Customer Reviews for Peak Design - Outdoor Backpack 45L - Black
Customer Rating
1
Big disappointment
on November 30, 2024
Posted by: JPvR
from Netherlands
I ordered the 25l version thinking this was a great value for photographers and skiing. Big disappointment it was. For skiing everything is to meddlesome to fiddle with. The camera pouch is not easily accessible and the straps on the chest you cannot use wearing gloves. Entering a sky lift is to much trouble. For photo walking it would have been my primary goal. However. No easy access to equipment during walking. For me this backpack is a big and expensive mistake!
Full Disclosure I am a huge fan of PD so take that for what it’s worth. I got the 45L outdoor bag (Eclipse colorway is beautiful) to compliment my 30L everyday bag when I have a larger load with the kids and it does not disappoint. Starting with the strap fit, once dialed in (I am on the third ladder from the bottom with a 19” torso if that helps anyone) the stiff back panel comfortably hugs your back and helps distribute and balance your load. The stow-ability of the hip belt is also really well executed and always having it available is appreciated in my middle age. This is a TALL bag, but it’s low profile enough it doesn’t look or feel absurd when I am not hiking, and expands nicely with whatever random stuff my kids need for a given day/hike or for me on a short overnight work trip. There are three main access points to the storage areas. The clamshell back provides a straight shot to your gear, makes packing into the open main compartment super easy, and with some strategic packing offers on body access to gear. The next two main areas are accessed via The Ultra Cinch, which keeps up the tradition of unique and handy top access. Tug the loop and get immediate access to a flex pocket that also creates a platform for securing jackets, towels, birthday presents, scooters your kid decided to stop riding halfway through your walk, etc. This is honestly the most frequently used compartment for me. Next is the chimney which opens easily, closes automatically, and gives top access to the bag’s contents. Those 3 main access points are supported by…pockets everywhere. The side zip pockets are great for stuffing little things and have attachment loops for organizers. The pockets in the strap and hip belt are convenient for stashing quick access items. The side flex pockets are great for stuffing, and the stretch mesh feels made to last. Camera cubes are a great addition if you like shelf style organization and secure easily to the sides. Finally, the external attach points and flexible cords offer endless options for the outside. As someone constantly on the search for the bag that will “do it all” this one is as close as I have come in flexibility. I will likely compliment it with the 7L sling as a personal item for air travel but really well done.
SO CLOSE to being perfect!!! As a travel and outdoor photographer, I desperately wanted this bag to be my holy grail. However, there are two deal breakers for me: no luggage pass and no universal water bladder attachment. For the price, I feel luggage pass should be a standard feature. As for the water bladder, i am aware i can have it on the outside, but then i lose valuable quick access pocket real estate.
Other features i wish the pack had: A small amount of padding on the laptop sleeve so your camera equipment won’t scratch your laptop. If there were a way to cinch down the pack without impeding the side pockets, that would be awesome (but not a deal breaker). Would it be possible to have attachment points inside the pockets? And better grab handles - cord handles hurt with heavy loads
Thank you for reading! I will wait patiently for V2 🙂
I just LOVE this backpack. At first, I have to say I was a bit skeptical, fearing that it might be over-engineered for my needs. Now I've put some use in it and I'm totally convinced this is the backpack that wins them all. First of all, look and material. It's sturdy but light while holding a certain shape. The comfort is just incredible and it doesn't change if half empty of fully loaded. The external attachment makes it an incredible travel machine (I use the cubes for snacks, jacket, extra pairs of shoes or towels when on the road for more than 2 days). Lastly, the look which makes it perfect for a day in the city but also charging my hometown trails with the bike.
Been rocking this for a few use cases across hiking, work, and travel... have to say this thing is fantastic! Very comfortable straps, lots of modification ability in the strap system that goes around the bag, and it also is just a beautiful bag. It feels like a step towards more modernity from Peak Design. It actually has replaced my work bag for everyday use too, which i wasn't planning on.
A bag like a Swiss army knife. There is so much packed into a 25L bag than I could have ever imagined. And the quality of it is even more amazing. I've had many bags over the years and this one I think takes the cake. I've had a North Face bag that has lasted about 12 years and this one feels like it will outlast that one by far. Looking forward to adding this as my everyday travel bag and more.