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
1
Beta version of the backpack
on March 21, 2025
Posted by: still_wolf
from Europe
I borrowed the 45l backpack for a weekend in nature with the SMedian Cube. My findings:
+Comfortable back system
+Finally a better-made hip belt
+Interesting and probably durable material in the front
+Two side pockets on each side, the smaller one allows you to remove a bottle without taking off the backpack
+The shoulder straps are great and the option to insert a phone or attach a Capture (I haven't tried it) is amazing
+Kangaroo pocket
+Comfortable back system
+Finally a better-made hip belt
+Interesting and probably durable material in the front
+Two side pockets on each side, the smaller one allows you to remove a bottle without taking off the backpack
+The shoulder straps are great and the option to insert a phone or attach a Capture (I haven't tried it) is amazing
+Kangaroo pocket
-The front pockets have no pockets (like the Everyday or Travel)
-No side entry
-The fabric (except the front part) is relatively thin to translucent - I don't know if it will withstand branches and won't tear
-I don't understand the 2 chest straps, they are difficult to put on, it's tedious and after 15km and 1.5km in altitude I hated them (however, they understood the optimal mechanism for the hip belt)
-The long cord of the main compartment caught on branches several times, as well as the board benches
-The main compartment cord often does not hold in front of the main compartment lid. It would be enough if the cord was pulled through the eyelet to the additional cord above the back :-D (that no one thought of)
-The main compartment has one main magnet and 2 auxiliary ones. It is not enough, at least 4 auxiliary magnets would be needed.
-Inside the main compartment only one pocket without an organizer (gold Everyday and Travel)
-I understand that PD want to sell a lot of Paking Cube, but one free compartment is more suitable for hiking. I do not want to look for which Cube I put spare socks in after a hard hike. It would be possible to put a ZIP and Velcro around the perimeter of the main compartment and in case of interest, the customer could buy a pocket and make a compartment in the backpack like Shimoda has.
-Probably due to pressure on customers to buy Tech Pout, there are no organizers in the main compartment
-For a hiking backpack, I would like a bottom pocket in the backpack for a light sleeping bag
-Although they appreciate the idea of putting the hydration pack closer to the back due to the leverage principle, putting it so close to the photo equipment without waterproofing is not wise. At the same time, the tube gets in the way when opening the hole (if they had made a hole for the tube in the part of the back system, where the hydration bladder strap begins, and not at the entrance to the main compartment of the backpack, the tube would just disconnect from the shoulder strap and the back lid would open when I take out the camera; or they could have been inspired by the Osprey system)
-Very poor hydration bladder attachment
-A pointless race for low weight, but when using all those Cubes, the backpack is still much heavier than it would be with integrated organizers
-It's a shame there's no mount for a rear bike light
-The PD logo could have been reflective
-I would have liked a set of auxiliary straps instead of cords that are thin and cut into things
-If Shimoda makes a more airy back for the X series, this backpack will be unsellable
-No side entry
-The fabric (except the front part) is relatively thin to translucent - I don't know if it will withstand branches and won't tear
-I don't understand the 2 chest straps, they are difficult to put on, it's tedious and after 15km and 1.5km in altitude I hated them (however, they understood the optimal mechanism for the hip belt)
-The long cord of the main compartment caught on branches several times, as well as the board benches
-The main compartment cord often does not hold in front of the main compartment lid. It would be enough if the cord was pulled through the eyelet to the additional cord above the back :-D (that no one thought of)
-The main compartment has one main magnet and 2 auxiliary ones. It is not enough, at least 4 auxiliary magnets would be needed.
-Inside the main compartment only one pocket without an organizer (gold Everyday and Travel)
-I understand that PD want to sell a lot of Paking Cube, but one free compartment is more suitable for hiking. I do not want to look for which Cube I put spare socks in after a hard hike. It would be possible to put a ZIP and Velcro around the perimeter of the main compartment and in case of interest, the customer could buy a pocket and make a compartment in the backpack like Shimoda has.
