When carrying a heavy pack, I like it when virtually ALL the weight rests on my hips. The belt looks too narrow. Do you find the belt too flimsy? Nobody ever talk about waist support. Also, is there a shoulder cinch to bring pack closer to shoulders? Thanks!
I bought and used this bag for some backpacking trips. There is no comments on design. It is almost perfect ( extra shoe compartment could have made it perfect). To be fair, in my personal experience, the price is quite high for the quality we get. The laptop compartment is quite clumsy. It needs more protection sponge for laptop. Also, the carry strap was very hard and hurts while carrying for long time. Hiding the strap is not so much easy. Those magnets are not much powerful as well.
Hi, some people complain about the laptop compartment as it pushes against your back when fully loaded. I wonder if you any issue with that. Btw, I'm thinking of buying this bag but most of the review aren't really user experience, more like an unboxing to me. So your review really help :)
Im between the temba axis 32l and this one... The big question Is Will a 17 inch laptop Fit un the bag... Im checking the bumbulbee 230 for the laptop thing...
What do you use for day pack while you travel with this backpack? Is it better to use a sling or small backpack as day pack? I have a Peak Design 10l sling but deciding if I should get the Peak Design totepack too
Sling or backpack is a personal choice. Do you need a backpack for walking around when you get to your destination or would you prefer to have a backpack to walk around.. Me personally I use the Aer sling for walking around usually just to carry my phone, battery, charger, earbuds, tissues, and hand sanitizer. If you're someone who needs more room for camera, laptop, etc then you should bring a day pack that can hold all that stuff. Maybe check out the tortuga outbreaker daypack in that scenario. It is comfortable carries a laptop and you can pack it in your larger travel bag (check size first)
How comfortable were the straps for you? Thats a major complaint of other reviews. Especially when the backpack is full and youve to carry it for some time.
They are pretty thin. For me it's fine wearing the pack for an hour or so when it's very full, but then the straps start to get annoying. I also wore this backpack for 6 hours on end (about half full) and this was fine
@@indietraveller Ok thanks a lot for your feedback! Quite funny that a backpack with this price fails (a bit?) with the most essential thing about a backpack.
The only problem i have with this bag is the back support and the belts. They are nowhere near Osprey 40 for example. For a 45 litter bag that's so expensive they really should have add it some real airflow and back/belts support. They look very thin and loosely.
From using the peak design 30L I think your sternum strap issues stem from the fact that in the video you detected it from the wrong side… There’s a clip on one side that’s very tight designed too be set at height and not used and the other side is much looser designed for you too be able too take it off and on more easily. You can tell by the little loop on one side. If you’ve taken the secure side off and left the loose side on like you did in this video I can see why it went missing
Ohhhhh wow... after 4 years of having this pack, you've just made me realize this! Thanks for mentioning. It's honestly weird that there is never any sort of instruction manual with backpacks... this seems extremely pertinent but also easily overlooked.
Great honest review amigo. I'm really thinking about buying this travel bag. Now have you had any issues with any of the zippers not working or breaking down? Eagerly waiting for your response. Thank you!
To provide some counterpoint, I have used it for 2 weeks in 45L expanded mode with some heavy gear (2 laptops, camera, bluetooth speakers + headset, autumn clothes...), and it was very uncomfortable. I have carried the same load in a old Gregory hiking backpack which was totally tolerable (albeit less convenient to access which is why I wanted to try the Peak Design). I wouldn't recommend using the Peak Design in 45L, unless it's mostly light gear.
@@0011usagi Thanks for the info. Good to know! I have Osprey Farpoint 40 and was thinking about buying this one. Comfort is the most important feature I'm looking for.
It will exceed the max dimensions of a lot of airlines, so no guarantees. But to be honest they don't usually check and I've taken it on board when expanded quite a few times. Visually it doesn't look like a backpack that's (far) over the limit
Hi! if you expand it to 45L, can you submit it in that state into luggage? I mean, is the expansion "durable"? I saw that it generally keeps its shape. Say you need a little more than the collapsed 35L and expand it to 45L, does it have straps to tighten it "smaller"? i.e. is there a way to tighten it with some of its straps (like traveler/hiking bags have) to make it visually smaller for carry-on? Thank you for the great review!
