Peak Design 45L Outdoor Backpack Cloud

2025-06-16T20:00:00

I love this bag! I bought it for backpacking around Central Asia as a daypack that would also fit my FX3 kit and also as a cabin bag for the plane. It's had plenty of scuffs and scrapes already (I'm two weeks into the trip) but it just bounces back. The mass of pockets is great for organisation. But when I first got the bag I fully 'lost' something because I forgot that those pockets existed! In hindsight sight I think I'd have been fine with the 25L but that's my fault. I would definitely recommend it if you want something rugged, versatile and with plenty of organisation :)

mbcreative

Originally posted at

2025-05-12T20:00:00

I cannot recommend PD gear enough. The thoughtful design of every element makes all the gear worth owning. This bag has clever storage both inside and out, fits comfortably for all the day hikes I've taken it on, and looks great!

BK

Originally posted at

2025-04-27T20:00:00

Great backpack. The design is well-thought-out and innovative. The price is quite high, so I'm curious to see how the quality will hold up over time. So far, it's been performing great and has been very comfortable to wear on longer tours.

Ben

Originally posted at

2025-04-11T20:00:00

I have just finished a 1 month tour of: ~Singapore, Turkey, Dubai, Tanzania & Kenya using the backpack. It's amazing how each time I need space I find another surprise in a space or methods of using it. It wonderfully easy to add storage space no matter the size. I used it as a carry on and it is perfect.

Bob61

Originally posted at

2025-04-06T20:00:00

Originally thought this would be a nice hiking camera bag but the large camera cube is actually pretty cramped. The back panel opening is just slightly too small to really access the entirety of the camera cube so that got a little annoying. So I went back to just using the large camera cube with the 35L duffel. The straps could also be more comfortable (kinda like Osprey packs) and the string sternum straps are a little fiddly to use so I stopped using them. The outdoor backpack is actually quite a nice range day bag and fits multiple pistol pouches in the main compartment along with ammo, ear/eye protection, and miscellaneous tools. The outer quick access compartment behind the rugged flap is perfect for my B&T GHM9 to be stowed away with the stock collapsed (the SBR measures ~19" and fits pretty well). The side pockets easily store rolled up targets and suppressor. It's really a nice surprise because the backpack doesn't scream range bag but fits everything I'd ever need to bring. In all, slightly disappointing as an outdoor camera bag but pretty awesome as a range bag.

jonizzzle

Originally posted at

2025-04-06T20:00:00

I finally had a chance to take the PD outdoor bag on some serious hiking. I had avoided the previous PD bags due to the lack of a solid hip belt, so I used an REI day hiker with a small camera cube. That worked, but it was always frustrating due to the cube not being secure in one place. I love that i can secure my smedium cube at the bottom of the bag with the back panel access. My only gripe here is that the loops to secure the smedium cube with the c-clips were not perfectly aligned so it was tough to get a secure connection on one side. Never-the-less I made it work. I was worried about the performance of the roll top closure, however with the magnets to bring the sides together it actually works pretty well as long as you don't over fill. On my previous bag, I had the capture clip on the shoulder belt but after a long hike one of my shoulders would be sore and knotted up due to the weight on one side. On the Outdoor bag I tried mounting the clip on the hip belt. This was far more comfortable for me, though I could see someone being annoyed with the camera being near where you hands come to rest hanging down. I think you could get a bag that functions similarly at another manufacturer for less, however I've experienced PD standing by their lifetime warranty and if you can stomach the initial price then you know you have a product for life. All in all the bag is very functional and I'm super happy with the purchase. Looking forward to some summer hiking!

Dunes

Originally posted at

2025-04-03T20:00:00

I used a 45L Outdoor Backpack for a Utah National Parks trip. The bag safely stored my camera gear (one body, two lenses, some accessories) along with my electronics, water bottle, and random other things. This bag is probably a little too tall to fit under the seat so I had to carefully place my feet on the ground. On the ground, it was good but I do miss the quick camera access provided by the Everyday Backpack. Due to hiking in rough terrain, I was not comfortable using a Capture Clip. It was quite comfortable hiking. I liked the chest straps, load lifters, and waist belt options. I think it's more comfortable than the Everyday Backpack. I would not place a water bladder beside my camera gear. The outer cover got marked up and maybe that's a badge of honor, but it looks nice when it's shiny so I used a wet cloth to wipe it down periodically.

