Customer reviews from Peak Design
Peak Design - Outdoor Backpack 45L - Cloud
Average customer rating
4.3
(232 Reviews)
Rating breakdown 232 reviews
5 Stars
141
4 Stars
48
3 Stars
24
2 Stars
9
1 Star
10
86%of customers recommend this product.
(
173 out of
201)
Customer Reviews for Peak Design - Outdoor Backpack 45L - Cloud
Customer Rating
3
Nice optics, very bad design decisions
on December 20, 2024
Posted by: Malcolm
from Germany
https://www.peakdesign.com/eu/products/outdoor-backpack?Size=25L&Color=Eclipse
I was excited to back this backpack on Kickstarter, especially in the beautiful Red Eclipse color, and while there are some things I like, I have very mixed feelings about it overall.
Pros:
- Optics: The design is sleek, and the color is stunning.
- Build Quality: Feels solid at first glance.
- Lightweight & Comfortable: It’s easy to carry, and the deep side pockets are great for water bottles, umbrellas, or tripods.
- Optics: The design is sleek, and the color is stunning.
- Build Quality: Feels solid at first glance.
- Lightweight & Comfortable: It’s easy to carry, and the deep side pockets are great for water bottles, umbrellas, or tripods.
Cons:
1. Material Durability: The materials feel plasticky, and the rubber pulley cords scattered across the bag seem prone to wear, especially in varying temperatures.
1. Material Durability: The materials feel plasticky, and the rubber pulley cords scattered across the bag seem prone to wear, especially in varying temperatures.
2. Poor Pocket Design:
- The two small front-side pockets lack dividers, so small items like SD cards or keys fly around loose.
- These pockets are nearly impossible to access when the bag is on the ground (e.g., in a car, plane, or train) and are highly vulnerable to pickpockets when the bag is being worn.
- A secure top pocket for valuables is glaringly absent, which is a huge disappointment.
- The two small front-side pockets lack dividers, so small items like SD cards or keys fly around loose.
- These pockets are nearly impossible to access when the bag is on the ground (e.g., in a car, plane, or train) and are highly vulnerable to pickpockets when the bag is being worn.
- A secure top pocket for valuables is glaringly absent, which is a huge disappointment.
3. Cord Clutter: The abundance of cords creates a messy look and function. The zip cords often tangle with other cords, and the pulley cord to access the main compartment is both impractical and cumbersome. I avoid using it entirely, as the small opening makes it difficult to get to the main compartment. The zippers are a better alternative, but they expose the entire back of the bag, which is also far from ideal.
4. Packing Cube Issues:
- The XS packing cube V2 fits in the bottom, but the orientation of the clips is wrong, and it’s too small for a camera and a spare lens.
- The small packing cube V2 is too big/wide to fit in the bottom of the backpack, despite being advertised otherwise. The bag barely closes with an empty small packing cube, let alone a filled one.
- The XS packing cube V2 fits in the bottom, but the orientation of the clips is wrong, and it’s too small for a camera and a spare lens.
- The small packing cube V2 is too big/wide to fit in the bottom of the backpack, despite being advertised otherwise. The bag barely closes with an empty small packing cube, let alone a filled one.
5. Lack of Interior Functionality:
- While the exterior is covered in loops, the interior has very few. PD pouches can’t be secured and end up flying loose.
- The water divider is too risky for use with camera gear, and as a laptop sleeve, it lacks any padding.
- No small compartment for little stuff (SD cards, coins etc)
- While the exterior is covered in loops, the interior has very few. PD pouches can’t be secured and end up flying loose.
- The water divider is too risky for use with camera gear, and as a laptop sleeve, it lacks any padding.
- No small compartment for little stuff (SD cards, coins etc)
Final Thoughts:
For the price, I expected a well-thought-out product that complements Peak Design’s otherwise excellent gear. Unfortunately, this bag feels rushed and not up to their usual standards. While it’s comfortable and looks great, there are far cheaper options that achieve the same (or better) functionality. I own most of Peak Design’s gear and must say this is their weakest product yet.