It's just a zipper that makes it bigger or smaller, no straps. It looks pretty normal in both states and I've checked it in on flights in its expanded state many times (so yeah it'll be fine)
It has a good waist belt and straps yes. It's great for walking through airports, towns, etc. Personally I'm not sure about hiking though. After an hour or so it gets uncomfortable, as this bag is more optimized for convenience, carry on size, storage spaces etc than hiking long distances.
The Setout is unavailable and the Aer Pack 2 doesn't have a false bottom to protect your laptop, but this one here is expensive. How have the zippers held up? Are there other reviews of it over a couple years of heavy use, full packing, and more rugged environments?
Yeah the Setout is now being retired for another model I think. Haven't seen other long-term reviews, but I can say the Peak Design held up very well for me after 18+ months of frequent use. The only minor damage I have seen is some flaking of the black paint on some zippers or metal joints for the shoulder straps, which is fair enough. Functionally it's still in perfect condition. Of course this is just one person's experience :)
@@indietraveller Excellent, thank you. It's my top choice for my next-next bag. Looking at the Tortuga Outbreaker vs. the Osprey Farpoint 40 as a compromise for now.
Hi, when I travel I usually go 3-5 days with different styles of outfits needed and anywhere from 3 different locations in one trip with multiple layovers, changing weather, multiple airports to trains to subways then buses and cab. What is the comfort level for possibly carrying one hour a day to 4 or 5 hours a day and knowing I usually need 2 pairs of shoes and two compression packs? One bag traveler.
I use this bag, I dont use the toiletry bag or the tech bag, but I do use their packing cubes. Their cubes fit nicely in the bag, can compress and fit a lot of clothes. I have the medium and small cubes which take up the majority of the big space, but in those cubes I fit 6 pairs of shorts, 6 button up shirts, 6 pairs of undies and 6 undershirts. Also in the main compartment I carry a small umbrella and my small toiletry bag with a thin packable daybed laying flat on top of everything. In the front organizer I can fit a pair of size 11 shoes in a shoe bag at the bottom toes down or a pair of flip flops and wear the shoes while in transit. I place my tech kit in one of the top organizer pouches in the front of the bag. I wear pants and jacket or hoodie while in airports but there is still enough space in the bag to stuff the jacket if I dont need it. I use that setup for a week or longer trip because with a weeks worth of clothes you can do laundry or at least not be forced to have go wash clothes in your sink. I'm a light traveler but not really a minimalist traveler. I've also never had to use the expansion feature of the bag. Comfort level is fine, the straps are firm and if the bag is heavy can feel like they may cut into your shoulders. Surprisingly they don't feel too bad because of how the straps can rotate a bit. The bag also doesn't pull on your shoulder and sits on the hips nicely. I've had the bag since it came out, been on 3-4 trips to Asia with it, and I agree that the chest strap sucks, it can come undone from the side fairly easily and it doesn't stow away nicely. It is also my only gripe with the bag.
I'm on the fence here: how do you think this Peak Design compares to the Tortuga Setout? Both seem close to perfection but I'm not sure which one would have the edge for me. Cheers!
It really depends - I love them both! The Setout feels lighter and is easier to jam in a tight compartment or luggage rack. The Peak Design feels a bit heavier but also more durable and weather sealed. Maybe it depends on the type of trips you take. The Setout feels intuitively a bit more suited to budget travel (I took it to Southeast Asia for example) and maybe the Peak Design is a bit more of a high-end bag. I think objectively the Peak Design is the best of the two but they're different kinds of bags.
@@indietraveller Great! Being someone who typically travels with a lot of photography gear, I think I will go for the Peak Design on this one. Thanks very much for your fast reply, very much appreciated!
I need your help! I am using always a backpack for daily use. The backpack is only carrying a laptop and small items, not clothes and cubes. Now I am thinking of switching to this kind of backpacks. Can this Peak Design 45l be used daily, or is it big? Daily I am carrying my laptop or Ipad, some tech gears like cables and powerbank and some small items. The majority of trips till now will be 3-4 days or weekends. I am a little bit confused. Do you think is better to stay around 30 litres for daily use like Nomant Travel pack or 30l bag? Or invest in something bigger?