Eric

Originally posted at

2025-03-31T20:00:00

I have Outdoor Backpack 45 l & several Ultralight Packing Cubes. Together they are a great and versatile combination for different use cases, be it a hike or a weekend trip.

tom

Originally posted at

2025-03-29T20:00:00

I've already used the backpack a couple of times and am extremely satisfied. Not only for outdoor adventures, but also for city trips lasting several days. When the backpack is empty, it has a very slim profile, but if you need more space, this is no problem at all.

heninng

Originally posted at

2025-03-28T20:00:00

I bought the 45l outdoor backpack for longer trips. I found it big enough for my needs in order to avoid checked-in luggage (something I'm allergic to, mainly because of the long queues at the luggage lane and the concept of luggage lottery). It did an excellent job, although sometimes "sacrifices" had to be made with regard to the things I could put in. It's a brilliant piece of kit, but 3 weeks is a long time, apparently. Anyway... let me try to provide some useful information here, if possible: - it's great for carrying a lot of stuff over a lot of days and territory. It can take quite a lot of stuff and abuse. Many suitcases were thrown over it in the back of the bus and it braved without a wince or protest. It can also take verbal abuse, I think, but I only had words of praise for it so I can't confirm. - it's also quite light, too, which is convenient. Things change if you put rocks and anvils in it, but that's on you. The bag itself is by no means a porker for the amount of stuff it can take. - sometimes I wished for a few more pockets, but with a bit of planning and a few organising cubes (I had 2 from PD and a few from amazon basics) it did a great job to hold all my stuff in place. And I could find said stuff easily, as well, without too much digging. Of cube was for toiletries, one for cables and adapters and backup phone etc, and 3 for clothing. I'd try a few more cubes next time. Still, a few more pockets never hurt. Never. Ask anyone with cargo pants. - the closing mechanism -the lace thingy- made me nervous at first, it seemed weak and vulnerable and unlikely to hold together all my things. It did, though, and it's quite a clever system. With a full bag it's a bit optimistic to operate it with one hand, but most of the time it is actually doable. Combined with the roll-up system that secures in place with magnets, your stuff is safe inside and has no chance to escape accidentally. - the closing mechanism -the lace thing-... no, you're not having deja-vu, I just want to add one more thing. It really is more sturdy than it looks (it doesn't look very sturdy). After +3 weeks of frequent use, I didn't notice any flimsy-ness, slimming or falling apart. I don't know what material and sorcery it's made of, but PD did a great job with it. - the external flap/compartment is quite convenient for packing a jacket or a larger piece of clothing. The things you put there may not be as well protected from the rain and dust as the things inside, but if you're not going through rain on a dusty road during a volcano eruption you'll be fine. - the side pockets are generous and hold stuff well. I'm a bit paranoid about pockets without zippers or snaps or velcro, but these elastic-y things seem safe enough to make me assume I'll still have my things in them at the destination. - I haven't used the straps for big things like a tripod mount or those tennis racket things you use to walk on ice and snow, but you can attach quite large items with them. A tripod would look a bit too much when your camera is the size of your phone (and it's not a big phone, not even the XL or Plus or Max), just like those snow racquets would look quite silly on a beach walk in warm weather. Should you want to, though, you can attach big things to your backpack with said straps. - the waist strap is very convenient. It can take a few small things that you can access quickly; my camera kit that I discussed one paragraph above definitely fits. You can also put a few snacks, but snacks tend to evaporate whenever I'm around, no matter where you place them; proximity and ease of access are key. The strap is convenient though. And very easy to remove if you don't want it. - this dark red/ burgundy/ inside-of-a-cherry colour looks great. Of course, if you're an accountant or actuator I'd suggest something more grey or beige. However, I enjoy being able to identify my bag easily in a large pile of luggage at the back of the bus. Nobody needs 3 suitcases, Alice! Anyway, I received compliments from the ladies about the colour. Yes, even Alice. But then she laughed its size. Go figure... All in all, if you're not a hoarder this bad boy will take care of your stuff in style and comfort. And comfort is very important for me. It's still useful to be nice to other people on the trip because you won't be able to carry a bottle of wine with it through airport security. But otherwise, it'll serve you well on your adventures. Or on your trip to the audit maybe, if you went for the grey colour.

