Customer reviews from Peak Design
Peak Design - Outdoor Backpack 45L - Eclipse
Average customer rating
4.3
(225 Reviews)
Rating breakdown 225 reviews
5 Stars
140
4 Stars
45
3 Stars
21
2 Stars
9
1 Star
10
87%of customers recommend this product.
(
170 out of
196)
Customer Reviews for Peak Design - Outdoor Backpack 45L - Eclipse
Customer Rating
5
An eclipsed gem
on August 24, 2025
Posted by: Mildura
I did a lot of research before buying this bag. And in doing so, I was aware of the pros and cons. I was torn between the 35l and the 25l backpack, but decided on the 25l in combination with the 7l sling resulting in 32l I’d I need it. The backpack is very sleek and features less pockets than the other 15l and 25l pd backpack I used prior. However, to be honest, I hardly used them and preferred using the tech pouch and others. Now, the tech pouch is replaced by the 7l sling, which I either use as a pouch in the bag, or as an extension to the back pack. The sling has all the pockets I need for cards, batteries, and fits alternative pouches for timers, small lenses, converters and all the other small stuff we need on a photo session. It obviously is more flexible and hold more stuff than the tech pouch, which why I am selling the latter. I am so happy with the sling. It is perfect, and to prevent damage to equipment if I accidentally open the buckle when I use it as a stand-alone, I use the cross strap. Anther hack is a elastic tube pulled over the buckle. The back pack itself is genius. Being used to the 15l until now, it took getting used to it. Now I won‘t give it away, ever … It is light, easy to carry, easy to pack and sim‘ly gorgeous. I like the easy handling of the front cord and I disagree with those, who wire you need both hands to fasten it. Like other things in life, it takes two or three times to understand the function and from then, it’s smooth sailing. The front pocket is ideal for stashing a jacket, and the slits for the water system can be used - hack alarm - to fasten a light weight trekking umbrella. BTW, the pass through on the outdoor sling or the field pouch can serve the same purpose; with the sling, the brolly may „sink“ to the bottom of the cavity however, which doesn‘t really matter ;-). The two mesh pockets on the sides are amazing when it comes to their holding capacity. Te two zip pockets are ideal for flatter stuff or keys. The two mesh pockets on straps are ideal for stowing my phone or small tools, Swiss Army knife etc. Together with the hip belt (an extra) it is the perfect carrying system for my needs. As a woman, weight is an issue and I prefer using hip belts on smaller packs as well to distribute the weight. The mesh pockets are ideal to store lens caps or keys. The hip belt is extremely comfortable to wear, the new buckle is comfortable to open and close, and the belt van be easily removed for storage. However, I find it a shame, that there is only one mounting point for the camera clip on the right side; I find it extremely difficult to insert my camera clip. Again being a woman, I prefer using the clip on a hip belt, rather thanking the backpack front straps for obvious female body features. I do like, however that the camera clip „disappears“ into the mesh pocket when not in use. And to solve the problem of accessibility, I have resorted to using the camera clip with the holder accessory on the straps of the hip belt, rather than the padded section. Another, yet minor drawback, is that the hip belts have to be removed for storage or folded, it is easier to store the hip belt for the other pd backpacks. And the the colour, I am absolutely flashed - it is so beautiful in outdoor and urban settings. In fact, the eclipse backpack is so perfect in it’s design an colour and so lightweight, that I am going to give away the other two pd backpacks, as I won‘t be switching between packs any more. Well done peak design . A very, very happy customer xxxxx
Written by a customer while visiting Peak Design
Customer Rating
4
Almost perfect, but hip/shoulder fatal flaw?
on September 5, 2025
Posted by: volcanogeek
from Denver, CO
I bought this June 1, '25. I use it for geology fieldwork that I need to fly to, carrying camera, drone, and laser scanning gear. I love the airline carry-on size and the ability to easily fit in tripods, laptop and/ or a small field chair, and the material fends off rocks, water, and scrapes really well, and the easily configurable inside is exactly what I had in mind. The closing cords are...ok. They can be a bit balky, or tend to snag as other reviewers have noted, and I added a neoprene pad to the top grab handle, as it will definitely cut into your hand if the pack is heavy (also noted by others). And the top gap can let in rain to the outer stuff pocket area. A lash point or two on the outer back would have been useful, but maybe I could add that. I am 6'1", and I find it very comfortable under different load conditions, including lots of weight. ****However despite it being nearly everything I wanted, there is one major issue: when loaded with more weight, the hip belt and shoulder strap now and then detach when you pick it up to put it back on. I have almost lost half the hip belt several times, and almost dropped the pack a few times when the shoulder strap let go at the top as I picked it up. This may be a fatal flaw, as thousand of $$ of gear could bit the dust over a cliff, and half a black hip belt is invisible against many backgrounds and is easily missed. I am considering sending it back.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting Peak Design
Customer Rating
5
Fantastic Backpack for Work or Play!
