Customer reviews from Peak Design
Peak Design - Outdoor Backpack 45L - Black
Average customer rating
4.3
(216 Reviews)
Rating breakdown 216 reviews
5 Stars
136
4 Stars
44
3 Stars
18
2 Stars
9
1 Star
9
87%of customers recommend this product.
(
165 out of
190)
Customer Reviews for Peak Design - Outdoor Backpack 45L - Black
Customer Rating
2
Not perfect at all
on March 27, 2025
Posted by: Lukas
from Poland
I love the material and the concept of this backpack, but there are a lot of downsides:
- The backpack is not stable, you can't put it upright because it will fall.
- It has a few pockets
- There is no AirTag pocket.
- There is no pocket for the hip belt (like in 40l).
- The backpack is not stable, you can't put it upright because it will fall.
- It has a few pockets
- There is no AirTag pocket.
- There is no pocket for the hip belt (like in 40l).
If not that what I have said above, i would recommend it to my friends.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
Written by a customer while visiting Peak Design
Customer Rating
4
Interesting
on March 27, 2025
Posted by: Arno
from Hilton Head Island, SC
I purchased this bag to use for a travel kit for photography. While I can certainly configure it for a small kit, I do find it to be a bit heavy when adding the packing cubes (ie. the medium and the xxs) and my 16" MacBook Pro. Additionally, I am a 6'4" man with a somewhat athletic build and broad shoulders and find that the shoulder straps and quite tight and small. I will use the bag around town mostly slinging it on one shoulder but most likely not use it for any long trips requiring it to be on both shoulders. Construction is excellent as with all Peak Design Products.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
Written by a customer while visiting Peak Design
Customer Rating
5
Brilliantly practical
on March 29, 2025
Posted by: Em
from Bucharest, RO
I bought the 45l outdoor backpack for longer trips.
I found it big enough for my needs in order to avoid checked-in luggage (something I'm allergic to, mainly because of the long queues at the luggage lane and the concept of luggage lottery).
I found it big enough for my needs in order to avoid checked-in luggage (something I'm allergic to, mainly because of the long queues at the luggage lane and the concept of luggage lottery).
It did an excellent job, although sometimes "sacrifices" had to be made with regard to the things I could put in. It's a brilliant piece of kit, but 3 weeks is a long time, apparently.
Anyway... let me try to provide some useful information here, if possible:
- it's great for carrying a lot of stuff over a lot of days and territory. It can take quite a lot of stuff and abuse. Many suitcases were thrown over it in the back of the bus and it braved without a wince or protest. It can also take verbal abuse, I think, but I only had words of praise for it so I can't confirm.
- it's also quite light, too, which is convenient. Things change if you put rocks and anvils in it, but that's on you. The bag itself is by no means a porker for the amount of stuff it can take.
- sometimes I wished for a few more pockets, but with a bit of planning and a few organising cubes (I had 2 from PD and a few from amazon basics) it did a great job to hold all my stuff in place. And I could find said stuff easily, as well, without too much digging. Of cube was for toiletries, one for cables and adapters and backup phone etc, and 3 for clothing. I'd try a few more cubes next time. Still, a few more pockets never hurt. Never. Ask anyone with cargo pants.
- the closing mechanism -the lace thingy- made me nervous at first, it seemed weak and vulnerable and unlikely to hold together all my things. It did, though, and it's quite a clever system. With a full bag it's a bit optimistic to operate it with one hand, but most of the time it is actually doable. Combined with the roll-up system that secures in place with magnets, your stuff is safe inside and has no chance to escape accidentally.
- the closing mechanism -the lace thing-... no, you're not having deja-vu, I just want to add one more thing. It really is more sturdy than it looks (it doesn't look very sturdy). After +3 weeks of frequent use, I didn't notice any flimsy-ness, slimming or falling apart. I don't know what material and sorcery it's made of, but PD did a great job with it.
- the external flap/compartment is quite convenient for packing a jacket or a larger piece of clothing. The things you put there may not be as well protected from the rain and dust as the things inside, but if you're not going through rain on a dusty road during a volcano eruption you'll be fine.
- the side pockets are generous and hold stuff well. I'm a bit paranoid about pockets without zippers or snaps or velcro, but these elastic-y things seem safe enough to make me assume I'll still have my things in them at the destination.
- I haven't used the straps for big things like a tripod mount or those tennis racket things you use to walk on ice and snow, but you can attach quite large items with them. A tripod would look a bit too much when your camera is the size of your phone (and it's not a big phone, not even the XL or Plus or Max), just like those snow racquets would look quite silly on a beach walk in warm weather. Should you want to, though, you can attach big things to your backpack with said straps.
