@12:35 one of the biggest reasons to hae the clamshel open from the back with the bag being placed on its face side down is to avoid getting the back and straps dirty, because then you'll end up reansferring the dirt onto your back and upperbody when you wear the bag. It is quite commonly found on outdoor photography backpacks such as offerings from Shimoda, F-stop, Lowepro etc and is also found on a few outdoor backpacks that are Ski focussed daypacks.
I was able to travel for a week with just this bag and it fit under the airplane seat on all of my flights! I didn't have to use an overhead bin! Granted, I did travel light and used compression packing cubes but this bag can hold more than you think, and yes I have the 30L version. Great backpack!
Great video Danny. On your comment about why some clamshell bags open from the back instead of the front.... This is more of a photography/adventure bag focused decision because when you're out in the field and you need to open the bag all the way up, it's thought to be better to place the bag on it's front side rather than it's back side so that the straps and back panel don't collect a lot of dirt/mud/debris which would then transfer to your back when you put the bag back on.
Thank you for watching and that definitely makes more sense now! Although that style is probably not a great match for me I can see the value, especially not getting the straps dirty from having them on the ground
Also another reason for me is the ease of use. When I swing a backpack off my shoulder it automatically sits in the position of the front outwards. Bags with front style clamshells, I always have to rotate 180 degrees to access
It says clearly on the Peak Design website that it’s 27L when fully compressed and 33L when fully expanded. It seems to me that the 30L (the middle-of-the-road average) Backpack is the perfect name for it. Or maybe that’s just me!!
I used the 45 for a few years already and love it. Just to have more flexibility for shorter travels, I went for the Everyday bag pack 30L in that size - that at least resolves the problem of access from the sides compared to the travel 30L - though I miss the easy access top compartment a bit from my 45.
Thank you for watching and for sharing your experience with the bags! The 30l everyday bag is definitely a solid alternative to this one, especially for the easier access like you said!
I believe the confusion for some in this pack is how it is made to be a Travel Backpack especially for equipment- looking at Peak Designs line this pack is not meant to be a daily pack for reaching in a side pocket to retrieve gear or items while on the go - this is a to and from pack to deliver your items safely when you reach a destination. The harness system allows for a capture clip to keep a camera on the harness at the ready but other than that the pack is quite specific in the padding and shape to keep gear safe during transit and then unpacked at your destination.
Like your reviews. I had similar thouths about this backpack. But one thing, organisation in the main area is very helpful when you have it not packed out (i like to use similar sizes gor EDC). And alternatives in your videos is very heplful, thank you.
Wait, the front zip is ONLY for expansion not interior access? 🤔🤯 I actually own and love their 45L travel bag. I don’t mind the harness system because I love and frequently use the option to tuck the straps and I usually don’t wear the bag on my back for extended periods while traveling. The more robust the straps I’m assuming the harder to tuck them away. The straps are definitely firm, but because they are wide I don’t find them uncomfortable. The non negotiable on the 30L, for me, is lack of clamshell on the front. The 45L allows full access from the front or back via clamshell style zip. I was actually considering this bag as a larger edc, and I would have totally missed the clamshell access issues without your video! I thought the expansion zip was a clamshell zip in the front. Thanks for the save!
Thank you for watching and I’m glad the video was helpful! That’s great to hear the larger version has worked out well for you and I do wish they had incorporated more of the features of that one into this smaller size
I always figured having the clamshell open from the back is so that you can rest the front on the ground and then not have that surface up against your body
Excellent review. Finding a travel bag for a shorter person (5’6”) has always been elusive. Most are too long (except my GR2 26L at 18” long). Sadly, this Peak isn’t the one. I have never been at one with their harness system (or length) though admire their ingenuity. Had high hopes for the new EG CTB26. Will be interested to hear your review.
Thank you for watching! This one felt pretty tall on me and I definitely prefer the fit and size of the Gr2. Just received the CTB26 so will definitely be excited to start putting it to the test!:)
Thank you for watching! The straps have been improved but I feel they could still use some more padding for when the bag is fuller so to me it doesn’t feel as comfortable as the Able carry max or travel pack 3 small for example
Hi Danny, this bag would've been awesome if the clamshell opened towards the front like you mention. Had this on order and cancelled, Its slightly on the heavy side empty. Waiting on a Arcteryx Mantis 26 now. Has similar dimensions and is under 1kg.