on September 17, 2025
Posted by: RocketPL
from Austin
I bought this after my Camelback backpack of 20 years finally bit the dust. I was looking for something that held a water bladder/laptop and was flexible enough to use for weekend hikes, trips, and work. I had looked at some of the other Peak Design packs, but this one better fit my hiking lifestyle best. My first use was a trip to Iceland, and boy did it work out great! The straps are wildly comfortable (I'm 6'1 and muscular build) and the open/close system is fantastic. My only wish is that they had made it 30L in size. I am amazed at how much it can fit, but with the small camera cube, that fills up quite a bit of space. The quality seems to be impeccable and overall, I'm very pleased.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting Peak Design
Customer Rating
4
Great first version - NEED to fix some things
on October 5, 2025
Posted by: tc53259
from Kickstarter
I bought this as part of the kickstarter with the camera cube. So my review is as follows - in random order:
- Love the light weight !
- 25L was just right for me
- Love the padded backpack straps. If Osprey did this, I would return to them asap (my previous bag)
- Love the special sleeve for laptops
- Love the backdoor opening
- Love the light weight !
- 25L was just right for me
- Love the padded backpack straps. If Osprey did this, I would return to them asap (my previous bag)
- Love the special sleeve for laptops
- Love the backdoor opening
This is the parts I don't like:
- The front top is a VERY INSECURE setup. Please redesign version 2 with a zipper. My wallet - which I keep in the front comparment - has almost come out a few times. Plus it's a target for pickpockets. PLEASE REDESIGN WITH ZIPPERS or something more secure.
- If u can make it stand, that would be great - like the Tumi ones
- I don't like the Camera Cube - too big. I just put a foam at the bottom to protect my camera
- Needs to fit somehow with carry-on luggage - I do have a 3rd party contraption but it's not perfect.
U should design a sleeve in the back to slide the carry-on handle
- The front top is a VERY INSECURE setup. Please redesign version 2 with a zipper. My wallet - which I keep in the front comparment - has almost come out a few times. Plus it's a target for pickpockets. PLEASE REDESIGN WITH ZIPPERS or something more secure.
- If u can make it stand, that would be great - like the Tumi ones
- I don't like the Camera Cube - too big. I just put a foam at the bottom to protect my camera
- Needs to fit somehow with carry-on luggage - I do have a 3rd party contraption but it's not perfect.
U should design a sleeve in the back to slide the carry-on handle
Overall it's my main one - but I'm still continuing to look.
Written by a customer while visiting Peak Design
Customer Rating
4
Solid backpack for travel and hiking, with quirks
on October 18, 2025
Posted by: noknowngnome
from Adelaide, Australia
I’ve been using my Peak Design Outdoor Backpack to haul camera gear and a few essentials around Iceland, and overall, I really like it. It’s sturdy, carries weight well, and feels like it’s built to last.
Let’s start with what I don’t love:
The tie-down straps: honestly, a bit annoying. I get that they’re useful, but I often find myself wrestling with them or getting them snagged on things. That said, they do a great job securing items in the side pockets so nothing slips out easily. So it’s a love-hate relationship there.
The tie-down straps: honestly, a bit annoying. I get that they’re useful, but I often find myself wrestling with them or getting them snagged on things. That said, they do a great job securing items in the side pockets so nothing slips out easily. So it’s a love-hate relationship there.
The roll-top opening works well if the bag is packed full. When it’s not, the top flap feels a bit floppy and can unravel if you don’t clip it properly. Not a dealbreaker, just something to be mindful of.
Then there’s the top-front pouch. I like the idea of it, but it tends to “eat” into the main compartment, which makes squeezing in bulkier items (like a rolled-up puffer jacket) a bit fiddly when the bag’s already full.
