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Calls the Peak Design 45L the best travel backpack of the three he owns: built-in hip belt, comfortable straps and an unbeaten modular system, though it looks large under 5'4".
“Its the best travel backpack I own (I own 3 one setup for Photography, 1 for video and 1 for business/personal travel) comes with built in hip-belt and comfortable straps, and the modular system”
Sold the Peak Design 45L after 10 days in Europe because it was insanely big and heavy on her 5'1" frame; it maxed the airline weight limit and gave horrible back pain.
“I did 10 days in Europe with the Peak 45 a few years back and it was so insanely big and heavy that I sold it.”
A 5'3" woman who really likes the Peak Design 45L; loves the look and the fold-away waist belt with a zipper pocket, though she hasn't carried it for long periods.
“Yes, I have one. I really like it although I haven't had to carry it for an extended amount of time.”
Picked the Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L as the best option: structured, easy strap storage, comfortable and she wouldn't fear checking it.
“It might be ever so slightly over-designed in that way that PD stuff can be, but it appears to be the best option for me at the moment.”
Loves her Peak Design 45L travel backpack and cubes; took time to adjust the straps but it has been great on 3-14 day trips.
“I have the same Peak 45 and packing cubes. Love it!”
Finds the PD 45 packs well with great bottle pockets and top-notch build, but thin padding from the strap storage system makes it uncomfortable.
“the bag packs well and has great water bottle pockets. Materials and build quality are top notch as well.”
Three months into Southeast Asia travel with the PD 45L he finds it heavy and not the best for organization without cubes.
“So far I'm about 3 months in to traveling SEA with the PD Travel 45L bag. It's heavy and not the best for organization without their cubes”
Travels to Europe 3-4 times a year with the Travel Backpack 45L, which serves him well and is not uncomfortable for his large frame.
“I rock a PD 45L (35ish then not expanded) and it serves me well - but I am 6'4 and wide shouldered, play rugby etc so the weight never bothers”
Has used the Travel Backpack 45L across 10-15 airlines in Asia, Europe and Australia, with only a Finnair ATR a tight but successful fit.
“I have used the PD 45L across maybe 10 - 15 different airlines in Asia/Europe/Australia and the only plane that was a tight fit was a Finnair ATR plane - but it still fit (just)”
Owns the travel pack and finds it big, boxy and heavy but not out of place as a day pack at 6'1; the features fade away if you do not use the pockets and it holds its shape well.
“It is big, boxy, and heavy, but (in my opinion) it doesn't looks out of place as a day pack for me (6'1", 210lbs).”
Loves his 45L, appreciating the engineering, and uses it for travel of 10+ days.
“I have their 45L travel bag and I love it. I appreciate the engineering and design. I use it for travel of 10+ days.”
Liked how the 45L packed but the straps were not comfortable for him.
“I really liked the way the Peak Design 45 packed but the straps were not comfortable for me.”
Dislikes the thinner shoulder straps made for the camera clip, but overall finds it comfortable depending on how much you load in it.
“I have the Peak Design 45l travel backpack. The only thing I don’t like is the backpack straps. They are thinner to accommodate their camera clip. But, overall it’s still a comfortable pack”
Owns the 45L and takes it on about nine trips a year; happy with it and says he would not give up the magnetic strap stowing and side access.
“I also have the travel backpack (45), but that gets 9 or so weekly(ish) trips per year, so it gets much less use and wear-tear compared to the everyday.”
Five years in he calls it the best backpack he has owned: around the world on dozens of flights and three Burning Man trips with barely a scratch; gripes are the thin straps, lost sternum strap and a useless waist belt, and it is not comfy when very heavy.
“That being said, I use the PD 45L travel backpack and it’s the best backpack I’ve ever owned by a huge margin.”
Bought the coyote one and returned it: incredibly uncomfortable once loaded with clothes and a laptop, straps dug into the collarbone, the hip straps did little and it has no load lifters.
“However, I found that it was incredibly uncomfortable once I put a bunch of clothes + 1 laptop in it (did not even use packing cubes, so presumably well organized”
Using it for a 10-day trip by car, where it is perfect, but would not walk 2-3 hours or run through an airport with a full 45L.
“i am using it this week for a 10-day trip but i drove to my destination. it's perfect in this situation”
Two years in he does not regret it but finds most features good on paper and not in practice, so he is replacing it; the back panel and straps are uncomfortable and unventilated.
“It's been rocking around for about 2yrs now, and though I do not regret buying it (it has served me well) I do think the overall thing is more or less a big gimmick.”
A week in Europe with the 45L and loving it: deep bucket with the divider stowed and great hidden bottle-pocket zippers; he would change the narrow divider pocket, useless front pocket and the hip belt that is less comfortable than his Tortuga or Osprey.
“I really enjoy how the PD bag just becomes a giant bucket essentially to pack.”
A few trips with the 45L and he generally loves it, though fitting photo gear and clothes while keeping it light enough to carry all day is a struggle.
“I've done a few trips with my PD 45l and generally love it too.”
Had the Peak Design and sold it for an Eagle Creek: the straps were almost too stiff and, packing mostly clothes and cubes, the padding and structure were just extra weight.
“I had the PD and sold it for the EC. Personally I didn’t find the PD straps very comfortable, they’re almost too stiff.”
Took it on a three-week Argentina and Antarctica trip as a carry-on worn on the back with no hassle, though it would have been very tough to fit under a seat.
“It did! I wore it as a backpack and no one stressed me about it. It would have been very tough to fit under the seat, so it was definitely”
A year of flying to six countries and as many airlines with it, usually scrunched down, and not hassled over carry-on size.
“I've used the 45 for the last year flying to 6 countries and as many airlines and I haven't had any trouble so far. It's normally scrunched down. I find”
Took his 45L to the rainforest and used the rain fly, expecting lots of water.
“I’ve brought my 45L travel to the rainforest for a trip. I expected that bag to see an absurd amount of water, so I brought and used the rain fly.”
Finds the 45L incredibly well built but significantly heavier than an Osprey Farpoint 40L, which somehow holds more.
“Travel Backpack 45L: Incredibly well built but weighs significantly more than the Osprey Farpoint 40L and somehow I can fit more in the Osprey bag.”
Finds the 45L too heavy when not carrying camera gear and is considering a Matador GlobeRider 35 instead.
“yeah the PD 45L is too heavy if I'm not carrying camera gear”
Sold the 45L and has found himself using the travel and wash pouches less and less.
“I sold the travel backpack 45L and have gradually found myself not using the travel or wash pouch as frequently anymore.”
