top were filled with either little food and my coat. On the side I could attach a pocketable peak design tote to bring layers and mittens hat for the kids and wife.
It was super comfortable and I am 6 foot 215lbs.
The look is awesome and small compared to other brands and stille can bring as much if not more!
The only downside is the large insert size. I need it longer so I used the fstop XL insert and I am waiting patienly for a bigger insert :)
It it VERY versatile:)
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting Peak Design
Customer Rating
4
Overall great bag, just miss side access.
on February 18, 2025
Posted by: Mika
from France
In this review I'll be comparing the outdoor backpack 25L with the everyday backpack v2 20L. I found the everyday backpack uncomfortable and bought the outdoor for more comfy bah.
Considering comfort, the outdoor backpack is far ahead, the straps are sooo comfortable. The sternum strap was a bit tricky to put with one hand at first, probably like the everyday backpack, but now I am used to it and can put both with one hand.
About accessing the gear inside of the bag, I'm a bit disappointed with the outdoor backpack, having to put down the bag and opening it all the way is far less practical than the everyday backpack with its side access. Maybe with experience I'll get more used to camera cubes and will prefer it over the everyday backpack.
For the top access I am happy with both maglatch and ultra cinch.
About pockets, I prefer the everyday backpack with many pockets and "sub-pockets". The outdoor backpack has not so much pockets, probably because the bag was design with the usage of packing cubes in mind.
About "rainproofness", I spend half a day under heavy snow and stuff in the front pocket were dry.
So overall a very confortable and modular bag (at the cost of camera and packing cubes), but I'm not yet convinced with the way I have to access my gear inside.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting Peak Design