This pack is perfect for short trips or lightweight one-bag travel over a longer period. Love the variety of features included. Some of my favorites are the stashable hip belt, side access, and lash straps & attachment points all over the pack.
I do photo & video with a work trip to Thailand from the US and needed a new travel bag. My goals for a new bag were to make sure I could carry my camera gear, tech, clothes, and accessories for my 7 day trip. The bag also had to be carried with me on all the planes, trains, and automobiles.
This 45L pack worked to perfection. Paired with the small camera cube for my gear everything fit perfectly. Taking stuff out at security points was quick and easy, and this bag fit in every overhead bin I came across.
The trip was my first time putting the bag to work, and with a few strap adjustments along the way I found it to be extremely comfortable and a pleasure to use.
I mainly use this bag for weekend trips but I have also brought in abroad as a carry on. On one particulary long haul flight, I fell asleep with a cup of red wine in my hand, which eventually slipped and spillt all over my nice, brand new backpack. In a panic and with nothing else at hand I had to use the airline pillow to try and soak up the wine. Fortunately for me there was no need to panic though because the amazing material that this bag is made out of was more than a match for a bit of wine. This backpack is the perfect marriage of what might seem like a minimalist's bag and bag full of features. Some are so subtle, like the zipper security features and secret pockets but when traveling through busy airport, are a serious godsent.
Took it for a solo trip, the bag can accommodate a lot but carrying around was difficult. The straps are not much comfortable and walking around with is gets unpleasant soon leaving shoulder pain and uncomfortable back.
Bought this because of side access and "ease" of getting to my gear. The side flaps do NOT open wide enough for the flaps to lay flat while accessing gear and try to close due to zippers not being quite long enough. The zippered pockets on the inside of each flap are fine, but the slide in one's do NOT hold anything in unless the pack is vertical...so a bit useless. The outside slide in pockets are not wide or deep enough to secure gear, although they both have securing straps. Their travel tripod should slide further down. Also, the side flap zipper gets caught on the corner of the main pack flap when trying to zipper one handed...so the main flap has to be pushed to the side. I was photographing to wet and windy conditions trying to access and store my R5 and attched lens quickly which was a challenge with this pack. High quality, but not perfect and does not hold much gear if you plan on having space for your coat or water bottle. It's close, but not quite there.
This is the first backpack I've ever had to learn to use, but Peak Design has very helpful videos teaching you all the ins-and-outs of this amazing backpack! I've really enjoyed all the features this backpack offers to help keep everything organized and easy to carry.
I purchased this backpack 2 years ago and couldn't be happier. Recently a small tear arose, backpack handle was tearing a little from main pack. Contacted Peak Design regarding warranty guarantees who were brilliant. They sent me a brand new bag to replace my broken one. Now this is a company which stands behind their product and promise to customers! Will be backing this brand for years to come. Thank you Peak Design.