Peak Design’s Outdoor Backpack Is Finally Here: In-Depth Review

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Peak Design’s Outdoor Backpacks Are Finally Here: An In-Depth Review

One question we’ve always asked about Peak Design is why they don’t have any bags designed for hiking and outdoor adventure. That all changes today.

Peak Design has been making impactful camera and tech bags since 2015, and has developed several collections of bags for both travel and everyday use, along with an extensive line of packing tools that tie together the entire modular system. While all of these bags are built to be durable and weatherproof, Peak Design didn’t have a dedicated line for outdoor adventure and hiking. Until now.

Peak Design has just announced their new line of outdoor bags, designed to complement their existing packing cubes, camera cubes, and other bags. The outdoor line includes two sizes of the Peak Design Outdoor Backpack and two sizes of the Outdoor Sling, all available in black, cloud, and eclipse. In this article and accompanying video, we take a closer look at the brand new outdoor backpacks.

Peak Design Outdoor Backpack

The Outdoor Backpacks come in 25L and 45L sizes and are available in black, cloud, and eclipse. While the design and construction are very similar in both sizes, there are quite a few unique features in each. These features, along with the difference in capacity, mean significantly different uses and functions.

Outside

The Peak Design Outdoor Backpack comes with a PFAS-free TPU front shell that is designed to withstand not only rain and moisture, but also the physical stress of being placed on rough surfaces. This front shell is essentially an extension of the expected reinforced bottom plate. At the very top of the front plate is a bar that controls a single locking cable system that extends all the way to the back plate and controls the tension that keeps the main compartment closed. Pulling this bar toward the front of the pack reveals a large flex pocket behind the TPU shell that extends the entire height and about a third of the length of the pack. This pocket can be used as an easily accessible storage area for non-environmentally sensitive items, such as a jacket, rain gear, or other gear.

Along with revealing the front flex pocket, pulling the tab also reveals an expandable roll-up entrance to the main compartment that closes with a magnetic latch. This top entrance provides quick access to the compartment, or at least whatever is placed on top of the main compartment depending on usage.

There are flex mesh pockets on both sides of the outdoor backpack. On the 25L version, the flex pockets span the majority of the backpack’s height, capable of holding a large water bottle or a travel tripod of similar size to the Peak Design Travel Tripod (with or without a carrying case).

The 45L version comes with the same tall pocket that can hold the same items, but also has a shorter external flex pocket for additional quick-access accessories. Perpendicular to these flex pockets, on the TPU shell interior lining on both sides, are two small zippered pockets for small items that need protection.

Back panels and cushions

The most noticeable physical differences between the two size variants are the back panel and shoulder straps. The 25L version has a simpler design with just one shoulder strap attachment option, a top handle, and a heavily padded chest.

Due to the larger size of the 45L, it comes with a 4-step ladder system for attaching the straps, making it highly adjustable to better accommodate different body sizes and user types. Additionally, the upper half of the shoulder straps feature a reinforced strap that extends to either point on the top flap of the roll top for added support.

Both shoulder straps feature large mesh pockets that are large enough to hold a smartphone but also double as storage options for the two removable sternum straps. These mesh pockets are lined with reinforced side rails that also double as dedicated mounting points for the Peak Design Capture Clip and are sturdy enough to hold a camera on a chest pad. On the sides and center of the shoulder straps are mounting loops that can be used in conjunction with sternum straps, flathook straps, and most other accessory straps to attach accessory pouches such as tech pouches or packing cubes.

Both sizes of the pack have a semi-inner sleeve behind the padding. While both have a waist belt attachment point, only the 45L version has one. The waist belt uses a button-like clasp that can be easily attached and removed. There is an additional zippered mesh pocket on the waist belt that functions similarly to the shoulder straps and also serves as an attachment point for the Snap Clip.

