Peak Design Everyday Backpack Review (2023 Update)

Peak Design first introduced the Everyday Backpack to the world as part of a very successful Kickstarter Campaign. That was back in 2015.

Since it has remained relatively unchanged for a few years now and is still a worldwide success, it was only a matter of time before Peak Design ventured out and gave it a fresh update.

The 20L Everyday Backpack is the favourite in my rather expansive collection of camera backpacks so when Peak Design first announced their new Everyday Line V2, I just had to know how much of an update it would really be.

Highly Recommended

Peak Design Everyday Backpack V2

Feature-packed, award-winning camera backpack that keeps you organised and your gear secure.

Check Current Price

After a few months of wondering what kind of improvements Peak Design had made to the new version, I decided to purchase one to find out if it really is the best small camera backpack of the year.

If I already loved the Everyday Backpack, then surely I’d love the V2 even more… wouldn’t I?!

Peak Design Everyday Backpack V2 Specs (20L)

Build & Appearance

The Everyday Backpack V2 is a great looking bag for any occasion.

The Peak Design Everyday Backpack V2 is an iconic award-winning backpack that’s stylish enough to roam around the city, versatile enough to be taken with you anywhere, and functional enough to carry your things regardless of the occasion.

The outer canvas shell is made from 100% recycled 400D double poly-coated DWR-impregnated nylon, and if you’re after the Charcoal, Ash, or Midnight colour range you’ll find that they’re Bluesign approved as well.

The Everyday Backpack V2 will protect your equipment rain, hail, and shine due to the weatherproofing characteristics of the materials used and the sheer toughness of how they’ve been constructed.

I’ve found that the 20L Everyday Backpack V2 is best suited to my body size and everyday carry requirements.

The Everyday Backpack V2 is designed not to just be a camera bag, but to also be a fantastic bag for everyday carry and a highly functional travel companion.

It features an ultra stylistic and modern design that makes for an unforgettable look, along with a uniquely designed large top lid featuring cleverly constructed MagLatch hardware and weather-sealed UltraZips that shape the smooth rounded profile.

Whether you’re ready to pack your laptop for work, camera gear for an adventure, or just simply your board shorts for a day at the beach, the Everyday Backpack V2 is suited to the occasion and ready to be readjusted to accommodate your needs.

Its rigid structure never falters, and with the wide opening side access points and large top lid, you’ll be able to pack or access your gear and move on with efficiency.

Exterior Features

The shoulder straps on the Everyday Backpack V2 have been improved and they stay nice and still when needed by using the built-in additional magnets on the back of the backpack.

The Everyday Backpack V2 is a signature piece of Peak Design’s engineering and so it features all the bells and whistles that the team over in California have developed – from well-thought-out magnetic strap holds to multiple pockets and convenient entry points, all the way through to thick, over-engineered padded handles.

You’ll find Peak Design’s new and improved shoulder straps on the Everyday Backpack V2, which are more ergonomic and feature nicer padding than the previous iteration.

You’ll also find that they still pivot on axial attachment points, which helps them to comfortably conform to your body shape and size.

The Everyday Backpack V1 was already quite a comfortable bag to carry around, but I find these newer shoulder straps provide a more comfortable carry and I definitely prefer it over the previous iteration.

Your Capture Clip (sold separately) will still find a secure home on the newly designed shoulder straps, and Peak Design continue to include a removable sternum strap with the Everyday Backpack V2.

Disappointingly though, you may also notice that the hidden waist strap is no longer included tucked away inside the side pockets, and that Peak Design have planned to sell it as a separate product.

Although it will also be compatible on the Everyday Backpack Zip, I still find this a bit of a let down as I found myself using the waist strap far more often than the sternum strap throughout my time with the Everyday Backpack V1!

The Everyday Backpack V2 features a newly designed and improved top lid and MagLatch which no longer pops open when the bag is fully loaded right to the top.

Cleverly hidden within the quick-dry mesh back padding of the Everyday Backpack V2 are some magnets to hold the shoulder straps in place when packing up or stowing the bag.