For the price, I expected a well-thought-out product that complements Peak Design’s otherwise excellent gear. Unfortunately, this bag feels rushed and not up to their usual standards. While it’s comfortable and looks great, there are far cheaper options that achieve the same (or better) functionality. I own most of Peak Design’s gear and must say this is their weakest product yet.
I wouldn’t recommend this bag unless your priorities are solely optics and comfort. For anyone looking for practical, secure, and camera-friendly design, look elsewhere.
Written by a customer while visiting Peak Design
Customer Rating
2
A good harness, a black hole, and not much else...
on December 21, 2024
Posted by: Salgado
This pack is big on hype, and unfortunately just doesn't quite live up to it. At its core, it is a pretty simple pack that may meet your needs, but is hardly unique.
I backed this on Kickstarter, but didn't receive it until after returning from a 3-week photo trip I was hoping to use it on. May have been a blessing in disguise as the bag would have severely underperformed against the skiing backpack I ended up going with.
First off, this is not a "lightweight" bag. I think the term ulta-light may have been thrown around in some marketing. The bag weighs just under 4 pounds. The Travel Live 45l is 4.5 pounds. So the Travel Line is also lightweight? Or those 0.5 pounds make all the difference? Gimme a break. The bag is durable and solid, but not feather light.
Also you get a much better harness system than on the Travel Line. But you also lose much of the organization that makes the Travel Line 45l such a great bag. Instead you get gimmicks and useless items. Like the interior pocket in the main compartment of the 45l. Hard to access or obstructed if a fully loaded large camera cube is used. The pockets on the sides of the stash pocket are pretty useless and Rob capacity from the stash if used. Instead you get a bunch of straps and an option to hang on small packing bags, which may be great for some, but not optimal if you're bushwhacking for any distance off wider trails.
The exterior pockets are way better than on the Travel line, and you can actually fit bottles in them. And their travel tripod should also fit with the bottle.
But all in all, the lack of organization forces you into a very minimalists approach to the bag, but the weight is much higher than you'd want if you are going to strip down. I'd return it if I could, as it is, it will see minimal usage or a re-sale listing somewhere. Save you money and look for better options elsewhere.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
Written by a customer while visiting Peak Design
Customer Rating
5
The Best Backpack I’ve Ever Owned.
on December 5, 2024
Posted by: Puko Moto
I spent years searching for a backpack like this, and I’ve finally found it.
This backpack is perfect for everything—whether you’re heading to the mountains or just using it for your daily life. As a photographer and motorcyclist, it’s incredibly practical. Plus, it works seamlessly with Peak Design’s camera modules.
The external compartments are a lifesaver when you need extra storage space on the go. It’s also packed with features that make it even better: it’s super comfortable to wear, with reinforced padding for added support and security, and it’s compatible with waterproof covers to protect your gear in any weather. There’s even a dedicated compartment for your laptop, keeping it safe and easy to access.
So, what fits in my 45L backpack?
Sony A7 III camera
2 lenses
DJI Ronin stabilizer
DJI Mini 4 drone
DJI Action Camera + accessories
Batteries + chargers
Macbook PRO
Tripod (attached externally)
Extra room for a hoodie
I can confidently say I’ve found THE PERFECT BACKPACK.
2 lenses
DJI Ronin stabilizer
DJI Mini 4 drone
DJI Action Camera + accessories
Batteries + chargers
Macbook PRO
Tripod (attached externally)
Extra room for a hoodie
I can confidently say I’ve found THE PERFECT BACKPACK.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting Peak Design
Customer Rating
1
Big disappointment
on November 30, 2024
Posted by: JPvR
from Netherlands
I ordered the 25l version thinking this was a great value for photographers and skiing. Big disappointment it was. For skiing everything is to meddlesome to fiddle with. The camera pouch is not easily accessible and the straps on the chest you cannot use wearing gloves. Entering a sky lift is to much trouble. For photo walking it would have been my primary goal. However. No easy access to equipment during walking. For me this backpack is a big and expensive mistake!