Main compartment and capacity

All sides of the back panel are lined with a reinforced zipper that reveals a large rear entrance to the main compartment. This main compartment, along with most of the surface of the backpack, is made of Terra Shell 210D Ripstop Nylon fabric that is highly tear-resistant and prevents moisture and dust from entering. Behind the back panel is a multi-purpose compartment that can hold a laptop up to 15–16 inches (depending on width) or a hydration backpack.

The Peak Design Outdoor Backpack serves the same functional purpose as the popular Peak Design Travel Backpack. Both carry-on solutions are designed to be used as a case for a variety of packing tools depending on the user’s actual needs. The main compartments of these bags can accommodate a variety of camera cases, storage cases, tech bags, laundry bags, and travel bags. To illustrate capacity, we’ll use a camera case as a size reference.

The 25L Outdoor Backpack can hold a small/medium or medium sized camera block along with additional accessory pockets. In practice, this means it can carry two full-frame camera bodies and two to three medium sized lenses depending on the actual size and compartmentalization. Due to the expandable space provided by the top roll, the top section can hold an additional small camera block or similarly sized bag.

The 45L Outdoor Backpack, on the other hand, can hold an entire large camera block. When expanded through the top roll, it can hold an additional small/medium or small camera block with the top of the compartment fully extended. This could potentially allow the user to carry up to three to four camera bodies with up to six to eight lenses, depending on the size and arrangement of the compartments. More practically, this would allow the user to carry enough gear for a multi-day outdoor adventure along with plenty of space for necessary personal items.

Applications and User Experience

These two travel backpacks are almost identical in design, but their size can make them very different in use cases. The 25L Outdoor Backpack is great for day hikes or overnight outdoor trips, while the 45L can be used for longer, more challenging expeditions. Like the Peak Design Travel Backpack, they can be very useful when it comes to versatility when traveling, but the added bonus is that when completely empty, they can be collapsed and compressed into a very slim form, which is great for storing when not in use or carrying as an alternative bag when traveling. While these bags come in three colors, I personally look forward to seeing them come in more color options in the future (hopefully with a Coyote colorway soon).

Both sizes of backpacks are well-equipped with compartment options. The two (or four) side pockets are great for holding long accessories or personal items like a tripod or water bottle, while the two front side pockets are great for holding small items that need quick access. Additionally, an internal front flex pocket is an additional expansion option, beyond the main compartment.

The two access options—either via a top roll or via a main zippered access at the back—are sufficient as alternatives. Personally, I would still prefer a zippered flap on the main side, though. It’s understandable that this could be skipped, as it would require thicker reinforcement material, which would keep the pack from feeling noticeably flimsy when folded. A good alternative, particularly if you want to access the main compartment without setting the pack down, is to turn the pack sideways while still holding it over that shoulder and partially open the main zipper to open the side. To prevent the bag from opening completely, you can use the C-clip that comes with the camera block to secure one of the zipper pullers to any of the loops near the shoulder area.

One really impressive but underrated aspect of this backpack is the modularity of the back panel and shoulder straps. Particularly for a 45L, having all the options for fit is great for the most comfortable carrying experience. The presence of two removable chest straps is a nice touch; however, I personally wish they were made to be more crease-free for aesthetic purposes. However, the fact that they can be reused to connect other accessories is a huge plus. While I personally don’t own the Clips, the fact that the shoulder straps of this bag have dedicated attachment points is great and the fact that these attachment points are also found on the waist belt is even better. Lastly, the removable waist belt is convenient in my opinion simply because there are instances where one might not want to use them and keeping them on the back panel when not in use would just be unnecessary weight.

Overall, the simple design remains true to Peak Design’s usual minimalist style. However, once you start looking at the features, it’s clear that these bags have a lot of options to open up. When photographers go on outdoor adventures, carrying camera gear can be an added source of stress due to the physical impact, but all the options available through this bag and the entire Peak Design modular bag system can reduce the logistical stress and make the physical aspect of the creative process more rewarding.