The 45L is big enough to hold a sling inside on the way to the airport, which he pulls out as a personal item when boarding.
“My 45L is big enough I put a sling inside when I traveling to the airport and I just pull sling out as personal item when boarding.”
Appreciates that the 45L maxes out his cabin carry, but finds it too bulky for short weekend trips and a poor everyday bag at the destination.
“I’ve got the 45 litre Travel Backpack and appreciate the size to max-out my cabin carry. However, it’s too bulky for short weekend trips - and a poor EDC at the other end.”
Used it as a carry-on with a camera and tech pouch and found it painful and uncomfortable; it has been in the closet since and he now uses carry-on luggage.
“I used the 45L version last year as a carry on (besides a large luggage) so it was literally just camera (body, 35mm, 70-200mm) and a tech pouch (also PD),”
Loving it on a month in Japan: packs to the brim without looking full, carries 10 kg with no back pain, though it is too much backpack to double as a daypack.
“I’m loving it. I’m constantly amazed by how much shit I can fit inside. This bag is excellent for securely hauling your gear and packing it to the brim without”
Attaches a day pack to it and loves the pack, always having room even for a bulky white noise machine.
“Love the pack though. I can’t sleep without my bulky white noise machine and I always seem to have room for it.”
Uses his 45L for nearly every non-backpacking trip and genuinely loves it, though it mostly gets carted between accommodations and sits there.
“I use my 45l for basically every non-backpacking trip unless I’m going with just a personal item (I usually use a Matador 28l for that) and genuinely love it.”
Owns the 45L and an Aer TP3S: bulky and 2 kg empty but with one of the best zippers, great features and better organization; he would recommend it if weight is no problem.
“If the weight is not a problem for you, I would recommend PD45”
Ordered it against the Aer TP3 and found the Peak Design clearly better: no issues with comfort or weight at 6'1", and the expansion was a relief when needed once.
“once i packed them both out and carried them, there was no question the PD was superior for my needs. I am 6'1'' 185 and have no issues at all with comfort or weight.”
Has owned and used both extensively: the Peak Design has significantly more space but is not very comfortable and always a big box, and switching to the Aer was night and day.
“Lastly, the PD just isn’t very comfortable. I was in denial at first, since it was my first real Onebag, but when I switched to AER it was night and day.”
Three years of using it as the main bag of a 1.5-bag setup for work trips to Southeast Asia; when forced to check it hastily packed, it came through without a blemish.
“the damn thing survived without a blemish”
Hates it when stuffed full because the magnets do not stay shut and the straps are hard to tuck in, though otherwise he loves the bag.
“I actually hate this bag when its stuffed full. The magnets don't stay shut and it's hard to get the straps in fully.”
Packed it to bulging and can still fully tuck the straps and get the magnets to hold with a little practice.
“I've packed the daylights out of mine (expansion zipper bulging out, etc.) and it's still possible to fully tuck the straps and get the magnets to hold”
Loves carrying the 45L in compact mode and uses it as emergency check-in baggage when the family overbuys.
“I love having the 45l with me as a carry on in the compact mode.”
Hates the straps and back support and wishes Peak Design dropped the fold-away straps for comfortable ones like a Wandrd Prvke.
“I hate the straps and back support to this bag.”
Has travelled numerous times with it carrying all his photo gear and is thankful it has never been checked.
“I’ve travelled numerous times with it and I’m thankful it’s never been checked.”
His always-travel bag: after three weeks around Europe, rain-soaked and loaded to 30 lb, it looks new, though it pulls on the shoulders when fully loaded.
“The 45L is my always travel bag. Fully loaded close to 30 lb it really pulls on you due to straps.”
Has travelled to many countries with it and likes it as durable and high quality, 35L when not expanded, but it will not fit under a standard seat.
“I have traveled to many countries with the 45 liter peak design travel bag and I like it, durable and high quality.”
Uses it a ton, treating it as a hauler or suitcase he can fairly comfortably wear; it always goes overhead since it takes the whole under-seat space.
“I have the 45L and use it a ton. For 1 week it's more volume than you likely need. I always put it in the overhead bin csuse it takes”
Does not use it much because it fits poorly under seats and not at all on narrow ones, though it allows crazy awesome organization.
“I’ve got the 45 and don’t use it much because it doesn’t fit well under the seat. You can get it there, but you won’t have much foot room and”
Had the travel bag and sold it: the straps are inadequate for the weight and the plastic frame sheet broke on his first one.
“On my first travel bag the supporting plastic frame sheet did break.”
Sold it after a few trips for a Farpoint 40 because it was not comfortable fully loaded and he disliked the laptop compartment and hip strap.
“I had the pd travel 45 and after a few trips sold it and got an osprey farpoint 40l.”
Fit it under the seat of a Ryanair A320 but it left very little room for his feet.
“I have the PD Travel Backpack 45L. It fit under the seat of a Ryanair Airbus A320, but it left very little space for my feet.”
A very versatile, insanely durable carry-on that safely carries camera gear, holding a week of clothes easily, but the straps are thin and it is not for heavy one-bag carries.
“It's great as a carry-on that is also weatherproof and can *safely* hold camera gear in a cube.”
A great general carry-on bag, but he stopped using it for photo gear because it is too heavy with too little support and uncomfortable straps.
“It’s great for a general carryon-type bag but I actually stopped using it for photo gear, it’s too heavy and has too little support, and the straps aren’t comfortable enough.”
Loves it, very sturdy, never had issues with the straps, though he wishes it were lighter.
“Have it. Love it. It is heavy. Never had any issues with the straps. Very sturdy though I wish it would be lighter.”
60-80 trips in four years with it for multi-week travel: crazy durable and the stowable straps are the best part, though less comfortable when really loaded up.
“I've probably done 60-80 trips in four years and have chosen this bag for every one.”
Finds it heavy with really uncomfortable straps and would not choose it over other bags without camera gear.
“The 45L is heavy and the straps are really uncomfortable. I use it because of traveling with my camera gear and electronics - I wouldn’t choose it over other bags if I didn’t have camera gear.”
A 5'9 woman who loves hers as a travel backpack and finds it comfortable and functional, if on the heavy side.
“I love mine, just use it as a travel backpack and find it really comfortable and functional.”
Has taken it across the globe as a one-bag carry-on; slightly heavy and the straps are not great but they stow, and the packing tools make it a joy to load.
“I love my 45L. I've taken it on trips across the globe as a One Bag Carry or as a supplemental carry on.”
