Peak Design Everyday Backpack 30L (V2) Review
After three weeks of intensive testing in Detroit, the Peak Design Everyday Backpack 30L V2 demonstrates impressive versatility for photographers, tech professionals, and minimalist travelers. This update to Peak Design’s signature pack brings meaningful improvements while maintaining core functionality.
Our Verdict
Pros
- High-quality materials and thoughtful design throughout
- Versatile organization using Peak Design’s origami dividers
- Plenty of ways to access the bag’s main capacity
Cons
- Bag is only 30L when fully expanded
- Top is not secure when using the highest MagLatch
- Sternum strap is not easy to adjust or customize
Technical Details
Disclaimer: We take the measurements of the bag provided by the manufacturer and compare them to the allowance listed on airline websites. This should be used as a guideline rather than a rule. Bags can change size as you pack them out, and every airline’s interpretation of compliance is different. Just because a bag is listed as carry-on compliant here doesn’t mean that the airline will interpret it that way.
Carry-on Compliance
View 102/145 Airlines
Like the Look
Polled on Instagram
- Capacity: 30l Total size depends on which MagLatch is used
- Weight (lb): 3.88 lb (1.8 kg) Without dividers
- Denier: 400D
- Dimensions: 20.5 in x 14.2 in x 7.8 in (52.1 x 36.1 x 19.8 cm) Using the bottom MagLatch
- Notable Materials: Recycled Nylon, DWR Coating, Polyester, Polyethylene, Polyurethane, YKK Zippers, Aluminum, Leather, Zoom Zippers, Hypalon®
- Manufacturing Country: Vietnam
- Laptop Compartment Size:15"
- Warranty Information: Peak Design Lifetime Product Warranty
Full Review
The Travel Gear Collective team tested this refreshed Everyday Line pack as both a camera bag and daily carry solution. A 20L version is also available.
Materials & Aesthetic
Available in Black, Charcoal, and Midnight colorways, the pack demonstrates Peak Design’s commitment to sustainability – all versions except black utilize 100% bluesign®-approved recycled materials, aligning with their Climate Neutral certification.
The 400D double-poly coated nylon canvas features DWR impregnation for weather resistance. Our testing revealed improved durability over V1’s Kodra material, with notably fewer scuffs. For detailed comparisons, reference our V1 versus V2 video analysis.
Branding remains minimal, with discrete Peak Design logos on the front tab, back leather strap, and aluminum hardware. Our Instagram audience largely endorsed the modern aesthetic.
Peak Design’s proprietary UltraZips, developed with Zoom Zippers, feature beveled edges and exceptional cornering performance. While we maintain reservations about Zoom Zipper longevity, testing revealed no issues.
Additional materials include:
- Aluminum hardware on adjustment points
- Nubuck leather accents
- Hypalon reinforcement zones
External Components
The Travel Gear Collective team examined Peak Design’s signature combination of sleek aesthetics and hidden functionality. Here’s our detailed component analysis.
The harness system has generated significant discussion within our testing community. While V2 shows marked improvement over the original, it still leaves room for refinement.
The innovative swivel points at the harness top enable fluid shoulder strap movement, facilitating quick access to side pockets and main compartment through front rotation.
Shoulder strap construction represents the most significant upgrade from V1, featuring dense, spongy padding for enhanced comfort. The ripstop mesh backing replaces V1’s ballistic-style design, potentially addressing previous durability concerns regarding strap pilling.
Nubuck leather accents along the straps serve dual purposes – aesthetic appeal and functional attachment points for carabiners or accessories. Additional nylon webbing at the base provides similar utility.
The removable sternum strap offers three adjustment positions with distinctive aluminum hardware. During testing, we found the unique buckle design requires significant effort to operate – notably more than traditional Duraflex components. While we anticipate eventual break-in improvement, the current stiffness persists after three weeks of use. The non-permanent attachment system also raises potential loss concerns.
