I got it since Xmas and it's been the most perfect EDC bag I got. The dividers can work magic securing different items not just cameras. Best of all it holds its shape while standing up.
I have 2 Peak Design backpacks, including this one, and actually their sternum strap design is my favorite! Their design is the only one that can truly be used with just one hand, at least to my personal experience. All the other ones with a buckle on the other side, you'd have to somewhat line them up which isn't always easy with just one hand. But hey that's just my personal habit of using and everyone is different.
Video reviews can often be overly long to incorporate all the features of a bag. This review however is perfect. It really shows your experience in covering this topic and it must have been hard to keep the running time down. The price point for the Zip bags still seems high compared to the everyday backpack, if there was more of a gap it would be a lot easier for me to make a decision and actually buy one or the other. In the UK there is only a £40 gap between the two.
There are so many types of camera bags in the world. I also bought a camera bag the other day! I couldn't fit all the equipment and it was a lot of work ♬ The video was a lot of fun! I will come to play again. With love from Japan :)
love your videos but one correction. You’re removing the sternum strap incorrectly. The left one is supposed to be semi permanent, and can be removed by twisting up (labeled on the strap with an arrow). It’s not supposed to come off easily, but once you get how it works it works magically well.
I also like the ZIP 20 L. Just to add: I am using a laptop which is just like the maximum size possible according to PD. It works, however closing the zipper scratches the edges of the laptop and it is not useful to use the small additional compartment while the laptop is inside.
I have owned 3 PD bags with sternum straps, and I agree that there is huge variability in how difficult the left one is to remove. I have also flat out lost my Travel Backpack sternum strap after clipping both clips to one shoulder strap for storage. Luckily I found the strap on my walk the next day! Since then, I have been threading the sternum strap through a loop on the shoulder strap. This does not exist on all their backpacks, but for the Travel Backpack, it works. Regarding zippers, the new custom ones seem better, but it feels like a theme that PD are a bit ambitious with their zipper paths. My Travel Backpack has issues in a few places where I have to hold the fabric just so to get a clean pull. My V1 10L sling is the worst, with its signature feature of on-body quick access being made more difficult because the zipper always gets suck in the corners. Obviously these issues have not stopped me from continuing to invest in their products, but I'm sorry to see your zipper issue on the new Backpack Zip after all this redesign work.
It's such a bad camera bag that I ordered a different bag within 30 minutes of getting it home. No other bag comes close to wasting as much internal space. Got the ulanzi bp09 to replace the PD and I love it.
very helpful and I like that you tested it over time. it is a big expense for a bag and considering others but need something for travel that is secure and also can handle a 14" laptop so it narrows options
Hi! Been a fan of the channel for a few months now, love how you guys do your reviews I've been wondering if you would also try out the counter of Peak Design's Everday Backpack which is the Lowepro Freeline? I would love to see your review on that!
Can one of your upcoming videos be a list of best affordable ($50 or less) backpacks? I love the details and insight you guys give on backpacks. Would love to know what would be your favorites for more affordable options.
Hey Jackson - we recommend checking out our Budget Packing List packhacker.com/packing-list/budget/ which is full of the best inexpensive travel gear we could find including the AmazonBasics Slim Carry On Travel Pack Weekender packhacker.com/travel-gear/amazonbasics/slim-carry-on-travel-backpack-weekender/ 😊 - Rebecca
Obsessed over this bag since they released. Still haven’t purchased due to price point, I think it would work better around 150-180$. I love the sling 5l they made, its my favorite camera bag. I dunno just kinda wish this bag had more outside quick access and looked less like a bucket ready to travel to mars :/. I prefer the look of the Wandrd Duo.
I actually bought the Wandrd Duo but couldn’t use it for my needs for some specific reasons and returned it. I’m so bummed as it’s been difficult to find a bag that works as well as the Lowepro protactic 350 I have for every day use. That bag is only hard because it looks very camera baggy. 🤷🏻♂️ Maybe I’ll eventually you the peak design and give that a try
the peakdesign chest straps are not my favorite but they really are not that bad. for the left side they have a symbol printed where you should hold and it indicates the direction to twist it off. when you follow that it comes off no problem. in the video you did the complete opposite of that which explains why it takes you so long to do. again personally im not in love with the design but its really not as big of problem as people make it out to be.
A very thorough review indeed. I have a weird requirement. I need to carry z9 attached with 14-24S lens along with 200-500 lens. Could you tell me if this configuration would be possible in this bag.
I've been using the 20l for two weeks now. The design is super thoughtful and minimal, the zippers work smoothly and access and organisation is top tier. At first I was a little bit worried about the price point, but the bag is worth every penny in my opinion. I'm so happy every time I pick up the bag and have it with me. Feel free to ask any questions.
Great comment, I just wonder whether you were put off by the additional cost of the Everyday backpack and if the price of the 20L Zip made enough of a saving?
