I purchased my v1 EDB back when PD was running their Kickstarter campaign back in 2015, and due to a manufacturing issue with the original Ash fabric which surfaced in 2023, PD, true to their lifetime warranty, sent me a replacement
Totally stoked that they sent me a v2 20L EDB, and I have to say that this new version has refinements that make it a true everyday backpack for me
First off, the top flap now sits more like a box-top, giving the bag a more boxy shape (which I love) as opposed to the older flap design that sloped downwards (which I felt ruined the aesthetic of the bag).
The v2 also looks smaller than the v1, and has a more compact silhouette. The elasticized key strap is simple but such a welcome improvement, and I can say the same for the inclusion of the magnets to keep the straps in place - genius
The 20L v2 fits my 2016 Dell XPS 15 laptop just right, but I wouldn't stuff in an iPad as it would start getting a bit tight, making the top pocket a little hard to get to. The little pocket on the inside of the front panel is brilliant for keeping my Airpods Pro and a Lightning cable handy.
The 20L is also the perfect size - I also own a 30L v1 and it's so easy to load up too much gear into the bag, which honestly, isn't very comfortable to use when fully loaded. I have a Leica M digital body with attached lens, plus 2 lenses (in neoprene pouches) tossed in, along with my iPad mini 6, power bank, Nitecore M10 battery charger (which I use to charge 2 M10 batteries via USB with my power bank), my Steam Deck (sits vertically and reachable from side access), some snacks and a light jacket, and it's comes up to something I can haul around all day.
All in all, the 20L is great as a day bag, and I highly recommend it. PD bags are really hard-wearing (my v1 still shows no signs of wear) and they are great with their lifetime warranty, so buy with confidence!
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 can tell that a lot of time & effort has been put into the design of the Everyday backpack. The features and usability feel like they’re designed by people who are photographers. Nothing feels cheap. One gripe is that the black picks up dust and gets dirty easily. Also could potentially have more shoulder padding in the strap?