Long Term Test: Peak Design 25L Outdoor Pack
A backpack built for the organized adventure traveler and photographer.
Peak Design launched pre-orders of their new outdoor backpack line this past fall. And since arriving at my doorstep, the pack has been a staple for my weekend adventures, photography projects, and travel.
What is it? The Peak Design 25L pack is a camera and hiking backpack hybrid. After months of testing, I can say that this pack is worthwhile for a particular niche: city to side country frequenters, who have a bent for photography.
TECH SPECS:
Zippered back access compartment, with a top roll close and bungee system (called the Ultra Cinch)
PFAS-free 100% recycled weatherproof Terra Shell exterior fabric
Compatible with Peak Design camera cubes, packing cubes, outdoor slings, and Capture camera clip
Running-vest inspired shoulder straps, with FlexPockets large enough to hold a 2L Smart water bottle.
Customizable Cord HookTM carry system or “bungees”
PROS:
Durable. After 3 months of use, there is minimal wear on the bottom of the pack and a minor scuff on the front flap.
Ethical certifications: BlueSign® Approved and Fair Trade Certified
CONS:
An expensive pack if you only plan to use it for hiking
A lot of moving parts, not inherently intuitive
Costly extras.
TESTING:
Since late September, I’ve tested the Peak Design 25L backpack, two compatible (x-small and medium) camera cubes, 7L sling, and camera clip.
The brunt of the test began on a 2-week documentary shoot in San Marcos, Texas in late September. Day-to-day, I used the x-small and medium camera cubes to organize a slew of equipment. I found that the backpack could handle a bare bones shoot — computer, extra batteries, a shotgun mic, lavalier microphones, and an average size DSLR. The side water bottle pockets are also stretchy and large, able to accommodate a hydro flask with ease. The biggest downside was the backpack’s limited ability to carry a tripod. I found myself trying to rig its modular straps awkwardly to get our small, lightweight tripod to stay put, which was inconvenient but not the end of the world.
Overall, I was impressed with the pack on the documentary shoot. It was everything I needed (minus the tripod) for the two weeks. The back panel and straps of the backpack are thick, but remained breathable even through long days in Texas heat. I particularly liked this pack since I could use it as a primary camera bag, with an easy option to remove the cubes, toss my water bladder in the laptop sleeve, and transform it for a casual day outside.
For more testing, I took the Peak Design pack out into Oregon’s old-growth forests, skiing, and traveling internationally. Regardless of if I was hiking, skiing, or working at a coffee shop I found that I would use the back access panel to get to gear instead of the roll top access. While the top access is theoretically nice, the top entry bungee system felt awkward for frequent use.
I found myself using the bungee compartment for quick-access layers, like my rain gear but really nothing else. The front of the pack also has two slim pockets which are only large enough for a combination of your phone, wallet, and keys. Being unable to toss a Moleskin notebook or anything larger in the front of the pack was annoying… but for most folks, these pockets are probably not an issue at all.
What I like most about this pack are its straps. I enjoy how Peak Design drew from popular ultralight backpacking and trail running vest models to integrate flexible stretchy pockets for easy snack, phone, and water access. The sternum straps were also easy to adjust and move. My only gripe is that you cannot adjust the straps from the top of the pack, which means the pockets may ride awkwardly if you have a wide or large chest. For such a modular and design-forward pack, this seems like an odd choice.
Overall, the backpack was comfortable and versatile. The pack stayed put while I ripped down groomers or navigated moguls and was breathable on hot days in Texas. The modularity of this pack may be a plus for some users, and frustrating for others. The hip belt, camera clip, sling and packing cubes are all extras. The 7L hipbelt/ sling is a useful addition. The sling fits the x-small camera cube or a water bottle and snacks easily, which is nice when you don’t want to take your whole backpack along on an adventure. The backpack’s bungees are also easy to remove and customize, but if you are prone to losing small parts (like me!) they can be difficult to keep track of. Without the pack’s extras its usefulness as a camera pack is greatly reduced, but its versatility is great if you can stomach the price tag and keep track of all of the parts.
The Verdict:
This pack is well-suited for folks looking for one bag for travel, tech gear, and getting outside. The price point reflects the quality and build of the pack, and competes with other camera bag brands. But, most items that make the pack most functional (like the camera cubes) are an extra cost. I never used, for example, the hip belt since it was an extra addition. The pack functioned just fine without it, but the absence and extra cost for features might bother some.
If your plan is to only hike or to only use this pack as a camera bag, I would direct you elsewhere. But, if you need an understated and durable hard hitter that goes from city to trail seamlessly, this pack is for you.