- the waist strap is very convenient. It can take a few small things that you can access quickly; my camera kit that I discussed one paragraph above definitely fits. You can also put a few snacks, but snacks tend to evaporate whenever I'm around, no matter where you place them; proximity and ease of access are key. The strap is convenient though. And very easy to remove if you don't want it.
- this dark red/ burgundy/ inside-of-a-cherry colour looks great. Of course, if you're an accountant or actuator I'd suggest something more grey or beige. However, I enjoy being able to identify my bag easily in a large pile of luggage at the back of the bus. Nobody needs 3 suitcases, Alice! Anyway, I received compliments from the ladies about the colour. Yes, even Alice. But then she laughed its size. Go figure...
- it's great for carrying a lot of stuff over a lot of days and territory. It can take quite a lot of stuff and abuse. Many suitcases were thrown over it in the back of the bus and it braved without a wince or protest. It can also take verbal abuse, I think, but I only had words of praise for it so I can't confirm.
- it's also quite light, too, which is convenient. Things change if you put rocks and anvils in it, but that's on you. The bag itself is by no means a porker for the amount of stuff it can take.
- sometimes I wished for a few more pockets, but with a bit of planning and a few organising cubes (I had 2 from PD and a few from amazon basics) it did a great job to hold all my stuff in place. And I could find said stuff easily, as well, without too much digging. Of cube was for toiletries, one for cables and adapters and backup phone etc, and 3 for clothing. I'd try a few more cubes next time. Still, a few more pockets never hurt. Never. Ask anyone with cargo pants.
- the closing mechanism -the lace thingy- made me nervous at first, it seemed weak and vulnerable and unlikely to hold together all my things. It did, though, and it's quite a clever system. With a full bag it's a bit optimistic to operate it with one hand, but most of the time it is actually doable. Combined with the roll-up system that secures in place with magnets, your stuff is safe inside and has no chance to escape accidentally.
- the closing mechanism -the lace thing-... no, you're not having deja-vu, I just want to add one more thing. It really is more sturdy than it looks (it doesn't look very sturdy). After +3 weeks of frequent use, I didn't notice any flimsy-ness, slimming or falling apart. I don't know what material and sorcery it's made of, but PD did a great job with it.
- the external flap/compartment is quite convenient for packing a jacket or a larger piece of clothing. The things you put there may not be as well protected from the rain and dust as the things inside, but if you're not going through rain on a dusty road during a volcano eruption you'll be fine.
- the side pockets are generous and hold stuff well. I'm a bit paranoid about pockets without zippers or snaps or velcro, but these elastic-y things seem safe enough to make me assume I'll still have my things in them at the destination.
- I haven't used the straps for big things like a tripod mount or those tennis racket things you use to walk on ice and snow, but you can attach quite large items with them. A tripod would look a bit too much when your camera is the size of your phone (and it's not a big phone, not even the XL or Plus or Max), just like those snow racquets would look quite silly on a beach walk in warm weather. Should you want to, though, you can attach big things to your backpack with said straps.
- the waist strap is very convenient. It can take a few small things that you can access quickly; my camera kit that I discussed one paragraph above definitely fits. You can also put a few snacks, but snacks tend to evaporate whenever I'm around, no matter where you place them; proximity and ease of access are key. The strap is convenient though. And very easy to remove if you don't want it.
- this dark red/ burgundy/ inside-of-a-cherry colour looks great. Of course, if you're an accountant or actuator I'd suggest something more grey or beige. However, I enjoy being able to identify my bag easily in a large pile of luggage at the back of the bus. Nobody needs 3 suitcases, Alice! Anyway, I received compliments from the ladies about the colour. Yes, even Alice. But then she laughed its size. Go figure...
All in all, if you're not a hoarder this bad boy will take care of your stuff in style and comfort. And comfort is very important for me. It's still useful to be nice to other people on the trip because you won't be able to carry a bottle of wine with it through airport security. But otherwise, it'll serve you well on your adventures. Or on your trip to the audit maybe, if you went for the grey colour.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting Peak Design
Customer Rating
3
Okay but...
on April 9, 2025
Posted by: Michael AY
from Singapore
The bag is nice overall speaking, can load a lot of stuff in it while still maintaining a relatively slim profile. However after three months of everyday usage the front-left zipper puller was broken. As shown in the photo attached I have to tie the two strings up in order to continue using it. Is there any warranty service for this part?
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting Peak Design
Customer Rating
4
Great but no easy access
on December 2, 2025
Posted by: Matt
from France
I've had this bag for over 6 months and I love it. I use it in cities and the countryside ! It’s very useful with or without camera cubes ! I have a lot of bags from Peak Design, and I think that the EDC ones are nicer but not as tidy as the ones with camera cubes possibilities. My dream would be a 20 or 25 urban bag with camera cubes ! A sort of mix between this "outdoor" bag and the Everyday ones, with a side access to my gear ! Maybe in a few months ?
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting Peak Design
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
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