Peak Design - Outdoor Backpack 25L - Eclipse

I can’t simply describe how practical this backpack is (I got the 25L model). But what I can do, and that’s something no reviewer will explain to the extent they should, is how well this backpack balances; fully loaded with heavy stuff and without using the chest strap, the backpack is still keeping the weight close to your thorax and balances it in a way that doesn’t kill your shoulders on a 15-20km hike. I’ve never seen any other backpack that balances this well without a sternum strap, while still being so stylish. Some of the very technical hiking equipment can do that, sure, but not in this stylish and versatile design. Couldn’t be more satisfied.

I have been on the hunt for the perfect bag for years, and while I love my other peak design products, this is finally the one I can use EVERYDAY. It lies as flat as I need it when not carrying everything, but also has the ability to carry everything I need for work when out of the house, and even a little extra for some fun.

This is my second pack. I still own the original (with the side openings). I bought the new one because I found that the accessing my gear from the sides created a problem of dropped gear if I forgot to zip it up. I'm still getting used to the new one (lots of options to make it fit comfortably). I like being able to tuck the hip belt away. I miss the ability to slide the pack over my carry-on. Needs work on better integrating the camera cube and the pack. Maybe have the ability to remove the cover of the cube when in the pack? All your products are of the highest quality. Still a fan!

Extremely well thought out bag with only a couple niggles that could be improved on a version 2 but easily one of my favorite bags of all time. The negative reviews are mainly due to people not understanding how to use the bag or thinking it was something it isn't... PD has published an in-depth video on YouTube going over every feature. Per usual with Peak Design, they took a novel approach to a lot of things and improved on them. The fit of the bag is great due to the adjustable height harness and running vest style straps. They wrap really well and have the right balance of comfort and breathability. The two sternum straps distribute the weight nicely on your chest. The only issue with them is they are hard to attach with thick gloves on in winter. The stretch pockets on the sides are great for multiple sized items from water bottles to tripods to jackets. The included straps and loop attachment points all along the bag make it easy to customize the load carrying how you want and you can cinch down the 45L pack into a much more compact size if needed. I really like the design of the main pocket access from the top because they created a quick way to open and close it without clips. You can also store wet gear and things you want quick access to in the kangaroo pouch created by the outer flap. There is a really nice assortment of pockets on the outside for organization including a zippered and stretch pocket on the waist straps. The front flap also has two pockets for various items. Being able to access the main compartment by opening the entire back panel makes it easy to get into all your gear. If you put a camera cube in there, you have full access to it without removing the cube from the bag. I see this bag more for general hiking primarily, so I use PD’s excellent packing cubes in the main compartment. This keeps everything organized and easily accessible. By loosening the front flap and unrolling the main compartment top part, you can add a decent amount of capacity to this bag as well, pushing it into weekend backpacking territory. The only thing PD didn’t fully think through was the hose routing for a water bladder if you put it in the back panel’s storage spot. It makes it challenging to fully open the pack from that side if you do use a bladder there and run the hose through the routing to the harness straps. There are ways around this though, so I wouldn’t consider it a dealbreaker at all. The materials are top notch, per usual with PD and I know they will stand behind this product as they do with all their others.