Backed the Kickstarter and got two: great for carry-on-only travel from plane to B&B, but not suitable for one-bagging.
“We really like them for carry-on only travel (carry to plane, then to B&B and back again)”
Sold it: a great bag for day or weekend trips but lacking load lifters with mediocre chest and hip straps for longer travel; looks better than it carries.
“Sold it. It's a great bag, but not for long travel.”
Loves it as a travel carry-on, camera, hiking and day pack and finds it comfortable enough.
“I absolutely love mine I got it as as travel carry on, Camera, Hiking and Day pack. I find it comfortable enough.”
Calls it one of the most uncomfortable bags you will wear, with no internal bracing or adjustable straps for 45L.
“One of the most uncomfortable bags you will wear.”
The straps suck and it was uncomfortable even with nothing in it.
“Straps suck, i had nothing in it but it was already uncomfortable.”
One-bagged a two-week overseas trip with 15 kg in it: fits 5-7 days of clothes in the cubes, carry-on with no trouble, and the waist strap really helps.
“Bought it for a 2 week overseas trip and used it to One-bag my travel there and back. It's too big for day trips to/from your hotel but it fits”
Found it very comfortable packed fully out, though he would have chosen the Matador if its straps were better.
“PD was very comfortable for me when packed fully out.”
Returned it: heavy and the waist strap was so small he could barely buckle it at a 36-inch waist.
“Not only is it heavy af, but the waist strap is very small! I wear 36” waist pants and I could *barely* buckle it when it was all the way extended. So I returned it.”
Big, heavy and clunky, with uncomfortable straps, snap compression that rarely stays shut and 2.5 kg of the 7 kg limit used up by the bag.
“The peak design is big and heavy, it looks like a jet pack when you wear it. The straps aren’t comfortable, especially if you have any weight in there.”
Adores his 45L and finds the strap padding adequate, wishing only for a better way than the snaps to hold the 35L mode.
“I adore my 45L, but I’d buy a 2.0 with the only change being something other than those silly snaps to put it into its smallest 35L mode.”
Owns it and finds it great and excellently made but over-engineered, adding weight and bulk for travel.
“I have the 45L and it’s great. But many points are over engineered and add unnecessary weight/bulk”
Loves it, with weight as the one thing to improve.
“I love the travel backpack but I think the only thing that could really be improve is the weight.”
Has owned two and found the compression snaps easy on one and tricky on the other.
“I’ve had two 45l, one was easy to snap the other one wasn’t.”
Three months and a 2-week Austria and Germany trip in the Coyote: loves it, dry through historic rain with a layout that makes sense, though the thin straps strain when packed heavy.
“I love this bag! I overall just feel very happy having this bag around—it is study, it looks good, it is very functional.”
Agrees the straps could be better but calls it the epitome of one-bag travel for its organization, secret pockets and handles in every configuration.
“is the true epitome of onebag lifestyle.”
Loves it but finds it very heavy when fully packed and agrees the straps are weak.
“Also have this back and love it. Only thing is the weight of this thing when fully packed is so heavy! Agree with the straps though”
Used the black 45L in South America for a month: the straps bite in when loaded to capacity, but the black looks slimmer and went under seats.
“Definitely the straps bite in when loaded out to capacity.”
Loves the design but finds it fits the same cubes as a 28L Aer, so the 17L difference is not obvious and it lacks external storage.
“I love the design of the PD bag but I definitely don’t see the (45L - 28L =) 17L difference, especially given the lack of external storage.”
His wife uses it: packs a lot, sturdy, loves the material and side pockets, but the compression clips are useless and it opens from the back.
“It packs a lot, is sturdy and I love the material.”
Returned it as soon as he opened it for comfort, durability and design reasons, keeping the Aer TP3 instead.
“I didn’t like the PD 45 and returned it soon as I opened it”
A 5'3 woman who loves it for spring Europe at 9-10 kg, with no comfort problem for up to 40 minutes at a time and no airline hassle.
“I LOVE this backpack!”
Bought it for one-bag travel and found it super uncomfortable fully packed for more than ten minutes.
“I got this for one bag travel as well and I found it super uncomfortable to carry fully packed for more than 10 minutes”
Had the original travel pack and found the straps thin and unsupportive versus his Aer; still a solid kit he recommends for good reason.
“Well when I had the TP, I didn't feel that the straps were supportive enough. They felt slightly thin compared to the overall weight of the bag itself. My AER”
Had both and kept the Peak Design: likes the bucket packing and the lifetime warranty, and the straps are fine for car-based travel.
“I like the bucket style packing and my travel generally involves being in a car most of the time, so the straps are sufficient.”
Has taken it on every trip for over a year with no regrets and found it stellar.
“I have the Peak Designs and cannot recommend it enough. No regrets at all, it's amazing. I've taken it on every trip since I got it over a year ago and it's been stellar.”
Loves it and prefers its materials, style and functionality to his Aer Flight Pack 3.
“I have the peak design travel bag, I freaking LOVE IT.”
Took it to Europe, Hawaii and 3-week New York trips: a dedicated travel bag holding two weeks of gear that usually goes under the seat.
“I can fit about 2 weeks worth of clothes + laptop + toiletries + electronics + camera in this bag and 98% of the time it goes under the seat on a airplane. So it fits me.”
Has it and an Aer TP2: the straps are not awesome when loaded and the expansion is hard to use overhead, but it is best unexpanded.
“The PD is a really nice bag and it's great when I need to pack just a little more.”
Comfortable up to about 10 kg for under an hour, the hip belt deploys easily and he loved the expansion compartment for dropping in a daypack.
“I have the PD 45. You definitely want to load up the PD to see how it feels - its less forgiving than other packs I would think as far as comfort goes.”
Loves it and lived out of it for a year, comfortable and roomy, though he wishes he had bought a smaller one; Peak Design replaced it when a liner broke.
“It is comfortable and plenty of room.”
Compared it with a Tortuga Setout and kept the Peak Design: one big cavern for cubes, better looking and more rigid at 5'2.
“I just ordered both the tortuga setout and the peak design to compare(literally last week), and am keeping the peak design.”
Finds the 45L humongous and perfect for a week in 35L mode with souvenir room; felt the weight at first but after two trips the well-adjusted harness feels fine.
“I have the peak design 45l bag and it’s humongous. Should be perfect for your trip. The 35l mode is perfect for a week while you can stuff your souvenirs on your way back by making it 45l.”
Travels with the 45L and a 10L sling and it has fit overhead on everything he has flown, even small CRJs, including United to Narita.
