Peak Design Messenger 13 Review

[@jepark7751]

Thanks for the video, being able to see gear loaded in it helps a lot. Thinking of getting this bag for an X-T2 and 2-4 lenses and looks like it should fit fine.

[@BrentBerghermPhotography]

Oh yes, the xt-2 will swim in this thing compared to my 6d. That's the biggest problem I had with everything else I was seeing, they just wouldn't show it loaded. You probably noticed that there's a bit of dead space on top of the lenses too. My go pro (minimized kit) will fit perfectly there for the plane ride, and I'll hold it in my small back pack I'm using for day stuff when I'm out and about so it doesn't get in the way.

[@davehyper7835]

that's a great review buddy. didn't know about the pull out waist strap thingy until i seen this video. I am keen cyclist and motorcyclist so that extra securing strap will help prevent the bag sliding around front of me under heavy braking or even moving about at higher speeds. Also, it was nice to see you put gear inside it and actually wear the bag. excellent review, clear and concise. Thank you!

[@BrentBerghermPhotography]

Thanks, I can't wait to do my update on this video, post trip. I do very much love this bag. And the straps looks kinda wimpy but they provide a surprising amount of stability to the bag. I had wanted to rent a moped on my journey but didn't get a chance. However, I used the straps a lot just for regular walkabout stuff and it performed very well. That said, if you're in to mountain biking I'm suspicious as to how effective these'll be. Street biking, no problem, I'd say, but I don't think I'd be comfortable with greater action type stuff.

[@jfbreese]

Appreciate your review! I listen to you all the time on Inprove Photography podcast. Flip the strap over so the rubber side is down, as a few others have said. That's the anti-skid side. Not perfect, but it's how they designed it, just like the "Slide" strap. Also, there are pen slots in the sides of the laptop sleeve section. You have the laptop sleeve, and in the same area that Velcro enclosure, look on each side of the Velcro enclosure.

[@mikek7815]

One of the best reviews for the 13 bag. I have a T6 rebel. 18-55, 75-300, 50, and 10-18 I have jammed in the cannon bag that came with my camera. Should all that fit in the 13? The 15 just looked too big to carry everyday. Looking for a good bag I can use for work, but also keep my camera with me for spur of moment shoots.

[@NL0Gwenster]

Good review, bought the bag. They do have some QC issues. I had to return my 13 inch messenger twice ! (dutch online retailer, so not directly from Peak) The 1st one the bottom was crooked, it literally did not look level, one side of the bag was loner than the other. Which also made the side flap extend continously wide open. The 2nd one i had the last of the metal latches was slightly off in alignment making it hard to close the bag on that level. 3rd one finally was a charm, was abotu to give up on the bag. But a friend had a good one and it was nice. As far as pens go ? I always store my pens in the wide pocket under the pass through, it's where you pulled out that rubber band from for your tripod.

[@st3vieuk]

I think you can flip the strap around with the rubber down to carry on one shoulder ... nice bag though

[@dexterflannel4465]

st3vieuk I think so too. That's how the Peak Design Slide strap is designed: one smooth side and one with a grip on it.

[@silvestrocrino3256]

When you want to have it on one shoulder ...just turn the strap over so the two rubber bands you point out in the video are on your shoulder....that is what they are there for....check out the instructions that came with your bag....

[@BrentBerghermPhotography]

What? who reads instructions :) Thanks for the info, I found that out through simply using it though.

[@raybeal1954]

I have the 15" Everyday Messenger bag. If you turn the strap over so the rougher side is on your shoulder the strap shouldn't slide. Matthew

[@dh-flies]

Nice job. I just ordered mine...

[@BrentBerghermPhotography]

Thank you. As I'm using mine more and more on my trip (in Warsaw as I write this) I'm really liking the bag. I'll be doing a follow up video sometime after I get back.

[@adriancobaschi8510]

Hi there, thanks for this review! Can I ask you this: do you think a 15 inch laptop would fit in the main compartment on the 13 version? I don't know if I should get the 13 or the 15, the 15 seems a bit large for my needs, and I'm not a photographer, looking to carry my 15 inch laptop and accessories in the main compartment. Thanks!

[@21jmack21]

Adrian Cobaschi hi, the answer is no. Unless it’s a Mac. My 15.6 MSI (0.7cm thin) will barely fit in the 15 inch version. Like it scratches on the zipper... so I can only use the peak design 20 or 30 liter for it to fit. Hope this helps. They make great bags, I have like 5 different ones.

[@MrTee3three]

I have a 15" MBP 2017 and it fits fine in the outside laptop pouch closest to your hip (yes, 13" messenger)

[@ytano5782]

Enough space for 2 Olympus OMD with mounted 40-150/2.8 and 12-40/2.8?

[@BrentBerghermPhotography]

It would probably be a bit tight for that combo attached. It would fit, but a bit snug I think.

[@sfayers3361]

I tried the 13 inch bag, my E-M1mk2 with 40-150mm f/2.8 pro and E-M1mk1 with 12-40mm f/2.8 Pro, both bodies have L-brackets attached. One in each end with room in the middle for the 1.4xTC and batteries. Still easy and quick to take either camera out and back, neither camera banging on the other protected by the long dividers.

[@jaquene9182]

I believe that there are two spots for pens in the laptop compartment on the sides

[@brentbergherm8277]

I didn't find any on my 13 model. Maybe on the 15?

[@chriscorey5164]

What is the width of the bag when it is fully loaded?

