Peak Design Everyday Backpack 30L V2 Review | Versatile Camera & Travel Bag

0:00 - Intro
0:47 - Material & Aesthetic
2:52 - External Components
9:50 - Inside the Pack
14:26 - Durability & Testing
15:15 - Pros & Cons
15:48 - The Verdict

Versatile and packed full of thoughtful details, the latest iteration of Peak Design's Everyday Backpack 30L is a strong contender for photographers, videographers, and commuters alike.

The Peak Design Everyday Backpack 30L (V2) is part of the California-based brand’s Everyday Line refresh—hence the "V2" in its name. This new version has all of the features we dig about the original, plus some updates that make it even better. In addition to the 30L pack we’re reviewing, this revamped Everyday Backpack also comes in a 20L version.

Now, this bag is a camera bag first—built around "access, organization, expansion, and protection.” But we've also found that it's solid for daily carry (especially if you carry a lot of tech) or minimal one-bag travel.

We’ve been testing the Everyday Backpack 30L (V2) for the last three weeks in Detroit, Michigan, both as a photography backpack to carry and an everyday carry backpack.

At the end of the day, the Peak Design Everyday Backpack 30L (V2) is a joy to use—we love all the small, thoughtful design details that add to its functionality. The bag is best suited for photographers first, everyday commuters second, and one-bag travelers third, but it's a really versatile bag that works in all of these categories. We always like to see brands making improvements on their products, and we think the Everyday Backpack 30L is a great update in Peak Design's Everyday Line.

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SHOW NOTES:
In this video, Tom Wahlin of Pack Hacker reviews the Peak Design Everyday Backpack 30L V2, a versatile camera and travel bag.

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TERMS

[PackHacker]

Would you use this bag as your everyday backpack?

[prfessrbadass]

This looks cool! Are there compartments for my suppressor? And also pockets for monopoly money?

[joeschmitt]

I really enjoyed this review along with your Peak tech pouch review. For the backpack, I didn’t think of doing the crossover method for the magnetic straps so that reduces the footprint further! It’s a bummer about the waist strap not being included but I’ll look at purchasing the strap once it is released. I liked how you put the cubes in there for storage too. I’m going to look into that!

I’m on week 2 of using this bag and I’m loving it so far. I’ve used it a few times on photo shoots (DSLR, 70-200mm lens, 2 AD200 flashes, trigger, accessories) and it was easy to operate while I had my Spider Holster on my hip. The strap adjustments are fantastic and the side access was easy to get inside. No issues with the comfort of the straps with this heavy weight inside. I hear that was a complaint from V1 but these seem fine to me. I’ve also put my V1 Peak Design Everyday Messenger bag on hold so I can use this backpack for work and it’s been a nice change to really USE this backpack and dig into its features. I’m carrying a 13’ HP laptop, 12.9” iPad Pro with Brydge Keyboard, portfolio, some file folders, my lunch, and more. Love all of the little storage areas to keep things organized. Easy on, easy off.

In reviewing comparisons with other photography backpacks, it seems like the people who don’t like the Peak backpack prefer the backpacks where you lay the bag on the ground and open it up all the way. I think that works best for getting gear from point A to point B. Where the Peak backpack shines though is that I can keep the bag on my shoulder and access my gear while on the move so I think that’s the differentiator. This bag functions for me while I’m mobile and not always in a place where I can lay the bag on the ground. It’s wet and muddy in Pennsylvania right now. That’s the last place I want to put my $300 backpack. LOL! Different uses for different people but this Peak backpack is working great for my use!

[ilostwaldo]

The ultrazips seem very satisfying. Currently looking for a travel backpack for my upcoming trip to Iceland, once again this channel comes to the rescue

[reecemartin]

You guys really have very thorough and yet thoughtful reviews, always excellent!

[IamUke]

I used this pack for a two week photography trip to Indonesia. I was carry-on only, all my normal travel stuff plus Olympus camera gear and PD tripod. My personal item was a Tom Binh Synik 22. The PD pack worked though it was a little tough transitioning between travel mode and photography mode. I basically had to repack the thing every day. I also used a packable tote to carry the clothes, toiletries, chargers, etc when I was using the pack as a camera bag.

The pack endured a downpour at the bottom of a very wet waterfall. It kept everything dry except for a tiny bit of water that got in while I was getting stuff in and out of the pack. If you are careful with the top flap it will keep everything dry.

CAUTION: the side sippers make loading and using the pack simple but a couple of times I forgot that I had a zip open and lifted the pack up, dropping a lens in three cases. You need to train yourself to verify that the zippers are all closed before moving the pack around.

It's a great pack, very high quality and full of thoughtful details. As a camera bag, it's okay. The side zips make it easy to get the camera gear in and out but are also dangerous and prone to dropping gear if you forget the zipper is open. If I were flying on restrictive airlines where a small minimalist pack was needed, I would take this. Otherwise I'd use the PD 45L pack with a camera cube.

[kannethabrown]

I just bought this, I'm 5'3" but I carry so many cameras. As big as this bag is going to be on me, I"m excited to not have to carry 12 bags

[SegerGiesbers]

Tip! Try to put the Tech Pouch standing up on the top of the bag, in that case you can grab everything out of the Tech Pouch when you open the Maglatch!

[jerrym]

I just ordered the V1 ash version from KEH that’s in excellent condition and really looking forward to using it for photography and video. My other bags are just to small or you have to open the whole bag to gain access. With the price I got which was about half the price of a V2 I really believe I’ll be super happy with my purchase.

[pspgoman]

I really like this bag but miss the gray/back/red colorway of the v1. I also wish they had a better solution for carrying documents.

[jaredfretwell]

Just got mine today! Went with the black 20L bag. I previously just bought an Incase DSLR Pro bag. It was a solid bag but just too big for every day carry. I find this bag fits my 13 inch MacBook Pro, 11 inch iPad Pro, camera and a bunch of other stuff. On top of all that, I think it looks great.

[marjiecleveland]

Seems like a good EDC bag. I like the strap adjustments and how the straps magnetically tuck away.

[mszxr]

How do I check out that interview with John using the PD EVERYDAY backpack 30L V2 as one bag travel

[PhilFreo]

How big of a Yeti Rambler would the water bottle holder fit?

[LionelSSMS_]

I use the Mous 25l backpack it’s a really good backpack and it protects my laptop safely and it’s waterproof. The materials are really good and durable the water bottle pocket is stretchy and I have lots of room for interior

[madd]

I need some advice. Which bag is better than this? I'm looking for the best bag money can buy.

[RandomNylonGuy]

Is the blue one less easiser to get dirty than the black one? Thank you

[jamirograntsaan]

why would you use a tsa approved lock?

[richardlim]

Does anyone uses the Peak Design Backpack. Any feedbacks on its shoulder straps. How does it feel when the backpack carries lots of equipment and heavy. Any discomfort ?

[desmobobsssp]

I've read that some folks are having problems with the pack's magnetic closures waking or turning on their recent M1 MacBooks when inserting them into the pack. Is it a real issue?