Thank you for watching! Both are really great bags, if you have a higher budget and want some extra space the peak design is probably the better option but the Thule is a little more compact if you want something that might be a little more manageable for daily use
peak designs advertises this pack as 27 to 33 litres. 27 when compressed and 33 when not. so they call it 30L because it alternates between those two measurements
Just got the bag and plan on returning it. Great build quality, as to be expected. Great fabric, but ultra boring look. I don't like the opening, expansion, or admin pocket. There are too many compromises in my opinion. I'm surprised at how heavily hyped the bag is because it's just not that special.
Thank you for watching! I think the bag is very well built, is a really versatile size and will keep you stuff protected. With that being said there are some other good options in that price range or below that might be worth checking out as well aer Travel Pack 3 Small, able carry max, bellroy transit, Patagonia mini MLC for example)
@@dannypacks appreciate the advices but those brands don't have any presence in my country either, which means huge tariff slap + taxes if I try to buy from abroad.
I had the original kickstarter 45l and sold it for exactly the reasons you covered. The harness system for such a large bag just doesn’t work. Good to see them trying new things but think they need to work on this to make it a great bag.
An open pocket that faces downward, secured by a flimsy magnet? How is that a clever idea? That's a stupid idea. It looks great, but it honestly is the most ridiculous thing ever.
@12:35 one of the biggest reasons to hae the clamshel open from the back with the bag being placed on its face side down is to avoid getting the back and straps dirty, because then you'll end up reansferring the dirt onto your back and upperbody when you wear the bag. It is quite commonly found on outdoor photography backpacks such as offerings from Shimoda, F-stop, Lowepro etc and is also found on a few outdoor backpacks that are Ski focussed daypacks.
Thank you for watching and for the additional information!:)
I was able to travel for a week with just this bag and it fit under the airplane seat on all of my flights! I didn't have to use an overhead bin! Granted, I did travel light and used compression packing cubes but this bag can hold more than you think, and yes I have the 30L version. Great backpack!
Great video Danny. On your comment about why some clamshell bags open from the back instead of the front.... This is more of a photography/adventure bag focused decision because when you're out in the field and you need to open the bag all the way up, it's thought to be better to place the bag on it's front side rather than it's back side so that the straps and back panel don't collect a lot of dirt/mud/debris which would then transfer to your back when you put the bag back on.
Thank you for watching and that definitely makes more sense now! Although that style is probably not a great match for me I can see the value, especially not getting the straps dirty from having them on the ground
Also another reason for me is the ease of use. When I swing a backpack off my shoulder it automatically sits in the position of the front outwards. Bags with front style clamshells, I always have to rotate 180 degrees to access
@@preciouscode98 great point
@@ChrisWorksCreative yes it's so much easier having the clamshell at the back
It says clearly on the Peak Design website that it’s 27L when fully compressed and 33L when fully expanded. It seems to me that the 30L (the middle-of-the-road average) Backpack is the perfect name for it. Or maybe that’s just me!!
Thank you for watching and that’s a good point I think that makes sense!
I used the 45 for a few years already and love it. Just to have more flexibility for shorter travels, I went for the Everyday bag pack 30L in that size - that at least resolves the problem of access from the sides compared to the travel 30L - though I miss the easy access top compartment a bit from my 45.
Thank you for watching and for sharing your experience with the bags! The 30l everyday bag is definitely a solid alternative to this one, especially for the easier access like you said!
I believe the confusion for some in this pack is how it is made to be a Travel Backpack especially for equipment- looking at Peak Designs line this pack is not meant to be a daily pack for reaching in a side pocket to retrieve gear or items while on the go - this is a to and from pack to deliver your items safely when you reach a destination. The harness system allows for a capture clip to keep a camera on the harness at the ready but other than that the pack is quite specific in the padding and shape to keep gear safe during transit and then unpacked at your destination.
Like your reviews. I had similar thouths about this backpack. But one thing, organisation in the main area is very helpful when you have it not packed out (i like to use similar sizes gor EDC). And alternatives in your videos is very heplful, thank you.