“I travel with the 45l and the 10l sling. The backpack fits overhead on everything I've flown on, even those small CRJ's. I did Denver-Narita (United 787) with this setup no problem.”
Owns the 45L but bought a 25L Outdoor bag because the 45L would not fit in the cabin on international flights and he was constantly asked to check it.
“I have a 45L bag but I bought a 25L outdoor bag because the 45L wouldn’t fit in the cabin in my international flights and I was constantly asked to check the bag instead”
Dimension-wise the 45L is fine for him but it is hit or miss on Jetstar whether they weigh it.
“Its hit or miss for me if I can take my 45 unstuffed thru jetstar without them weighing it.”
Several trips including three weeks in Croatia, mostly as a 35L: solid with lots of features, though a little heavy, it does not stay upright and he is wondering about better options.
“I’ve used the PD 45 for several trips now, including three weeks solo in Croatia & B/H. I mainly use it non-expanded as a 35L.”
Has both it and the Aer TP3 and vastly prefers the Peak Design: its rigid frame carries weight well and he never noticed 11.5 kg on a 14-day Jamaica trip.
“Overall I love my PD 45 and just completed a 14 day trip to Jamaica with it unexpanded and it weighed about 11.5 kg and I never really noticed the weight to be honest.”
Had the Peak Design and found it too heavy, uncomfortable and complicated.
“I had the peak design but it was too heavy and uncomfortable and complicated for me.”
Surprisingly comfy at first with great volume, but over 10-11 kg it becomes very heavy on the shoulders and hard to carry for more than 10-20 minutes.
“I purchased a PD45L back a few months ago and made a few trips with it already ranging from a weekend to 9 days. While I found it surprisingly comfy”
Loves the bag and has never had it questioned as a carry-on, even expanded, in the US and Europe.
“Side note: I love the bag and even expanded I've never had it questioned as a carry-on, with the U.S. and in Europe.”
Uses it as a photography bag and has never been stopped for size when flying less full with the top cinched, mainly on Air Canada.
“I have the 45L that I use as a photography bag, and fully kitted out with the camera cubes, it is definitely not personal item size. However I have travelled”
Uses it as a personal item all the time without overstuffing it, with no trouble for over four years.
“I have 45L. I use it as a personal item all the time. But I never overstuff it or pack it full. So I just shove it in the bin and have been okay for over 4+ years”
Has used the 45L as a personal item with no issues as long as it is on his back.
“I have the 45L and I've used it as a personal item with no issues.”
Over three years of constant travel: held up super well, Peak Design replaced a zippered defect fast, and he would buy another, though it is heavy for 7 kg airlines.
“The bag has held up super well and almost looks new still.”
Full-time traveler who calls it his house after thousands of miles hiking: durable, a little heavy, and he wishes the hip belt adjusted for torso length.
“I'm in love with the PD45L because it's essentially my house. I've also hiked with it for hundreds (thousands?) of miles. It's taken a lot of abuse and still holds”
Has both it and an Aer TP2 Small: no issues on a four-day trip, the compression buttons are a pain, and it looks goofy on someone 5'2 but is very capable.
“It definitely isn't the most uncomfortable bag ever, I had no issues on a 4 day trip to Atlanta with the thing loaded with stuff, but it isnt my Aer bag.”
Carried it expanded as a carry-on in Europe with no issue by stowing the straps and carrying it like a duffel.
“I had no issue with carry on at 45L. They never even questioned the size checking in and then when boarding I stowed the straps and carried it like a duffel.”
Loves the 45L and its more usable features, not finding it uncomfortable, and added strap pads that still tuck away.
“I don’t think it’s uncomfortable by any means, but I bought a pair of strap pads that had extra cushioning for my shoulders just in case and they work great.”
A shoulder strap tore at the top seam on the first use at the airport, leaving him with one strap in Amsterdam and little help from customer care.
“one of the shoulder straps tore at the stitched seam up top, when I picked it up. FML. First time using.”
After owning Aer, Cotopaxi, Matador and Peak Design bags, calls the Peak Design his least favorite and now uses it as a fly-fishing storage bin.
“After having owned Aer, Cotopaxi, Matador and a Peak Design, the Peak Design is unequivocally my least favorite. I threw a bunch of fly fishing gear in it and now use it as a storage bin.”
Owns the 45 and a Mini MLC: the PD has four-way access but is much heavier and less comfortable, and he fits the same load in the MLC.
“but the PD is much heavier, and less comfortable.”
Went back to an Osprey Farpoint 40 for comfort; still misses how the Peak Design 45L is laid out and would buy a lighter version with a better harness.
“I ultimately swapped back to a farpoint 40 just for the comfort. I do miss how the PD45 is laid out though, if they made a non padded lighter version”
Owned the 45L for a few years and is selling it: at 5'10" with a small-medium frame it hurt her back, felt too heavy and the straps gave too little support.
“I've had the 45L for a few years and am selling it because of this. I'm female, 5'10" with a small-medium frame and it's always hurt my back and felt”
At 157 cm she loves the 45L; used it several times for up to two weeks and a Europe trip without needing the full size, though the chest strap sits a little high.
“I’m 157cm and I love the PD45. I’ve used it several times for up two weeks. The only thing is the chest strap sits a little higher than I’d like.”
Tried the 45L and found it one of the worst bags for comfort and too heavy for his 5-7 kg two-to-three-week trips; thinks it is made for a larger person.
“Got to be honest, I really dislike the PD 45L. It is one of the worst bags I've ever tried for comfort”
Owns the 45L and the Patagonia Mini MLC; says the hip belt is a game changer and critical with the heavy camera gear he carries, and his son took it through Southeast Asia and found it excellent.
“Totally agree that the hip belt on the PD is a game changer - I carry camera gear in mine which is very heavy and the hip belt is critical and does its job”
After six months, good for major cities and set transport, and on budget flights he could usually avoid checking a bag; for trekking without a set plan it gave no real support for long carrying.
“My experience after using it for 6 months is that the PD 45L served me well when I was only going to major cities or had set transportation between locations”
First trip with the 45L: feels big and was too large to fit under the seat on the plane, but loved not lugging a roller over cobblestones and stairs and is overall very pleased.
“Just finished my first trip with the peak 45l. It's definitely feels big but for me i love not having to worry about lugging around a bag when arriving in a new location”
Three months in Asia with the 45L and carried it on seven flights so far.
“I’ve been in Asia for 3 months with this pack and have been able to carry on 7 flights and counting so far”
Owned since 2020 for weekend trips and cross-country moves; despite rough treatment it is still in fantastic shape, and he has flown carry-on with it across the US and Europe without an issue.
