I got the travel backpack yesterday and spend a lot of time wondering how to use it. The camera cube does not fit properly, there is a lot of waste of space when using it. Yes, the overall quality of the product is great, but it is a bad backpack. You won't put a lot of stuff in it and there a leashes everywhere.
The kickstarter campaign was great, the marketing too but the product is not worth it.
My Outdoor Backpack 25L came just today and everything feels great. The backpack opens easily - like shown in the Kickstarter videos - with just one hand. With the back flap open you can find all your gear and for the first time I wanted to try Peak Designs packing cubes and camera cube. I have to say - I really love it. Everything is in order and can be arranged in super simple steps. Just fix the camera cube to the bottom of your backpack and you can be sure that your gear is save. All the small details make sense when you use them for the first time and you can‘t buy bags without these details. Materials feel high quality as always. I‘m a long time user of the first and second generation Everyday Backpack and the new Outdoor Backpack is a light and durable delight - LOVE IT!
Looking forward taking it on a tour!!
Gear I tried out with the backpack - Hip Belt, Capture, Packing Cube (ultralight XS & S, ultralight mesh XS), the original Packing Cube (small) & Camera Cube (XS - perfect for my A7s with big lens). Ways you can combine these depends on what you put in the packing cubes ;)
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 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.
The 1* review on here upset me and I felt obligated to post one. That review stated there's no instructions- there's literally a 30 minute setup guide on the YouTube channel. The bag is admittedly not super intuitive to use at first, but the video explains everything. Not to mention, he and I only have this now because we backed it on kickstarter and received it TWO MONTHS earlier than they originally promised.
Anyway I haven't used this for any serious backpacking yet, but I have used it as a daily bag with as much heavy stuff in it as possible to get a sense of the comfort/sizing and make any adjustments before I take it on a real trip.
If you've had a Peak Design bag before, the features, quality, practicality, etc. are all there exactly as you'd expect. It's light- maybe not light enough for serious ultralight people, but personally I'm one to bring 3 camera lenses I never end up using, so an extra 500g from the bag makes no difference.
The bag is very comfortable thanks to being able to change the strap attachment points. But honestly comfort is purely subjective, no bag is going to be a great fit for every single person. Peak Design or otherwise.
My recommendation is to get this bag if you think you'll like it. If you're an amateur/hobby photographer with a good amount of gear that likes to go hiking/camping and won't be carrying it for more than a day or two at a time, this is an excellent choice. If you're into long, multi-day backpacking trips, or are measuring the weight of each piece of gear down to the gram, there are probably more practical choices (that aren't as cool.)
Love the bag. Build quality is impeccable. Amazing design and intuitiveness. However, luckily this bag will not have to go on a scale. But can imagine once it’s fully packed the combined weight of the bag plus contents may cut your hikes slightly shorter. Not sure what can be done to reduce this weight, but just something worth considering.
Got this 25L through the Kickstarter campaign. Really love the light weight and many adjustments for the bag to expand where and how I’d like. There are TONS of designed functional details, probably many I’m not aware of. It surprises me that Peak Design hasn’t (yet?) prepared for this backpack line’s rollout with a detailed user’s guide and videos. Feels like they’re undermining the potential splash by not providing feature guides. Example: I want to use the ultra lightweight packing bags as modular attachments (maybe even one of the new Outdoor Slings??) but there are only random images of where they attach without specifics about how to attach them and what it would look like on the backpack. I also picked up the optional waist belt but it didn’t come with any instructions on attaching it. (An added nit: Typos on the product card that came with the backpack and also on the website make me wonder about the degree of care that went into this rollout.) I’m hoping these user support misses are not an indication that Peak Design is slipping in their commitment to excellent gear and user experience. Still hopeful, but watching.
Fantastic backpack for everyday use. I’m not a photographer but love all the little well-thought out features. This is replacing a well-loved North Face backpack.