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
Written by a customer while visiting Peak Design
Customer Rating
5
Feature rich and fantastic outdoor camera bag
on January 9, 2025
Posted by: Kat
from Arlington, VA
Overall rating: 4.5
Overall, I've really enjoyed using this bag so far. I received it as part of the Kickstarter and have so far used it for day hikes and at a multi-day tech conference. For day hikes, it easily carried my Fujifilm XT30 in an X-Small camera cube, the travel tripod, a first aid kit, layers, snacks, and a 3 L water reservoir (filled up to 2.5 L). For the tech conference, I could fit both my MacBook Pro 16-inch and an iPad in the sleeve plus accessories and conference swag. For size reference, I'm a 5'8" woman with a slender frame, and it fits great. My 6'4" tall, broader framed husband also got the bag, and it's a bit small on him, though still usable.
Features that I particularly like:
* The bag is lightweight and very collapsible. I could stow it under a plane seat and pack it away in a checked back easily.
* Straps are much more comfortable than any other Peak Design bags. They did have a break-in period for me as they were very stiff in the beginning.
* The clamshell opening makes it so easy to access your things, especially if you are stashing heavier items towards the bottom of the bag
* The pockets on the straps are fantastic for stowing my iPhone Pro 15 Max, though you lose one of them if you put a capture clip on the strap.
* The water bottle sleeves are so stretchy and easy to stash large water bottles. I love how tall they are since they also keep a tripod in place.
* The kangaroo pouch and associated front pockets are also very convenient places for storage.
* The eclipse color is a gorgeous maroon-purplish color. The material wipes clean very nicely; I got a ton of orange/red mud on it from hiking out in Zion and none it remained.
* The bag is lightweight and very collapsible. I could stow it under a plane seat and pack it away in a checked back easily.
* Straps are much more comfortable than any other Peak Design bags. They did have a break-in period for me as they were very stiff in the beginning.
* The clamshell opening makes it so easy to access your things, especially if you are stashing heavier items towards the bottom of the bag
* The pockets on the straps are fantastic for stowing my iPhone Pro 15 Max, though you lose one of them if you put a capture clip on the strap.
* The water bottle sleeves are so stretchy and easy to stash large water bottles. I love how tall they are since they also keep a tripod in place.
* The kangaroo pouch and associated front pockets are also very convenient places for storage.
* The eclipse color is a gorgeous maroon-purplish color. The material wipes clean very nicely; I got a ton of orange/red mud on it from hiking out in Zion and none it remained.
Things I think they could have done better:
* Overall, I think Peak Design was not properly prepared for the official release of the bag. The bag is incredibly feature-rich, and I think more people would have been more satisfied if they had more detailed overviews and instructions. I backed it through Kickstarter and completely understand them not having the videos in place at that point in time, but everything should have been available by the time of the official retail release.
* As others have mentioned, the water reservoir routing is not compatible with all reservoirs. This is understandable since every brand does something different, but I think it would be helpful to have a list of tested reservoirs with maximum compatibility (similar to the screen protector list with their phone cases). Additionally, the reservoir loop not having a buckle is slightly annoying since my Platypus reservoir only has a hole through the top plastic. To use them together, I had to use a small carabiner to attach the reservoir to the loop.
* Overall, I think Peak Design was not properly prepared for the official release of the bag. The bag is incredibly feature-rich, and I think more people would have been more satisfied if they had more detailed overviews and instructions. I backed it through Kickstarter and completely understand them not having the videos in place at that point in time, but everything should have been available by the time of the official retail release.
* As others have mentioned, the water reservoir routing is not compatible with all reservoirs. This is understandable since every brand does something different, but I think it would be helpful to have a list of tested reservoirs with maximum compatibility (similar to the screen protector list with their phone cases). Additionally, the reservoir loop not having a buckle is slightly annoying since my Platypus reservoir only has a hole through the top plastic. To use them together, I had to use a small carabiner to attach the reservoir to the loop.
