Customer reviews from Peak Design
Peak Design - Outdoor Backpack 45L - Eclipse
Average customer rating
4.5
(141 Reviews)
Rating breakdown 141 reviews
5 Stars
92
4 Stars
37
3 Stars
8
2 Stars
3
1 Star
1
92%of customers recommend this product.
(
120 out of
130)
Customer Reviews for Peak Design - Outdoor Backpack 45L - Eclipse
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
Exactly what I expected from a first edition bag
on March 26, 2025
Posted by: Alexis
from Norfolk, VA
Excellent personal item on an airplane. Recently did some work travel and it really did everything that I needed it to. Compact, very secure, easy to carry, and plenty of room for staying organized. Fortunately for me, the weather was great and I didn’t get to test the water resistance of the bag.
Things that I hope to see cleaned up in a future version:
-The cord securing the front of the bag, when pulled tightly, gets stuck on something internally and it becomes difficult to open the front of the bag. I get it open by wiggling it around pretty aggressively, but that’s not ideal for a quick access area.
-Maybe add a small internal pocket in the main part of the bag for small items to be stored away from larger items. Something only large enough for basic EDC pocket items. Pens, chapstick, charger, cash, etc.
Things that I hope to see cleaned up in a future version:
-The cord securing the front of the bag, when pulled tightly, gets stuck on something internally and it becomes difficult to open the front of the bag. I get it open by wiggling it around pretty aggressively, but that’s not ideal for a quick access area.
-Maybe add a small internal pocket in the main part of the bag for small items to be stored away from larger items. Something only large enough for basic EDC pocket items. Pens, chapstick, charger, cash, etc.
Overall, great bag. I’m very excited to test it on a much longer trip next month. Will update my review afterwards.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting Peak Design
Customer Rating
5
Ease Of Access To Contents
on November 15, 2024
Posted by: Geocr4d
from Massachusetts
I purchased this backpack to replace my daily computer schlepping backpack where the zippers blew out. This lightweight pack accommodates my 16" Lenovo laptop, though not in the designated sleeve. I can quickly load and unload the computer and store peripherals like a charger and mouse. The backpack is well-constructed, very comfortable, and straightforward. It gives me the capacity and flexibility I need without a lot of unnecessary pockets, dividers, and add-ons. This is the second Peak Design pack I've purchased, and like my previous travel backpack purchase, it is an excellent product. From my experience, Peak Design makes well-thought-out, adaptable products that can be tailored to an individual's needs and preferences. Highly recommended, even if a bit more costly than competitors!
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting Peak Design
Customer Rating
5
Perfect in every way!
on March 26, 2025
Posted by: bbirchley
from Kent
I saw this at the photography show and was so impressed! It is so well thought out for use as a travel bag and my camera cube fits it in it too! The pockets etc mean that all those added extras are on hand and my iPad is safe and sound. Great colours too! What’s not to like?
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting Peak Design
Customer Rating
5
Eclipse 25L
on March 26, 2025
Posted by: Arindam
from Singapore
The material used is just excellent to feel. The opening / closing of this bag takes a bit initially but then works perfectly. The side zippers are handy. The complete back opening is a wonderful way to gain access to the full compartment. The shoulder straps is comfortable and sit well.
Written by a customer while visiting Peak Design
Customer Rating
5
Typical Peak Design and that’s a good thing!
on March 27, 2025
Posted by: DG323
from Ontario, Canada
I bought both the 25 and 45l back packs on kickstarter and they’ve both been fantastic - great design with real innovations around accessing contents of the bag and the external storage. Super comfortable to wear for hours and quality of build that I have no doubt will last me many years.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting Peak Design