Thank you for watching and I’m glad the video was helpful!:)
Wait, the front zip is ONLY for expansion not interior access? 🤔🤯
I actually own and love their 45L travel bag. I don’t mind the harness system because I love and frequently use the option to tuck the straps and I usually don’t wear the bag on my back for extended periods while traveling. The more robust the straps I’m assuming the harder to tuck them away. The straps are definitely firm, but because they are wide I don’t find them uncomfortable. The non negotiable on the 30L, for me, is lack of clamshell on the front. The 45L allows full access from the front or back via clamshell style zip. I was actually considering this bag as a larger edc, and I would have totally missed the clamshell access issues without your video! I thought the expansion zip was a clamshell zip in the front. Thanks for the save!
Thank you for watching and I’m glad the video was helpful! That’s great to hear the larger version has worked out well for you and I do wish they had incorporated more of the features of that one into this smaller size
I always figured having the clamshell open from the back is so that you can rest the front on the ground and then not have that surface up against your body
Thank you for watching and that’s a good point!
Excellent review. Finding a travel bag for a shorter person (5’6”) has always been elusive. Most are too long (except my GR2 26L at 18” long). Sadly, this Peak isn’t the one. I have never been at one with their harness system (or length) though admire their ingenuity. Had high hopes for the new EG CTB26. Will be interested to hear your review.
Thank you for watching! This one felt pretty tall on me and I definitely prefer the fit and size of the Gr2. Just received the CTB26 so will definitely be excited to start putting it to the test!:)
Enjoying your videos! This is the Alpaka Elements 35? I think I already know the answer…
Thank you for watching! This is the peak design 30l travel backpack, a solid alternative to the elements backpack :)
Hey Danny, do you think there would be enough room to store away the shoulder straps behind the harness adjuster system to hide them away. Thanks
Hi Danny, how did you find the straps? Were they comfortable or digging in when the bag is quite full and heavy?
Thank you for watching! The straps have been improved but I feel they could still use some more padding for when the bag is fuller so to me it doesn’t feel as comfortable as the Able carry max or travel pack 3 small for example
Hi Danny, this bag would've been awesome if the clamshell opened towards the front like you mention. Had this on order and cancelled, Its slightly on the heavy side empty. Waiting on a Arcteryx Mantis 26 now. Has similar dimensions and is under 1kg.
Thank you for watching! Agree on the weight for this one and hopefully the Mantis ends up working well for you!:)
The back is where the laptop is, you wouldn't want all the weight to sit on it if it opened on the front.
Hi, do you know if a large camera cube v1 can fit inside this backpack?
Hi Danny which would you recommend, this or the Thule Subterra 30l?
Thank you for watching! Both are really great bags, if you have a higher budget and want some extra space the peak design is probably the better option but the Thule is a little more compact if you want something that might be a little more manageable for daily use
peak designs advertises this pack as 27 to 33 litres. 27 when compressed and 33 when not. so they call it 30L because it alternates between those two measurements
Thank you for watching and that makes sense!:)
Just got the bag and plan on returning it. Great build quality, as to be expected. Great fabric, but ultra boring look. I don't like the opening, expansion, or admin pocket. There are too many compromises in my opinion. I'm surprised at how heavily hyped the bag is because it's just not that special.
this sold $400 in my country. Do you think it worth that price?
Thank you for watching! I think the bag is very well built, is a really versatile size and will keep you stuff protected. With that being said there are some other good options in that price range or below that might be worth checking out as well aer Travel Pack 3 Small, able carry max, bellroy transit, Patagonia mini MLC for example)
@@dannypacks appreciate the advices but those brands don't have any presence in my country either, which means huge tariff slap + taxes if I try to buy from abroad.
@@denyk142Türk müsün amq 😂😂
No waist belt ? :(
You can use the one available for the everyday backapck. I confirmed with Peak Design
I'm guessing if you place down on the back all the weight will crush the laptop.
Thank you for watching and definitely a good point!
I had the original kickstarter 45l and sold it for exactly the reasons you covered. The harness system for such a large bag just doesn’t work. Good to see them trying new things but think they need to work on this to make it a great bag.
Thank you for watching and I agree, hope to see them continue to improve on the harness in future bags as they some really awesome ideas!
Why no pockets/storage on the back? Seems like a lot of wasted real estate.
Thank you for watching and I agree it would have been nice to have some additional organization there
Even just getting a jacket in and out of the bag would be a pain.
An open pocket that faces downward, secured by a flimsy magnet? How is that a clever idea? That's a stupid idea. It looks great, but it honestly is the most ridiculous thing ever.
It is a strong magnet.
I stick my 66 North sweater in that pocket. It works great for that.