Peak Design 45L Outdoor Backpack, full review.
Unboxing the peak design 45l outdoor backpack.
If you’re into hiking and photography, there’s a good chance you’re always on the lookout for that perfect camera bag. Well, after testing out Peak Design’s new hybrid hiking camera bag, I can say it’s an interesting contender. This review is going to take you through my honest experience with the bag, what I liked, and what could be better. No fluff, just straight up what works and what doesn’t. check it out here
Peak Design 45 Litre Outdoor Backpack up Franz Josef Glacier, New Zealand.
First Impressions
The first thing that caught my attention when I unboxed this bag was how many straps, clips, and zippers there were. It’s a bit of a maze at first, but once you start figuring out what’s what, it all starts to make sense. Peak Design has clearly put a lot of thought into making this bag practical.
Now, I’ve used their stuff before—like the Everyday Backpack and capture clips—so I had high expectations. This new model feels just as solid, if not more. The build quality is the first thing I really took notice of. Peak’s known for making gear that lasts, and this one doesn’t seem any different.
Build Quality, Fabric, and Stitching
If you've used Peak Design gear before, you’ll know what I mean when I say they don't skimp on durability. This bag is no exception. The outer fabric has this tent-like feel, with a PFA-free TPU coating, which sounds fancy but just means it’s built to keep water out. I’ve tested it out in the rain, and everything inside stayed bone dry, even after a downpour.
The stitching feels really solid, double-stitched at the seams, and Peak has switched up the zipper material from their Everyday Backpack—now using a nylon rope for the pulls, which feels like a small but solid improvement. The zippers themselves are smooth, sturdy, and they’ve clearly been designed with a heavy load in mind.
Attached at the back is the 7 litre sling which is a further modular addition this backpack.
My one critique? The bottom could use an extra layer of padding. This is where most of the wear and tear happens when you set the bag down on rough surfaces. It’s not a deal-breaker, but a little more reinforcement would have been nice.
Ergonomics and Comfort
When you’re hiking with a load of camera gear, comfort is crucial. I’ve got broad shoulders and a bit of a belly, and this bag fits me well. The adjustable straps are a standout here. They’ve added this system with well-sewn notches that make adjusting the straps a breeze. It’s easy to clip on and off for quick adjustments, which I’ve found really handy on the go.
The bag also comes with sternum and hip straps, and these make all the difference when the bag’s fully loaded. The aluminium frame keeps the structure of the bag solid, even with a heavy load. It’s designed so you don’t feel the weight cutting into your shoulders after a long hike. The extra mesh panel on the back provides good ventilation and support, and you can even remove it if you want more space or need to clean it.
One thing to note: there’s no side access, which I did miss a bit. My Everyday Backpack had it, and it was convenient for quick camera grabs. Here, you’ve got to take the whole bag off and open it from the back. Not ideal, but understandable for a hiking setup.
Size and Capacity
45L with the camera cube holds a tonne of gear.
This bag is rated at 45L, but it feels like it holds a lot more. Peak also sent me one of their large camera cubes, and it fits perfectly inside, really rounding out the shape and structure. I managed to fit a camera body, drone, three lenses, and all the extras—batteries, filters, the works—into the cube without any trouble. Even with the cube, there’s still a ton of room left for other essentials like a jacket, food, or a change of clothes.
The top section of the bag expands quite a bit, and the front pocket is surprisingly spacious too. You could easily throw in some snacks, a water bottle, and a few small items and still have room to spare. There’s also room on both sides for a tripod or water bottles, thanks to the stretchy material they’ve used.
Features and Accessibility
The new drawstring mechanism is an innovation.
One of the most innovative features is the rope mechanism they’ve included for tightening the bag from the top. It might seem like a small detail, but when you’re packing things in tight, this system makes it really easy to secure everything. Just pull the ropes, and the bag cinches down nicely without much effort. It’s quick, simple, and feels solid enough to handle whatever you throw in there.
Then there are all the hooks, loops, and tie-down points around the bag. You can attach sleeping bags, tripods, or even extra camera gear to the outside, which is handy when you’re fully loaded. It’s a well-thought-out system that gives you flexibility for different hiking or shooting setups.
Weather Resistance
Weatherproofing is a big deal when you’re out in the elements, and this bag holds up well. I ran it under a hose for about an hour, and everything inside stayed dry. The fabric feels like it could handle a downpour without any trouble. I haven’t had it out on a long multi-day hike in heavy rain yet, but based on my initial tests, I’m confident it can take a beating.
The only thing I’d mention is that while it’s great at keeping water out, it does take a little while to dry once it’s soaked. It took about three hours to go from wet to fully dry after my hose test. You can also grab a rain fly for extra protection, but honestly, I don’t think you’d need it unless you’re planning something extreme.
Weight and Portability
The bag itself is pretty light at 1.5kg, but once you load it up with gear, you’re obviously adding quite a bit of weight. That said, it’s still comfortable to carry, even with around 20kg of stuff inside. I like that the hip belt can fold away when you don’t need it, and all the extra straps and clips tuck in neatly, which is great for when you’re traveling or want to check it in at the airport. It’s compact enough to use as a carry-on for most flights, though you’d have to double-check with your airline.
Style and Aesthetics
The zippers feel really quality, lots of teeth and well designed.
Peak Design’s products always look good, and this bag is no different. It’s sleek, minimalistic, and comes in a few different colors—white, black, and maroon. I’ve got the white one, and while it looks great, I am a little concerned about how dirty it’ll get on hikes. That said, I do like how the lighter color makes my gear stand out in photos and videos, which is handy when I’m shooting content.
Conclusion
After using the Peak Design 45L Outdoor Backpack for a while, I can honestly say it’s a solid choice if you’re into both photography and hiking. The build quality is great, it’s comfortable to wear, and there’s plenty of room for all your gear. It’s not perfect — the lack of side access like the everyday backpack is a bit of a downside, but it’s a bag that feels like it’s built to last, and this feature definitely hasn’t hindered it’s versatility and function. Peak Design has clearly taken their time with this one, and it shows.
If you’re after something durable that can handle both your camera kit and the rugged outdoors, this bag is worth a look. It’s a bit of an investment, but knowing Peak, it’s the kind of gear that’ll stick around for years. Plus, their lifetime warranty means you’re covered if anything goes wrong. For me, it ticks every box, and I’m excited to keep putting it through its paces.