The everyday backpack wasn‘t even a consideration since I like the zip‘s design much more. For me personally there are no significant upgrades that would justify the extra charge.
j0404t I can‘t really tell to be honest. To me the material feels durable, but I’ve used the backpack for only 2 weeks. Time will tell whether it holds up 🤷🏻♂️.
Happy New year gang. If I was a photographer I’d like the bag but my favourite in this size is still ,the Arktype. Adding the proprietary zipper is smart given all the curves but I hope it holds up to the abuse it’ll get since a photo bag is opened a lot more generally than a regular bag. The white of the 15” is really interesting. I don’t think I’ve seen that shade before. It sucks it has t,he deficiencies it does because 15” is the perfect everyday bag size imo. I’m less impressed with there tote pack. It’s like they saw the success Bellroy is having with theirs and copied it. I hate purely derivative designs. I think I mentioned I finally chose a bag. It’s the Black Ember Forge and I’m expecting it to ship at the end of January. I really don’t like any other bag from Black Ember but it at least looks like they nailed it with the Forge. With a size of 20 Litre unexpanded and 30 litres expanded in a clamshell design that can be carried as a briefcase, duffle or backpack it’s the “perfect” blend of everyday carry and minimum travel. Note I think 30 litres is the ideal size for minimal travel. It’s not perfect though, it has a lot of dangling straps (hello Tom Bihn strap keepers) and the quick access is on the front of the bag instead of the top but these are trade offs I can deal with. Will you be reviewing it?
Hey Christopher - thanks for sharing your thoughts and experiences with the community! We'll keep our usage timelines updated on the full reviews if anything changes. We currently have no plans to review the Black Ember Forge, but it's on the list. We hope this pack is going to work well for you and your travel style! 😊🙌 - Rebecca
Pack Hacker Thank you. If you’d like I’d be happy to write a mini review for you after I’ve tested it day-to-day and for travel. :) One other thing I’m constantly forgetting to suggest is... It would be great if you had 2 or 3 “blanks” made from a stiff cardboard like a corrugated cardboard or some other material with the only requirement being it doesn’t bend. Cut the blanks into the dimension for a MacBook plus a couple of popular windows laptops. Everyone uses the Mac as a size reference but they aren’t a very universal size so simulating a couple of standard windows laptops (in 13” and 15”) would give viewers a better idea if their laptop will fit. Just a suggestion but for me it’d be very helpful. Cheers, Christopher
V1 had horrible straps. I found the unique sternum strap pulls the edges into your chest at a weird angle. Made the small bag feel alot heavier. I sent it back.
Should I buy or not? It's gonna be hard to make a decision. Before watching this video,I was almost clicking the purchase button, but now hesitate to buy. Because, at the end of your review, I realized that the flexible dividers were not at all durable…..。I fear that the flexible dividers, one of the key features of the bag pack, will be damaged so quickly that the product will not be usable in enough time for the price.
My ZIP 15 l is giving me headaches due to the fact that both interior lateral zips, made of metal, scratch any item that is placed across the Zip bag and against them. Meaning my D500 with Sigma 50-100 due fit inside, but I have to place both zip pockets in open position otherwise these would scratch badly both camera touch screen and lens cap. Still I can fit my Peak Design Tech Pouch on the lower end of the backpack and remaining EDC on the top. I am trying to reach Peak Design for a solution and maybe help preventing this issue on future models .
My GF is super petite small, think 10-12yr old size at 4'9", and found the 20L uncomfortable. I took ownership of it and got her a 15L instead which fits much better. It is now her go-to minimal travel/camera backpack the past 4 flights. Great for regional airplanes with tiny overhead cabin area. Think the sternum strap have QC variability? Our 15L & 20L left side clips have slightly different curvatures. I couldn't get mine off but hers slid easily. A quick hack for those that prefer buckle design you can cut the straps off the end clip and replace with any generic buckles of choice. Get the best of both worlds? Our 15L didn't come with a keychain strap. Was it suppose to?
Thanks for sharing your experience with the community, Battlem0nk. We're glad you've been able to make this pack work well for you on your travels despite your issues with the sternum strap. The 15L Everyday Backpack Zip (V2) that we tested came with a key leash, you can check it out in our full review here packhacker.com/travel-gear/peak-design/everyday-backpack-zip-15l-v2/ 👍 - Rebecca
No other bag maker has done what PD has. Wandrd, Boundary Supply, etc. in my opinion are camera centric bags only with minimal usefulness to general EDC. Somehow, PD has managed to make better, more functional camera bags that can also be rearranged as great tech bags.
I’m looking at using it for an international travel/diaper bag. I’ve found the the compartmentalising of camera bags make for good organisation for baby things and the side access I think will be a huge win for quick emergency situations.
