I got the Everyday Messenger as replacement for my 15in V1 (Oustanding customer support and rapid delivery of the replacement).
The design of the new version is cleaner and more appealing but aside from the exterior anchor point for the straps the function of the new version is nowhere close to the V1.
The laptop compartment is too small for standard 13 inch laptops to comfortably fit in. The front pocket is not deep enough either. In the V1 the front pocket was a great place for pens etc. The front pocket is of no use to me in the new version. Not offering a slightly bigger 15in version is questionable choice. The bag is basically full with one bottle, a laptop charger, and a pen+notebook. Lastly, the overall quality of the used hardware feels a bit cheaper
I own too many Peak Design bags, they are all great in their own way. The messenger I prefer for commuting with a laptop. This V2 version is just as good as the V1, and there are some features I wish returned for this version, but others that like from the new one. The addition of the luggage passthrough is fantastic and the side pockets are much better, and the zip on the front pocket is much better. However I miss having the laptop zip on the rear of the bag, and the snug little pocket in the inner top of the bag. In any case I love this bag, and all the others. So well thought out.
The details of the Everyday Messenger are as numerous as they are thoughtful. The function of the bag is straightforward, but internally modular enough to match a couple of different purposes without much fuss. This is my daily work bag, and the clasp mechanism is one of my most and least favorite features of the bag.
What I love: + Build quality; the bonding and lack of visible stitching is just professional. The materials used are also very satisfying to touch. + Appearance; it's sleek and doesn't call much attention to itself + Modular capability; the origami inserts allows me to cordon off a water bottle sleeve when i need one, and fold flat when i need more room for stuff. + The main clasp; expandability, satisfying sound, and ease of opening/securing.. the mechanism and function is excellent.
What I wish were executed differently: - The bag plainly refuses to stand up on its own, which annoys me more than it should - The ring of the main clasp slaps against my watch face whenever I open it to reach into the bag for something...it also scrapes against my laptop when I'm putting it away or taking it out. I have to be deliberate about holding the clasp out of the way to make sure it isn't scraping against everything. Frustrating. - The panel of the main flap has some kind of board inside of it that adds to its structure but just doesn't seem to ever "break in." As with the rest of this bag, everything is about 20% stiffer in construction than I would like it to be, so sometimes just interacting with it feels like you're dealing with plastic more than you're dealing with fabric. Not as pleasurable. - Capacity... I wish this were like 2L larger with a less restrictive laptop sleeve.
Overall, even though I have my issues with it, I love the bag and I'm happy I purchased it. But as it goes with things that we love, we just want them to be the best version of what they can be, and I think there is more potential in this bag in the future.
I love Peak Design products. Stylish, sleek, and durable. This messenger bag fit the bill. My only gripe is that I have the newer 16 inch MacBook Pro from work and it does not going to the laptop sleeve. I am able to still fit my MacBook in the backpack, but I have to remove the dividers.
The design and features in their abilities still sold me, but I wish they would make these just a little bit bigger to accommodate laptops
I bought version 1 of the Everyday Messenger a few years ago. I loved the bag. Recently had it replaced under warranty as as stress points for the strap were wearing away. The bag was replaced with v2. V2 is nice but V1 is better.
V1 had easy top access to a laptop without opening the front cover. This was super convenient. V2 stores the laptop inside like every other messenger bag out there. Fighting with the front cover every time is a pain. V1 had super easy means to adjust the shoulder strap. V2 is inferior. The strap buckles don’t hold firm and strap slides loose. I had to double loop. The strap to keep it secure. Adjusting the strap length through the buckle is a pain when V1 was much easier. The pockets to secure the extra strap length are quite useless. The straps are slick and pull right out of the pockets. V1 had nice places to store pens; V2 is lacking such places. V1 would stand up on its own. V2 tends to tip over. V1 had side pockets which nicely held water bottles. V2 requires storing any water bottle inside with your gear (not a great option). I like V2 but I loved V1.
I spent sort of an absurd amount of time recently trying to find the best bag for my newly upgraded camera set up. Goal #1 was for it be versatile, easy to use, and durable. Goal #2 (a close second) was for it to look nice at the same time (something that can't be said for an awful lot of bags out there. For starters, this bag appears to be bomb-proof. I can't imagine it ever wearing out or failing. Hopefully my kids (grandkids) will eventually like it too. The origami dividers, thoughtfully placed pockets, opening clasp, etc. also all easily check the versatility box for me. Good looks are subjective, but to me it's great and looks refined and extremely well made. Ask me again in a few years, but for now this checks all of my boxes and then some.
Food Photographer Here: This bag is the bees knees
on October 17, 2022
Posted by: Scott Conover
from Boise ID
First off, I'm pretty picky when it comes to what I wear and this bag looks awesome. I love form, but I also love function - and this bag has lots of great ideas built-in. I love the tie down straps (and their mounting points), the magnets that help daily function, and the keychain quick release. I can fit a 70-200 2.8 + R5 w/ 24-70 2.8 + Macbook Pro and feel comfortable riding my bike to and from work.
The only thing missing is a place to mount keys on the left side pocket (I am a lefty). As a work-around, I just looped the keychain tether around the camera mount location and the keys will still store nicely in the zipper pocket. NOICE!