Strap adjustment proves exceptionally smooth through the bottom hardware design. A simple pull on the nylon loop delivers fluid strap movement.
Integrated magnets in the shoulder straps align with corresponding back panel magnets, enabling cross-strap stowage. While not essential, this feature proves valuable when navigating crowded spaces or stowing under airplane seats.
The padded back panel provides adequate ventilation. A magnetic luggage pass-through represents a refined improvement over V1’s velcro system. The added velcro slot accommodates an optional hip belt – unnecessary for standard loads but beneficial when carrying heavy camera equipment.
Magnetically-sealed water bottle pockets on each side expand via elastic loops and mesh gussets. These accommodate both water bottles and larger items like larger vessels or tripods.
Our testing revealed concerns about the non-reinforced drain holes, which showed deformation after three weeks despite the robust 400D fabric construction.
Three padded handles provide carrying options – two side handles and one top handle. Side handle utility can be compromised when using water bottle pockets or tripod attachments.
The nubuck leather accented top handle maintains the pack’s premium aesthetic, though some color combinations between leather and Hypalon elements may create visual discord.
Security features include lockable external zippers utilizing Hypalon pulls and attachment loops. The laptop pack zippers secure to strategic points near strap junctions.
While TSA-approved locks can secure the top flap at lash points, we note the absence of an integrated securing mechanism similar to the zipper system.
Two deployable lash straps store in a magnetic bottom pocket, with two additional straps included in interior side pockets. This system maintains clean aesthetics while enabling external carry options.
The included key leash represents a departure from V1’s robust seatbelt-style webbing, utilizing a less substantial bungee design that feels like an afterthought rather than an integrated feature.
Inside The Pack
The laptop compartment features an innovative adjustable sleeve system. Our testing revealed excellent protection through suspension-style storage, though the velcro height adjustment mechanism can be finicky during initial setup.
The compartment includes:
- Height-adjustable laptop sleeve accommodating 13″-15″ devices
- Magnetically-secured tablet sleeve
- Stretchy mesh organizer section with dividers
Main compartment access utilizes three entry points: top flap and dual side access panels. The MagLatch system demonstrated quick operation during testing, though we noted some concerns:
- The 30L capacity claim applies only at maximum expansion
- Top position creates potential security and weather vulnerability
- Optimal performance achieved at lower latch positions
The UltraZip system employs four zippers for comprehensive access. During camera gear testing, this design enabled efficient equipment retrieval through side rotation.
Side flaps incorporate:
- Magnetic top pockets
- Zippered lower compartments with SD card dividers
- Color-coded stitching (gray right/black left) for organization
- Integrated lash strap storage
Three FlexFold dividers provide customizable organization. Our testing configuration utilized a central shelf design, separating top and bottom zones for efficient access.
The velcro-lined interior walls enable precise divider placement, with alignment guides ensuring proper positioning.
A discrete pocket in the front flap accommodates passports or wallets. Note: The pocket’s concealment proved almost too effective during previous testing – our founder once unknowingly lent the bag with his passport inside.
Durability & Testing
Three weeks of Detroit testing as both camera and EDC pack revealed:
- Optimal performance with photography equipment
- Versatile carry options
- Impressive attention to design detail
- Concerning early wear on FlexFold dividers
Our testing suggests this pack excels as a dedicated camera bag or paired with additional travel gear like Peak Design’s duffle.
Usage Timeline
Initial Usage
Condition: Excellent
- Comprehensive organization implementation
- Effective magnetic hardware integration
- Improved harness system versus original Peak Design Everyday Backpack 30L
Condition: Excellent
- Main structure maintains integrity
- Notable wear on FlexFold Divider edges
Author: The Travel Gear Collective Team
The Travel Gear Collective team combines expertise from gear designers, professional photographers, adventure guides, and sustainable travel specialists. Our rigorous testing protocols and real-world experience inform every review, ensuring practical insights for travelers worldwide.
