Peak Design 45L Travel Backpack Review: Your next camera bag?

[@dominey]

FYI, Peak Design is currently running a "10% off everything" sale, including this backpack and the camera cubes. Check it out here: bit.ly/3Blgtrf

[@andrecoxa]

Every now and then I consider purchasing this backpack, and this video always pops up. And I always rewatch it for the sheer picture quality.

[@notaturkey2607]

I love bags, and enjoy watching camera bag reviews. Thank you for sharing your opinions on these things!

[@hummersd]

They come with narrow straps (usually stowed at the bottom flap) that can help with taller tripods to stabilize in the side pockets (look for the loops there), otherwise the same straps could be used to hold against the back using the numerous loops all around the backpack.

[@dominey]

Ah! Good point. I've been assuming up til now the straps inside the lower flap were fixed, but you're right. They can be removed and hooked onto exterior loops. Thanks so much for pointing that out!

[@marke1508]

Nice review. My Peak Travel Backpack has a strap tucked in each pocket that I use to secure a tripod or monopod. I think they also offer additional straps (like the sternum strap) to attach all kinds of things externally using the exterior loops.

[@davidmitch]

@ 7:48 YES!! I had to sell my Peak Design 45L after a year (took it to Fiji, Hawaii, Mexico, etc). The shoulder straps are way too thin for this size bag when loaded with camera gear (R5 with 3 lens and a drone), even for air travel and airport travel - forget trying to hike). I kept medium gear cube, but I purchased a AER TRAVEL PACK XPAC. Super comfortable 35L with the same gear and weight! It holds the medium gear cube no problem. Also, it doubles as a travel bag. Just my 2 cents. Thanks for the content!

[@TheIppoippo]

I used to own one. In the end, I swapped it out for the Shimoda Designs 35L Explore V2. The main reason was the extra weight (on paper, there's not much difference, but it feels heavier), and more importantly, it was just uncomfortable to me. I'm sure some people can find it comfortable, but to me at least, the Shimoda is miles ahead for comfort. I will say though, the camera cube and accessory bags that Peak Design does are really good. I use the PD camera cube in my Shimoda Designs bag. It's a tight fit, but works really well in combination.

[@dominey]

Great feedback! Glad to know I wasn’t the only one who felt the straps were a bit lacking.

[@Keilikeramen]

I just bought shimoda explorer v2 35 and use core unit L size. between pd cube and core unit which is better? Also which cube size can fit? Thank you in advance😅

[@TheIppoippo]

@@Keilikeramen "Core Unit". I assume you mean the actual Shimoda one? The Shimoda Core does fit better, having seen a friend's setup. I'm only using the PD Cube because I didn't want to waste something that I already owned, and saved a bit of money. Mine is PD CAMERA CUBE V1, Medium size

[@Keilikeramen]

Thank you verymuch

[@Keilikeramen]

@@TheIppoippo Thank you verymuch

[@HDBnB1]

Debating on getting this but wondering if they're planning on doing a refresh anytime soon

[@saviyou]

Very random question but what are those glasses frames you're wearing?

[@cosanostra8]

Hi. Can this backpack be taken as hand luggage on international airlines like Turkish airlines?

[@nowornevervdo]

Does this backpack can hold 16inch m1 max laptop

[@alexnagel614]

Yes it does

[@philipcolumbus3054]

Yes. My older Intel 16 inch MacBook Pro fit with room to spare.

[@MikeNovakPhoto]

I bought this in December 2018. Watching your video I pulled it out from the back of the closet and gave it another look. Should I start using it again? What I have is the tech pouch, small & medium camera cubes and the main 45L bag in black.

[@dominey]

Be great to know what you think of it after not using it for a while!

