I have been looking for a replacement backpack for my Lowepro sports backpack. It’s very old and I have been trying to find a suitable replacement. I have been wanting to try the Peak Design backpack Zip 20L, as I have heard good things. So I spent a few days on trips with one, thanks to Peak Design. While it is almost impossible to find the PERFECT backpack, this one from Peak Design had some good and some bad points.

Getting your gear from Point A to Point B and then back again can be a chore, carrying multiple cameras and lenses, plus a water bottle, tripod, filters and various other pieces of kit. You need something sturdy and convenient, but also lightweight enough to carry.

Note: Peak Design sent the Everyday Backpack Zip 20L Backpack to review and keep. However, this is a completely independent review. All thoughts about this product are our own. Although I did purchase the Tech Pouch myself.

Pros

  • Well-designed padded shoulder straps and great handles for carrying too
  • Connection points for ancillary gear
  • Lightweight and versatile
  • Easy to get into — sort of; The top access is a bit of a pain, but side access (on either side) is a breeze
  • Shoulder straps pack out of the way when not in use
  • Multiple holding points and handles, apart from the shoulder straps
  • Easily attaches to a trolley bag

Cons

  • Not a lot of storage for all your bits and pieces, you really need the Tech Pouch, which I purchased separately myself.
  • Water bottle and tripod pouch are not easily accessible when the pack is on
  • A bit pricey when you have add in the Tech Pouch (see below)
  • The chest strap is NOT design for larger women (most backpacks seemed to be designed for men)
  • No waist strap

Peak Design Everyday Backpack Zip 20L — Technical specifications

  • Weight: 3.42 lbs (1.55kg)
  • Total Volume: 20 L
  • Main Colors: Black, Grey, Blue, Bone
  • Accents in leather (Ash, Midnight, Bone) or Hypalon (Black)
  • Internal Dimensions: 26 x 40 x 21 x 17/12cm (base)
  • External Dimensions: 29 x 47 x 29 x 21/16cm (base)
  • Exterior Material: 400D Poly0-coated DWR-impregnated nylon canvas shell
  • 100% recycled post-consumer material
  • 900D waterproof bottom liner
  • High-visibility gray nylon interior
  • Hardware is anodized aluminum and glass-reinforced nylon
  • Super-durable UltraZips
  • Fits a tablet/laptop up to 15”
Peak Design Tech Pouch
Peak Design Tech Pouch

Peak Design Tech Pouch — Technical specifications

  • Weight: 288g (10.2 oz)
  • Total Volume: 2 L
  • Main Colors: Black, Sage, Bone, Midnight and Charcoal
  • External Dimensions: 15 x 24 x 10cm (6 x 9.5 x 4″)
  • 100% recycled Weatherproof 400D nylon canvas shell
  • The exterior shell fabric is Bluesign-approved
  • Black fabric is solution-dyed for a significant reduction in water use
  • Super-durable #8 UltraZip with abrasion-resistant UHMPE thread
  • High-visibility gray nylon/polyester interior
  • Thin high-density foam within the outer shell for structure/protection
  • Hypalon stress points and logo badge (Black). Sage, Midnight, Charcoal, & Bone have leather logo badge, Gold-Rated by Leather Working Group

Peak Design Everyday Backpack Zip 20L — Ease of wearing

One of my dislikes with wearing backpacks is putting them on and taking them off. I have bad shoulders and found that this backpack actually wasn’t too bad to get on and off. Shoulder pads were fairly comfortable and easy to adjust, making them more comfortable to wear. However, the sternum or chest strap needs to be lowered so it doesn’t pinch the underarm. However, even at its lowest point, it was still quite uncomfortable across the chest. Clearly designed for a man. A waist strap may have helped. I actually found it easier to carry with the handles than wearing it. Weird, right?

It comes with two adjustable, movable dividers with velcro attachments. I did find the top opening of the bag a bit of a pain with the velcro dividers, but the side openings are so much easier. It will also open on either side of the bag thanks to the handy zips.

Tech Pouch

Peak Design — Tech Pouch

This is a pretty clever add-on design for all your bits and pieces. The bag itself has unlimited storage for SD cards, batteries, filters, cables, keys and everything else we seem to acquire. So this tech pouch (which I purchased myself) is a terrific feature. You can (and I have) add straps and just carry the pouch on outings.

This little bag comes in at 2L capacity and has no less than 21 interior pockets. Peak Design uses an origami-inspired divider system that allows the bag to expand and contract depending on how much stuff you cram inside. Some of the pocket dividers also have zippers so you can keep really small items inside without fear of losing them if the bag tips over. A great buy!

Peak Design Everyday Backpack Zip 20L — Design thoughts

However, where the design comes up just a little short for me is some of the built-in features. For example, I like the idea of having a spot for carrying a water bottle and a tripod. Unfortunately, I couldn’t grab the bottle without removing the pack, while handy I found with my camera gear, tripod and full water bottle the backpack was actually too heavy for me to carry (I am not particularly strong due to health issues). Not a huge problem. I can carry the tripod in my hand (The Peak Design Travel Tripod has a handy carry handle). I’ll keep my water bottle in the bag and just have to remove it when required.

There’s not enough storage, so the Tech Pouch really is a must. I honestly think they should sell it as a combo. Well, the dividers make access to your bag a bit of a pain, if you are opening the bag from the top. I found quick access with the bottom/side zips much easier to grab the camera and/or lens. Meanwhile, you can put the tech pouch is in the middle and another camera and additional lenses are at the top. You can open the whole top flap to access all areas (a bit of a pain) or use the side zips. This, of course, requires putting the bag down. I actually found putting jumpers, keys, purses, etc. in the top compartment easy to access with just the top zip too. So many options!

So what’s in my bag?

On a general day trip, I take gear as follows

  • Sony A7RV & Sony A7RIII
  • Tamron 28-75mm & 70-300mm lenses
  • Sony 16-35mm wide-angle lens
  • Filters, CPL, ND6 and 10
  • Extension rings
  • My Tech Pouch — spare SD Card, Batteries, cleaning clothes, car keys, purse, sunglass
  • Water bottle and Peak Design Travel Tripod

Peak Design Everyday Backpack Zip 20L — Who this backpack is for?

This is a well-made lightweight, but strong, backpack for the adventure photographer or backpacker, who is perhaps looking for something a little on the smaller side. Or perhaps for everyday use or urban day trips. It is lightweight with lots of room if you want to take lots of gear and clothing for camping without photo gear. The internal dividers are easily moved or removed as required. There are lots of handles for easy carry, or a suitcase roller bag, making it versatile.