Em

Originally posted at

2025-03-28T20:00:00

when I unboxed this I couldn't for the life of me figure out how to open it. so I had to look up how to open it videos on youtube. I don't enjoy tutorial videos, so that was a bit annoying. however once i watched the video, it is super simple to open and close. quite innovativeand novel! o People in the street comment on how comfortable it looks, but after carrying my full kit in it I didn't have that same experience of all day comfort. I really miss a full size tripod holder. the hip belt came off the other day whilst it was folded up, and it took a few minutes to reattach it in the dark. but when not in use it does fold in snuggly I love the options of cordhooks and gear loop system however have not yet made too much use of this except for chest straps. I am disappointed in the amount of pockets available, to organise my gear.

peter

Originally posted at

2025-03-27T20:00:00

I purchased this backpack as a replacement for my aging timbuk2 pack. I'ts mainly used for traveling, hiking and some bikepacking. The Peak Design Outdoor Backpack is a massive improvement. I'm over 2m tall and it fits great thanks to all the available adjustments. It stays secure on my back during hikes and on the bike, has massive amounts of storage and allows me to easily carry my Sony A6700 on the capture clip, either on the hip belt or the shoulder strap. I would advise to use the Peak Design Pro Pad when mounting to the hip! The included sleeve for a water bladder is great as taking of the backpack just to grab a sip from a bottle is a hassle, especially on the bike. The additional mounting points, straps and places where you can stuff gear is also great for some quick access items like rain jackets or tripods. It also fits nicely into overhead storage on airplanes or under to front seat if not fully expanded. The zips feel great, as usual with PD products, overall manufacturing quality is great too. I was initially skeptical about the PD "Ultra Cinch" closing mechanism for the rolltop but it's actually really great as it works one-handed and lets you compress items in the front pocket if you want to! overall: I love it! It works for all my use-cases, has massive storage and is still quite small if not stuffed full and having the lifetime warranty and built quality from PD makes the price acceptable.

nullpointr

Originally posted at

2025-03-26T20:00:00

I am a returning, happy customer for this bag. I already had a bigger photo bag and a smaller daypack; however, this bag is an awesome travel extension. The belly strap makes carrying heavy gear easier, and the back access makes it a great weekend travel bag. If you're looking for something that works great on foot, this is your bag!

Chris

Originally posted at

2025-03-26T20:00:00

I have a few of Peak Design bags. Each has a best use. This one is the one that I take when I have a lot of equipment and it is heavy. The belt and the better straps makes it that I can take a really heavy load. Still caries a good deal and has a lot of flexibility. I am aware that some people have criticized the company for tracking you. But if you want your equipment to be warranted for life, then you are going to be tracked.. True for anything you have longterm warranties on. If this is a concern to you then don't register your equipment.

Robin

Originally posted at

2025-03-26T20:00:00

This could be the perfect weekend camera backpack. it's comfortable to carry/wear, doesn't weigh a lot when empty, rugged and a great size to fit everything in. When I first got this backpack it took me a little while to get used to the opening but now I think is great. my only gripe about this is the cord when closed is a bit untidy, I would have liked either a small magnet or a clip that could hold it in place.

Steve

Originally posted at

2025-03-26T20:00:00

Everything is great about this backpack except for the material choice of the front facing part, it is easily scratched during the lightest of outdoor hikes.

Mfarhati

Originally posted at

2025-03-26T20:00:00

Good points Of all the Peak Design camera bags, this is the easiest to carry and doesn't put any strain on the body. It's lightweight and has plenty of room for adjusting the straps, so you can carry heavy camera equipment with confidence. Points that need improvement Difficulty in accessing the inside. In particular, the top part requires removing two strings and undoing the roll, so it can't be said to be easy to access.

HIRO

Originally posted at

2025-03-26T20:00:00

I really love just about everything about this bag, except for one major factor which was not made abundantly clear. I bought this bag for 2 uses, as both a main camera bag, and a bag to bring on short nature photography backpacking trips. Unfortunately, the large camera cube is not really completely accessible, as the corners of the bag infringe on the spaces on the outer perimeter of the cube. It just feels like the cube is too big for the bag. It is a shame because I would love this bag with a small/Smedium cube, but it was advertised as fitting the Large cube and in my opinion its just not entirely true. This also defeats the purpose of it being dual use for me as also a daily user. Unfortunately, the customer service would not allow me to return/trade in for the travel backpack because I was a backer on the kickstarter. Now I am stuck with a bag that does not do the main use I need it to. Bummer. So, if you are looking for a bag that can do the outdoor thing and fit a smaller cube, I would definitely recommend it. If you are looking for a daily user, just go with the travel backpack. I wish I had and bought an additional smaller cube to put in my own camping backpack.

slicketysteve

Originally posted at

2025-03-25T20:00:00

Really spacious big for cameras and there is lots of storage. A couple of improvement ideas: 1. Top sheet is easily scratched. Went for one trip and the top section is already scratched in multiple areas. In some conners where the top fabric is bent, the edge is also wearing out. The quality in much poorer than I expected. 2. The bag emphasizes on light weight, which makes the bag easily collapse. I have a medium size cube with it and every time I open it, the frame of the bag falls and collapses to the ground. I have to spend time pulling it back and zipper it. Not big a deal, but definitely a hassle.

