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
Unique design, ultralight versatility
on March 30, 2026
Posted by: Nov
from Kirkland, WA
No bag is perfect at all functions, it is always tradeoff. This one’s optimized for comfort, packability, weight, functionality.
Design of main and outer compartments is a bit controversial and long strings are not hidden in a smart way but I absolutely love the bag for the minimalist travel option. Works amazing as a day pack (compact) but expands to carry smedium camera cube plus drone. Side pockets are great for accessing while it sits on my roller pro.
Design of main and outer compartments is a bit controversial and long strings are not hidden in a smart way but I absolutely love the bag for the minimalist travel option. Works amazing as a day pack (compact) but expands to carry smedium camera cube plus drone. Side pockets are great for accessing while it sits on my roller pro.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting Peak Design
Customer Rating
3
It is an ok bag
on March 22, 2026
Posted by: digirami
from Miami, FL
I was gifted the 25L Outdoor Bag by my wife because I wanted a hydration pack that can hold a few extra items when I go birding. I have a plethora of PD products that I think are great. In terms of backpack, I have been using their 20L Everyday Backpack for six years now, and it is GOAT status for me. However, I know Everyday Bag is not an outdoor bag, even though it can make do. So having a dedicated outdoor bag from PD was something I was excited about.
If I had to sum up the 25L Outdoor Bag, I would say it is a good bag, but it is not an exceptional bag because it cannot do everything it can exceptionally well at the same time.
For a company that prides itself on camera gear, it is not a phenomenal camera bag. It tries to be, but what is holding it back in its current form is the Smedium Cube. The Smedium Cube is rectangular, and it fits in the 25L Outdoor Bag the long side going up and down. That orientation inside the cube inside the bag is terrible if you have an item like a telephoto lens that can be used outdoors for wildlife photography and only fits along the long side of the cube. Once you remove an item like that from the bag/cube, the weight distribution in the bag is off. Furthermore, the Smedium Cube is tapered downward, so the bottom of the cube is smaller than the top, making it difficult to maximize its utility. If it was not tapered, maybe you should fit a telephoto lens on the shorter side while using the bag. I also feel like it they made the 25L bag work with the Medium Cube, the better, even if it must be 30L. (And if the bag was 30L instead of 25L, it would be a better middle point between the 18L and 45L.)
Then there is the hydration pack compartment. The bag has loops to help keep the hydration hose in place... on the other side of the clam-shell design. So if you open the bag while the hydration pack is in place, it will get in the way. Second, it is tough to use a camera cube and a hydration pack at the same time. I’ve tried; it was not easy, and I risked getting my camera gear wet (I closed the camera cube for extra protection). It should be fundamental to the design process that the bag should be able to every major thing well all at once. No one is going to get up in arms that they cannot carry a laptop and hydration pack at the same time because that would be weird. But the bag should be able to carry camera gear and a hydration pack well at the same time since I can do both outdoors.
And there are smaller things that bother me. For example, the opening at the top is not as quick and easy it is made to be, especially compared to the Everyday Bag. The cords seem a bit flimsy compared to straps found in other bags. I haven’t tested its weatherproofing in the rain of Florida yet. But as there is a separate rainfly for sale, I have doubts.
So the 25L Outdoor Bag is a good bag, but it is not a great bag. Beware of the shortcomings.
If I had to sum up the 25L Outdoor Bag, I would say it is a good bag, but it is not an exceptional bag because it cannot do everything it can exceptionally well at the same time.
For a company that prides itself on camera gear, it is not a phenomenal camera bag. It tries to be, but what is holding it back in its current form is the Smedium Cube. The Smedium Cube is rectangular, and it fits in the 25L Outdoor Bag the long side going up and down. That orientation inside the cube inside the bag is terrible if you have an item like a telephoto lens that can be used outdoors for wildlife photography and only fits along the long side of the cube. Once you remove an item like that from the bag/cube, the weight distribution in the bag is off. Furthermore, the Smedium Cube is tapered downward, so the bottom of the cube is smaller than the top, making it difficult to maximize its utility. If it was not tapered, maybe you should fit a telephoto lens on the shorter side while using the bag. I also feel like it they made the 25L bag work with the Medium Cube, the better, even if it must be 30L. (And if the bag was 30L instead of 25L, it would be a better middle point between the 18L and 45L.)
Then there is the hydration pack compartment. The bag has loops to help keep the hydration hose in place... on the other side of the clam-shell design. So if you open the bag while the hydration pack is in place, it will get in the way. Second, it is tough to use a camera cube and a hydration pack at the same time. I’ve tried; it was not easy, and I risked getting my camera gear wet (I closed the camera cube for extra protection). It should be fundamental to the design process that the bag should be able to every major thing well all at once. No one is going to get up in arms that they cannot carry a laptop and hydration pack at the same time because that would be weird. But the bag should be able to carry camera gear and a hydration pack well at the same time since I can do both outdoors.