“I've had my Peak Design 45L Travel Bag since 2020 and even though I don't use it for photography, I honestly can't imagine a better travel bag”
Switched from the 45L to the Patagonia 45L MLC and found the Patagonia far more comfortable with more space and easier organization; loved the PD but felt it was over-built.
“I loved my PD 45l when I had it but It was too overly built”
Loves the bag but wishes it had load lifters and a working sternum strap.
“I have and love this bag, I only wish it had load lifters and a functioning sternum strap.”
Switched to another 45L pack after dislocating a rib; says the harness is non-existent and painful after an hour or two, though the bag's functionality and layout are superb.
“I switched away from the Peak Design 45L to the GloberRider 45L after I dislocated a rib while traveling with it. The harness system on the Peak Design is non”
Gave it away to a cousin: even at 7 kg total it felt much heavier than his other backpacks because of how uncomfortable it is, though he loved the organization.
“For me personally, it is not the weight itself that bothers me, but how uncomfortable it is with the weight. Max carry-on in my region and i never exceed it”
Uses it for 1-3 week trips for many years; likes the minimalist packing layout and large side pockets and finds the articulating straps fit him well, though the shoulder padding critique is fair.
“I like it and have been using it for many years as my dedicated onebag for 1-3week trips.”
Primary large travel pack since 2019: happy with the organization, and Peak Design replaced the whole bag for free after a faulty interior zipper. Dislikes the snap buttons for the 35-45 L expansion and the weight.
“This has been my primary, large travel backpack now since 2019 and I have been pretty happy with it across the board, having used it for both domestic and international travel”
Complains the chest strap dropped off on day two and the straps and back system are uncomfortable, and a redesign would make the bag heavier still.
“replaced the chest strap that just dropped of the bag on day two never to be seen again”
Traveling with it now and lists many design gripes: no pockets in the side panels, little internal compartmentalisation, it loses rigidity when opened, flimsy snap compression, and notable weight.
“Currently traveling with it. It's so close to being great, but misses the mark (Compared with the Peak Design Everyday backpack which is great)”
Sold it: too heavy, uncomfortable and over-built; durable, but unlikely to fit an average-height woman well.
“I had one and sold it… too heavy, uncomfortable, and honestly overbuilt. If you need ultimate durability, this is your bag. But if you’re an average-ish height lady, it’s unlikely that it will fit well on you”
Calls it a solid bag but less comfortable than others; likes the X-Pac for water resistance and still keeps it for occasional use.
“Solid bag for sure. But for me not as comfortable as others. But that will vary per body type”
Liked the quality and organization, but on a bad travel day at just under 10 kg it was so uncomfortable he could not wear it and had to hand-carry it.
“It's a high quality bag. I liked the organization.”
Loved the organization, materials and strap stowage, but as a tall hip-belt user the lack of load lifters meant uncomfortable straps and he sold it after two trips.
“Fantastic organization and capacity, plus materials are top notch. Feels like it can withstand just about anything. Strap stowage system is absolutely unmatched. But man those straps are uncomfy. As”
Finds it overpriced, too heavy when loaded and with very uncomfortable shoulder straps compared with competitors; no longer buys Peak Design.
“Way too heavy when loaded. And very uncomfortable shoulder straps compared to the competition. IMHO PD thinks you should pay them big bucks for their name on your bag. But”
Two years in: very large and heavy when full, shoulder straps need more padding and the two folding buttons are nearly useless, so he bought a 35L Matador to try instead.
“I've had the 45L PD bag for a couple years too.”
Favorite bag since 2020; cons are that it is not very comfortable to wear for very long periods and a bit heavy.
“This is also my favorite bag! Have been using mine since 2020 as well! The only cons are it's not very comfortable to wear for super long periods, and it's a bit heavy.”
Calls the 45L one of the worst of a dozen 45L bags he has tried: uncomfortable harness, unintuitive packing, unnecessary side access, awkward laptop access and poor organization.
“I have tried around a dozen 45L bags and the PD 45L is one of the absolute worst ones.”
Returned it after two trips: too heavy, almost no strap padding, a sternum strap that swings, no back venting, awkward laptop access, and hip straps need a second bag.
“I took 2 trips with this bag and returned it. It has some cool features for sure but none were worth the downsides for me”
Bought in 2020; the zipper coating started to peel, and Peak Design replaced the bag with a brand new one about two weeks after he sent the serial number.
“I've used the Peak Design Warranty on my 45L. I bought mine in 2020 and the zipper coating started to peel”
Likes the expandable 35-45L capacity but notes the bag is a little heavy.
“I like the PD Travel bag because you can expand it from 35-45L which is quite useful. But yes, the bag is a little heavy”
Returned the Peak Design travel pack for being too heavy.
“Returned the PD for being too heavy and ends up with an 88 pound bag, ridiculous!”
Sold it immediately: very heavy, not very comfortable and too expensive for what you get unless you need it for camera gear.
“Bought one and sold it immediately.”
Returned it quickly: too big, too heavy and not comfortable to carry.
“Long story short I bought it and returned it very quickly.”
Finds it a perfect all-purpose bag with a specific place for drives, cameras and laptops, and likes the straps that hide away.
“I think its actually a perfect bag if you are looking one bag that fits all purposes, for myself. its perfect as you can slot in drives, cameras, laptops, and”
Agrees the travel backpack is unnecessarily heavy and not terribly comfortable, though he likes the tech pouch.
“I agree about the travel bag though. Unnecessarily heavy and not terribly comfortable.”
Eight months in Southeast Asia with it and can't wait to get rid of it: well made but terribly uncomfortable with thin straps, odd shape, and easily over airline weight limits so he had to check it multiple times; regrets swapping from a Tortuga Outbreaker.
“While it’s a well constructed bag, it’s terribly uncomfortable. The straps are really thin compared to the heft the bag can carry. The shape also is odd and doesn’t felt”
Has had the 45L since it launched with zero issues, though he found X-Pac on other bags wears quickly.
“I have had PD 45L since its intro, I encounter zero issue.”
Switched from a GORUCK GR2 40L: likes the organization more and the hide-away waist belt, finds it heavy but quite comfortable to walk with, and has never had a problem carrying it on.
“It is a heavy bag but I personally find it quite comfortable for walking around with but there are certainly more burly bags with bigger and thicker straps that you could find.”
Six months in, likes the amount of organization and big enough capacity for his camera gear; main downside is weight, which becomes noticeable on long hikes though the hip belt works well.