(Magnets also feature heavily in the new Peak Design Mobile range of mounts and accessories – check out the review here.)

These also hold the luggage pass-through tight against the body of the bag. It’s no longer held down by velcro, and although it wasn’t necessarily a troublesome task to do so before, it’s now even easier to place your Everyday Backpack V2 atop of your wheeled luggage.

Continuing on the theme of magnets, you’ll find that the signature MagLatch feature of the Everyday Backpack V2 has also been improved by Peak Design.

I now find that when using the 20L Everyday Backpack V2 at its maximum capacity, the latch is easier to lock firmly in place and it no longer pops open by itself, which is something I’ve encountered on many previous occasions with the V1.

The Everyday Backpack V2 keeps the multiple super comfortable and conveniently thick side grab handles.

Found on the top of the Everyday Backpack V2 is the usual large full-width grab handle adorned with a beautiful leather accent (or Hypalon if you chose Black).

Placed on either side of the bag are two more black handles which assist in grabbing or storing the bag, as well as providing you with the option of a briefcase-style carry.

Found on either side of the bag are large expandable side pockets that tuck away nice and snug when they’re not in use. These are great for the usual bottle or umbrella carry, but can also be utilised for tripod carry as well.

If you need to attach the tripod to the bottom of the bag instead, you can also do that by making use of the included Cord Hook straps and the multiple hook points.

You’ll find eight hook points on the Everyday Backpack V2 allowing you to easily carry extra-large or bulkier goods by using a combination of the four included Cord Hook Straps.

Placed conveniently across eight locations on the outside of the Everyday Backpack V2 are hook points that are ready to have any of the four included Cord Hook straps attached to them. You’ll find four on the bottom, two on the front, and two on the top on either side of the grab handle.

This easily allows you to expand your bulk carrying capacity securely onto the outside of the bag.

Peak Design has supplied two different length straps with the Everyday Backpack V2 to help better utilise different size requirements of various load types.

Interior Features

Customise your carry in the Everyday Backpack V2 by rearranging the included FlexFold dividers and utilising the smaller interior side pockets.

The Everyday Backpack V2 comes equipped with three of Peak Design’s FlexFold dividers which allow for a convenient and customised interior storage solution.

Set them up to section the interior of the backpack and flip up the dividers to store smaller items or allow for longer items in different arrangements.

The FlexFold dividers are unique to Peak Design and are the most intuitive and creative camera bag dividers I’ve ever come across.

Contained within the side entry points of the Everyday Backpack V2 are smaller pockets designed to hold loose items and cables.

On the previous iteration, you were provided with numerous pockets of varying sizes, however in the newer V2 you’re given two larger pouches with a magnetic close, and two smaller zip pockets with two tiny pouches inside.

The option of having various amounts of smaller pockets was fantastic for compartmentalising and dividing up the small loose items and cables I carried around. However, the simplified variation in the Everyday Backpack V2 is both a great consideration and something that I feel is missing that something extra.

It’s great that I don’t have to go through two levels of zippers to access some items, but losing the option of having the various sizes is something that I had to get used to.

Peak Design has still left the rather discrete top inside the pocket, but has made it a tad more accessible, larger, and easier to make use of it. It’s perfect for sunglasses or delicate items that you want to keep separate from the main compartment.

You’ll find the access point to the soft top pouch along with the laptop, document, and tablet pouch on the top of the Everyday Backpack V2.

They’ve also improved on the top pouch contained within the laptop access point by providing two smaller pouches for smaller loose items such as coins, keys, or earbuds.

If laptop carry is a feature that you rely on, you’ll find Peak Design’s newly designed adjustable laptop pouch built into the Everyday Backpack V2 along with a tidy separator for documents or a tablet.

This conveniently allows those who have smaller laptops to adjust the size of the pocket to suit their needs, as you’ll no longer have to put up with a laptop that falls to the bottom of the backpack.

Meanwhile, those who have a larger 15″ Macbook or 15.6″ slim gaming laptop (ie: me!) will still be able to enjoy the full size of the compartment by simply detaching the velcro adjustment sleeve.

