Customer reviews from Peak Design
Peak Design - Outdoor Backpack 45L - Eclipse
Average customer rating
4.3
(242 Reviews)
Rating breakdown 242 reviews
5 Stars
147
4 Stars
51
3 Stars
25
2 Stars
9
1 Star
10
86%of customers recommend this product.
(
179 out of
207)
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
3
Front side scratches easily
on April 14, 2026
Posted by: tn17
Love the bag and how adjustable the whole system is to fit my frame. Love the versatility of the product. 3 stars because the front material is't so hardy. Shy of a year of use and there are multiple scratches and blemishes. I haven't even used is as an outdoor pack, just local and domestic travel. In my opinion, haven't put it through the ringer so I am disappointed with how the exterior facing material is holding up.
Written by a customer while visiting Peak Design
Customer Rating
4
Good with some quibbles.
on April 26, 2026
Posted by: d-ron
from Philadelphia
This review is for the 18L version - PD doesn't show you which version of the bag people bought in their reviews which is just silliness.
Overall I like the bag and will be keepingit. I'll be replacing a smaller Osprey hiking bag with this for day hikes and festivals and such.
Pros:
- LOVE the all the connection points. They're ALL over the bag but totally invisible which is super cool.
- I like being able to take off/rearrange the external cords. Hiking bags tend to have all these silly straps and hooks and loops and cords, as if all the people buying them are going ice climbing. In reality they're just liabilities waiting to get caught on the nearest shrubbery and I end up cutting them off. Take them all off and it just looks like a normal bag
- chest straps are removable in the same vein
- shoulder straps are wide and comfy
- seems waterproof but haven't had a chance to test it yet
- LOVE the all the connection points. They're ALL over the bag but totally invisible which is super cool.
- I like being able to take off/rearrange the external cords. Hiking bags tend to have all these silly straps and hooks and loops and cords, as if all the people buying them are going ice climbing. In reality they're just liabilities waiting to get caught on the nearest shrubbery and I end up cutting them off. Take them all off and it just looks like a normal bag
- chest straps are removable in the same vein
- shoulder straps are wide and comfy
- seems waterproof but haven't had a chance to test it yet
Cons:
- the optional connection points for a hip belt (sold separately) is dumb IMO. if you're putting enough weight in this bag to warrant a hip belt, you need a different bag. dead weight. I wish they had skipped that and added a luggage sleeve instead.
- I straight up don't understand why the shoulder straps have metal hooks to disconnect the top from the body but not the bottom (sewn to the bag and can't pull the strap out of the slider). what is the point of that? maybe someone can enlighten me. more dead weight
- chest straps are hard to keep parallel due to the invisibility of the connection points. I keep attaching mine crooked. maybe I'll get used to it. or maybe I'll take a white marker to them so I don't have to guess
- the optional connection points for a hip belt (sold separately) is dumb IMO. if you're putting enough weight in this bag to warrant a hip belt, you need a different bag. dead weight. I wish they had skipped that and added a luggage sleeve instead.
- I straight up don't understand why the shoulder straps have metal hooks to disconnect the top from the body but not the bottom (sewn to the bag and can't pull the strap out of the slider). what is the point of that? maybe someone can enlighten me. more dead weight
- chest straps are hard to keep parallel due to the invisibility of the connection points. I keep attaching mine crooked. maybe I'll get used to it. or maybe I'll take a white marker to them so I don't have to guess
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting Peak Design
Customer Rating
3
It’s not an outdoor bag. It’s an outdoor photo bag
on April 30, 2026
Posted by: Vladimir
from North Carolina
I have mixed feelings. I should say this is not an outdoor bag for hiking. It’s still behind Osprey or Deuter backpacks. Main compartment is easy accessible from the top and back. I like it. The front top pocket is useless for big items because the material is not stretchy. The same for small front pockets. They are good for keys and snacks but there’s no place to store a big box with sunglasses. It would be nice to have some sort of a top pocket for additional items.
I would not buy this bag for hiking. There are better brands.
BUT…
The bag is great for my outdoor photography adventures. I don’t want to carry a typical photo bag which has usually bad ventilation and feels bulky. This bag is for carrying photo tools all day long. Shoulder straps provide great support with heavy weight. But there is too much cushion which soaks water during rain. The idea of having special attachment points for a camera plate on both straps with two different heights is great. This is the main issue with typical outdoor bags because they don’t have good attachment points for the plate (straps are too wide). Over fit is for narrow shoulders, great for me, might be an issue for more muscular shoulders. Side bottle / tripod pockets are super deep and stretchy so they can fit 32oz Yeti bottles easily.
I tested the bag in 2 hours of rain and no leaks inside. Let’s see how the zipper insulation will look after one year.
I would not buy this bag for hiking. There are better brands.
BUT…
The bag is great for my outdoor photography adventures. I don’t want to carry a typical photo bag which has usually bad ventilation and feels bulky. This bag is for carrying photo tools all day long. Shoulder straps provide great support with heavy weight. But there is too much cushion which soaks water during rain. The idea of having special attachment points for a camera plate on both straps with two different heights is great. This is the main issue with typical outdoor bags because they don’t have good attachment points for the plate (straps are too wide). Over fit is for narrow shoulders, great for me, might be an issue for more muscular shoulders. Side bottle / tripod pockets are super deep and stretchy so they can fit 32oz Yeti bottles easily.
I tested the bag in 2 hours of rain and no leaks inside. Let’s see how the zipper insulation will look after one year.