“I’ve had mine for around 6 months now, and I really like it. Just the right amount of organization for me, and big enough that I can literally fit everything”
Uses it for week-long work trips: the expandability suits his bulkier wardrobe and it compresses for daily hotel use, though the top strap pinches his hand and he has only used it a handful of times.
“For me, I got one of the PD bags for week long work trips. While there are some professional looking “travel” clothes, most of my wardrobe tends to be a little bulkier, so the expandability is great.”
Owned for over a year: loves the feature set, organization and design, but the sternum strap fell off (replaced within months) and the shoulder straps are too uncomfortable under load.
“Biggest drawback, as mentioned above - the straps are just too uncomfortable. Padding isn’t enough for the weight it carries.”
For week-long trips with a minimal daypack inside he finds it pretty dope with intuitive design and very professional-looking, though not for hiking and closer to 35L in practice.
“for my use case of week-long or less trips, and with a minimal daypack, like a Matador or the Tortuga Packable, inside, it's pretty dope, with useful features and intuitive design throughout, like nothing else I have.”
Had one for about one trip: too heavy and, for the weight, not enough space.
“I had one for about one trip. No more. Too damn heavy and for the weight didn’t have enough space.”
Lives out of it and has never been stopped or had to check it even fully expanded; heavy and not for hiking, but doesn't find the straps as uncomfortable as most do.
“I love it honestly. I live out of this bag, literally. And even fully expanded, I've never had to check it in. It is on the heavy side for sure.”
Took it to the Philippines for a month with camera gear, diving masks and 40 kg of kit: amazing capacity and hidden pockets, but carrying wasn't nice because of the weight and thin shoulder straps, and it didn't fit the overhead on a small plane.
“The hidden pockets are amazing and really nice for passports, spare money or raincovers. Packing away the straps is also really awesome for travelling.”
Found it too heavy and too expensive and it just didn't work for him; prefers the lighter Arcido Akra 35L.
“It’s too heavy and too expensive. I wanted to love it but it just didn’t work.”
Really likes it as a flexible all-rounder for camera gear and work travel, finds the weight overblown and the cubes work well, but thinks it is best suited to a specific type of use.
“I really like the backpack, it is very flexible for a wide range of uses especially if you carry camera gear. It is a great backpack if you don't want a special one for every use.”
Loves it and used it for multi-day trips like Alaska including hiking with it, but wouldn't recommend it to anyone who isn't a photographer needing easy access to gear.
“I have it. I love it. I wouldn't recc it to anyone who isn't a photographer or has other need to carry equipment inside a bag they need to access easily.”
Bought it as a camera bag and took it on a three-week Europe trip, where its weight and structure wore her out; great for protecting camera gear and good if staying in one place.
“I took it to Europe last summer for almost 3 weeks and I wanted to die by the end of the trip because it’s so heavy. When I got home”
Backed it on Kickstarter and used it on week-long trips: straps are under-built for the size and weight, it feels huge when compressed to 30L, and the snap buttons tend to un-snap; the packing cubes and tech pouch are great.
“I honestly wouldn't recommend it mainly because it is so uncomfortable. The straps are way under built for a bag of this size and weight.”
Great bag but quite heavy, and after a couple of years the waist belt is nearly useless and just adds bulk.
“I have the bag, and while it's great it is quite heavy and that waist belt is damn near useless; after a couple years of use it's just added bulk”
Two years of onebagging with the 45L: it served him well despite its lack of internal organization and its weight, which is always full because his clothes are big.
“last two have been with the Peak 45L travel backpack. It's served me well, despite its lack of internal organization and weight.”
Moved from a Red Oxx Air Boss to the Peak travel bag and now prefers it for most trips, keeping the Air Boss for longer-term travel.
“Moved from an Air Boss to a Peak bag. I still use the Airboss for longer term travel where I need to schlep a bunch of stuff but I prefer”
After a year of occasional travel he enjoys the bag and thinks the material is premium, but the shoulder straps are fraying and the seams falling apart; Peak Design agreed to a warranty exchange and he found the process easy.
“I’m enjoying this bag overall and feel the material is mostly premium. Although, it sits half empty everyday. My main complaint and gripe are the straps. They’re flaying off and the seams are falling apart.”
His coyote 45L has the same strap fraying, with everything else good.
“Mines doing the same thing, coyote 45L only the straps everything else is good”
His sage 45L looks basically as new after a year of occasional travel.
“mine, in sage, looks good as new basically after a year of occasional travel use.”
Almost a year in, the same strap fraying appeared and he is about to raise a warranty claim.
“I have mine almost a year now, and this exact same issue appeared. I am on the verge as of when to raise a warranty claim!”
His coyote 45L straps are starting to fuzz out, unlike the black version he used extensively before.
“The straps on my coyote 45L are starting to fuzz out like OP’s. I had the black version before this, used it extensively, and had no issues with the straps.”
Has used the sage 45L for about six years, around five trips a year, and it is still in like-new condition.
“I have that bag and have used it for like 6 years. I don't travel a ton, maybe 5 trips per year. But it is still in like-new condition.”
Has abused the 45L for years without damage near the level seen on the poster's strap fraying.
“I have the same one, it's definitely taken a lot of abuse for the last few years and doesn't seem to have any damage near the level that OP has”
Owns one of the first black 45L bags, used a lot, with no strap fraying.
“I have one of the first travel 45 L in black and it’s used A LOT and there’s nothing like that on the straps.”
Travels fairly often with a sage 45L and has never had strap fraying.
“I travel fairly often with a sage 45L, never had anything like this occur. Might be worth warranty replacement.”
His coyote 45L developed the same strap fraying after just three trips, which he considers a defect and trimmed off.
“My 45l coyote did this and I’ve only taken it on three trips. It’s a defect IMO but it was less severe than on yours so I just trimmed the excess.”
Has had the green 45L since the Kickstarter with no damage.
“I've had my green 45L since the Kickstarter and no damage on it.”
Four years of daily use in black including an international trip and many flights, and it looks almost brand new.
“I’ve had the 45L in black for 4 years and I use it literally every single day. It’s been on an international trip and many, many, many domestic flights. It looks almost brand new.”
His coyote travel bag has the same strap fraying but it doesn't bother him.
“I have exactly the same issue with my coyote travel bag too, maybe yours is slightly more exxagerated. It doesn't bother me.”
His coyote 45L is fraying too; a store employee told him to singe the hairs with a lighter.
