Peak Design Outdoor Backpack 45L - my favourite camera bag for adventure trips
Finally! For someone who loves to take photos outdoors on both small and large adventures, this is the bag I have always dreamed of. In summary, the Peak Design Outdoor Backpack 45L is a sophisticated, high quality product that is ideal for both outdoor photographers and travellers. It is lightweight, very comfortable, holds a lot of essential equipment and is undoubtedly resistant to rough treatment.
About Harmen van der Vaart
Harmen van der Vaart is a freelance photographer and videographer from Groningen, the Netherlands. Since 2006, he has immersed himself in various photography genres such as street photography, landscape photography, portrait photography and travel photography. His travels to all corners of the world have been the trigger to throw himself fully into photography and videography. Hence, travel photography is his greatest passion.
The Outdoor Line: Peak Design's new range of bags
In this review, I will only be discussing the Peak Design Outdoor Backpack 45L. However, Peak Design has launched a completely new line: The Outdoor Line. This collection includes backpacks, slings and accessory bags designed for rugged adventures. All bags in the Outdoor Line are PFAS-free. They are also made from 100% recycled fabric designed for extreme outdoor activities. Peak Design calls this material Terra Shell. Other impressive materials used in the construction of these bags include durable and ultra-strong "Ultra Zips" and cut-resistant UHMWPE (Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene) cords.
13 different storage compartments
This bag is designed to work with the Peak Design Camera Cubes, but you don't have to use it just for that. I always keep the large Camera Cube at the bottom of the main compartment and have used the bag exclusively as a camera bag so far. I access my camera gear through the back panel, just like a classic camera backpack. Above the back panel is an Ultra Cinch roll-top, which provides up to 10.5 litres of extra storage space for items such as organizers. On the outside of the bag, there's a pocket that can be opened quickly to access items such as a rain jacket or food. In total, I discovered 13 different storage compartments! This allows me to organize all my gear and find what I need quickly.
Double side pockets, double convenience
The side pockets are one of the biggest advantages of this bag. There are two on each side: one high and one low. The higher pocket is for larger items such as a tripod (my Peak Design Travel Tripod fits perfectly without the need for extra straps to secure it) or a large 1 litre water bottle. The smaller pocket is for smaller items, although you can store larger items here too. If you already have something large in the other pocket, such as a tripod, you can place a slimmer, lower item (such as a Dopper bottle) in the other pocket, again using a strap and attachment loops. Attachment loops?
Loops everywhere
Speaking of loops, they are everywhere on this bag. Every corner and seam has little tabs where you can attach your gear. Best of all, they stay out of the way when not in use, and you hardly notice they are there. The functionality of the carrying system is incredibly versatile and practical, while maintaining the aesthetics I want as a traveller.
You can use the attachment loops to hang equipment from the Backpack. For example, a folded 5-in-1 reflector with a diameter of 110 cm can be securely attached for photo shoots. You can also attach hiking poles or use the loops to compress your pack.
Suitable for Plenty of Gear and Long Shooting Days?
Yesss!!! During a week of four daily photo shoots in different locations, my Outdoor Backpack 45L was pushed to its limits. My client was amazed at the amount of gear I was able to get out of the bag. While it is great to be able to carry so much gear, comfort is just as important.
The good news is that after a week of carrying a total weight of 12 kilos, I didn't feel any discomfort. How is that possible?
Design meets comfort
The Backpack 45L has an internal frame and weighs less than 2 kilos. The harness system is adjustable for a wide range of body types. The hip belt is well padded and has handy pockets. However, if, like me, you rarely use the waist belt, it can be easily stowed away or removed.
The shoulder straps are well padded, and the double chest straps and load lifters also help to keep this large bag secure and comfortable. The front pockets are perfect for snacks, filters, or your phone, and are also suitable for attaching a Peak Design Capture Clip.
Unmatched Quality
The attention to detail that Peak Design puts into all their products never ceases to impress me. Every zip pull, buckle, and closure is carefully thought out. Not only are they functional, but they also feel great to use. A real design highlight is the opening of the main compartment; the smoothness of the zip is unmatched, no matter how full the bag is.
My final verdict
As you can probably tell from this review, I am very enthusiastic about the Peak Design Outdoor Backpack 45L. This bag makes me even more excited to go on adventurous and exciting outdoor shoots in the future. It also seems perfect for a bike packing trip with my gravel bike. As this bag is of the highest possible quality, I can rely on it completely. You won't see me without it for years to come.