Kevin

Originally posted at

2025-03-25T20:00:00

I love the size of this bag. I carry long lenses with me regularly and for most bags, that would take up the entire space. In this, I can fit both my full camera and drone setup so I no longer have to carry two separate bags. I'm rating it two stars though because the usage of space on the outside of the bag and the space inside the bag but outside of my large camera cube. The mockup images said there'd be room for their small packing cube bags inside the bag with the large camera cube, but I haven't found that to be true. In order to roll up the bag even a single time so that the opening isn't exposed, you completely eliminate that space. And speaking of the opening, why doesn't it close??? It's literally called an outdoor bag, but you can't even close it completely to keep the outdoors out?? As for the usage of space on the outside, none of the pockets open enough to fit much of anything and all the random straps have no explanation as to how they're used. Took my five minutes just to figure out the pull tab to loosen the outer shell part, which is entirely useless anyway because it's the only part of the bag that seems at all 'outdoorsy'. If that outer shell covered the entire bag, it be perfectly happy calling this an outdoor bag and have no complaints because I'd be sacrificing the outer spaces for the full protective coverage. But it's not and the space still isn't used well.

Bryce

Originally posted at

2025-03-25T20:00:00

I bought this bag through a Kickstarter campaign and I received it really late. I don't like the bag as it's way too technical and way too many straps. I've watched numerous videos on this bag and I still don't understand how to load it. I tried returning and I'm not able to return. There goes $350 down the drain.

vicseeley

Originally posted at

2025-03-25T20:00:00

I've taken it with me on numerous hikes. It's got features I could not fathom living without, but also some choices I can't get behind but have to tolerate. The positives: The harness doesn't seem comfortable at first, but after adjusting properly, it's fantastic. On par with my Osprey & Gregory packs which I've used extensively for years. Material choice is also great. Everything looks like it's very durable. The kangaroo pouch is perfect for storing an outer layer for quick access and the side pockets on it are good for storing snacks, gloves and/or assorted trinkets. The rolltop is great for those days when you don't need to pack to the brim. The double side pockets make it great for organizing outside items. The not so great: It is definitely a compromise. This bag does not excel anywhere. A missed detail is no dedicated system for storing trekking poles. Osprey has their system where you can tie them to the strap. Gregory can store them on the back of the pack. Here you either improvise a storage system or use one of the side pockets. Not ideal for quick access. Internal storage - I get that you can use the packing cubes but some rollable internal dividers would have been nice. To split off say food from a camera or packing cubes from a sleeping bag. I would have definitely preferred to have this on the 45 where you're likely to use it as an overnight bag. Finally, the chest straps. The system is definitely a pain to use and adjust one handed. I personally removed them and improvised a way to use a traditional clasp. Overall I definitely can get the use I want from it but for the price, I didn't expect having to do a bunch of customization to get it to the level of outdoor utility of much cheaper backpacks. What you're paying for in the end is a mediocre outdoor bag with rear access and compatibility with camera cubes. I got it on Kickstarter so the price doesn't sting as much. I couldn't justify paying full price for it.

Bogdan

Originally posted at

2025-03-25T20:00:00

I got this backpack through Kickstarter, and I have to say, the design is fantastic and it works just as promised. It's pretty comfy after a few uses. That said, the notebook compartment could definitely use a little more protection, and some cushioning at the base would really help keep everything safe.

