Camera bag review: Peak Design 15L Everyday Tote
The newly revamped Everyday Tote 15L from Peak Design combines clean aesthetics with thoughtful functionality to protect, organize, and give quick access to your everyday and photo gear.
Note: I was sent the Peak Design 15L Everyday Tote to review and keep. However, this is a completely independent review. All opinions are my own.
The Peak Design Everyday Tote (15L) is advertised to be the perfect everyday tote photography bag. Having the opportunity to try this bag was something I was truly looking forward to. My current Lowepro bag is so old it’s falling apart and I needed an everyday replacement. When I received the tote, I really wanted to fall in love with this stylish tote, but wasn’t sure if this was the one for me.
Peak Design Everyday Tote Bag
Like most photographers, I am always on the quest to find the perfect camera bag. I spent time reviewing all of the features of the Tote and carried it on several day trips, in and around studios. The construction is lightweight and made of 400D double poly-coated DWR-impregnated nylon canvas shell. It also sports 100% recycled and solution-dyed fabrics. It has loads of pockets and a waterproof bottom liner. But, is it the perfect everyday camera bag?
Pros
Handles plus removable padded shoulder strap
Luggage strap
Easily accessible side pockets for batteries, SD Cards etc
Internal pocket laptop (up to 13″)
2 x removable Flexfold dividers
Top pockets with anchor link tether for keys
Magnetic closure, not velcro, plus zips
Lightweight material
Weatherproof
The shoulder strap can be removed while transporting on a roller bag
A jacket or tripod can be attached to the outside of bag with additional included straps
Cons
Difficult to view and access the contents of the camera bag without removing it from Tote
The bag is perhaps too deep, and does not open wide enough for easy access
No easy access to lenses or gear stored at the bottom of the bag if there are items on top
Additional shoulder strap could be longer
Peak Design 15L Everyday Tote — Technical Specifications
All technical specifications have been taken from the Peak Design product page.
Weight
1.02 kg (2.25 pounds) – with dividers
External Dimensions
42 x 32 x 36cm
Internal Dimensions
40 x 31 x 34cm
Capacity
15L min, 20L max
Max Laptop Carry
22.9cm x 2.5cm x 33cm (9″x 1″x 13″) – no dedicated tablet sleeve
Exterior Material
400D double poly-coated DWR-impregnated nylon canvas shell, 100% recycled post-consumer material, Solution-dyed to save energy & water (Charcoal only), Super-durable UltraZips
Interior Material
900D waterproof bottom liner, High-visibility grey nylon interior, straps Hardware is anodized aluminum and glass-reinforced nylon
Main Color
Black with Hypalon accents or Bone with leather accents (I have the black, but I think the bone is more fashionable)
Opening could be wider for easier access
Peak Design 15L Everyday Tote — Ergonomics and build quality
The Peak Design 15L Everyday Tote has thick padded carry straps, plus a removable padded shoulder strap. The lightweight build makes it comfortable to carry. The shoulder straps are adjustable and have clips for easy removal. The material is thick and durable offering padding inside the bag. The Flexfold dividers can be removed as well. It’s a shame the opening isn’t a bit wider, making getting items in and out easier.
Peak Design 15L Everyday Tote — In the field
I carried the Peak Design 15L Everyday Tote on several day trips. I found I could fit one camera and several lenses, my purse, keys, glasses, spare batteries and SD Cards. But I did not put my laptop in. I think the added weight makes it more difficult to carry and even more difficult to open the top.
You could easily use it as a briefcase or travel bag, put documents, purse/wallet, e-reader, glasses, etc. in one compartment. A 13″ laptop fits in the laptop compartment.
It does have a padded shoulder strap, but it is not long enough for a sling or cross-body carry, this could be a great additional item.
Computer compartment
Inside the computer compartment, there are pockets for a mobile phone and other small items. The pockets in the computer compartment have no closure tabs.
Roller bag
The standard straps make it easy to attach to handles on a roller bag.
Peak Design 15L Everyday Tote — What gear can it hold?
While loading the camera bag I noticed the Sony A7RV and Tamron 28-75mm lens fit tight. The Peak Design Slide Lite strap made the compartment tight and difficult to get in and out. Inside the tote, there is a foldable divider for shorter or longer items. You can attach a jacket or small tripod to the outside of the tote with provided straps, although could be fiddly.
I packed the tote with the following gear:
Sony A7RV and Tamron 28-75mm lens
2 camera batteries and SD Cards
Remote trigger
To access the lenses at the bottom, I had to physically remove any items from the top. This means putting the bag down, and taking the camera gear out to fully to access lenses. Without the divider folded, access was easier.
Peak Design 15L Everyday Tote — Is it the perfect photography tote?
I believe it’s a nice choice for someone who doesn’t need to dive into their bag constantly. This would not be a good choice for the active professional photographer who likes to make quick changes. There is storage for batteries and other accessories as well as keys, glasses, etc. that you would carry in an everyday tote. The inside of the backpack is roomy, but the opening is not wide enough for easy access.
The Peak Design 15L Everyday Tote is reasonably priced at US $149.00 (AUD$245.41).
Our verdict
Peak Design 15L Everyday Tote
★★★★★3.5/5
I really wanted to love this tote. It’s comfortable, stylish and holds plenty. But I think perhaps it’s a little too deep and the top opening is not wide enough for easy access. If the camera bag contents were more accessible, and the pockets in the computer compartment were less restrictive, this would be the perfect everyday photography tote. However, I do love the compartments and magnetic closures.