Customer reviews from Peak Design
Peak Design - Everyday Messenger 13L v2 - Kelp
Average customer rating
3.6
(14 Reviews)
Rating breakdown 14 reviews
5 Stars
6
4 Stars
4
3 Stars
0
2 Stars
1
1 Star
3
82%of customers recommend this product.
(
9 out of
11)
Customer Reviews for Peak Design - Everyday Messenger 13L v2 - Kelp
Customer Rating
5
PNW - Best Commuter Bag I've Ever Owned
on January 13, 2025
Posted by: Aias
from Pacific Northwest
I live in the PNW and I can say with absolute confidence that every dollar on this bag has been well spent. If you don't immediately balk at the price tag and are looking for a weatherized, professionally styled commuter bag you will want to take with you everywhere, look no further.
The storage capacity has proven exactly right for my everyday carry. My relatively large work laptop fits tightly into the compartment in the bag (14"x9.5" for reference). The remaining internal storage is great for the chargers and gadgets I can't go without, plus whatever I might need with me that day like a travel umbrella, a 28oz water bottle, etc.
The quick-adjustable strap is nigh perfectly executed. I previously dailied a Chrome bag with a similar feature, but the strap dangled annoyingly when tightened down, which this bag notably avoids. The quick-release latch is fantastic for access and ergonomics, but at greater volume configurations some weatherization is sacrificed as small gaps are created between the top flap and the body of the bag. As a transit, non-bike commuter, I'd recommend this product to anyone in a similar situation.
For anyone valuing aesthetics, I work in a professional office environment (insofar as you can in the PNW), and I've had this bag called a briefcase more often than a messenger bag. For me, this bag perfectly executes being both rugged and professional, with thoughtful and minimal design tradeoffs in both areas.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting Peak Design
Customer Rating
1
Depressing Downgrade
on December 21, 2025
Posted by: MelbourneBagLover
Awful downgrade, so depressing. V1’s top zip was incredible and I used it every day, it was my favourite part about the bag and it was a joy to use. The removal in v2 makes no sense and destroys it completely for me.
Written by a customer while visiting Peak Design
Customer Rating
2
V1 was much, MUCH better!
on November 4, 2024
Posted by: rjsquire
from Williamstown, NJ
I've had the V1 version since 2014 or 2015 and loved it. The zipper on the laptop compartment of that bag broke in 2017 and it was replaced at that time. Recently the friction material on the strap started to break down and leave sticky black smudges on everything. Bag was replaced again, and since the V1 is no longer available they sent me the V2 13L.
I agree with another review on here that this bag is a step back. It works, but it's not as good. The one area of improvement is the strap adjuster works the opposite direction of the old one, and is easier to use now.
Here are the negatives:
- The laptop compartment is in the main compartment rather than having its own zipper. Fewer zippers to break, but less flexible in use.
- The material isn't as nice as the old one. It's stiffer and the texture is more abrasive.
- The capacity is smaller. This is an obvious one, but my crappy dell from work barely fits. The old version could carry a 15" MBP and an iPad easily.
- There is no longer a zipper on top to access the interior
- The tripod passthrough is no longer there. They've added external staps and connection points, but I like the old design.
- They removed the external size pockets. They were small, but were good for a phone or headphones.
- The front pocket zipper is now tiny. The old bag had a zipper that went down the sides to give a wider opening and easier access. This new one is very restrictive.
- The flap DOES NOT WANT TO BE OPEN. Lay the bag on its back, and open the top and it closes on its own. Its too stiff and very annoying.
- The material on the back of the strap is no longer smooth and easy to slide over clothing, so you have to support the weight of the bag while spinning it around your body to avoid twisting your clothes.
Here are the negatives:
- The laptop compartment is in the main compartment rather than having its own zipper. Fewer zippers to break, but less flexible in use.
- The material isn't as nice as the old one. It's stiffer and the texture is more abrasive.
- The capacity is smaller. This is an obvious one, but my crappy dell from work barely fits. The old version could carry a 15" MBP and an iPad easily.
- There is no longer a zipper on top to access the interior
- The tripod passthrough is no longer there. They've added external staps and connection points, but I like the old design.
- They removed the external size pockets. They were small, but were good for a phone or headphones.
- The front pocket zipper is now tiny. The old bag had a zipper that went down the sides to give a wider opening and easier access. This new one is very restrictive.
- The flap DOES NOT WANT TO BE OPEN. Lay the bag on its back, and open the top and it closes on its own. Its too stiff and very annoying.
- The material on the back of the strap is no longer smooth and easy to slide over clothing, so you have to support the weight of the bag while spinning it around your body to avoid twisting your clothes.
I really wish they could have just replaced the strap on my old bag. I don't like this new one at all and I'll probably look to another manufacturer for something that better suits my needs.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
Written by a customer while visiting Peak Design
Customer Rating
1
What a step backwards :-(
on October 24, 2024
Posted by: gekow
from Hamburg, Germany
I am a proud owner of the V1 Messenger and I love it (like a lot of other PD things), but it starts to look quite used and I was interested in the progress, so I ordered the V2. My very first impression was "ouch, it's small." I just came back from vacation, my V1 still packed, and I tried to put everything into the V2 and failed miserably. Besides that I missed some features like the belly strap or the extra Laptop bag on on the back. Also the bag is not as expandable as V1. And the material ist somewhat stiff.
Overall i was very disappointed and send it back . BTW the place of the serial number is a very bad joke.
Overall i was very disappointed and send it back . BTW the place of the serial number is a very bad joke.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
Written by a customer while visiting Peak Design
Customer Rating
4
Great Bag But With Annoying Sound
on March 2, 2025
Posted by: Sonny N
from Upland, CA
I bought my first V1 messenger in 2017. My only complaint was the annoying sound coming from the metal connector between the strap and the body. The strap later ruptured and Peak Design gladly replaced it with a newer version. I think it is V1.5 but I am not sure. Definitely, it is not the V2. However, the replacement bag has also eventually showed this annoying, squeaking sound while I walk. I tried applying a little silicone lubricant but the sound is still there.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting Peak Design
Customer Rating
5
My go-to bag for photoshoots
on July 24, 2025
Posted by: Anonymous
from Edmonton AB
I bought this when they first offered it on kickstarter, and it's been a staple for all my photoshoots ever since. Thousands of shoots, I think. Well made, looks great, customizable inserts, perfect for my lenses and flashes.
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: Roald
I bought this bag only yesterday but it works perfectly fine for my Z9 and two small lenses (24-70 and 85). Can even hold my 70-200 including FTZ. Just a fraction more room for the Z9 would have been nice but isn't a real problem. The one thing preventing me for rating 5 starts is the strap. When at full length (I'm a tall guy) the padding isn't centred and doesn't add support on the shoulder any more, only noticed this once I got home. Seems to be a very easy fix, remove the strap and add strap ends with anchors, then use a Slide as the strap. Can even be added retrospectively!
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting Peak Design
Customer Rating
5
Kelp Every Day Messenger
on October 22, 2025
Posted by: Sbatiz
from Los Angeles
it’s the same rock-solid Everyday Messenger you probably know, now in a killer olive/khaki tone that hides scuffs, looks sharp on camera, and doesn’t scream “expensive camera bag.” If you like clean lines, fast access, and modular organization, this is an easy recommend.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting Peak Design