I personally think it's much too big for daily carry. Maybe take a look at the Tortuga Setout Divide. It's 26L which makes it suitable as a big laptop bag, but it can expand to 34L for a weekend trip
@@j.dniotis3216 I think AER travel packs are nice. They're big laptop bags or small travel bags depending on how you look a it. Maybe those ship to where you are
@@j.dniotis3216 Ooof sorry to hear that! I'm also European so I haven't always had luck with all of them. I guess Osprey is another bet as they have a European branch. Their 24/7 Series (or Lifestyle series) is pretty great
Hello! Have you ever got inside of the storm with this bag? I mean heavy rain and wind that smears stuff on your face. Or at least simple rainy day with this "shell" behind your back?
@@artfake6111 Nope... if so would have definitely mentioned it! It can deal with rain very well. The sealed zippers are actually better for this than many other backpacks :)
When carrying a heavy pack, I like it when virtually ALL the weight rests on my hips. The belt looks too narrow. Do you find the belt too flimsy? Nobody ever talk about waist support. Also, is there a shoulder cinch to bring pack closer to shoulders? Thanks!
I bought and used this bag for some backpacking trips. There is no comments on design. It is almost perfect ( extra shoe compartment could have made it perfect). To be fair, in my personal experience, the price is quite high for the quality we get. The laptop compartment is quite clumsy. It needs more protection sponge for laptop. Also, the carry strap was very hard and hurts while carrying for long time. Hiding the strap is not so much easy. Those magnets are not much powerful as well.
Hi, some people complain about the laptop compartment as it pushes against your back when fully loaded. I wonder if you any issue with that. Btw, I'm thinking of buying this bag but most of the review aren't really user experience, more like an unboxing to me. So your review really help :)
I've packed a laptop on every trip so far and can't say I've noticed it!
I was sold on the Osprey after your review until I saw PD ranked #1 on your bag list! Did you have issues with the sternum strap?
what are your stats? height, weight etc.
will a 17inch laptop fit in the bag?
Im between the temba axis 32l and this one... The big question Is Will a 17 inch laptop Fit un the bag... Im checking the bumbulbee 230 for the laptop thing...
What do you use for day pack while you travel with this backpack? Is it better to use a sling or small backpack as day pack? I have a Peak Design 10l sling but deciding if I should get the Peak Design totepack too
Sling or backpack is a personal choice. Do you need a backpack for walking around when you get to your destination or would you prefer to have a backpack to walk around..
Me personally I use the Aer sling for walking around usually just to carry my phone, battery, charger, earbuds, tissues, and hand sanitizer.
If you're someone who needs more room for camera, laptop, etc then you should bring a day pack that can hold all that stuff. Maybe check out the tortuga outbreaker daypack in that scenario. It is comfortable carries a laptop and you can pack it in your larger travel bag (check size first)
How comfortable were the straps for you? Thats a major complaint of other reviews. Especially when the backpack is full and youve to carry it for some time.
They are pretty thin. For me it's fine wearing the pack for an hour or so when it's very full, but then the straps start to get annoying. I also wore this backpack for 6 hours on end (about half full) and this was fine
@@indietraveller Ok thanks a lot for your feedback! Quite funny that a backpack with this price fails (a bit?) with the most essential thing about a backpack.
Do you still love this bag? - I'm looking to buy this bag, it's in between this one and the manfrotto Manhattan 50 which seems much better value!
Still love it - in fact, it's still my main backpack I use. Haven't checked out the Manhattan 50 but my opinion on the peak design hasn't changed :)
I'm convinced, ordered!
The only problem i have with this bag is the back support and the belts. They are nowhere near Osprey 40 for example. For a 45 litter bag that's so expensive they really should have add it some real airflow and back/belts support. They look very thin and loosely.
is it ok to carry laptop in it ?
it seems the place for laptop gonna break when you start putting it on ur shoulders
From using the peak design 30L I think your sternum strap issues stem from the fact that in the video you detected it from the wrong side…
There’s a clip on one side that’s very tight designed too be set at height and not used and the other side is much looser designed for you too be able too take it off and on more easily. You can tell by the little loop on one side.
If you’ve taken the secure side off and left the loose side on like you did in this video I can see why it went missing
Ohhhhh wow... after 4 years of having this pack, you've just made me realize this! Thanks for mentioning. It's honestly weird that there is never any sort of instruction manual with backpacks... this seems extremely pertinent but also easily overlooked.