[@MikeNovakPhoto]

@@dominey Ok I have a verdict. The bag itself does not stack up to my Shimoda Explorer V2 35L or the Action X50 bags I own. With that said I did feel the camera cube (medium) by Peak Design is better at least for my uses. So I took it out of the Peak Design and tried to insert it into the Explorer V2 35L and it fit perfectly. So going forward that is the combination I will use. Also you mentioned there was no way to strap in the tripod on either side of the bag. So your bag should have come with the Sternum Strap that you showed us. But there should also be two "Cord Hook External Carry Straps" included with the bag. I know I have them somewhere in my studio but can't find them. You should be able to use them to strap the tripod at the top after inserting the lower end of the tripod in the side pocket.

[@dominey]

@@MikeNovakPhoto Super interesting. Thanks Mike. Someone else pointed out the extra straps to me as well (they're in the lower flap area on front). I didn't notice they were removable, so yes those could be used for more tripod support. I added a correction to the video to clarify this for others. Thanks so much for testing this against your Shimoda!

[@raymondchen6906]

Thoughtful review. Thank you, Todd. As always, audio is 👌

[@migueldelatorre9475]

Is this the V2?

[@malcolmmacgregor6222]

Many thanks for this review which persuaded me to take a look at this travel bag. A great aspect is that it will fit a pro media gear L344 tripod inside the bag for airline travel. It then fits very nicely on the outside of the bag in the side panel when on location. I am trying to work a system of travel & landscape photography without checked luggage. So tripod and clothes go in this peak design bag. Camera and lenses goes in to a wotancraft rider shoulder bag. I dont carry a drone or any video equipment.

[@MrBaltazar1234]

Great review Todd! Now have you had any issues with the zippers coming undone, breaking down, or not working properly after significant use? Thanks in advance.

[@erick_fernandez_78910]

Does the small camera cube also have that side backpack opening feature?

[@philipcolumbus3054]

No, the small cube only has top opening.

[@HDBnB1]

Also, may be a random question but do you know if you can fit the a dji avata and accessories into the small camera cube

[@dominey]

Don’t have an Avata so I’m not sure. You should be able to find the dimensions for the cubes on their website and compare it to the drone.

[@RickRockerMusic]

Thanks for the helpful video 🙏 How tall are you? I’m 6’6 so I’m guessing the straps would be a bit of an issue as you mentioned for comfort on long hikes. Is there another bag that has good straps?

[@dominey]

I'm nearly as tall at 6'4. The PD bag is comfortable, but I wish I could lower the shoulder straps an inch or two so the bag could sit a little lower on my back (which would lower the waist belt too). As for other bags with plusher straps, I've heard good things about Shimoda bags from other people. They have thicker, more customizable straps.

[@RickRockerMusic]

@@dominey gotcha😉. Thanks a lot!🙏

[@MaxKiefer]

Hey thank you for the Video! Did the hip belt had the right height for you? Today I tried the Osprey Farpoint 40 but unfortunately the hip belt was above my hip bones. I am 6.3“ tall and think it is not so easy finding a good 40l backpack with a fitting hip belt.

[@737AMT]

Buddy same issue, did you ever find one for your height?

[@MaxKiefer]

@@737AMTNot really , but I bought the Osprey because I didn’t find a better one for me and found out when I adjust it right it fits good. Not perfect but good enough. The trick is to make the shoulder strips very lose in the beginning, then put the hipbelt to your preferred height and then straighten the shoulder strips. I was with this backpack for three months in Asia and today I love this Osprey backpack and doesn’t want another one 😄

[@dnguyen536]

They should make the new version with some kind of xpac and the materila similar to aer ultra. That would be a perfect bag

[@GoWest-8]

Just FYI, Peak Design recently released a ‘coyote’ color for this bag and it’s made from xpac. Everything else is the same. Just different material and different color.