[@BrentBerghermPhotography]

Good question, unfortunately I can't answer that now. I've moved this bag along as I now use the Tenba DNA 13" when needing a shoulder bag.

[@chriscorey5164]

Brent Bergherm Photography Thanks. Did the Peak Design not work well for you?

[@BrentBerghermPhotography]

@@chriscorey5164 I originally used this bag with the Canon 6D. When I upgraded to the 5D4 it was too much for this bag. The tapered design (getting slimmer towards the bottom) looks great and adds to the minimalist design aesthetic, however when loaded with the 5D4 with ProMedia Gear L bracket attached it was too bulky. Whenever I set the bag down it would roll over forward. If i had the computer in the back side it would stay level, but not without the computer. So I decided I needed a different bag and I like the TenbaDNA 13 because the camera padded section insert thing is removable. It leaves tons of little nooks and crannies to stuff stuff. I have another video here on the channel comparing this bag to the DNA 13. It's also important to note that this is version 1 of this bag, PD is now on version 2. I don't see that much of a difference in the issue I was having but I just wanted to be sure to point that out. And if your camera is smaller than the 5D4, this would be a great choice I'm sure. I certainly enjoyed using it.

[@robertomurchison4574]

Seems a bit big for the X-pro 2? have a good trip in Germany. Rgds from Argentina.

[@brentbergherm8277]

Yes, they say this is a mirrorless bag but I believe the xpro2 would swim in this bag. That said, if you have a lot of stuff in addition to the camera this would be a fine fit. When I get back I'll give my final opinion and put my Fuji xt1 in there at see how the sizing compared.

[@moroquattro7581]

Good mentioning about the thin bottom!

[@BrentBerghermPhotography]

Yeah, thanks. Decent build otherwise, though the laptop area is not very well padded either.

[@moroquattro7581]

Interesting... most reviews I found didn't really focus much on the laptop compartment. I wonder if laptop is not considered as primary as camera... I'm struggling whether to get 13" or 15" cause I have a 15" MBP but no camera. Not sure if the camera compartment will be too big for everyday carry. But I bike to work sometimes so I really like the space :)

[@BrentBerghermPhotography]

In your case, I recommend the Tenba DNA 13. It has a padded laptop compartment, but the 15" can fit inside the bag outside of the padded compartment. Plus, the camera insert is removable turning it into a regular bag. There's also the Eagle Creek Straight Up Business Brief. That's what I use for my regular 15" computer and essentials. It also holds my Tenba DNA camera insert just fine :) but it also turns into a backpack if I need it. In short, I like the peak design cases, but I find them to be quite niche, and yes, the laptop idea in this bag seems to be a secondary concern. It holds it and it's fine, but it's not the best for tons of travel in my opinion. I took this bag, the peak design bag, to poland and germany in 2016. It worked fine, but I like my other options I've mentioned here better as the gear is better protected all around. I've got another video comparing the Tenba to this bag. Check it out :)

[@moroquattro7581]

Thanks, Brent! I'll check it out :) I really like the Peak Design as well haha...

[@MrCrazymagpie]

How did the trip go with the Bag, was it as good as you hoped?

[@BrentBerghermPhotography]

Thanks for asking, I've been really negligent on getting an update out there. It went fine, but.... I found what I believe to be an even better bag. I plan to shoot a video this week on it. Stay tuned :)

[@2klatte]

Brent Rents Lenses please make a vid of the bag you prefer over this one. Fantastic review!

[@BrentBerghermPhotography]

I will! Thanks so much. I plan to shoot it today in fact :) Stay tuned. I'll start off with this one loaded and a quick preview of how the trip went with this bag. I'll point out the very few issues I had with it but then I'll switch to my other bag and highlight why I think it's even better, because this is an awesome bag. No doubt about it. It should be published before week's end.

[@TorIvanBoine]

the side thingys are for the capture clips peak design also makes www.peakdesign.com/product/clips/ Good review. Looks like the amount of gear I plan to use it for.

[@BrentBerghermPhotography]

That's great, thank you. I figured it was something like that, just hadn't looked it up before I did the video.

[@josteinsen1]

if you swing it to your back and tighten the shoulderstrap and then use the stabelizer straps i think you will find that it sits very snug and wont move just like a backpack. Think bike messenger style

[@BrentBerghermPhotography]

Yep, worked well for sure. And check out my updated video, where I compare this bag to the Tenba DNA 13. kzbin.info/www/bejne/gWSppH6firSkea8

[@dethmerc]

Looks like a 70-200mm would be a tight squeeze.

[@brentbergherm8277]

I believe it would fit on the side but not attached to the camera.

[@MrRabaldi]

It fits nice in the bag, not attached to camera and on the camera. I bought an extra divider, so I have 3, flap all down and u can put and canon 80D with Tamron 70-200 f2.8 with lens hood in shooting position on top.

[@BrentBerghermPhotography]

Thanks for the added info!

[@dethmerc]

Thanks for the replies, I ended up getting the 15 inch everyday messenger.

[@easterlingderek34]

According to the external dimensions you might can fit a 100-400.

[@kineticuncertainty]

you thought of everything except adding the gear inside.

[@sekainiheiwa3650]

I lost my handwriting skills back then so pen won't be important for me

[@Dustyphoto915]

Sorry, but if you pay that much for a bag you shouldn’t have to be creating inserts for it to make it acceptable.

[@BrentBerghermPhotography]

I agree, I rarely use this bag anymore. It's fine for smaller gear but not a full DSLR with big lenses like this.

[@takuan650]

I don't like the design and the price.