-Probably due to pressure on customers to buy Tech Pout, there are no organizers in the main compartment
-For a hiking backpack, I would like a bottom pocket in the backpack for a light sleeping bag
-Although they appreciate the idea of putting the hydration pack closer to the back due to the leverage principle, putting it so close to the photo equipment without waterproofing is not wise. At the same time, the tube gets in the way when opening the hole (if they had made a hole for the tube in the part of the back system, where the hydration bladder strap begins, and not at the entrance to the main compartment of the backpack, the tube would just disconnect from the shoulder strap and the back lid would open when I take out the camera; or they could have been inspired by the Osprey system)
-Very poor hydration bladder attachment
-A pointless race for low weight, but when using all those Cubes, the backpack is still much heavier than it would be with integrated organizers
-It's a shame there's no mount for a rear bike light
-The PD logo could have been reflective
-I would have liked a set of auxiliary straps instead of cords that are thin and cut into things
-If Shimoda makes a more airy back for the X series, this backpack will be unsellable
Summary: I'm giving it one star because the backpack feels more like a Beta version than a final product. I'll wait for the next version of PD or Shimoda to buy a backpack :-)
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
Written by a customer while visiting Peak Design
Customer Rating
5
Almost perfect for what I need it for!
on January 25, 2025
Posted by: Anonymous
from Grande Prairie, AB
I purchase the 25l specifically for shooting Ultramarathons where I need to move a lot through 200 mile races.
Pros:
- Bear spray fits in the strap chest pocket
- Light and narrow, my elbows do not hit the bag while moving or running
- Don't need to take off bag to shoot in awkward positions
- Moves well with the body
- Starlink Mini fits in the front flex pocket
- The 2l sling on the chest is perfect for batteries, SD cards, ETC
- Quiet, it has no squeaks unlike my other camera bags.
- Bear spray fits in the strap chest pocket
- Light and narrow, my elbows do not hit the bag while moving or running
- Don't need to take off bag to shoot in awkward positions
- Moves well with the body
- Starlink Mini fits in the front flex pocket
- The 2l sling on the chest is perfect for batteries, SD cards, ETC
- Quiet, it has no squeaks unlike my other camera bags.
Cons:
- I wish there were size options for the pack straps, 2-3" longer would be amazing to get the pockets lower on people with thicker chests
- Roll top doesn't look like it will do the best for keeping water out.
- The straps on the back panel which have the zipper carrying the weight, the 45l doesn't. Time will tell durability, but if a zipper fails the bag will fall open while on your back.
- I wish there were size options for the pack straps, 2-3" longer would be amazing to get the pockets lower on people with thicker chests
- Roll top doesn't look like it will do the best for keeping water out.
- The straps on the back panel which have the zipper carrying the weight, the 45l doesn't. Time will tell durability, but if a zipper fails the bag will fall open while on your back.
These are my first impressions after 2 weeks, will be going on assignment in 3 weeks to really put it through its paces.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting Peak Design
Customer Rating
5
I have tried MANY camera bags !!!!
on February 26, 2025
Posted by: Anonymous
from Montreal
This is by far the best camera bag I have ever owned! I used it recently for a 2 weeks travel with my wife and 2 kids. i could bring my 500 f4 ii canon lens, R5, 24-70 2.8, 15-30 2.8, 70-200 2.8, mini 3 drone etc. Along with that, 4 water bottles on the mesh side pockets and front and top were filled with either little food and my coat. On the side I could attach a pocketable peak design tote to bring layers and mittens hat for the kids and wife.
It was super comfortable and I am 6 foot 215lbs.
The look is awesome and small compared to other brands and stille can bring as much if not more!
The only downside is the large insert size. I need it longer so I used the fstop XL insert and I am waiting patienly for a bigger insert :)
It it VERY versatile:)
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting Peak Design
Customer Rating
1
Possibly the Worst Backpack I've Ever Owned
on April 24, 2025
Posted by: R.Hofmann
from Austria
This backpack is the worst one I have ever owned. The shoulder straps are too wide and don't sit comfortably. The back panel, after only a few months of use, has bent leaving a sharp line across the lower back making it extremely uncomfortable (unless there is a laptop in the bag acting as support for the back). The side pockets are not easily accessible, making getting a water bottle in and out very difficult. The interior is like a vast black hole. There are not interior pockets aside from the laptop one. I even purchased the additional smedium camera packing cube to fit in it, but it does not fit the two camera bodies and lenses well (as I had expected) and I find that when clipped into the bag I have to open it too much to access the gear (resulting in the possibility of gear/equiptment falling out and breaking). The only small pockets are in the front of the bag, these are good but limited. The main pocket is a rolling top and the sides do not stretch/extend much so you can not really stuff it full. The very front pocket does not provide any additional stretch at all so when filling it takes up interior space by pushing into the bag instead of outward.