“Yah my 45L coyote is doing the same. I talked with an employee at the LA store and they said you’re supposed to use a lighter to singe those little”
Has abused his black one daily for two years and it looks much better than the poster's coyote.
“own black one for 2 years and abuse it heavily on daily basis. Looks much better than yours.”
Loved the thoughtful design but found it only worth it for sensitive equipment because of the padding and bulk; the tech and wash pouches were overkill and he later fit the same kit in a 26L GR2.
“I loved my peak designs bag, but it was only worth it if you have a lot of more sensitive equipment to carry. Everything is very thoughtfully designed, but it also has a ton of padding and/or bulkiness.”
Used it for a year with packing cubes and liked it, but it is a bit heavy; carried it on most trips, only some loose threads, and the straps are comfortable up to a point.
“I have the PK Design Travel Backpack, any questions you have about it? I've used it for one year with packing cubes and I liked it, but it's a bit heavy for my taste.”
Cannot speak more highly of it: fit it under the seat on tiny Moroccan flights even expanded and packed, loves the design thoughtfulness despite the padding, and the cubes and pouches are the best she has used.
“Late to this party, but just wanted to say that I have the Peak Design 45L and cannot speak more highly of it!”
Has taken the 45L across dozens of countries with camera gear, trekking through 13 countries in three weeks with about 35 lb, and calls it an all star that holds up anywhere.
“If you’re out of shape it may not be ideal. If you’re in shape it is a great bag and holds up anywhere in the world. I’ve trekked through 13”
Nomaded with the 45L for years, then moved to the Outdoor Backpack and says it carries closer to the body and is far less straining; he likes some design elements of the Travel Backpack but doesn't miss it.
“I nomaded with the 45L travel backpack for years and upgraded to this shortly after it came out. The outdoor backpack is just a better travel backpack if you actually”
Loves the 45L for city-based one-bag trips: roomy enough for a second pair of shoes, snubs down to a day pack, and the build and design are extremely high quality.
“I have the Peak Design 45L and absolutely love it but cannot speak to the others. Have primarily done "one bag" based in cities with cool to warm weather. I'm”
Likes the 45L but finds it really heavy and prefers the PD 30L.
“I have the PD 45L and although I like it, it is really heavy. I prefer the PD 30L.”
After two weeks in Europe he returned the 45L for the 30L, finding it surprisingly uncomfortable when expanded to 45L.
“did two weeks in Europe with the PD45L.”
Finds the PD backpack the most versatile size for alternating between everyday carry and travel; doesn't love the straps but loves the integrated hip belt.
“PD backpack is most versatile size-wise for alternating between EDC and travel. I don’t love the straps but I love the integrated hip belt. Requires you to compartmentalize and organize your own stuff (which I like).”
Long-term solo traveler whose main bag is the Peak Design that expands from 35L to 45L; finds it great and worth the money, though pricey.
“My main bag is from Peak Design and is 35L. It can be extended to 45L which is great. Peak Design is on the pricey end but worth the money.”
Two years in he calls it an exceptional bag; a little heavy but worth it for the quality and durable materials.
“I’ve used this bag for two years now. It’s an exceptional bag but you’re right, it is a little heavy. But to me, it’s worth it to have quality and durable materials.”
Has traveled Europe with the 45L as a one-bag more than once: loves the layout, durability and zippers and finds the weight justified by the padding for tech, but wishes the straps were more comfortable under heavy loads.
“I have a ton of Peak Design gear, including the 45L and the Everyday Pack, and I have traveled Europe with the 45L more than once as a onebag. I”
Moved from an Aer TP Small to the 45L to one-bag with a CPAP, which fits in a small Peak Design cube; very happy though not the most comfortable, which is a non-issue for airport-to-hotel carrying.
“I actually bought the 45L PD bag (after using an Aer TP small) specifically so that I could one bag with my cpap. I have a resmed 11 and it”
Two years in he likes it but doesn't love it: functional, durable and adaptable, but heavy when loaded, over-engineered, without load lifters and with complex straps.
“I've had the Travel 45 for a couple years now. I like it, but don't love it.”
A month in Mexico with the 45L and Peak Design cubes and pouches; says it was made for a fit tech-loving traveler, sits at 35L by default and compresses to 30L, with every zipper lockable.
“I just did a month in Mexico with the PD45 decked out in all PD gear: small packing cube, tech pouch, small wash pouch in one of the water bottle sleeves (perfect fit.)”
Used it on weeklong work trips including Europe; kind of heavy mostly because of his laptop, but good where a rollerboard would be annoying on cobblestones, though he just ordered an Aeronaut 30 for shorter trips.
“I’ve used the PD 45 for a handful of weeklong and longer work trips (including several stops in Europe). It’s kind of heavy, but I’ve noticed that the thing that”
Has used it since the Kickstarter and calls it an extraordinary design for its time; finds the 45L not too large for Southeast Asia or non-budget carriers with zero issues, while waiting for a better version.
“I’ve used mine since the original Kickstarter. It’s an extraordinary design for what it was intended to be given the time it was released. It also contains all the pros”
Used it for a ten-day honeymoon in Spain: held everything fine and was fairly comfortable, though too big to be a day bag and now too much volume for his setup.
“I did my honeymoon in Spain, 10 days with the PD 45. It's obviously too heavy and large to act as a day bag, but I used the Aer Go”
Sold his because the shoulder straps are inadequate, the sternum strap gets lost and the compression snaps don't stay snapped, though otherwise it is a great bag.
“Shoulder straps are inadequate. Sternum strap gets lost. Compression snaps don’t stay snapped. Other than that, it’s a great bag! But the shoulder strap comfort was the reason I sold mine.”
Travels full-time out of the 45L with a husband who has one too (five or six years, still going strong): loves its versatility, durability, organization and huge water bottle pockets, with no problems from the Zoom zippers.
“Otherwise, I really love it- it’s super versatile (it can be used as a 30L, 35L, and 45L bag; incredibly durable; has tons of organizational elements; and huge water bottle”
Uses the 45L together with an Aer Go Pack 2 and a camera insert and calls it a great combo, hoping a 30L bag could remove the need for a separate daypack.
“I actually currently do something similar with the Peak Design 45L travel backpack and the AER Go 2+a camera insert. It's a great combo!”
Four years in he calls it his best travel investment: an all-you-can-pack bag that carried about 15 kg on a European trip, very comfortable, though not lightweight and a whole month would need another bag.
“I would like to express my happiness with my decision to buy the Peak Design 45L 4 years ago.”