Hey Viggo - we currently have no plans to make a video review of the Mammut Seon Cargo, but you can check out our full written review here packhacker.com/travel-gear/mammut/seon-cargo/ 😊 - Rebecca
Im confused -i just got the 5L sling and it IS NOT WEATHERPROOF BY ANY MEANS - i like to urban hike in the rain and so i put it in the shower to mimic being caught in a downpour to see if it really worked -the zipper allowed steady water seepage from the start and within 5 minutes was quite wet on the inside?! Wtf -we are planning to put expensive electronics in these and the label says weatherproof? -well its definitely NOT!! I need to see you guys start doing some shower downpour testing
I think weatherproof means it can handle quite a bit only but eventually will give in compared to waterproof wherein nothing will get inside. Tech companies use weatherproof for cams etc
Would it fit the PD small camera cube laying horizontally on the bottom and the PD medium packing cube (without the dividers installed)? Maybe there’s still space for the tech pouch too?
Hi can I double check if that’s the medium or small packing cube. It looks like a small however in the video its called a medium. Just need to know as I’m thinking of getting one. Cheers.
Are you still having it? what is your impression about its comfortable after using it for a while? I saw many people complaining about not being comfortable especially I'm planning to hold attached 70-200 plus 14mm f1.8 plus other little extras can you advice me please, to get it or do you have another suggestion
I see you have the 32 oz HydroFlask stored in the water bottle compartment of your 20L. Based off your experiences with the 20L, do you think the 15L version of the bag would be able to store the 32 oz Hydroflask in the water bottle compartment without stretching it too much? I'm thinking of buying the 32 oz Hydroflask and want to store it on the side pocket for easy access as opposed to inside the bag, but I don't want to damage the bag.
Life-Long PD fan who thinks PD got it all wrong with this BackPack. The construction seems too rushed & not too much thought seems to have been put into designing of this PDEDBP ZIP . Had to return it only after using it for less than 2 weeks. Seriously wanted to like it but just could not justify keeping it especially given it has too many flaws to ignore. Switching to EDBP V 2.0 did not help either. The gaping hole that the bag leaves on the top sides when the bag is fully loaded is a big, big Minus. As you rightly mentioned in this video the crinkling along the Zip-line is worrisome. I found the strap too stingy and just like version 1.0 digs into the skin.
Hey Jeffrey! We currently have no plans to do a comparison video between the Peak Design Everyday Backpack Zip 20L (V2) and the Peak Design Travel Backpack, but I'll pass your thoughts onto the team and we'll check it out. 😊 - Rebecca
Are the flexfold dividers the same as the ones in the original everyday backpack V2? You didn't mention the wear and tear in that video, wondering if the materials used are different.
Hey! The dividers are the same, and we've updated our usage timeline on the Everyday Backpack 30L (V2) review as the same happened to those FlexFold Dividers. Check it out at the bottom of our review here: packhacker.com/travel-gear/peak-design/everyday-backpack-30l-v2/ 😊 - Rebecca
Hey! Yep, this is the Medium Peak Design Packing Cube. We show this in the full written review too: packhacker.com/travel-gear/peak-design/everyday-backpack-zip-20l-v2/ 😊 - Rebecca
Hey there! You could fit it inside of the 40L travel backpack, but its structure might prevent it from packing as flat as some other bags. Thanks for the comment! - Austin
Hey Elio! We currently have no plans to review the Peak Design Everyday Tote 15L (V2) and the Everyday Totepack 20L (V2) in the immediate pipeline, but if anything changes we'll keep you updated over our social channels. 😊 - Rebecca
I got the errant pack, and while it's definitely a solid option, I've grown really tired of the top flap and the nipple clips, the straps are so thick and firm that they are actually uncomfortable for me with minimal loading after a short time, and the capacity is deceivingly small. It is a great bag though and had some great features/ attributes, but I plan on switching to the peak design everyday bag
It should have better straps to transport photo gear, which gets heavy! And the way they sewed the zippers in curves, just for looks, impedes function. That is NOT "peak design" That is just trying to be fashionable. 400D Cordura isn't bad, but 500D would be so much better!
Hey Chin! We haven't reviewed the Peak Design Everyday Totepack 20L (V2) yet, but you can check out our initial thoughts here: packhacker.com/travel-gear/peak-design/everyday-totepack-20l-v2/ 😊👍 - Rebecca
Hey Sid - this pack has some pretty solid weather-resistant zippers and DWR coating on the exterior. During our testing, we walked around in the rain with it on for a while and no water got inside, but your mileage may vary. Hope this helps! 😊👍 - Rebecca
I just got my bag and did a rain test. This bag fails horribly. 1 minute light rain using shower head on low. The lower corners of the bag gets seriously wet. For $250 bag this bag needs a rain jacket. I travel to South America in rain season. I would not trust this bag at all. Looks pretty. But it might have to go back.