Other Bags & Pouch Reviews
Table of Contents
Peak Design Everyday Backpack 30L (V2) Review
After three weeks of intensive testing in Detroit, the Peak Design Everyday Backpack 30L V2 demonstrates impressive versatility for photographers, tech professionals, and minimalist travelers. This update to Peak Design’s signature pack brings meaningful improvements while maintaining core functionality.
Our Verdict
Pros
- High-quality materials and thoughtful design throughout
- Versatile organization using Peak Design’s origami dividers
- Plenty of ways to access the bag’s main capacity
Cons
- Bag is only 30L when fully expanded
- Top is not secure when using the highest MagLatch
- Sternum strap is not easy to adjust or customize
Technical Details
Disclaimer: We take the measurements of the bag provided by the manufacturer and compare them to the allowance listed on airline websites. This should be used as a guideline rather than a rule. Bags can change size as you pack them out, and every airline’s interpretation of compliance is different. Just because a bag is listed as carry-on compliant here doesn’t mean that the airline will interpret it that way.
Carry-on Compliance
View 102/145 Airlines
Like the Look
Polled on Instagram
- Capacity: 30l Total size depends on which MagLatch is used
- Weight (lb): 3.88 lb (1.8 kg) Without dividers
- Denier: 400D
- Dimensions: 20.5 in x 14.2 in x 7.8 in (52.1 x 36.1 x 19.8 cm) Using the bottom MagLatch
- Notable Materials: Recycled Nylon, DWR Coating, Polyester, Polyethylene, Polyurethane, YKK Zippers, Aluminum, Leather, Zoom Zippers, Hypalon®
- Manufacturing Country: Vietnam
- Laptop Compartment Size:15"
- Warranty Information: Peak Design Lifetime Product Warranty
Full Review
The Travel Gear Collective team tested this refreshed Everyday Line pack as both a camera bag and daily carry solution. A 20L version is also available.
Materials & Aesthetic
Available in Black, Charcoal, and Midnight colorways, the pack demonstrates Peak Design’s commitment to sustainability – all versions except black utilize 100% bluesign®-approved recycled materials, aligning with their Climate Neutral certification.
The 400D double-poly coated nylon canvas features DWR impregnation for weather resistance. Our testing revealed improved durability over V1’s Kodra material, with notably fewer scuffs. For detailed comparisons, reference our V1 versus V2 video analysis.
Branding remains minimal, with discrete Peak Design logos on the front tab, back leather strap, and aluminum hardware. Our Instagram audience largely endorsed the modern aesthetic.
Peak Design’s proprietary UltraZips, developed with Zoom Zippers, feature beveled edges and exceptional cornering performance. While we maintain reservations about Zoom Zipper longevity, testing revealed no issues.
Additional materials include:
- Aluminum hardware on adjustment points
- Nubuck leather accents
- Hypalon reinforcement zones
External Components
The Travel Gear Collective team examined Peak Design’s signature combination of sleek aesthetics and hidden functionality. Here’s our detailed component analysis.
The harness system has generated significant discussion within our testing community. While V2 shows marked improvement over the original, it still leaves room for refinement.
The innovative swivel points at the harness top enable fluid shoulder strap movement, facilitating quick access to side pockets and main compartment through front rotation.
Shoulder strap construction represents the most significant upgrade from V1, featuring dense, spongy padding for enhanced comfort. The ripstop mesh backing replaces V1’s ballistic-style design, potentially addressing previous durability concerns regarding strap pilling.
Nubuck leather accents along the straps serve dual purposes – aesthetic appeal and functional attachment points for carabiners or accessories. Additional nylon webbing at the base provides similar utility.
The removable sternum strap offers three adjustment positions with distinctive aluminum hardware. During testing, we found the unique buckle design requires significant effort to operate – notably more than traditional Duraflex components. While we anticipate eventual break-in improvement, the current stiffness persists after three weeks of use. The non-permanent attachment system also raises potential loss concerns.