Enjoyed the 45L and loves the Peak Design ecosystem and its genius strap stowing, but prefers other bags and sold it.
“I enjoyed the PD45, prefer others more so I sold it. I love their ecosystem and it’s very well thought out. The strap stowing is genius and well executed.”
Tried the 45L and found it extremely uncomfortable, preferring the Tom Bihn Techonaut 45, though he allows it might be how he is built.
“I tried the peak design and it was extremely uncomfortable, but maybe that’s just how I’m built.”
Found the 45L heavy though a cool design: wanted to love it but couldn't handle the weight.
“The PD is heavy af but cool design (I wanted to love it but couldn’t handle the weight).”
Calls the 45L a personal winner.
“For me, the Peak Design 45L has been a personal winner.”
Bought a used 45L for under 200 euros and calls it his favorite travel backpack of all he tried: huge open main space, great clamshell and side access, smooth zippers and strap stowing, though big at 2.1 kg.
“I found the Peak Design for under €200 on Vinted and went ahead and bought it. Why it's probably my favorite travel backpack I'll explain below, but first my packing list!”
Has had it since the Kickstarter and calls it a fantastic bag that lacks ergonomics for his back; he is on his third one from Peak Design through warranty issues.
“I’ve had the bag since the initial kickstarter. It’s a fantastic bag, but lacks a bit in the ergonomics for my back.”
Kickstarter bag that is yellowing badly, with black flakes coming off the pouch.
“I got mine from the kickstarter too and my backpack is yellowing badly im afraid. And the pouch has black flakes falling off.”
Several years of mostly domestic travel: it holds a ridiculous amount, especially with cubes, but is not comfortable to walk with under heavy load; a perfect airport-to-hotel bag.
“It holds a ridiculous amount of stuff, particularly if you have cubes inside. Under heavy load it is not a comfortable bag to walk with.”
A fan of the 45L, but on a current trip hit an airline weight limit for the first time and realised the pack is heavy compared with others.
“I’m also a fan of this backpack, though I have to say I’m on a trip now and for the first time ran right up against an airline weight limit”
Bought it after comparing many bags and kept it despite annoyances: pointless back duffle handle, weak compression buttons that keep undoing, heavy, mediocre zippers and straps, though the magnets and layout are good.
“I compared so many bags and at the end of the day the PD annoyances didn’t add up to be a dealbreaker, so I bought the backpack.”
Bought and tested it next to a Topo Designs 40L and kept the Topo as it fit his use better; the Peak Design is more geared to travel photographers.
“I bought and tested the PD along with the Topo Designs 40L and wound up keeping the Topo as it fit my use case better.”
Has travelled all over the world with it and thinks it is great: well made with nice materials, holds a ton, intuitive organization and the best-looking travel bag, though the straps and sternum strap could be better and it could be lighter.
“Straps could be better and it could be lighter(but that’s not really a peak issue so much as it’s an issue with the over-designed expensive travel bag genre), sternum strap”
Upgraded from a Farpoint and adores the 45L: clever design touches and not heavy or bulky to him, a true 45L when expanded; wishes for load lifters and finds the compression snaps come undone.
“I have the PD travel pack (upgraded from a very old Osprey Farpoint) and I adore it.”
Loves it for his needs but finds it bulky and heavy; the expansion only adds a few inches of depth and leaves no room for the Wash Pouch beside a camera cube, tech pouch and two cubes.
“I love the Peak Design backpack for my needs, but it is bulky and heavy.”
Owns the travel pack and likes it, not finding it heavy at all, though he is considering a GORUCK GR2 for its front pocket organization.
“Also I have the peak designs travel pack and I do like it. I don’t find it heavy at all really.”
An early supporter who finds it heavy and unbalanced for its capacity, so he uses it only to haul stuff between airport and lodging in place of rolling luggage.
“I use it solely as a replacement for rolling luggage, i.e. it’s for hauling stuff to/from the airport and my lodging.”
Owns one but finds it hard to get at stuff with a very deep front pocket, so he reaches for his GORUCK GR0 or Everyday Zip day to day.
“I would say it isn't a great everyday bag. Too hard to get to your stuff and the front pocket is soooo deep. I have one and use either my Goruck GR0 or my EveryDay Zip.”
A superfan at 6'2": it fits just right, feels well protected and will last forever, but for lighter loads he reaches for a Topo Core Pack instead.
“It's more like a suitcase you wear on your back than it is a backpack. It feels like it will last forever and will handle anything I throw at it.”
Loves it without camera gear; it holds plenty, so if you pack light it will be too big.
“I love it, don't travel with camera gear. It holds PLENTY of stuff though so if you pack at all light it will be too big.”
Used it for business travel and liked the form and function but felt it did not deliver enough value for the price, and the exterior material got marked up quickly.
“I used this bag for business travel for a while, and although I did like the form and function....I don't think it delivered enough value for the price.”
Has used it as an everyday bag for about 14 months and thoroughly enjoys it; the hip belt is almost useless and the compression snaps never stay shut, but the access points and organization are excellent.
“I use my PD TP for EDC/Onebag. I’ve had it for about 14 months now and thoroughly enjoy it.”
Calls it the most comfortable backpack he has had on long weekends with a family's gear and camera; tighten the hip straps and loosen the shoulders, and it is big and heavy but worth it.
“it's for sure the most comfortable backpack I've ever had and in these long weekends I carried my clothes, baby's clothes, my wife's clothes, toiletries for 2 (baby has a”
Bought it, used it a bit and sold it: heavy, waist belt poor for load transfer, snaps to compress hard to engage and unsnap too easily; replaced with a Tom Bihn Synik 30.
“heavy, waist belt not so good for load transfer) and the snaps to compress to a smaller size are hard to engage and unsnap too easily.”
Found the pack heavy with a useless waist belt and moved to a Kelty Redwing 44 that is more comfortable.
“The pack is heavy and the waist belt is pretty useless IMO.”
Upgraded from an Osprey Farpoint 40 and loves the modular system, expansion for souvenirs, lash straps, duffle conversion and side access; the weight and straps are the known cons but do not bother him on vacation trips.
“I own this bag, am not carrying a ton of camera gear, and I personally love it.”
Happy overall and uses the side access panels constantly; overpacking weighs on the shoulders and he never uses the waist belt.
“Overall, I'm happy with the pack but have never used anything outside of this and my Osprey hiking pack.”
A few years in and he cannot find a bag he would rather buy: durable after being slammed and dragged, expansion and compression helped on Spirit, and tucking the straps is handy at the airport.
“I have had this bag for a few years now and I love it.”