And there are smaller things that bother me. For example, the opening at the top is not as quick and easy it is made to be, especially compared to the Everyday Bag. The cords seem a bit flimsy compared to straps found in other bags. I haven’t tested its weatherproofing in the rain of Florida yet. But as there is a separate rainfly for sale, I have doubts.
So the 25L Outdoor Bag is a good bag, but it is not a great bag. Beware of the shortcomings.
Written by a customer while visiting Peak Design
Customer Rating
4
PDs most comfortable bag
on March 16, 2026
Posted by: jcorraini
from Pittsburgh PA
This is by far the most comfortable bag in the Peak Design lineup. While I love their products, the everyday line isn't very comfortable especially with a heavier load.
Beyond the comfort, I like the new material choice. The subtle branding. The deep side pockets are a welcome change from every other bag in the market. Whether it's a tripod or a water bottle, you know it isn't going anywhere.
While it's not perfect because no bag is, it's hard to pinpoint any changes I'd like to see.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting Peak Design
Customer Rating
3
Innovative, practical, but too much wear and tear.
on March 9, 2026
Posted by: aljen
from Lübeck, German
I've bought this one in Summer 2025. About half a year since then, I still like the concept and even discover new features & use cases from time to time. The longer I use it, the more I'm getting used to it. Speaking about use: for me, it's my daily all-purpose rucksack as well as my photo stuff carrier (MFT). Grace to the cube concept, re-packing is a breeze.
All in all just a typical Peak Design one? Well, the answer is "jain" – the fabulous German word for "yes and no in one".
I have to say, I'm disappointed with the quality of the backpack's material. After just a few weeks, whitish spots have appeared on the surface of the cover, looking as if the material has cracked. These spots are visible on the edges, on the surfaces — basically everywhere on the "flap". Keep in mind: I don't drag the backpack around on the ground or squeeze through narrow canyons, so it's not due to misuse. If this were a backpack that had seen a few years and a few hikes, it would be understandable and might even add a certain charm, like an old waxed jacket. But on a backpack that's not even six months old, it unfortunately doesn't look so great. To me, this indicates a quality issue.
Of course, I understand that a backpack is primarily a tool and some wear and tear is normal. Nevertheless, I expect a bit better quality from Peak Design, especially considering the price range. I already own several pieces of luggage from Peak Design and have always had very good experiences. This problem is therefore somewhat surprising, and I hope it's an isolated incident. Peak Design, I'm sure you can do better. Maybe I just got a lemon?
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
Written by a customer while visiting Peak Design
Customer Rating
5
My 5 Star Review
on February 16, 2026
Posted by: efceev
from San Francisco, CA
My 5 Star Review
I just bought the Peak Design black Outdoor 25L Backpack. I really love it. I'm using it for travel pursuit
and the build quality is pretty smooth. Functionally it has tons of pockets and feels especially spacious. I do kinda
wish it had more of the straps. Materials and finish are super nice. I’ve used it 27 times already and tbh it's been bangin’ each time. They could probably improve the carry handle though.
I just bought the Peak Design black Outdoor 25L Backpack. I really love it. I'm using it for travel pursuit
and the build quality is pretty smooth. Functionally it has tons of pockets and feels especially spacious. I do kinda
wish it had more of the straps. Materials and finish are super nice. I’ve used it 27 times already and tbh it's been bangin’ each time. They could probably improve the carry handle though.
Overall highly recommend!
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting Peak Design
Customer Rating
5
A Slow Burn That Turned Into a Favorite: Peak Desi
on January 14, 2026
Posted by: TradeshowGuy
from Salem, Oregon
I bought the Peak Design Everyday Outdoor Backpack over a month ago—and then promptly let it sit in my room for three weeks. It threw me off at first, mostly because I was trying to replace a very old but familiar backpack. This one is different. Access points on both sides and the top, a slim rear pocket that’s perfect for a laptop and accessories, and lots of thoughtfully designed small pockets—some zippered, some magnetic.
What finally did it was emptying my old pack and starting fresh. Once I spent time figuring out where everything should go, it all clicked. There was a bit of mental adjustment, but now I’m sold. It’s extremely well-built, smartly designed, and clearly engineered by people who actually use their gear. A great piece of kit.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting Peak Design
Customer Rating
5
A very good backpack for your travels
on December 31, 2025
Posted by: namvijay
from Singapore
Brought the Outdoor backpack 25L to my New Zealand trip recently and it came in handy as a carry-on bag and a bring everywhere bag. The main compartment kept my camera and other stuff safe and while the other pocket served as a quick access pocket where I kept my headphones and even squeezed in a rain jacket. I just wished there was a small zipped pocket in this opening as well, though there are two on the sides that are pretty hidden.
This bag is definitely going along with me for all my trips in the future.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting Peak Design
Customer Rating
5
Great day hiking pack
on December 27, 2025
Posted by: ae24
Really like the ample exterior storage for water bottles/other items you want quick access to. Nice mechanism for accessing main storage either via roll top or zipper to fully open bag. Superb comfort and customizability.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting Peak Design