[@eprohoda]

how excellent !💥

[@jakejoling6425]

Will it fit under the seat on a plane? 👀

[@rationalbimbo8811]

i just flew several times with this bag, out to europe (via THREE connecting flights on the way), then 3 times within europe, and finally one more time to get back to the states. thats 7 times boarding a plane in one month. i fit this as a personal item underneath my seat every single time, and had my guitar as my carry-on luggage. no one said anything to me, and i never had any issues. i *could* have just been extraordinarily lucky, and bear in mind that i did have the bag compressed to its 35L size, and i will say it was a little tight on some airlines, but again no one said anything. and three of those flights were ryanair, so if anyone was going to make a fuss and charge me extra i feel it would've been them. but that was just my experience, your mileage may vary etc

[@arunhvk]

good one mate

[@Soul_Visuals_Photography]

I love mine. But it’s not comfortable at all. Peak is coming out with some new cubes. I mentioned to them it doesn’t fill the inside of the bag. They mentioned some new new is in the works. I have the large cube

[@מדינט]

Since I served in the Army, I stay away from the PD sage green and bought the black one 🙂

[@dominey]

Lol - enough green for one lifetime, ey? :)

[@reggaecook9435]

Honestly I own this bag and it’s got to be the most uncomfortable bag I’ve ever worn. Did three trips with it already and only take it to put my camera gear in for carry on. The sternum strap design is not very well designed as it pulls the backpack straps in towards your chest making it even more uncomfortable. Be warned this is not a bag you can uses as a backpack more of a duffel bag with straps. My straps stay 100% stored in the back panel

[@pickle2k]

I have to agree, most uncomfortable bag for me also. Got it via the kickstarter campaign, but sold it about a year or so later. Having run through airports to catch connecting flights and used it around locations sight seeing for a day at a time and can honestly say the the waist strap is terrible.

[@adrianstere]

Osprey is better. I tested both. The new FairPoint 40 2022. The laptop issue has been fixed. The airflow padding on the back and straps is just amazingly compared to Peek design. Peek design main problem remains the back padding (almost inexistent which is a big no for a 45 l backpack!) and the thin straps. Everyone complains about that yet Peek design completely ignores them for years. Osprey is also half of the price!

[@sashinger5230]

Are you a bot? You’re posting this Osprey ad literally everywhere… 😂

[@jbfilms4642]

so many steps just to get into your gear :D

[@philipcolumbus3054]

I have used it as a travel and camera backpack. I have never had an issue with getting to my camera gear. It protects the equipment well and is comfortable to use.

[@kalyantr7]

Peak Design is the worst bag on skin...I had rashes, feels plasticy , its very uncomfortable. I hate these influencers hyping this bag. Try if you can before buying it.

[@scotthayesproductions5715]

too much talking, not enough showing you actually putting gear in the bag.

[@lythnork6131]

peak design just copy the pgytech onemo lol

[@robmcd]

The way you’re speaking it sounds like you don’t have any real experience with this bag. You don’t mention how you use the backpack. Also KZbin tells me the video includes a paid promotion but at no point you say Peak Design paid for this promo because I didn’t see or hear any sponsorships despite the flag. You only state that peak design sent you the bag. This wasn’t a review it was an infomercial.

[@dominey]

There’s a disclaimer in the video description noting that Peak Design sent me the pack and cubes. Also a disclaimer on the written version of this review. I feel like I was pretty clear with my opinions, both the positive and the negative, but if there’s something specific you want to know feel free to let me know.

[@robmcd]

@@dominey No you weren’t clear at all and that’s why I wrote my comment. Your description box disclaimer is about the tenth item in the list. So what I gather no money changed hands peakdesjgn sent you the unit. KZbin 1.0 - home videos. KZbin 2.0 the influencer and infomercial. It’s time for KZbin 3.0

[@stevebrown3955]

@@robmcd troll much?

[@robmcd]

@@stevebrown3955 so being adverse to dishonesty is being a troll? Ok then.

[@stevebrown3955]

@@robmcd I might call it picking fly dung out of pepper. I happen to own this bag and am interested, especially given the age of the bag, what others think of it. I am an amateur photographer, but I only use this bag for travel. I may not be as discerning a listener as you, but I generally found Mr. Dominey’s review to be genuine in nature.