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
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
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
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
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
1
A bag I wanted to love, but just can't...
on August 10, 2025
Posted by: A wildlife photographer
from Wherever there are wild birds...
The title is not hyperbole. I had been hoping PD would bring out a bag designed for active outdoor use since the Everyday Messenger Kickstarter (the first of many KS projects for PD I've backed over the years). So I backed this one on the first day.
On delivery, I was underwhelmed at best. But I tried to make a go of it. This is less a review of specific features (and some of the truly puzzling design issues have been addressed by others), and more about my own expectations and experience with the bag in the field on two different expeditions, and a comparison with the two bags I hoped this one would replace. This covered a two-week trip in March, 2025, a second two-week trip in June 2025, and a final one-week trip in July 2025. Of course, your experiences will be different, but I hope this is helpful in your buying decision.
My photography is primarily of wild birds, and I was looking for something that could carry long glass on long hikes. My go to that I was looking to upgrade is a skiing backpack rated at 32L. A PD Medium cube fits in there reasonably well. A bit of a struggle getting the empty cube in there, but it holds up well, can be fully loaded, and is still easily accessible from the back panel of the bag. I've taken this to the Himalayas and the Andes, and the jungles of Southeast Asia and rainforests in Central America. It has been through its paces. The second bag is a 29L waterproof bag designed for fly fishing. The medium PD camera cube fits inside it well, too, although access is a bit more problematic, but a fair tradeoff for the specific use case (basically only when a trip involves travel by Zodiac...).
The biggest reason I wanted the Outdoor 45L was to fit the large camera cube. This would allow me to take both a long lens and a spotting scope out into the field with me. I wanted this to be the perfect bag for when I went out and had to hike to get to the birds. And one of the cool things in early testing was that the water bottle pockets were large enough that it can actually hold my scope, with the tripod on the other side. So when I did get to where we were birding, I didn't have to get back into the bag to move my stuff around...
Ironically, the first use this spring -- especially a couple day hikes to remote nests in Panama's Darien region -- only made me miss the ski pack. Quite frankly, the bag was painful to carry. Yeah, I know this seems to be a feature with PD's bags. See the Travel Line bag for star witness number 1 in this regard. But this was supposed to be a new, and seemingly plush, harness! And it did initially feel good. Until it didn't. And most frustratingly of all, the load lifters and straps were both confusing and difficult to use. Making some features on bags as thin as possible isn't always a good idea. And as for the water bottle pouches? Well, after hiking up with them empty, when I got to the nesting region, I noted they had already suffered two holes. Doesn't bode well for the long-term durability of the bag, unfortunately. The insult to injury was that access to the camera cube is actually more difficult with the PD bag than it is with the skiing bag! And this is even before the issues of the other poorly thought out design choices, including the routing of the water bladder hose that prevents fully opening the back, the need to crush or move out of the way pockets (and thus lose functionality) to use the Capture Clip load points, an approach that relies on using so many cords that anyone who has spent any time in the outdoors asked for never, the lack of an integrated space for the rainfly that was on the Travel Line (and infuriatingly has a little area that seems to have been designed for just this purpose, but was never followed through on), and for the kicker -- ultimately not an appreciably greater level of storage than I have in my roughly 30L other bags! Yes, a larger cube fits in this bag, but there is seemingly more (and better thought out) additional storage possibilities even when using the PD bag with a medium cube.
I didn't want to give up on the bag, though, and was willing to chalk the discomfort with it up to my sizing adjustments made prior to this trip as being just off. So, after returning home, watched all the videos, made all the measurements, dialed it in, and set off with the back on the second two-week road trip to Nevada's Ruby Mountains. On the first full day there, I took it on an all day hike. Well, it wasn't supposed to be that long of a hike but the bag was so uncomfortable that I stopped pretty frequently to rest.
Fortunately the skiing bag was in the car as well, and I have not used the PD bag since.
The gear I was carrying isn't light by any stretch of the imagination. But this was marketed, and presumably designed, as a bag that could carry a large camera cube -- a cube that there is a reasonable expectation would be heavy. There's even a picture in the camera cubes part of this website showing an Outdoor Line backpack loaded with more and probably heavier glass than what I usually take. The skiing pack and even the flyfishing backpack handle these weights with ease! This is even more impressive with the fly fishing bag as it lacks a true hip-belt, and I doubt either bag was designed with lugging loads as heavy as a loaded medium-sized camera cube.
My most recent trip was with the skiing bag alone. Poor planning on our part had us rushing to meet up with a guide for a glacier hike in the middle of the trip. Well, I prefer to call it poor planning rather than saying a decision on my part to stop for 20 minutes en route to take a picture of this cool bird that was just posing along the side of the road...
It was a travel day, so the pack was loaded with all my gear for the trip. Two telephotos, one mid-range zoom, one UWA, two primes. Probably looked closer to the pic of the camera cube in the Outdoor Line bag I mentioned above. Because of our lateness, I didn't have time to actually pull everything out and load up the bag with just the mid-range zoom as I had originally planned. I carried easily more weight than I had in either the Darien or the Ruby Mountains. For four hours without a real break -- because we were hiking/climbing up a glacier... I seriously did not think this one through. And yet, I really didn't feel the weight. Even when the guide was laughing at me for carrying so much with me. (But tellingly, he had the larger version of same bag I was carrying, speaking to its load carrying qualities.) Probably the very limit of how long I want to carry a pack of that weight anytime in the future, but very reassuring to know that if needed, it can handle it.
After that trip I put the PD Outdoor Line 45L up for sale...
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