Great honest review amigo. I'm really thinking about buying this travel bag. Now have you had any issues with any of the zippers not working or breaking down? Eagerly waiting for your response. Thank you!
Had no issues after several years
@@indietraveller Excellent to read this! Safe travels. 🫵🤘🤙🙏
Hi!
Did you feel confortable using it fully loaded?
Yeah the straps etc. hold up very well.
To provide some counterpoint, I have used it for 2 weeks in 45L expanded mode with some heavy gear (2 laptops, camera, bluetooth speakers + headset, autumn clothes...), and it was very uncomfortable. I have carried the same load in a old Gregory hiking backpack which was totally tolerable (albeit less convenient to access which is why I wanted to try the Peak Design). I wouldn't recommend using the Peak Design in 45L, unless it's mostly light gear.
@@0011usagi Thanks for the info. Good to know! I have Osprey Farpoint 40 and was thinking about buying this one. Comfort is the most important feature I'm looking for.
If I had this on max 45l capacity, can it still be consider it as personal carry on?! so I can bring a roller as my carry on.
It will exceed the max dimensions of a lot of airlines, so no guarantees. But to be honest they don't usually check and I've taken it on board when expanded quite a few times. Visually it doesn't look like a backpack that's (far) over the limit
Hi! if you expand it to 45L, can you submit it in that state into luggage? I mean, is the expansion "durable"?
I saw that it generally keeps its shape. Say you need a little more than the collapsed 35L and expand it to 45L, does it have straps to tighten it "smaller"? i.e. is there a way to tighten it with some of its straps (like traveler/hiking bags have) to make it visually smaller for carry-on?
Thank you for the great review!
It's just a zipper that makes it bigger or smaller, no straps. It looks pretty normal in both states and I've checked it in on flights in its expanded state many times (so yeah it'll be fine)
Where in Vietnam did you go?
Very good review, can i ask if it has good wrist belt support as in will it be comfortable for long hikes with lot of camera gear?
It has a good waist belt and straps yes. It's great for walking through airports, towns, etc. Personally I'm not sure about hiking though. After an hour or so it gets uncomfortable, as this bag is more optimized for convenience, carry on size, storage spaces etc than hiking long distances.
Hi, where can buy it in Indonesia, thanks
Is not to big ?
Thank you for the honest review.
The Setout is unavailable and the Aer Pack 2 doesn't have a false bottom to protect your laptop, but this one here is expensive. How have the zippers held up? Are there other reviews of it over a couple years of heavy use, full packing, and more rugged environments?
Yeah the Setout is now being retired for another model I think. Haven't seen other long-term reviews, but I can say the Peak Design held up very well for me after 18+ months of frequent use. The only minor damage I have seen is some flaking of the black paint on some zippers or metal joints for the shoulder straps, which is fair enough. Functionally it's still in perfect condition. Of course this is just one person's experience :)
@@indietraveller Excellent, thank you. It's my top choice for my next-next bag. Looking at the Tortuga Outbreaker vs. the Osprey Farpoint 40 as a compromise for now.
Hi, when I travel I usually go 3-5 days with different styles of outfits needed and anywhere from 3 different locations in one trip with multiple layovers, changing weather, multiple airports to trains to subways then buses and cab. What is the comfort level for possibly carrying one hour a day to 4 or 5 hours a day and knowing I usually need 2 pairs of shoes and two compression packs? One bag traveler.
I use this bag, I dont use the toiletry bag or the tech bag, but I do use their packing cubes. Their cubes fit nicely in the bag, can compress and fit a lot of clothes. I have the medium and small cubes which take up the majority of the big space, but in those cubes I fit 6 pairs of shorts, 6 button up shirts, 6 pairs of undies and 6 undershirts. Also in the main compartment I carry a small umbrella and my small toiletry bag with a thin packable daybed laying flat on top of everything.
In the front organizer I can fit a pair of size 11 shoes in a shoe bag at the bottom toes down or a pair of flip flops and wear the shoes while in transit. I place my tech kit in one of the top organizer pouches in the front of the bag. I wear pants and jacket or hoodie while in airports but there is still enough space in the bag to stuff the jacket if I dont need it. I use that setup for a week or longer trip because with a weeks worth of clothes you can do laundry or at least not be forced to have go wash clothes in your sink. I'm a light traveler but not really a minimalist traveler. I've also never had to use the expansion feature of the bag.
