Peak Design Everyday Backpack: a photographer’s perspective
Camera bags are a surprisingly personal choice. Having room for your gear is only part of the equation. How you organise it, access it and carry it matters just as much.
The Peak Design Everyday Backpack takes an interesting approach, combining camera storage with an everyday bag design. It’s aimed at people who want to carry photography gear alongside the other things that come along for the day. Available in 20L and 30L. I have the 20L in the colour Midnight. Other colours are available.
Please note that Peak Design sent me this bag for review, but all thoughts are my own.
Access is a big part of the appeal
The Everyday Backpack offers top access through Peak Design’s MagLatch closure, plus zipped access from either side. That gives you different ways to reach your equipment, depending on where you’ve packed it. The current model uses weatherproof UltraZips for those side openings.
For photographers, the potential benefit is straightforward: less rummaging when you want to get shooting. Whether that works smoothly will depend on your kit and how you arrange the bag.
Choosing the right size
The Everyday Backpack comes in 20L and 30L versions. The smaller option deserves consideration if you prefer a selective kit, but capacity alone won’t tell you whether your particular camera and lenses will fit comfortably.
Before choosing, I’d think about a typical outing rather than every piece of equipment you own. Camera bags have a funny way of encouraging us to pack for photographic emergencies that have never actually happened.
The design offers a useful combination of everyday storage and camera access. The deciding factor is whether those features suit the way you actually shoot. A clever bag still needs to be a bag you enjoy taking out. And can confidently & comfortably carry.
I do like the fact that you can store perhaps a jumper or light jacket in the top with easy access and camera gear can easily be accessed by the side zips, from either side of the bag. There are also to zippered pouches in the side access for batteries, SD Cards or more. There is even a handy little tethered anchor from the side carry handle for attaching your keys.
There are Flexifold inserts for protecting, separating & organizing your gear. There is a pouch for your laptop or tablet (Check the size of your gear first).
What gear does it hold?
I guess that becomes an important question. You could potentially carry you DSLR or Mirrorless camera and longer lens. Say a Sony A7RV and 70 - 180mm lens. Then in the smaller side pocket a 50mm Prime and a small 24-75mm or similar. Or two cameras and a few lenses, stored separately. Don’t forget the top compartment for a light jacket and snacks. There are loops on the bottom to attached a small tripod as well.
There are side pockets for a water bottle or small tripod as well. The chest strap holds everything securely while wearing on your back. You can slide the bag to the front for side access as well. Check their website for more storage ideas.
Images courtesy of Peak Design
The price needs to earn its place
At the time of writing, the linked black 20L model is listed at A$529.95. That makes it a purchase worth considering very carefully. However if you are looking for a very well designed and made camera bag, this Peak Design is worth considering and it comes in a range of colours.
