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
5
Another PD masterpiece
on November 16, 2024
Posted by: Logan
from SLC
Just got this and the quality is stellar in typical PD fashion. It has ample pockets, the roll top is a great idea, and the back zip panel gives a straight shot to your gear. This pack is about to get put through its paces, and based on the materials used and solid feeling construction I have zero doubts it’ll hold up.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting Peak Design
Customer Rating
3
Great product but can not attach sternum straps
on November 14, 2024
Posted by: jb
I have received the backpack today and I am unable to attach my sternum straps because of missing loops on the left shoulder band. for the rest the 25L backpack seems to do what it promises. A guide on how to attach a sling would be nice.
Written by a customer while visiting Peak Design
Customer Rating
5
I LOVE THIS BAG!
on November 18, 2024
Posted by: James
This is my 3rd backpack from Peak Design. I love them all and still use the other two. I also have an unhealthy obsession with backpacks and buy many from other manufacturers. First off... this is the best backpack I have ever bought... so happy with this purchase. I'm not sure the website photos do it justice, so here's what I like most about the Outdoor backpack:
1. it looks epic, especially in the dark red (eclipse) colour. Honestly, looks amazing. The colour is like a duotone effect; there are 2-3 different shades of crimson which work together to look amazing.
2. Functionality: being able to quickly access the entire pack (like the Peak Design travel bags) is really helpful, especially when I get to work, I can flip it open and grab what I need quickly.
3. All the fittings, handles, padding behind the laptop, etc, are small/thin/light but incredibly strong.
4. Waterproof: it doesn't rain a lot in Spain, but there is a lot of commuting by foot, so when it does, it's great to know my laptop and all my gear are safe.
5. Durability: all the fabrics feel super-premium and tough.
6. The opening mechanism to open the front of the pack is fantastic, once you know how it works, it makes for quick assessment and closure, but at the same time, it is hard for would-be thieves to get into the back (as it doesn't open as they would expect). There are a lot of pick-pockets in Spain, so this is a great feature. Note: someone left a 1-star review for this product based on this feature alone (the opening mechanism on the front). I think they need to retract that review, as it is objectively unfounded.
I love this bag.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting Peak Design
Customer Rating
5
Don't let the bad reviews fool you! Excellent Bag!
on January 1, 2025
Posted by: mtnphotog
Extremely well thought out bag with only a couple niggles that could be improved on a version 2 but easily one of my favorite bags of all time. The negative reviews are mainly due to people not understanding how to use the bag or thinking it was something it isn't... PD has published an in-depth video on YouTube going over every feature.
Per usual with Peak Design, they took a novel approach to a lot of things and improved on them. The fit of the bag is great due to the adjustable height harness and running vest style straps. They wrap really well and have the right balance of comfort and breathability. The two sternum straps distribute the weight nicely on your chest. The only issue with them is they are hard to attach with thick gloves on in winter.
The stretch pockets on the sides are great for multiple sized items from water bottles to tripods to jackets. The included straps and loop attachment points all along the bag make it easy to customize the load carrying how you want and you can cinch down the 45L pack into a much more compact size if needed.
I really like the design of the main pocket access from the top because they created a quick way to open and close it without clips. You can also store wet gear and things you want quick access to in the kangaroo pouch created by the outer flap.
There is a really nice assortment of pockets on the outside for organization including a zippered and stretch pocket on the waist straps. The front flap also has two pockets for various items.
Being able to access the main compartment by opening the entire back panel makes it easy to get into all your gear. If you put a camera cube in there, you have full access to it without removing the cube from the bag. I see this bag more for general hiking primarily, so I use PD’s excellent packing cubes in the main compartment. This keeps everything organized and easily accessible.
By loosening the front flap and unrolling the main compartment top part, you can add a decent amount of capacity to this bag as well, pushing it into weekend backpacking territory.
The only thing PD didn’t fully think through was the hose routing for a water bladder if you put it in the back panel’s storage spot. It makes it challenging to fully open the pack from that side if you do use a bladder there and run the hose through the routing to the harness straps. There are ways around this though, so I wouldn’t consider it a dealbreaker at all.
The materials are top notch, per usual with PD and I know they will stand behind this product as they do with all their others.
Written by a customer while visiting Peak Design
Customer Rating
5
What are you waiting for?
on January 23, 2025
Posted by: ThatMotoGal
from Los Angeles
Say Whiskey! Being my own photographer has its challenges; it means I have to carry my camera gear everywhere, but boy this backpack, the Camera Cue v2 in Smedium, the Travel Tripod, and the Capture v3 Plate sure have made the job much easier. I decided to give Peak Design a try and I'm loving it so far. I can keep everything safe and organized in this Outdoor Backpack (25L). Products are incredibly high quality and the designs are just *cheff's kiss*. I highly recommend it! This will be my go to brand for camera equipment from now on.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting Peak Design
Customer Rating
5
Loving the customizability and features!
on November 24, 2024
Posted by: snowleopard
Been rocking this for a few use cases across hiking, work, and travel... have to say this thing is fantastic! Very comfortable straps, lots of modification ability in the strap system that goes around the bag, and it also is just a beautiful bag. It feels like a step towards more modernity from Peak Design. It actually has replaced my work bag for everyday use too, which i wasn't planning on.
Written by a customer while visiting Peak Design
Customer Rating
5
Closest to perfect so far
on November 30, 2024
Posted by: Matty_Wampus
from Chicago, IL
Full Disclosure I am a huge fan of PD so take that for what it’s worth. I got the 45L outdoor bag (Eclipse colorway is beautiful) to compliment my 30L everyday bag when I have a larger load with the kids and it does not disappoint. Starting with the strap fit, once dialed in (I am on the third ladder from the bottom with a 19” torso if that helps anyone) the stiff back panel comfortably hugs your back and helps distribute and balance your load. The stow-ability of the hip belt is also really well executed and always having it available is appreciated in my middle age. This is a TALL bag, but it’s low profile enough it doesn’t look or feel absurd when I am not hiking, and expands nicely with whatever random stuff my kids need for a given day/hike or for me on a short overnight work trip. There are three main access points to the storage areas. The clamshell back provides a straight shot to your gear, makes packing into the open main compartment super easy, and with some strategic packing offers on body access to gear. The next two main areas are accessed via The Ultra Cinch, which keeps up the tradition of unique and handy top access. Tug the loop and get immediate access to a flex pocket that also creates a platform for securing jackets, towels, birthday presents, scooters your kid decided to stop riding halfway through your walk, etc. This is honestly the most frequently used compartment for me. Next is the chimney which opens easily, closes automatically, and gives top access to the bag’s contents. Those 3 main access points are supported by…pockets everywhere. The side zip pockets are great for stuffing little things and have attachment loops for organizers. The pockets in the strap and hip belt are convenient for stashing quick access items. The side flex pockets are great for stuffing, and the stretch mesh feels made to last. Camera cubes are a great addition if you like shelf style organization and secure easily to the sides. Finally, the external attach points and flexible cords offer endless options for the outside. As someone constantly on the search for the bag that will “do it all” this one is as close as I have come in flexibility. I will likely compliment it with the 7L sling as a personal item for air travel but really well done.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting Peak Design
Customer Rating
5
Big Bag Small Footprint
on November 21, 2024
Posted by: Hopo
A bag like a Swiss army knife. There is so much packed into a 25L bag than I could have ever imagined. And the quality of it is even more amazing. I've had many bags over the years and this one I think takes the cake. I've had a North Face bag that has lasted about 12 years and this one feels like it will outlast that one by far. Looking forward to adding this as my everyday travel bag and more.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting Peak Design