Customer reviews from Peak Design
Peak Design - Everyday Backpack V2 30L - Charcoal
Average customer rating
4.8
(1,274 Reviews)
Rating breakdown 1,274 reviews
5 Stars
1,091
4 Stars
152
3 Stars
27
2 Stars
3
1 Star
1
98%of customers recommend this product.
(
774 out of
792)
Customer Reviews for Peak Design - Everyday Backpack V2 30L - Charcoal
Customer Rating
4
Very good, but plenty of room to improve
on September 14, 2023
Posted by: JOPh
I've used both Version 1 and this V2 of the PD Everyday backpacks extensively for years, and while they're some of the best packs available on the market, I still think there's a lot that could be improved for V3.
I like that PD cleaned up the outside of these bags, with less stitching, etc. however I do wish that they'd go back to the grommets they had on the ends of the grabs handles on V1. The bartacks here don't look as cool, and are oddly stitched lengthwise. While the mag latch works effectively, its metal latch kind of 'hooks out' from under the flap and scratches other items you lean the bag up against or drag it across. This could be improved.
I mostly use these to carry photo gear plus day items, whether hiking or traveling. The inside is well-designed, although again, I think the tan color of the V1 looks nicer and more premium than the kind of cheap looking light gray on the V2.
I also preferred the more premium look and feel of the felt tablet sleeve on the V1, vs. the thinner, cheaper one on V2. I'm indifferent to the changes to the interior side pockets, and find both have worked pretty well.
On the top of the body, they kind of sew the opening a bit smaller than the body, likely so items don't fall out. But at the same time this doesn't give as much space to get items in and out. Also, the stitching around the top of the opening looks pretty remedial. Would be cooler if they laminated that, or got rid of the exposed thread they're all together. Generally I find that PD uses a nice durable thread, but kind of low stitch counts and some inconsistent stitching not equal to the premium prices. Another, newer pack company in Bozeman does a lot higher quality job with their stitching and construction.
The shoulder straps are very comfortable, and have never had an issue with them. I wouldn't mind if they were a little wider, to help better support heavy camera loads, but not a major issue.
The fabric is durable and seems to last without showing much wear. I will note though that it's pretty heavy, and makes the whole pack weigh more than most when empty.
One thing you may not immediately notice is that the pack stands up well on its own, due to the flat bottom, which is really nice. It has squarer shoulders on the top than V1, which is probably more space efficient, but I don't think looks as cool.
So overall, this V2 was some steps forward and back. I'm hopeful PD can clean up some of the design and aesthetics for a V3 that's finally perfect.
I like that PD cleaned up the outside of these bags, with less stitching, etc. however I do wish that they'd go back to the grommets they had on the ends of the grabs handles on V1. The bartacks here don't look as cool, and are oddly stitched lengthwise. While the mag latch works effectively, its metal latch kind of 'hooks out' from under the flap and scratches other items you lean the bag up against or drag it across. This could be improved.
I mostly use these to carry photo gear plus day items, whether hiking or traveling. The inside is well-designed, although again, I think the tan color of the V1 looks nicer and more premium than the kind of cheap looking light gray on the V2.
I also preferred the more premium look and feel of the felt tablet sleeve on the V1, vs. the thinner, cheaper one on V2. I'm indifferent to the changes to the interior side pockets, and find both have worked pretty well.
On the top of the body, they kind of sew the opening a bit smaller than the body, likely so items don't fall out. But at the same time this doesn't give as much space to get items in and out. Also, the stitching around the top of the opening looks pretty remedial. Would be cooler if they laminated that, or got rid of the exposed thread they're all together. Generally I find that PD uses a nice durable thread, but kind of low stitch counts and some inconsistent stitching not equal to the premium prices. Another, newer pack company in Bozeman does a lot higher quality job with their stitching and construction.
The shoulder straps are very comfortable, and have never had an issue with them. I wouldn't mind if they were a little wider, to help better support heavy camera loads, but not a major issue.
The fabric is durable and seems to last without showing much wear. I will note though that it's pretty heavy, and makes the whole pack weigh more than most when empty.
One thing you may not immediately notice is that the pack stands up well on its own, due to the flat bottom, which is really nice. It has squarer shoulders on the top than V1, which is probably more space efficient, but I don't think looks as cool.
So overall, this V2 was some steps forward and back. I'm hopeful PD can clean up some of the design and aesthetics for a V3 that's finally perfect.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting Peak Design
Customer Rating
4
Great bag but not as nice as the V1
on October 24, 2023
Posted by: MRL90
from Calgary, AB
I received my v2 20L as a warranty replacement for my V1. PD customer service was excellent and the replacement process was painless
The V2 bag is still nice but it feels like more of a sidegrade when comparing features. I appreciated the nicer straps and slightly larger laptop and quick access pocket, but there are a couple things I much preferred on the V1:
- No more leather side handles and zipper pulls, or metal rivet accents.
- top of bag is a lot firmer and rounded, creating a much different look hard to see in pictures. I much prefer the softer top of the v1.
- the side zipper pockets used to open flat, now you have to prop them open with your hand or they will self close
- top of bag is a lot firmer and rounded, creating a much different look hard to see in pictures. I much prefer the softer top of the v1.
- the side zipper pockets used to open flat, now you have to prop them open with your hand or they will self close
Overall it is still an excellent bag, especially when used for camera gear. PD stands by their warranty with excellent service.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting Peak Design
Customer Rating
5
Brilliant versatile backpack
on April 22, 2024
Posted by: RobinK
from Port Fairy, Australia
I have had my PD Everyday Backpack for several years now and it is an incredibly practical bag. I am travelling and I am not sure of the exact capacity of the backpack but it is one size smaller that the largest size.
