Peak Design’s Fresh New Backpack Re-design

Toss out what you know about backpacks and welcome in a new take on enhanced essentials. Peak Design is at it again with their upgraded line of every day carry packs. Taking feedback from their customers and bag reviewers alike, Peak took their own bag and did what many brands are afraid to do: admit their product could be better. Peak Design took a cold hard look in the mirror and set out to upgrade the Everyday Backpack to make it the ultimate choice in “load up and go” functionality. 

But duuude crew-we have to ask: what really could be different? A backpack is a backpack right? To that we say heck to the no! Especially when you dive into the line offered by Peak Design’s team. The upgraded line of gear, which includes more than just the backpack, took the points of any backpacks’ weakness and improved the smallest detail to the biggest desired enhancement. Peak Design increased functionality, improved durability, and crushed the advancement of sustainability to bring the everyday backpack to the forefront. 

INITIAL IMPRESSION

Our crew was pumped when we got our hands on the Everyday Backpack V2 before it hit the market so we could test it out ahead of the release date. For those that are not up to speed on Peak Design’s sizing of their packs/bags, here is a boiled down explanation: Peak Design measures how much one can put inside a bag by the amount of “liters” the bag can hold. For this review we were sent the 30L (so the bag can hold up to 30 liters of anything you put in it). Peak Design doesn't want to tell you what to use the bag for, rather how much of the stuff you want to bring with you can fit. Glad we are now on the same page. 

Our crew ripped open the packaging of the 30L Everyday Backpack and the NEW Midnight Blue backpack and tan color accents was an instant hit. The coloring was spot on for a sophisticated look. What we loved about the material used was the fact that with this new release, Peak used 100% recycled and Bluesign approved outer fabric. This comes standard with all new release backpacks (except black).  In addition, most materials are solution dyed, saving water and energy making this backpack a better eco-friendly option than others out there. Nice work thus far Peak!

The look and aesthetics of the pack was sleek and sexy- yeah we just said sexy. The cleaner seams (from prior versions) and the rounded profiles blended with the new color (Midnight Blue for our review)  gives this pack an elevated look and appeal to many different preferences on visuals. The texture, zipper pull materials, and use of various composites such as 400D double poly-coated DWR-impregnated nylon canvas shell, 900D waterproof bottom liner, grey nylon interior and anodized aluminum and glass-reinforced nylon hardware, gives this pack respect out the gate simply for its attention to sustainability and durability details. 

So what exactly comes standard with each Everyday Backpack V2? We will happily break it down for ya:

• 30L Backpack

• 3 FlexFold dividers

• 2 Cord Hook external carry straps

• Anchor key tether

• Theft deterrent UltraZips

• Ergonomic axial straps

• One-handed sternum straps 

• Magalatch™ System

• ...Oh and of course the flexibility to use any of the above HOWEVER you want. 

Our initial duuude crew impression: This Backpack is a freaking dream made into reality 

Our crew couldn't wait to test out the Everyday Backpack V2... so we didn’t! We hit the road right away with our new backpack for the ultimate review. 

PACK IT UP!

In full transparency our crew was headed out on a trip the VERY DAY the backpack arrived. We felt it was fate (or great shipping speed by Peak Design) while also being the perfect way to explore the pack’s features and functions before it went to market. As we stepped outside the Peak backpack was sitting on our doorstep-ready for an adventure. We swapped out the other bag we had previously loaded up and swapped for the Peak Design Everyday Backpack 30L. So how did it go?

First- loading the bag up was an instant hit. The multi-zippered access points made entry into the pack’s interior so much easier than just the top load backpacks you often find. With (2) side zipper seams and the top Magalatch™ system, loading up the pack was not only easier to access but easier to identify what fits best where. The zipper system, or as Peak calls it UltraZip, upheld even the most aggressive opening and closing our crew threw at it. The ultra-high-molecular-weight thermoplastic thread binding the zipper coil to the cloth tape, provided durability unlike anything we have seen. We went without the interior FlexFold dividers for the trip, however taking them out and putting back in after was easy and gave us more ideas for a later trip where we may need to separate out items inside. 

