Peak Design has been one of my favourite travel gear manufacturers ever since they sent me their flagship Travel Pack 40L a few years back.
However, the Peak Design 25L Outdoor Backpack is (to be knowledge) the brands first foray into outdoor gear and take it from me, just because a brand can do travel gear well does not automatically mean that their active gear will be any good.
So, in this review, we’re gonna dive deep into what makes the Peak Design 25L. Let’s see if it lives up to the hype and, most importantly, if it’s the right fit for you my dear, dear reader.
The Peak Design 25L Outdoor Backpack At a Glance
Right, the Peak Design 25L Outdoor Backpack is a highly unorthodox yet versatile, compact, and well-crafted pack that seeks to cater to the needs of both outdoor enthusiasts and urban commuters. It has a thoughtful design, is wrought from durable materials, and offers good storage options.
It is suitable for those who seek a reliable companion for day hikes, photography adventures, or everyday use, albeit at a premium price point. Having said that, I do believe Peak Design gear is worth it.
Dimensions, Weight, Capacity, and Price:
- Dimensions: 20 in x 12 in x 7 in (50.8 x 30.5 x 17.8 cm)
- Weight: 1.2 kg (2.54 lbs)
- Capacity: 25 litres
- Price: $250
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- High-quality, weatherproof materials.
- Versatile storage options with dedicated compartments for camera gear and tech.
- Comfortable fit with adjustable straps and back panel.
- Sleek and stylish design, suitable for both outdoor and urban settings.
- Premium price tag compared to similar packs.
- Limited capacity for extended trips or heavy gear.
- The top access is not to everybody’s taste
- Lack of a dedicated water bottle pocket.
All About The Peak Design Outdoor Backpack 25L
Capacity and Storage
I tested the 25L version of the Peak Design Outdoor pack (although a 45L is available). As you may know, 25L is a classic “day pack” size and means you can carry just enough gear to last you 24 hours or so.
Still, despite its compact size, the Peak Design 25L does offer up a surprising amount of space and makes the ideal hiking day pack size.
However, we need to talk about just how that storage capacity is organised and accessed. Most backpacks have a big, main compartment that is usually accessed from the top and either zips or fastens open. This one does not. Rather, its main storage is broken and organised into different sections accessed from different points in the pack.
This is quite hard to describe but I will do my best….
At the rear, we find what I would call the main section which zips all the way down. Here is where you could put most of your gear and where you will find a 12” laptop sleeve. Now, I will be honest, I am not sure whether an outdoor pack needs to dedicate so much of its space to laptops but I suppose this section comes into its own if you want to use it as a commuter bag.
Then at the front, the main section (“Ultra-cinch top access”) is opened by simply pulling away the front panel, putting things in or out of the compartment, and letting the strings snap back to fasten. This is a novel feature which allows fast, intuitive, ‘on-the-go’ access but it takes some getting used to. The compartment here itself is also limited in size but does also have two side pockets.
Size and Weight
Weighing in at 1.2 kg (2.54 lbs), the Peak Design 25L is relatively lightweight for a pack with this level of functionality although it is heavier than my Osprey Quasar, which is my usual go-to pack.
It measures 20 in x 12 in x 7 in (50.8 x 30.5 x 17.8 cm), making it compact enough to fit under a seat, yet roomy enough for a day’s worth of gear.
Carrying Comfort
When compared to other backpacks in the 25-litre range, it does feel slightly heavier, but this is justified by the high-quality materials and ample padding. The size is suitable for day hikes, commuting, or as a carry-on for air travel. It won’t feel too heavy to carry (unless you pack it full of lead) but it might feel restrictive for multi-day trips where extra space is required.
Note that there are no hip or sternum straps which is unusual for a hiking pack although with a 25L, you probably don’t really need them. The shoulder straps are also suitably padded so unlikely to cut or chaff.
Materials and Construction
The Peak Design 25L is crafted from a combination of durable 400D nylon canvas and 900D waterproof bottom fabric, ensuring it can withstand rough conditions while keeping your gear dry. The zippers are weatherproof, and the seams are reinforced for added durability.
The pack has a solid, premium feel to it, with no loose threads or flimsy parts. The exterior is sleek and minimalistic, while the interior is lined with a soft, protective material that cushions your belongings. Overall, the construction feels top-notch and I suspect it will age well.
Best Uses
This backpack is suitable for various scenarios, from day hikes to photography excursions (the pack panel I mentioned would be great to pop a camera in). Its customizable interior could make it a favourite camera backpack among photographers who need to safely carry their equipment. It’s also good for basic everyday use, thanks to its comfortable straps and modern design.
However, for an outdoor pack, I am surprised to see that there is no water bottle pocket and no hip/sternum strap.
Also, it’s not ideal for extended hiking trips due to its limited capacity and lack of a frame. Those who need to carry a lot of heavy gear might find it less comfortable for long durations.
Price and Value
At $250, the Peak Design 25L Outdoor Backpack is definitely an investment. It’s priced higher than many other daypacks in the 25-litre range so you need to really want this.
For photographers and tech enthusiasts who need a functional, stylish backpack, this pack offers good value. However, for casual users who don’t need the specialised features, there are more affordable and probably options available.
Durability and Weatherproofing
As I said, the materials are quality and the pack feels rugged and resilient. The YKK zips feel good and the stitching looks proper. I have not owned the pack for very long but I expect it will last and withstand years of use and abuse.
As for waterproofing, it is water resistant and there is also a rain fly (sold separately) available which I would recommend getting if you plan on spending any serious time outdoors with this pack.
Alternatives To The Peak Design Outdoor Backpack 25L
There is no shortage when it comes to day packs. Peak Design is stepping into a buoyant market here and has a lot of competitors.
Let’s meet a few of them.
1. Osprey Talon 22: A lighter and more affordable option, the Talon 22 offers excellent ventilation and comfort for day hikes. However, it lacks the specialised storage options that the Peak Design pack provides, making it less suitable for carrying tech gear or camera equipment.
2. Lowepro Photo Active BP 300 AW: Designed specifically for photographers, this pack provides ample protection and organisation for camera gear. It offers similar weather resistance and customizable storage but comes in at a lower price point, though it sacrifices some of the everyday versatility of the Peak Design 25L.
3. Nomatic Travel Pack: A versatile option that expands from 20 to 30 litres, this pack is perfect for those who need a backpack that can transition from day trips to short getaways. While it doesn’t offer the same level of weatherproofing or ruggedness, it’s an excellent choice for urban travellers.
Final Thoughts
The Peak Design 25L Outdoor Backpack is a high-quality, versatile option for those who need a reliable pack for both urban and outdoor use. Its robust construction, customizable storage, and sleek design make it a standout choice, particularly for photographers and tech-savvy travellers.
While it comes at a premium price, its durability and functionality make it a worthwhile investment for those who need a backpack that can handle a variety of situations. If you’re looking for a reliable daypack with a modern edge, the Peak Design 25L is definitely worth considering.
