Perfect is a high standard to live up to, but that's the word I use to describe it My experience with Peak Design's first backpack eight years ago. That 20-liter everyday backpack, designed for techies and camera experts, was very popular the verge The staff said that when we gathered together at technical events, our bags often got mixed up.
In 2016, I was carrying around a laptop; A DSLR with an external flash and at least one long lens; a tripod; And a portable battery or two to keep everything charged. Here in 2024, I need a bag to carry gear like the drone and controller; an action camera with wireless mic and selfie stick; and maybe even one starlink mini Dish with portable solar panel to keep everything connected and charged.
As a person who likes to work now as far away as possibleoften from the limited scope of one adventure vanI'm also looking for a unique bag that can be quickly adapted for a walk or bike ride, a trip to the gym, store, or office, or a weekend trip via train or airplane. It then needs to be stored quickly and compactly until the next use.
My two months testing Peak Design's new lighter weight and more versatile $249.95 25L Outdoor BackpackI can say this: it's not right – but it Is Even better, as long as you're prepared to spend even more on accessories.
The 25L outdoor backpack is sized for day trips with your laptop, camera and other gadgets along with some food, water and maybe an extra layer of clothing. Unlike the 45L model, the smaller pack I'm testing is frameless, and the hip belt must be purchased separately for $44.95.
Unlike heavier everyday backpacks, the outdoor backpack's weather- and abrasion-resistant nylon shell lacks any gear protection or structure. It is compatible with Peak Design's ecosystem of accessories, such as its ultralight packing cubes, quick-release capture clip and protective camera cubesThe last of which I would consider an essential addition to this bag.
The 25L outdoor backpack features a deep main pocket that is accessible by the roll top for top-to-bottom access to all your gear or via two zippers that open the bag completely like a clamshell to access the cubbies. Is. Other storage breaks down as follows:
- An external “flex” pocket suitable for a rain jacket and hydration bladder.
- Two zipped side pockets are built into the outer shell of the Flex Pocket, where you can attach a stretchy cord and carry items like a passport, documents and wallet.
- A suspension sleeve attached to the inside of the back panel, suitable for a laptop or hydration bladder up to 16 inches, with integrated routing for a drinking tube.
- Two deep side pocket holsters for items like water bottles, tripod, and trekking poles.
- Mesh pockets on wide and plush shoulder straps for quick access to phone, snacks, glasses, etc.
- Gear loops are integrated throughout the bag for external carry and compression using a pair of long attachment cords, two stretchy gear straps, and two sternum straps.
design
Peak Design sent me the Cloud White version of the 25L Outdoor Backpack for review. The bag's combination of sleek and soft recycled materials adorned with grey, black and orange embellishments looks fantastic and has only minor blemishes after sitting in the dirt, rough gravel and grime that accumulates on barroom floors. Unfortunately, Peak Design says those white people will slightly yellow over time Due to UV exposure. If this concerns you, as it does me, you can opt for black or purple instead.
It was a little frustrating to see all those messy loops, cords, and other tangled parts for the first time, until I realized that many could be moved or even removed altogether. I also don't like all the scattered clothes when the bag is empty, but Peak Design has a solution for that too.
The 25L outdoor backpack is designed to work with Peak Design's soft-shell “Smedium” $69.95 Camera Cube – It's not small and not quite medium, but it's perfect for the main storage compartment. I highly recommend purchasing this for the 25L model, as it not only makes the bag stiffer, making it look better, but also protects the gear within it and makes it easily accessible. The remaining space can be filled with a small camera cube ,$59.95,
The “Uitra Cinch” system of cords that control access to the exterior flex pocket and roll top opening is fine but finicky. It locks into place when you're finished pulling it to control the width of the opening, but it does require two hands, and those dangling cords can get in the way.
Despite my moans, I'm a big fan of the new flex pocket – it's the pocket I use the most because it can be accessed quickly throughout the day. And I like that I can access the internal storage and expand it upward with the roll top. But the Ultra Cinch cord system certainly isn't the pinnacle of design.
carry gear
I never had a problem with the comfort of the Original Everyday Backpack on my six-foot athletic frame, but others did. Peak Design says it has improved the fit and comfort of the new 25L outdoor backpack, and I found this to be true in a variety of scenarios when carrying both light and heavy loads.
It remained stable and comfortable during my regular bike rides to my gym and coworking space, while carrying a change of clothes, laptop, chargers and cables, and miscellaneous items like glasses. The compression straps helped keep the bag slim and snug to my body. It also worked well when attached to the hip belt for multi-day hiking and supporting a very heavy remote office load with a satellite dish.
Other notable comments:
- On the white model, the Flex Outer Pocket is transparent enough to expose items pressed against the outer shell. This problem is not seen in colors like black and purple.
- My review bag withstood light rain just fine, but if you're in a storm, you'll want the $29.95 rainfly accessory to keep everything inside dry.
- I found the flex pocket to be a good place to temporarily store sweaty gym gear rather than strapping it to the outside of the bag – it's ventilated and easy to wipe down.
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When perfection is the norm, controversy is bound to happen.
I like lightness, The unstructured design of the 25L outdoor backpack lets you apply protection (and weight) as needed. he is smart. Once I added the camera cubes, it kept my expensive gear safe and organized while looking and functioning better than Peak Design's original Everyday Backpack.
But $249.95 / €279.99This is the most versatile backpack ever made by Peak Design. But it only reaches its true potential for gadget and photography enthusiasts if you buy a Camera Cube or two. But now you're looking at a pack that costs at least $320 and can easily exceed $400.
That's still not too outrageous for a full-featured camera bag. You can pay around $215 for the smaller but heavier 22.5L Pro Lite Backloader from Manfrotto$324 for large 31L Prvke Top-Loader with Camera Cubesor for about $400 25L McKinnon Camera Pack and Cubes from Nomatic,
I love Peak Design's 25L Outdoor Backpack and I'll probably ask Santa for it to avoid personally ditching my everyday backpack, which has served me well for many years. However, my colleagues vajren pavik From our video team, who regularly travels the world with bags full of cameras and drones, has already swapped out his everyday bag for a white 25L outdoor backpack.
Photography by Thomas Ricker/The Verge