Peak Design Outdoor Backpack Review: I Tested Both 25L and 45L Sizes

I’ve been a Peak Design fan for years, so when they launched their new Outdoor Backpack line, I was genuinely excited (and very intrigued) to see what the masterminds at this brand had come up with.

What I didn’t expect was how different these backpacks would feel from the PD Everyday Backpack series that both Dan and I have traveled with for half a decade.

We tested both the 25L Outdoor Backpack and 45L Outdoor Backpack, and now we get it: these backpacks represent a completely new direction for Peak Design. If you’re used to their sleek, minimalist aesthetic, prepare for something entirely different. In this review, we’re laying out an explainer for how to think about the Outdoor Line, and where the gaps are between PD’s mainstays.

The Score View detailed breakdown

4.39 / 5

The Peak Design Outdoor Backpack line offers rugged, weatherproof backpacks with extreme weatherproofing and lightweight construction, representing a completely new direction from Peak Design's core collection with outdoor-focused features that take some getting used to.

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First Impressions: A Learning Curve

My first impression of the Peak Design Outdoor Backpack in 25L was that it does not look like my Peak Design Everyday Backpack in roughly the same size. The look of the Outdoor Backpack is completely new to Peak Design, and I had a new learning curve of getting to know the features.

At first glance, I was actually completely perplexed. Both the 25L and 45L came nearly flat-packed, rather than structured, like our 45L PD Travel Backpack and 25L Everyday Backpack, which have true “very Peak Design” noticeable structures and shapes that keep gear organized and protected.

But the Outdoor Backpacks? They’re made of materials that have new feels, closer to what my raincoats feel like. And these bags open completely differently: there are more drawcords, straps and zippers, in new places. If you’re like us, stuck in a world of Peak Design’s core backpack collection, you come to expect where the zippers go, how the storage systems and packing cubes work, and the like.

The materials feel complex in the best way possible. I’ll call it “mixed media” because there are so many different textures working together. You’ve got mesh pockets, weatherproof “Terra shell” ripstop fabric on the exterior, new nylon webbing on the back layers for ergonomic support, and these really cool drawstrings that add both function and visual interest.

Peak Design Outdoor Backpack 25L: Daily Carry Meets Adventure

The 25L size of the Outdoor Backpack is perfect for my daily photography carry. What I love most about it is how the laptop compartment works. It’s good for my 13” MacBook Air and Dan’s 14” MacBook Pro. It has this nice, thick Velcro elastic strap that keeps my computer secure while I’m moving around. And that’s whether I’m traveling, or just walking around the city.

Laptop sleeve

What’s really convenient (and new to me) is that the entire laptop sleeve acts as the back flap. It has a full zip-around that lets me access the interior cavity without having to dig through the main compartment. This is brilliant when I’m outside hiking or trekking with a full bag of camera gear.

25L size

The 25L packs a daily carry of my photography gear perfectly. I can fit a camera body, lenses and accessories, with room to spare for things like a balled-up rain layer or rain shell, some snacks, a water bottle, my laptop, charger and headphones (for immediately dumping photos when I’m done outdoorsing) and phone/wallet/keys.

Extreme weatherproofing

The weatherproofing is what gives me confidence for hanging out in nature and all its surprises. Leave it to Peak Design: this is a company that I trust for rainproofing my travel bags. My Peak Design bags have held up through the years when I’ve been caught in rain or some wet weather, and the flaps/weatherproofed zippers/rainproof materials all work together to create protection.

So with the Outdoor Line, these features are taken to the max. Peak Design is not messing around when they promise an Outdoor Backpack: it’s one that is going to take you outdoors, with all your expensive stuff (like $10,000 of camera gear or tech) and promise that it’s going to stay dry and safe.

Total weight

At 2.54 lbs, it’s lightweight enough for all-day wear. Compare this to my 20L Everyday Backpack from Peak Design, and that’s actually 4.43lb, with dividers.

So at a bit more than half the weight, it’s a backpack that is designed to do the same job, plus last for days outdoors, protecting roughly the same volume of your beloved camera/travel tech necessities.

Peak Design Outdoor Backpack 45L: The Adventure Workhorse

Now, the 45L version of the Outdoor Backpack is where things get really interesting. I’m wildly impressed with this backpack, but I have to come clean about something. I was really perplexed when I first laid eyes on it because it has the ability to pack flat and arrives flat in its box.

This means even a backpack this big could fit into another piece of luggage. And maybe that is the point.

The level of intricacy in how it can be used to plan travel, as well as engage in outdoor activities (even some extreme ones like scaling rocks, if you were to want to take this much weight with you), is potentially unmatched. Two things I want to point out are the vest-style shoulder straps, which really do remind me of a running vest or hydration vest.

And there’s also the hip belt, to support all the weight (and this is where it differs from the 25L version). It’s nicely built, with adjustments, and of course, being a Peak Design design, it is far from goofy.

At every corner, there’s an adjustable strap or cord, and the laptop sleeve can be used to store a water bladder for hiking hydration.

Where I’m continually surprised is at how much it fits and at how much it weighs (3.42 lbs) even with all the trimmings it comes with. Peak Design bags are usually on the heavier side, and this is the opposite of that. Let’s compare it to my Peak Design Backpack in 45L: it weighs 4.5 lbs and it’s a different product completely, what with being built from heavy-duty materials on the outside and being meant to get thrown around as luggage.

