I was hesitant to buy this and was looking at a competitor but after watching endless videos as well as some of Peak Designs own product videos I pulled the trigger. As a photographer day to day I was thrilled with the customization and kept finding new things out it seems every other day (hidden pockets, customization, etc).
My biggest concern was a trip I just recently took to Japan and if I could use this is my travel pack. Peak makes one specifically for this but I had already bought this. With the travel cubes in my arsenal I was thrilled to get a weeks worth of clothes with the larger and medium sized travel cube as well I used the shoe cube as my carry on.
Oh this was all with a Canon R6, 15-35mm and a 70-200mm packed.
Now it was heavy and I wouldn't advise lugging all that around on a day-to-day basis during travel but not surprisingly it was a lot easier than I expected due to the design of the shoulder straps and quality build. My shoulders were tired on days we moved locations and there was lots of walking but I was surprised at how light all that felt.
If you're on the fence about this bag...don't be it's well worth the investment. Im thrilled with the result and glad I spent the extra money getting something that I can use for years.
This bag gives me so much confidence whenever I wear it for travel, photography, and everyday. My favorite part of the bag is that it is a jack-of-all trades bag. I can use it for any situation and it looks the part. At the same time, it does also fall into the master-of-none trope. You must use the dividers to have it function correctly and the side pockets are not as functional as the V1. Other than that, the bag will do whatever you throw at it.
I use this bag whenever I go on photography trips, I love the different compartments and how easy it is to unzip the side and find the exact lens or accessory I'm looking for.
When I head into the day job it does a great job holding my electronics -- I have a tech pouch I slide into the bottom and my lunch sits on top, laptop in the sleeve.
I don't have to mess with the configuration for both these main use cases, which works well for me. I think if you did, it might be somewhat a pain point as getting those internal dividers in just the right location time and time again might get old.
My only real complaint (it still gets 5 stars) is that the bag wears sort of heavy and warm. Sometimes when I'm hiking a ways on a photo trip I get overly sweaty where a 'hiking bag' just sort of wears a bit better, in my opinion. The material just isn't really breathable by design so I don't know that it's a solvable problem, but the little fin on the back just doesn't really do the trick to keep the bag feeling 'airy'.
Awesome build quality like everything PD do - a very premium feeling bag.
Very comfortable to wear. I’ve read reviews where people complain about the pack’s weight, but I love how much padding there is and how firmly it keeps its shape. I trust my camera equipment in it.
It’s perfect for a small kit, so much so that I have it in my car at all times. It’s as sturdy as a suitcase while at the same time pliable enough to store in tight spaces. I love the top handle. I love the magnetic clip (and didn’t think I would) for the expandable top. I love how the pulls for side zippers store inside the bag for security. I love how the shoulder straps are held in place with magnets when not neing worn. I didn’t truly like the look, but it seemed to be what I needed, so I ordered it. Because the pack is so easy to use and vary according to different trip needs, the look has grown on me. I am so impressed by the protection it provides and the thought that went into the compartment dividers. I want all my travel pieces to be made by Peak Design!
I picked this up almost a year ago and I still really like the bag. For short trips or quick travel to and from work it is great. As a teacher I do wish it had one or two more small compartments that were easily accessible from the top pocket. Otherwise I love it.
I bought the bag 2 years ago, use it every day and even after 2 years it still looks new! I use it mainly as my work pc bag, but when I have to travel for a day or two, it is still big enough. I also had an experience with after sales, and they responded quickly, efficiently, so all good here!
If you want a bag with a premium feel to match its insane durability, this bag is for you. I've only had kid/teenager backpacks that last a year or 2, but this one is an active adult backpack made to last. It's highly secure that your average Joe won't be able to open it. That includes my father and the security guard when traveling. Though that may sound negative, that can not be further from the truth. The backpack is very minimalist, featuring WIDE pockets and dividers for YOUR preference, so it's easy and quick to find everything; it's just that the magnets and hooks are just that great. Also, there are easy-to-adjust built-in straps. When properly adjusted, the harsh shoulder tension hardshell bags usually have is completely circumvented. It's made of the same metals and fabric material, making it tough as hell! In Peak Design's fashion, the middle strap clip onto itself, and the shoulder strap is magnetized to the back for easy storage.