TLDR:
The bag is not perfect, but it is a really great travel bag and an even better outdoor bag for photographers.
The bag is not perfect, but it is a really great travel bag and an even better outdoor bag for photographers.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting Peak Design
Customer Rating
2
Big Bummer
on March 9, 2025
Posted by: camalot
from Oregon
I bought this bag when it was still being crowd funded. Honestly, I had such high hopes for it. Unfortunately, it's been one of my biggest buying regrets. I took it to Joshua Tree for its first outing, after two plane flights and eight days in the field it's already already looking beat up. I loved the theory and conception for pretty much everything here... but all the features are just a little too convoluted or annoying or just not sized correctly. Extremely disappointing given the money.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
Written by a customer while visiting Peak Design
Customer Rating
3
Innovative, practical, but too much wear and tear.
on March 9, 2026
Posted by: aljen
from Lübeck, German
I've bought this one in Summer 2025. About half a year since then, I still like the concept and even discover new features & use cases from time to time. The longer I use it, the more I'm getting used to it. Speaking about use: for me, it's my daily all-purpose rucksack as well as my photo stuff carrier (MFT). Grace to the cube concept, re-packing is a breeze.
All in all just a typical Peak Design one? Well, the answer is "jain" – the fabulous German word for "yes and no in one".
I have to say, I'm disappointed with the quality of the backpack's material. After just a few weeks, whitish spots have appeared on the surface of the cover, looking as if the material has cracked. These spots are visible on the edges, on the surfaces — basically everywhere on the "flap". Keep in mind: I don't drag the backpack around on the ground or squeeze through narrow canyons, so it's not due to misuse. If this were a backpack that had seen a few years and a few hikes, it would be understandable and might even add a certain charm, like an old waxed jacket. But on a backpack that's not even six months old, it unfortunately doesn't look so great. To me, this indicates a quality issue.
Of course, I understand that a backpack is primarily a tool and some wear and tear is normal. Nevertheless, I expect a bit better quality from Peak Design, especially considering the price range. I already own several pieces of luggage from Peak Design and have always had very good experiences. This problem is therefore somewhat surprising, and I hope it's an isolated incident. Peak Design, I'm sure you can do better. Maybe I just got a lemon?
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
Written by a customer while visiting Peak Design
Customer Rating
5
Perfect Backpack for a Hobby Outdoor Photographer
on November 14, 2024
Posted by: Guy
from Ohio
The 1* review on here upset me and I felt obligated to post one. That review stated there's no instructions- there's literally a 30 minute setup guide on the YouTube channel. The bag is admittedly not super intuitive to use at first, but the video explains everything. Not to mention, he and I only have this now because we backed it on kickstarter and received it TWO MONTHS earlier than they originally promised.
Anyway I haven't used this for any serious backpacking yet, but I have used it as a daily bag with as much heavy stuff in it as possible to get a sense of the comfort/sizing and make any adjustments before I take it on a real trip.
If you've had a Peak Design bag before, the features, quality, practicality, etc. are all there exactly as you'd expect. It's light- maybe not light enough for serious ultralight people, but personally I'm one to bring 3 camera lenses I never end up using, so an extra 500g from the bag makes no difference.
The bag is very comfortable thanks to being able to change the strap attachment points. But honestly comfort is purely subjective, no bag is going to be a great fit for every single person. Peak Design or otherwise.
My recommendation is to get this bag if you think you'll like it. If you're an amateur/hobby photographer with a good amount of gear that likes to go hiking/camping and won't be carrying it for more than a day or two at a time, this is an excellent choice. If you're into long, multi-day backpacking trips, or are measuring the weight of each piece of gear down to the gram, there are probably more practical choices (that aren't as cool.)
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting Peak Design