If this bag had some sort of built-in interior pockets it would be much better. I previously had the Peak Design Everyday Backpack and it was SO MUCH BETTER! Pockets and storage for days, accessible side pockets, laptop sleeve, etc. I switched because I wanted something that had the hip straps for the backcountry/hiking I do with my gear. It was a mistake and this bag is so poorly designed that I may never purchase another Peak Design bag again.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
Written by a customer while visiting Peak Design
Customer Rating
5
Perfect for my Needs
on January 30, 2025
Posted by: the one and only
I backed the Outdoor 25L on Kickstarter as a daypack for hiking with my camera gear. Until now, I had always been searching for the perfect outdoor camera backpack. I had tried specialized hiking backpacks like Deuter with inserts or F-Stop backpacks, but I was never truly happy with them. Hiking backpacks were comfortable but impractical when it came to accessing camera equipment. Camera backpacks, on the other hand, provided great access to gear but were not comfortable to wear.
All of that completely changed with the PD Outdoor 25L. I have never had such comfortable shoulder straps before. I’m 187 cm (6'2'') tall, and despite its small size, the backpack fits me perfectly. Since I was so impressed, I wanted to try the 45L version as well. I quickly tried it on at a nearby camera store—and I was in love.
The 45L backpack, with its frame and adjustable shoulder straps, fits even better. I couldn’t resist and bought it right away. An additional bonus: I can remove the hip belt from the 45L backpack and attach it to the 25L.
I'm really looking forward to putting the 45L through a serious stress test during a trip to Iceland this summer and seeing how it performs with continuous use. The 45L will definitely replace my F-Stop Tilopa Dura Diamond, which always felt way too stiff in the shoulder and hip straps and was also about 500g (1.1 lbs) heavier.
So, if anyone is looking for a Tilopa, just let me know—I'd be willing to sell it for a good price =D
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting Peak Design
Customer Rating
2
Good idea but…
on March 2, 2025
Posted by: JF
from Canada
The bag is very comfortable to walk with, but the padding on the shoulder is too large, it is putting pressure on each side of the neck. I will not do any hiking with it. The material are quite sturdy, but the front part comes with no hole at the bottom, snow will get in and have no place to get out as it melt. The computer sleeve have absolutely no padding , so everything you put inside the bag will touch it. I am a big fan of PD products, but it look like and unfinished bag, good idea but…I will wait for V2 with real curved shoulder strap, padded laptop sleeve on both side, holes at the bottom and easier cinch system…
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
Written by a customer while visiting Peak Design
Customer Rating
5
Great pack for dessert hikes
on March 2, 2025
Posted by: Tom from Reno, NV
from Reno, Nevada
Honestly not too much to say, very comfortable, easy to access gear, and plenty of room for all the things you may want or need for a day trip.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting Peak Design
Customer Rating
3
Dissapointed
on March 25, 2025
Posted by: dinarsclub
from Colorado
I was so excited for this bag I actually bought both the 25L and 45L during the kickstarter. Given the reviews from some big hitter photo and outdoor folks and the quality of other PD stuff, I had high hopes. Overall, in my opinion and for my uses there are some major design flaws and overlooked things. The quality of the pack is good; it's already spent a bunch of time in the dirt and on the trail and I have no doubt it will hold up over time. My favorite thing about the pack is the waist belt, which is an add on for the 25L and sure glad I did! The padding and strap are great and I love the pockets. Some of my biggest issues with the bag itself is the design of the bladder holder. I'm not sure what bladder they tested with but I don't have any that have a long enough hose to go through the bottom of one side, up the other side of the pack inside and then still be able to reach out and down the strap. Minor, but annoying that it didn't come with the clip to hold the bladder up at the top. The loop is useless. I like the pockets on the backpack straps, but if you use a camera clip you completely lose one of those pockets. Not to mention that the camera clip barely fits on the strap designed for it. I have not tried it on the waist strap because I personally don't like carrying my camera there. The straps also squeak something fierce while walking. Depending on how much you carry, the 25L is a bit of an awkward size. With the SMedium cube I could barely get an extra layer and a lunch in on top. The 45 is too big and bulky for most day hikes and scrambling up and down rocks. Luckily, my camera setup, paired down will fit in the small cube which then allows for more hiking and day gear. I do like the rolltop opening design and the pouch in the front is pretty good for stashing things, but that is where I keep the rain fly too, so some room is taken with that. I haven't quite figured out the extra strings for strapping stuff to the front as that's also not my favorite way to carry stuff while hiking, climbing, and scrambling. There are some other minor grievances I have, some I have figured out some workarounds for, and others I just try and ignore. I still use the bag regularly, since I have it and even on kickstarter was pretty expensive. Part of me wishes I had just bought a new Think Tank Rotation 360, which is what I used to use, but had finally gotten to its end of life. I was SO excited and hopeful for this bag. Like I said I do still use it. There are some nice features but overall I'm fairly disappointed!
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
Written by a customer while visiting Peak Design