Anthony

Originally posted at

2025-03-25T20:00:00

Based on my experience with many hiking camera backpacks and a few months of using this one, I am impressed by many of the features of this backpack, but I feel there are still some areas that need improvement. 1. The shoulder strap is a bit stiff, and it hurts a bit on the shoulder after wearing it for a long time. Maybe the foam can be softer. 2. After using the clip, the space for adjusting the camera position is a bit small, and the docking pocket on the chest will be sealed by the clip and can't be used. 3. The Camera Cube MS size component can only be fixed to the edge of one side of the backpack. The other side will fall off because it can't be fixed. 4. The back of the fabric is smooth and easily scratched, especially the bottom. 5. While hiking backpacks are starting to get lighter and lighter, and many advanced and durable lightweight fabrics are available, this backpack is still too heavy. There is still portion for improvement, but I've always been a fan of this brand., this brand is also very innovative and leading in texture and design. I will continue to use this backpack in the future.

Julian

Originally posted at

2025-03-25T20:00:00

I got this bag during the kickstarter and I am always enjoying the PD products. This bag caught my eye because of the light weight. I have the travel bag 45L which is slightly heavier than what I like. This outdoor bag pack has better shoulder straps very comfortable to carry heavy loads. I took it for my recent Europe trip and it handles weight very well. Only one downside, which is why I did it give the 5 star, is the bad has no organisation compartment inside the main area. Which means you will need pouches for loose items which adds weight to your carry. I fully understand that if additional storage added to the bag also means heavier bag but I thought just leave my honest opinion of how I feel about this bag based on my use case. But I love this bag.

Miso p.

Originally posted at

2025-03-25T20:00:00

I would put it at 4.5 star. Pros - This is an eye-catcher, great design, I get commented on often for the bag itself. - It's also extremely comforting, the shoulder straps are definitely made long distance. If there is weight, there are ways to distribute it using the hip belt or the hook that can distribute weight. - Can store a ton and has enough pockets for decent distribution. At max loads, it can be huge, but it does not become too bulky. - I love the attachment hooks. It give it so much more flexibility Cons - The handle on the top is way too thin. Everywhere else seems to be made for comfort with thick straps except for the top handle that is way too thin that it starts to hurt when holding it from there with even a little amount of weight. - No easy camera access. I understand that this is generally design with another camera sling on hand. However, I wish there was at least one side zipper for me to easily access the camera Overall, really like it, and use it for all short term trips.

goinhamz

Originally posted at

2025-03-25T20:00:00

Purchased through KS campaign and took the pack on a recent trip. Discovered my travels and this bag were not aligned. Appreciated the Eclipse colorway and the great build quality of the bag. So many features designed into the bag, many of them not a great fit for my travel. Will be transitioning to another PD product and getting the bag in the hands of a person that can fully utilized this great bag!

markb

Originally posted at

2025-03-25T20:00:00

Love the quality of the materials, the thoughtful additions, and peak design flare that keeps me a loyal customer. I think I own almost every bag - or at least have at some point. I've been dreaming of a PD outdoor line for years and finally got my wish. Minor gripes, the addition of the sling for front carry is super creative but doesn't allow you to cinch the straps like you would a normal chest strap. So anywhere you go for long distances it looses its value - I prefer the tighter chest strap. The interior drop pocket is just a weird placement - so it's difficult to store anything in there you need bc it's hard to get to. The side drop pockets on the front of the bag are great but vertical and I just forget to zip them sometimes cause they are hidden - shouldn't unhide them but they should stop with like 2 inches to go so stuff gets caught inside more often then falling out. Would love to have a quick drop zip pocket alternative on the outside that's horizontal - not vertical. Doesn't need to be big but just secure. I love the loops all over the bag for attaching things but some backpacking or heavier accessories like a tent or tripod can come loose over long walks with just the string cinch cords. Would love a small pair of actual straps somewhere that can be used to cinch tight those bigger or bulkier items. Lastly - it's pretty heavy - cost of premium materials is that they usually weight a bit more but I'd rather quality and durability than light weight. All this to say - I still really love the bag. It feels like the highest quality. I'm nervous to take it outside because I don't want to beat it up because it's so beautiful but it's meant for that and has handled the outdoors like a champ. Excited to see if I can take it on a 5-day backpacking trip.

Bagbro16

Originally posted at

2025-03-25T20:00:00

Love this bag. The opening mechanism is different than what I'm used to. And it works great, after a few tries. It is the most comfortable backpack I have ever owned. I use it mostly for hiking and short distance travel. And it looks fantastic, judging by my own impression and the many compliments I got from random strangers.

Darco

Originally posted at

2025-03-25T20:00:00

Used this bag for rock-climbing and casual outdoors trips and it's been great so far. Durable and practical with all its features! Definitely not meant for the serious outdoors-person but if you fall into that category you already know what you should be buying instead.

CL

Originally posted at