Strap adjustment proves exceptionally smooth through the bottom hardware design. A simple pull on the nylon loop delivers fluid strap movement.
Integrated magnets in the shoulder straps align with corresponding back panel magnets, enabling cross-strap stowage. While not essential, this feature proves valuable when navigating crowded spaces or stowing under airplane seats.
The padded back panel provides adequate ventilation. A magnetic luggage pass-through represents a refined improvement over V1’s velcro system. The added velcro slot accommodates an optional hip belt – unnecessary for standard loads but beneficial when carrying heavy camera equipment.
Magnetically-sealed water bottle pockets on each side expand via elastic loops and mesh gussets. These accommodate both water bottles and larger items like larger vessels or tripods.
Our testing revealed concerns about the non-reinforced drain holes, which showed deformation after three weeks despite the robust 400D fabric construction.
Three padded handles provide carrying options – two side handles and one top handle. Side handle utility can be compromised when using water bottle pockets or tripod attachments.
The nubuck leather accented top handle maintains the pack’s premium aesthetic, though some color combinations between leather and Hypalon elements may create visual discord.
Security features include lockable external zippers utilizing Hypalon pulls and attachment loops. The laptop pack zippers secure to strategic points near strap junctions.
While TSA-approved locks can secure the top flap at lash points, we note the absence of an integrated securing mechanism similar to the zipper system.
Two deployable lash straps store in a magnetic bottom pocket, with two additional straps included in interior side pockets. This system maintains clean aesthetics while enabling external carry options.
The included key leash represents a departure from V1’s robust seatbelt-style webbing, utilizing a less substantial bungee design that feels like an afterthought rather than an integrated feature.
Inside The Pack
The laptop compartment features an innovative adjustable sleeve system. Our testing revealed excellent protection through suspension-style storage, though the velcro height adjustment mechanism can be finicky during initial setup.
The compartment includes:
- Height-adjustable laptop sleeve accommodating 13″-15″ devices
- Magnetically-secured tablet sleeve
- Stretchy mesh organizer section with dividers
Main compartment access utilizes three entry points: top flap and dual side access panels. The MagLatch system demonstrated quick operation during testing, though we noted some concerns:
- The 30L capacity claim applies only at maximum expansion
- Top position creates potential security and weather vulnerability
- Optimal performance achieved at lower latch positions
The UltraZip system employs four zippers for comprehensive access. During camera gear testing, this design enabled efficient equipment retrieval through side rotation.
Side flaps incorporate:
- Magnetic top pockets
- Zippered lower compartments with SD card dividers
- Color-coded stitching (gray right/black left) for organization
- Integrated lash strap storage
Three FlexFold dividers provide customizable organization. Our testing configuration utilized a central shelf design, separating top and bottom zones for efficient access.
The velcro-lined interior walls enable precise divider placement, with alignment guides ensuring proper positioning.
A discrete pocket in the front flap accommodates passports or wallets. Note: The pocket’s concealment proved almost too effective during previous testing – our founder once unknowingly lent the bag with his passport inside.
Durability & Testing
Three weeks of Detroit testing as both camera and EDC pack revealed:
- Optimal performance with photography equipment
- Versatile carry options
- Impressive attention to design detail
- Concerning early wear on FlexFold dividers
Our testing suggests this pack excels as a dedicated camera bag or paired with additional travel gear like Peak Design’s duffle.
Usage Timeline
Initial Usage
Condition: Excellent
- Comprehensive organization implementation
- Effective magnetic hardware integration
- Improved harness system versus original Peak Design Everyday Backpack 30L
Condition: Excellent
- Main structure maintains integrity
- Notable wear on FlexFold Divider edges
Author: The Travel Gear Collective Team
The Travel Gear Collective team combines expertise from gear designers, professional photographers, adventure guides, and sustainable travel specialists. Our rigorous testing protocols and real-world experience inform every review, ensuring practical insights for travelers worldwide.