What Makes These Backpacks Special

What’s cool about both of these backpacks is the integration of outdoorsy elements. Peak Design bags did this before, but they truly nail it now with the Outdoor line. The weatherproofing, the thoughtful organization, the way everything works together for both photography and outdoor adventures.

Both backpacks use Peak Design’s Terra Shell fabric, which is “functionally weatherproof.” And to score protection from elements of wet weather, the top closure format is a roll-top “Ultra Cinch,” which allows for quick one-hand closing and opening.

What makes them special? It’s for sure all in the design (no kidding – “Peak Design”). By that I mean that no other brand could’ve dreamed up these backpacks: at first glance, they’re doubtful because they’re different, but they are built to perform. It’s all in the modernity, the methods for expansion, the ability to accessorize and compartmentalize within them and the seamless use, as always, with the Peak Design “ecosystem” of pouches and anchor links that snap in.

The Bottom Line

The Outdoor Line Backpacks aren’t your typical Peak Design backpacks. They’re more rugged, more feature-rich, and more focused on outdoor adventures, with all the benefits that make trekking, camping, hiking and sporadic-weather travel possible, while you’re outfitted with all your gear.

If you’re looking for a backpack that can handle both your daily photography needs and your weekend hiking trips, these backpacks are the real deal. They take some getting used to, but once you discover how they work, I don’t think there is any turning back.

The 25L is perfect for day trips, weekend outings and even commuting, while the 45L is ideal for multi-day adventures like camping, road trips or trekking, when more gear comes with you.

Both offer the weatherproofing and organization that Peak Design is known for, but with a more outdoor-focused approach.

Detailed score breakdown

4.39 / 5

The Peak Design Outdoor Backpack line offers rugged, weatherproof backpacks with extreme weatherproofing and lightweight construction, representing a completely new direction from Peak Design's core collection with outdoor-focused features that take some getting used to.

Carry comfort & fit

86%

The 25L weighs 2.54 lbs and the 45L weighs 3.42 lbs, which is lightweight enough for all-day wear. The vest-style shoulder straps on the 45L really remind me of a running vest or hydration vest, and they're comfortable. The hip belt on the 45L is nicely built with adjustments and supports weight well.

Organization & access speed

84%

The laptop compartment on the 25L works brilliantly - the entire laptop sleeve acts as the back flap with a full zip-around that lets me access the interior without digging through the main compartment. The 45L can use the laptop sleeve to store a water bladder for hiking hydration. There are more drawcords, straps and zippers in new places compared to Peak Design's core collection.

Materials & build quality

90%

The materials feel complex in the best way possible. You've got mesh pockets, weatherproof Terra shell ripstop fabric on the exterior, new nylon webbing on the back layers for ergonomic support, and really cool drawstrings. The construction feels premium and well-thought-out.

Weather resistance

94%

The weatherproofing is what gives me confidence for hanging out in nature. Peak Design is not messing around when they promise an Outdoor Backpack - it's going to take you outdoors with all your expensive stuff and promise it stays dry and safe. The Terra Shell fabric is functionally weatherproof, and the roll-top Ultra Cinch closure provides excellent protection.

Weight & lightweight design

92%

At 2.54 lbs for the 25L and 3.42 lbs for the 45L, these are incredibly lightweight compared to Peak Design's usual offerings. My 20L Everyday Backpack weighs 4.43 lbs, so at a bit more than half the weight, the Outdoor Backpack is designed to do the same job plus last for days outdoors.

Electronics & fragile-item protection

88%

The laptop compartment on the 25L has a nice, thick Velcro elastic strap that keeps my computer secure while I'm moving around. It's good for my 13" MacBook Air and Dan's 14" MacBook Pro. The protection feels solid for expensive camera gear and tech.

Carry options & adjustments

86%

The 45L has a hip belt to support all the weight, which is nicely built with adjustments. At every corner, there's an adjustable strap or cord. The vest-style shoulder straps on the 45L provide excellent weight distribution. Both sizes offer good carry options for different adventure scenarios.

Closure reliability & outdoors safety

80%

The roll-top Ultra Cinch closure allows for quick one-hand closing and opening. The zippers feel quality, though there are more of them in new places compared to Peak Design's core collection. The weatherproof zippers work well with the Terra Shell fabric.

Versatility for hiking & travel

88%

The 25L is perfect for day trips, weekend outings and even commuting, while the 45L is ideal for multi-day adventures like camping, road trips or trekking. Both offer weatherproofing and organization for photography and outdoor adventures. They work seamlessly with Peak Design's ecosystem of pouches and anchor links.

Overall value for price

84%

These backpacks represent a completely new direction for Peak Design with outdoor-focused features. The lightweight construction, extreme weatherproofing and thoughtful organization justify the price. They're more feature-rich than typical Peak Design backpacks, with a focus on outdoor adventures.

How we score gear

Next Steps: Check out the Peak Design Outdoor Backpack Collection

This review is just scratching the surface of what these backpacks can do. To try one out from the Peak Design website, here are the direct links to each backpack size:

• Shop the Peak Design Outdoor Backpack 25L
• Shop the Peak Design Outdoor Backpack 45L
• Shop the Peak Design Outdoor Backpack 18L - I don’t have this one, but I’m looking forward to checking it out.

Ready to dive deeper into Peak Design gear? Check out our related reviews:

• Peak Design Everyday Backpack Review - Our take on the classic Peak Design daily carry solution
• Peak Design Travel Backpack Review - My #1 travel backpack that has taken me around the world - for longer trips and travel
• Best Camera Backpacks for Travel - More photography backpack options for people who want to protect their camera setup while on the road

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