Now for what I do love:
This thing carries weight beautifully. You really feel the heft when lifting it by the handle, but once it’s on your back and the straps are adjusted right, the load just disappears. I’ve carried it for hours without any major fatigue. The chest straps are great, though I do wish they were magnetic as that would make clipping in and out a lot faster.
This thing carries weight beautifully. You really feel the heft when lifting it by the handle, but once it’s on your back and the straps are adjusted right, the load just disappears. I’ve carried it for hours without any major fatigue. The chest straps are great, though I do wish they were magnetic as that would make clipping in and out a lot faster.
The mesh pockets are a big win. Super handy for stashing my phone or small items when I’m on the move. Exactly what I want when traveling.
A few extra notes:
If you get the Cloud colour, you’ll definitely see signs of wear pretty quickly. But honestly, I kind of like that. Like a well-used pan, it shows character. Also, there’s a small hidden pouch inside the main compartment that’s easy to forget about. I’ve definitely thought I’d lost things a few times before remembering it exists.
If you get the Cloud colour, you’ll definitely see signs of wear pretty quickly. But honestly, I kind of like that. Like a well-used pan, it shows character. Also, there’s a small hidden pouch inside the main compartment that’s easy to forget about. I’ve definitely thought I’d lost things a few times before remembering it exists.
Because it's in the Peak Design ecosystem, their camera cubes clips in easily (I have their small sized cube semi-permanently attached).
All in all, it’s a great backpack if you’re okay with a few quirks. It’s comfortable, and feels adventure-ready. Just don’t expect perfection.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting Peak Design
Customer Rating
4
Almost perfect!
on October 19, 2025
Posted by: Anna
from Oregon
For me, his bag is almost perfect and I've been searching for the perfect "everything" backpack for many years. While I'm mostly commuting with my pack, I also want something I can carryon and fit 3-5 days worth of gear/clothing/tech in when needed. I love the multiple access points, to the main compartment, pull-to-open/close and ease of access to various deep storage compartments from the front. Lots of points for looks too. It's simple and sleek with minimal branding while still having loads of storage.
Now for my wish list: I wish there were a couple more zippered compartments for storing small things like cords, charging blocks, glasses, etc. (maybe a couple of the mesh compartments on the side could have closures). I understand cubes can be purchased but I'm talking zippered storage accessed from the exterior. I worry a bit about the durability of the various cords rather than using webbing but I'm putting my trust in PD to have sourced the best and repair them if they do fail. I wish the internal frame was adjustable. I have a very short torso and while I appreciate the adjustable shoulder straps, getting those to a spot that fits my torso just means the top of the pack is hitting me in the back of the head rather than the nape of my neck. I'm hoping this will improve with a heavier load pulling the pack away from my neck/head a bit. I actually popped the frame out of this pack and it improved this issue a bit but there's no way I'd be able to wear this pack with a helmet on as the pack would push on the helmet forcing me to lean my head forward awkwardly. I ended up daisy chaining the two cords that can wrap up and over the roll top, on the inside of the front flap to keep them a bit more contained as I don't think I'll need those unless I'm traveling with a large load. It would be cool if there were small pouches or pockets to stuff those cords into when they aren't needed. To me, none of these things are deal breakers.
All in all, I'm happy with my first impression of this pack and that's coming from a seasoned backpack critic. Unlike some reviewers, I found the various ways to access and store things quite intuitive. I'll definitely be hanging onto this one.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting Peak Design
Customer Rating
4
Great Overall EDC Backpack
on December 4, 2025
Posted by: RayD
from San Francisco
Great EDC backpack. I wish it had a few more compartments inside for organization, but overall it is very comfortable and durable.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting Peak Design
Customer Rating
5
Great bag.......glad I bought it.
on December 8, 2025
Posted by: Ken01
from Connecticut, USA
This backpack turned out to be as good as I had hoped. The compression straps on the sides are easily removable, improving the looks and usability. The water bottle pockets are made of sturdier material than many other bags. Interior accessibility to the main section is fine when the zippers are pulled down halfway. A single sternum strap seems to be adequate for my needs. The attachment points for a capture clip work perfectly. The shoulder straps are a bit stiff, but only in comparison to a Nemo bag. The color (eclipse) looks better than in some of the online photos.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting Peak Design