Comfort level is fine, the straps are firm and if the bag is heavy can feel like they may cut into your shoulders. Surprisingly they don't feel too bad because of how the straps can rotate a bit. The bag also doesn't pull on your shoulder and sits on the hips nicely.
I've had the bag since it came out, been on 3-4 trips to Asia with it, and I agree that the chest strap sucks, it can come undone from the side fairly easily and it doesn't stow away nicely. It is also my only gripe with the bag.
For air travel, can you use this as your personal backpack?
Yes it can be carry-on luggage
It works as a carry on item (overhead bin), but will it work as a personal item? (Under the seat)
What do you mean about two thumbs up? 2/5? Or what?
Hah that just means two signs of approval. I guess it's 2/2!
(That’s what I thought, but I don’t wanna any doubts, just in case 😂) Hahah thank u so much!
@@diegomolinag Good thing you asked! :D
I'm on the fence here: how do you think this Peak Design compares to the Tortuga Setout? Both seem close to perfection but I'm not sure which one would have the edge for me. Cheers!
It really depends - I love them both! The Setout feels lighter and is easier to jam in a tight compartment or luggage rack. The Peak Design feels a bit heavier but also more durable and weather sealed. Maybe it depends on the type of trips you take. The Setout feels intuitively a bit more suited to budget travel (I took it to Southeast Asia for example) and maybe the Peak Design is a bit more of a high-end bag. I think objectively the Peak Design is the best of the two but they're different kinds of bags.
@@indietraveller Great! Being someone who typically travels with a lot of photography gear, I think I will go for the Peak Design on this one. Thanks very much for your fast reply, very much appreciated!
@@elsociote In that case you'll love the Peak Design. Have a look at some of their camera gear/lens cubes... you can insert them into the backpack
@@indietraveller I definitely will get a few camera and packing cubes with it. Wash and tech pouch I already have and been loving 'em. Thanks!
I need your help! I am using always a backpack for daily use. The backpack is only carrying a laptop and small items, not clothes and cubes. Now I am thinking of switching to this kind of backpacks. Can this Peak Design 45l be used daily, or is it big? Daily I am carrying my laptop or Ipad, some tech gears like cables and powerbank and some small items. The majority of trips till now will be 3-4 days or weekends. I am a little bit confused. Do you think is better to stay around 30 litres for daily use like Nomant Travel pack or 30l bag? Or invest in something bigger?
I personally think it's much too big for daily carry. Maybe take a look at the Tortuga Setout Divide. It's 26L which makes it suitable as a big laptop bag, but it can expand to 34L for a weekend trip
@@indietraveller I checked it , but unfortunately it is not available in my area. Another option please?
@@j.dniotis3216 I think AER travel packs are nice. They're big laptop bags or small travel bags depending on how you look a it. Maybe those ship to where you are
@@indietraveller sorry for so many messages. Again not available for Greece. Very unlucky!
@@j.dniotis3216 Ooof sorry to hear that! I'm also European so I haven't always had luck with all of them. I guess Osprey is another bet as they have a European branch. Their 24/7 Series (or Lifestyle series) is pretty great
Did you use this as your daily carry as well?
No I find it a bit too big for that. For day to day stuff I like to use a pack under 20L. My current daily carry is the Tortuga Setout Divide
@@indietraveller Ah that one's tough to buy right now.
Hello!
Have you ever got inside of the storm with this bag? I mean heavy rain and wind that smears stuff on your face.
Or at least simple rainy day with this "shell" behind your back?
I've used it on a normal rainy day, but can't say I've taken it storm-chasing!
@@indietraveller And how was it? Any leaks inside the bag?
@@artfake6111 Nope... if so would have definitely mentioned it! It can deal with rain very well. The sealed zippers are actually better for this than many other backpacks :)
@@indietraveller Okay, thank you for your answers!
@@artfake6111 No worries!
Nice video, but enough reviews like this talking about long time use.
Did you use it as a carry on/personal bag, to put under the seat? I'd like to use it as such.