Our crew loaded up the backpack with 2 jackets, a camera, laptop, 3 beanies, blanket, gloves, sunglasses, and wallet/passport. We still had a little more room to squeeze in more if need be. 

Using the pack’s various compartments, we were able to load up the main compartment with the blanket, jackets, and other outerwear. Inside the bag, we were able to utilize the hidden inside pocket on the top of the inner-bag for the sunglasses and wallet. The inside flap pockets offered a great place to store the gloves, passport and extra film (we brought an old school polaroid style camera).  When closing up the pack, the (4) setting Magalatch ™ system gave us more options for room when needed to secure the top of the pack when done loading. The quick-stash top pocket made great for tossing the cell phone in when needed and housed within the same zippered compartment was where our 15 inch laptop easily was slide in and stored. 

Now heading out- Have you ever gone through security at an airport? Of course you have. Have you had them go through your bag like they are searching for the jewel dropped at the end of the Titanic? Yeah it’s sort of aggressive. We usually DREAD security going through our carry-on bags. This time was different. No joke, this experience was much easier. Accessing the backpacks compartments was a breeze. The zipper system is smooth and gave an opening to the easiest of eye sight views of the bag. The access points to quickly grab the laptop was not hampered by other items blocking it or sitting on it. The ability to easily open a side panel or go through the top made our lives easier and the security personnel less agitated trying to check the pack. Show you the items inside? No problem. Quickly grab the laptop and then slide back in once the check was complete? Done and done. Now stand on one foot and do the Cupid Shuffle? Ok, but you’re taking us out for drinks first right? Ok we digress…

Finally loading and unloading and accessing the bag one the trip experience- phenomenal! We went on a two day trip with the backpack and can tell you that we never ran out of ways to use the backpack. Loading it up with the various items was simple and accessing them was even easier. With multiple stops on the trip we could have asked for a better backpack to haul our gear. In total we counted over 48,000 steps walked in 2 days, the backpack held up with zero issues, withstood 2 airline flights, and easily carried gear with multiple people accessing it along the way. 

While carrying, the sternum straps added extra comfort and security to the backpack against our back, giving less movement and more relief from tension points. The axial ergonomic straps adjusted perfectly to our bodies, giving added comfort for the haul. The backpack weight and dimensions excelled at adding room for carry while remaining light on our backs with each step. Simply put, the Everyday Backpack V2 was simply outstanding.

STANDOUT FEATURES

The upgraded and elevated Everyday Backpack 30L is amazing as is, however we noted a few things that really stood out:

• The multiple ways to access your items in the backpack provide an ease of access you never knew you needed but once you use it, you can’t imagine life without it

• Ergonomic axial straps and magnetic straps that lock in place were a design addition that offers something unique yet extremely practical

• Peak Design really focuses on letting YOU, the consumer, decide how to use their gear- which we love. No telling you what to put inside the backpack or what it’s best for- it’s up to your preference and lifestyle on what you carry inside!

• The durability of all the backpacks access points gave us confidence that it can really withstand any travel plans and zipper abuse one can take

BONUS FEATURES

As an added bonus, Peak Design’s Everyday Backpack V2 comes in various colors (4) including Midnight, Ash, Charcoal, and Black. The backpack features sizes in 20L and 30L options.

An even cooler bonus feature is that Peak Design also released new designs on other carry essentials:

• The overhauled Everyday Tote

• Everyday Totepack

• Everyday Backpack Zip

• 3L Everyday Sling

You can check those out now on Peak Design’s website.

Peak Design Everyday Backpack V2 Overall duuude Factor: Simply perfection.

Price: Starts at $259.95

BRAND INFO

Peak Design may have launched a new backpack, but there are not new to the carry game.

Peak has no plans on stopping. 100% crowdfunded and 100% employee-owned, Peak has raised $32.4 Million through 8 Kickstarter campaigns to become the world’s most successfully crowdfunded company. This allows Peak Design to stay investor-free and focused on the things that matter most: designing great products, fostering happy employees, and taking care of their customers and the natural environment.

Learn more by visiting Peak Design and see whats new and fresh!