My summary is 3 stars because it’s advertised as an outdoor backpack. Get this bag if you do long hikes with camera gear. Don’t get it for regular hiking adventures.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
Written by a customer while visiting Peak Design
Customer Rating
3
Nice optics, very bad design decisions
on December 20, 2024
Posted by: Malcolm
from Germany
https://www.peakdesign.com/eu/products/outdoor-backpack?Size=25L&Color=Eclipse
I was excited to back this backpack on Kickstarter, especially in the beautiful Red Eclipse color, and while there are some things I like, I have very mixed feelings about it overall.
Pros:
- Optics: The design is sleek, and the color is stunning.
- Build Quality: Feels solid at first glance.
- Lightweight & Comfortable: It’s easy to carry, and the deep side pockets are great for water bottles, umbrellas, or tripods.
- Optics: The design is sleek, and the color is stunning.
- Build Quality: Feels solid at first glance.
- Lightweight & Comfortable: It’s easy to carry, and the deep side pockets are great for water bottles, umbrellas, or tripods.
Cons:
1. Material Durability: The materials feel plasticky, and the rubber pulley cords scattered across the bag seem prone to wear, especially in varying temperatures.
1. Material Durability: The materials feel plasticky, and the rubber pulley cords scattered across the bag seem prone to wear, especially in varying temperatures.
2. Poor Pocket Design:
- The two small front-side pockets lack dividers, so small items like SD cards or keys fly around loose.
- These pockets are nearly impossible to access when the bag is on the ground (e.g., in a car, plane, or train) and are highly vulnerable to pickpockets when the bag is being worn.
- A secure top pocket for valuables is glaringly absent, which is a huge disappointment.
- The two small front-side pockets lack dividers, so small items like SD cards or keys fly around loose.
- These pockets are nearly impossible to access when the bag is on the ground (e.g., in a car, plane, or train) and are highly vulnerable to pickpockets when the bag is being worn.
- A secure top pocket for valuables is glaringly absent, which is a huge disappointment.
3. Cord Clutter: The abundance of cords creates a messy look and function. The zip cords often tangle with other cords, and the pulley cord to access the main compartment is both impractical and cumbersome. I avoid using it entirely, as the small opening makes it difficult to get to the main compartment. The zippers are a better alternative, but they expose the entire back of the bag, which is also far from ideal.
4. Packing Cube Issues:
- The XS packing cube V2 fits in the bottom, but the orientation of the clips is wrong, and it’s too small for a camera and a spare lens.
- The small packing cube V2 is too big/wide to fit in the bottom of the backpack, despite being advertised otherwise. The bag barely closes with an empty small packing cube, let alone a filled one.
- The XS packing cube V2 fits in the bottom, but the orientation of the clips is wrong, and it’s too small for a camera and a spare lens.
- The small packing cube V2 is too big/wide to fit in the bottom of the backpack, despite being advertised otherwise. The bag barely closes with an empty small packing cube, let alone a filled one.
5. Lack of Interior Functionality:
- While the exterior is covered in loops, the interior has very few. PD pouches can’t be secured and end up flying loose.
- The water divider is too risky for use with camera gear, and as a laptop sleeve, it lacks any padding.
- No small compartment for little stuff (SD cards, coins etc)
- While the exterior is covered in loops, the interior has very few. PD pouches can’t be secured and end up flying loose.
- The water divider is too risky for use with camera gear, and as a laptop sleeve, it lacks any padding.
- No small compartment for little stuff (SD cards, coins etc)
Final Thoughts:
For the price, I expected a well-thought-out product that complements Peak Design’s otherwise excellent gear. Unfortunately, this bag feels rushed and not up to their usual standards. While it’s comfortable and looks great, there are far cheaper options that achieve the same (or better) functionality. I own most of Peak Design’s gear and must say this is their weakest product yet.
For the price, I expected a well-thought-out product that complements Peak Design’s otherwise excellent gear. Unfortunately, this bag feels rushed and not up to their usual standards. While it’s comfortable and looks great, there are far cheaper options that achieve the same (or better) functionality. I own most of Peak Design’s gear and must say this is their weakest product yet.
I wouldn’t recommend this bag unless your priorities are solely optics and comfort. For anyone looking for practical, secure, and camera-friendly design, look elsewhere.
Written by a customer while visiting Peak Design
Customer Rating
2
A good harness, a black hole, and not much else...
on December 21, 2024
Posted by: Salgado
This pack is big on hype, and unfortunately just doesn't quite live up to it. At its core, it is a pretty simple pack that may meet your needs, but is hardly unique.
I backed this on Kickstarter, but didn't receive it until after returning from a 3-week photo trip I was hoping to use it on. May have been a blessing in disguise as the bag would have severely underperformed against the skiing backpack I ended up going with.
First off, this is not a "lightweight" bag. I think the term ulta-light may have been thrown around in some marketing. The bag weighs just under 4 pounds. The Travel Live 45l is 4.5 pounds. So the Travel Line is also lightweight? Or those 0.5 pounds make all the difference? Gimme a break. The bag is durable and solid, but not feather light.
Also you get a much better harness system than on the Travel Line. But you also lose much of the organization that makes the Travel Line 45l such a great bag. Instead you get gimmicks and useless items. Like the interior pocket in the main compartment of the 45l. Hard to access or obstructed if a fully loaded large camera cube is used. The pockets on the sides of the stash pocket are pretty useless and Rob capacity from the stash if used. Instead you get a bunch of straps and an option to hang on small packing bags, which may be great for some, but not optimal if you're bushwhacking for any distance off wider trails.
The exterior pockets are way better than on the Travel line, and you can actually fit bottles in them. And their travel tripod should also fit with the bottle.
But all in all, the lack of organization forces you into a very minimalists approach to the bag, but the weight is much higher than you'd want if you are going to strip down. I'd return it if I could, as it is, it will see minimal usage or a re-sale listing somewhere. Save you money and look for better options elsewhere.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
Written by a customer while visiting Peak Design