But I will start with my one criticism and that is an aspect of the harness. I am 5ft 11in tall and the harness is simply too small for someone of my size as the breast strap is almost across my throat whereas it should be across my chest. without the chest strap it occasionally slips from a shoulder. I believe the top section of the strap with the slots for the chest strap should be at least 2in longer.
But now for what I love. Its flexibility.
1. I purchased it as a camera bag but found I also use it for travel as my carry-on. The harness straps tuck away into the back very easily and with three comfortable strong handles it is so easily carried.
2. When I travel I divide it into three compartments:
The Bottom for my medication in a small zipped bag,
The Middle compartment takes my two cameras (A Fuji XT5 with 16-80mm lens and a Fuji X100VI) and, The Upper compartment, an easily lifted out bag of essentials for flight (headphones, toiletries bag, small shaver etc, plus an iPad and another made up box of medications. It is very easy when reaching my seat to lift out the bag, drop it on the seat and stow the backpack in the overhead locker before the people with their massive illegal sized bags fill the locker!!
3. The two interior zipped side pockets contain spare batteries, power bank, lens brush, charging cables, lens and body caps, spare SD cards etc etc.
4. The external pockets contain a water bottle and small hand held luggage weighing scale.
5. The rear pocket contains a 14" MacBook Pro and a (small - LOL) bag of foreign currency notes.
1. I purchased it as a camera bag but found I also use it for travel as my carry-on. The harness straps tuck away into the back very easily and with three comfortable strong handles it is so easily carried.
2. When I travel I divide it into three compartments:
The Bottom for my medication in a small zipped bag,
The Middle compartment takes my two cameras (A Fuji XT5 with 16-80mm lens and a Fuji X100VI) and, The Upper compartment, an easily lifted out bag of essentials for flight (headphones, toiletries bag, small shaver etc, plus an iPad and another made up box of medications. It is very easy when reaching my seat to lift out the bag, drop it on the seat and stow the backpack in the overhead locker before the people with their massive illegal sized bags fill the locker!!
3. The two interior zipped side pockets contain spare batteries, power bank, lens brush, charging cables, lens and body caps, spare SD cards etc etc.
4. The external pockets contain a water bottle and small hand held luggage weighing scale.
5. The rear pocket contains a 14" MacBook Pro and a (small - LOL) bag of foreign currency notes.
With all of the above I manage to keep the weight to a tiny bit over 7KG
The bag is a quality product with the only exception that my lock on the rear is corroding. The zippers are amazingly strong and weather tight.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting Peak Design
Customer Rating
3
New 16in MacBook Pro
on December 6, 2019
Posted by: Anonymous
It says on the info PDF that it fits a 16in MacBook Pro. And I can get it in the bag but it's not a good fit. If you have the laptop in bag then you cannot access any of the other back pockets. Not as convenient as I was hoping. Having a hard time finding a good looking back that can really hold a 16 in laptop.
Written by a customer while visiting Peak Design
Customer Rating
3
Very Tall Bag 30L
on December 17, 2019
Posted by: Susie
I am 5'6 and bought the 30L bag to use for school as well as the camera equipment. This bag fits the camera equipment beautifully but at my height it almost feels like a travellers back pack. If there was a 25L that would be the perfect size. Overall the bag has some amazing and clever features. I have processed a return request however, it seems to be more challenging than expected.
Written by a customer while visiting Peak Design
Customer Rating
5
Best Travel Backpack to date
on December 25, 2019
Posted by: Ray S
Owner of the original everyday backpack 20L here from the kickstarter launch. The backpack is amazing for everyday use as advertised and is even better for travel. The multitude of compartments are super handle and well thought out. The secret passport flap is perfect (if you haven't discovered it, look for it!). The little pouch in the same compartment as the laptop/tablet compartment is perfect for quick access to all your everyday items.
The original kickstarter version has more pockets and better fit and trim (I'd totally recommend getting your hands on one of the original versions if you can), The latest updated version has improvements, but I still like the quality and are of the original.
Written by a customer while visiting Peak Design
Customer Rating
5
Great for dog trainers, too!
on December 30, 2019
Posted by: Anonymous
I own a dog training company and go to my clients' homes to conduct my training sessions. I needed a bag that could fit my gear, treats, dog toys, laptop and client handouts, while remaining organized. My husband is a photographer and has been using the Peak Everyday backpack for over a year now. He kept telling me how amazing it was, and showed me how it would be applicable to my needs as well. I finally bit the bullet and am so happy I did! I feel really professional walking into my clients' homes wearing the 20L Everyday Backpack. The adjustable compartments have been so helpful and I love that no dog (so far) has been able to figure out how to unzip it. :) I am considering buying one for each of my team members, that's how much I love it!
For reference I am 5 feet tall, and the 20L is the perfect size for me!
Written by a customer while visiting Peak Design
Customer Rating
5
The bag that give everything I need.
on February 7, 2020
Posted by: Anonymous
I fit everything that used to be in my old 2 bags (camera gears, laptop, books and stuff) easily. Of course it's heavy but still comfortable since the strap that support the weight is designed so well. Also super sext, super good looking. Love it so much. One nit picking is gonna be the bag is not quite symmetry in both sides. The left and right zippers on my unit is kinda a bit unequal, the one is easily zip in and out, the another is not quite the same. And the maglatch, when lock in place, always lean towards the right side. Not a big deal, but would be great if there is no minor errors. Love the product and hope the PD team will continue to improve all these awesome products.
Written by a customer while visiting Peak Design