I first encountered Peak Design back in 2018 during my Appalachian Trail thru-hike, using the Clip—a simple, brilliantly functional piece of gear. Reconnecting with the brand this year, I was excited to discover that their offerings now extend far beyond camera gear.
The travel backpack and packing cubes have become essentials for my trips this year. I recently used the backpack as my sole luggage on a 4-day trip to Tennessee and then again as my primary companion on a 2-week journey through Europe. I’ve written more in-depth about this pack before, but it truly is outstanding.
But on to the main show – the Outdoor Line!
In Peak Design’s own words,
“Our very first product—Capture—was a clip that let you carry your camera on your backpack strap while hiking,” said Peter Dering, Peak Design Founder and CEO. “Since then, Peak Design has been synonymous with ‘outdoor photography.’ Yet we still haven’t created true outdoor bags…until now. The Outdoor Line is not only the culmination of everything we’ve learned as bag designers, it’s also a giant nod to our most loyal and longest-tenured customers.
The Outdoor Line includes a 45L Backpack, 25L Backpack, 7L Sling, and 2L sling in 3 available colors: Black, Eclipse (deep purple), and Cloud (white). They just wrapped up a wildly successful Kickstarter campaign for the Line, raising over $3.4 million in backing funds, and all items from this line are set to ship in January 2025.
I had the pleasure of trying out the 45L Outdoor Backpack ($329.95) ahead of release, and here are my thoughts:
Design and Aesthetics
Peak Design is known for their minimalistic, sleek aesthetics, and the 45L Outdoor Backpack is no exception. It features clean lines, a subdued color palette, and a design that feels both urban and backcountry-friendly. The bag’s look is understated yet premium—a rare balance for gear aimed at outdoor enthusiasts. It feels at home in both the city and on a trail, making it ideal for the weekend warriors who want a single pack for both worlds.
Comfort and Fit
One of the standout aspects of this pack is its comfort. With its adjustable, contoured shoulder straps and a hip belt, the pack distributes weight evenly, which is critical when carrying heavier loads on longer adventures. I’m a huge fan of storage options on pack straps, and the Outdoor Backpack has running-vest style straps with multiple pockets that serve that purpose wonderfully, meaning you don’t have to stop and take the pack off every time you need to grab your phone or a snack.
What’s more, the back panel has excellent airflow, thanks to an integrated mesh system, which kept me comfortable even during warm weather treks.
Capacity and Accessibility
As a 45L pack, it strikes a sweet spot for multi-day trips, weekend treks, or long day hikes where you might want to carry extra gear (in the winter, for example). The main compartment has a wide opening with a full-zip design, which is a huge plus for packing and accessing items quickly, and is unique among outdoor packs. I could reach gear at the bottom without unloading the whole bag—something most packs do not offer.
The bag also has multiple access points: top, side, and back, each designed for quick access to gear. One of my favorite features is the expandable “Ultra Cinch” roll-top closure, which allows for additional storage while protecting against rain and debris as well as 1-handed access.
The pack is also set up to work seamlessly with other Peak Design products like their packing cubes and Capture clip.
Storage and Organization
Peak Design knows a thing or two about organization, and they’ve translated that expertise well into the 45L Outdoor Backpack. The pack includes several thoughtfully placed pockets: a large front pocket for stashing wet gear or rain layers, side pockets for water bottles or tripods, and internal zippered compartments for smaller essentials. There’s even a dedicated spot for Peak Design’s Capture Clip, perfect for quickly accessing a camera on the go.
For those who rely on electronics, the pack also includes a laptop compartment, which feels more secure than most I’ve encountered in outdoor bags. That said, I found it useful for carrying maps or documents while opting to leave major electronics at home.
Possible Improvements
Nothing is flawless, and this pack is no exception—it may not suit every user or situation perfectly. Here are a few areas where it could be improved:
- Lighter Weight Materials: The current materials are durable, but using slightly lighter options, like Robic Nylon or Dyneema Composite Fabric, could reduce weight while maintaining abrasion resistance. Though it may not be feasible for this iteration, it’s a potential upgrade for future versions.
- Detachable Hip Belt: While the hip belt on the Outdoor Pack is stowable, it isn’t removable. Since a hip belt isn’t always necessary, especially for lighter loads, the option to remove it entirely could reduce weight and make the pack more versatile for urban or casual use.
- Enhanced Weatherproofing: The bag provides decent weather resistance, and a rain cover is available (sold separately). However, features like sealed seams, waterproof zippers, and improved fabric coatings could further bolster its weatherproofing, providing extra protection in extreme conditions.
Overall
The Peak Design 45L Outdoor Backpack lives up to the brand’s high standards—it’s thoughtfully designed, stylish, and built to last. Although it may be a bit heavy for the ultralight trips I prefer, it’s hard to find a better pack for adventure photographers, weekend explorers, and those seeking a reliable crossover between city life and outdoor adventures.
The Outdoor Backpack is currently available for pre-order here.
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Brandon Chase is a writer, endurance athlete, and guide based in Maine. He is a former Foreign Service Officer with the U.S. Department of State and spent nearly a decade overseas serving at embassies in Egypt, Cyprus, and Pakistan.
Along with a 98-day thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail, he has summited Mt. Kilimanjaro, hiked the West Highland Way, fastpacked in the Himalayas, and trekked around New Zealand and South Africa. He also regularly competes in ultramarathons at the 50k, 50-mile, and 100-mile distances. He is a Lead Guide for Andrew Skurka Adventures and the New England Outdoor Center.