Storage Capacity (Everyday Backpack 20L)

I’ve managed to fit all these goodies into the 20L Everyday Backpack V2 and still have space to stuff a light jumper into the top of the bag.

The built-in MagLatch system on the Everyday Backpack V2 allows you to tightly close the bag at different points depending on how fully you’ve loaded it up.

The magnet built into the MagLatch system holds much more strongly than on the previous iteration, and I’ve found that I can better utilise the maximum capacity of the bag as a result.

This makes a difference when considering how regularly I use the bag and with whatever it is I am transporting.

The V2 has been designed with everyday use in mind, but with the ability to specialise and customise the bag to carry whatever it is you’re in need of carrying.

If you’re preparing for a day at the beach you can section off the inner compartment to store all that you need for the day, as well as strapping your bulky towel to the outside of the bag.

If it’s a day of hiking for a bit of landscape photography, you can rip out and rearrange the FlexFold dividers to properly load up all of the camera gear that you need, including a nice long lens and a stubby wide angle or two.

If a tripod is required you can choose to either utilise one of the side pockets or you can secure it to the bottom of your bag using a pair of the included Cord Hook straps.

Or if you’re like me and you’re just heading into the office, you can throw your laptop into the designated compartment and utilise only two of the three included FlexFold dividers – aka, dump your battery pack in the bottom, lunch in the top, and your fancy little Sony a7 III and Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 into the middle of the bag.

You’ll be able to fit a full-size DSLR camera into the 20L Everyday Backpack V2 along with the rest pictured here.

The Everyday Backpack V2 really is designed for everyday use in mind, since you can so easily rearrange it and make absolute maximum use of it in so many different situations.

If you’re equipped with a DSLR such as the Canon 5D Mark III, you’ll fit the body, a Canon 24-70mm f/2.8, a flash, as well as chargers, a laptop and tablet and much more inside.

Depending on what size your lenses are you should be able to fit another one or two in the bag as well!

If you have a Drone and wish to embark on an adventure, you’ll easily fit any of the DJI Mavic series or Autel Evo drones into the bag with plenty of space for batteries, a controller, tablet, and plenty more.

You can maximise your storage options by flipping up the walls of the FlexFold dividers to keep your batteries and other items steady in the bag, as well as the included interior pockets to protect your spare propellers.

The 20L Everyday Backpack V2 is a great carry solution for a DJI Mavic Pro with space to fit a Sony a7 III as well.

Storage Capacity (Everyday Backpack 30L)

The Peak Design Everyday Backpack 30L can fit a lot of gear inside it – 30L worth in fact! | Credit: Daniel Stark

The above image is from a Peak Design Everyday Backpack Review for Shotkit from 2018 of the 30L variant of the first generation model (V1).

Despite the small changes between the V1 and V2 Everyday Backpacks, the internal capacity remained the same, so the image gives you a good idea of how much the 30L model can hold.

For most people’s everyday needs, 20L is more than enough. For travel, 30L will let you carry enough gear for a short trip while also fitting in most airline carry-on baggage limits.

Here’s how the 30L Everyday Backpack looks when you swing it around your body to get into the side access panel:

Here’s how the 30L V1 model looks on the back:

Credit: Daniel Stark

Ease of Use/Comfort

Slinging the Everyday Backpack V2 over the shoulder and accessing it through the side is very handy.

One of the most common critiques I read about the Everyday Backpack when I was first researching my initial purchase was the weight.

It isn’t the lightest bag and I suppose that comes with the territory of it containing a vast amount of features and premium materials.

The Everyday Backpack V2 hasn’t added or shaved off any combined weight – but in saying that, it isn’t the heaviest bag that I’ve encountered. Nor have I found the weight to be of any sort of discomfort during my everyday use.

Coming in at 2.01kg (4.43lbs) with all 3 FlexFold dividers fitted, the heft can affect carry-on luggage limits. But I have to say, it doesn’t actually feel that heavy when it’s adjusted to your body height.

Whether it’s the way it sits on your back, the way the shoulder straps are designed, or the way the weight is distributed, I’m not sure – but this bag simply feels lighter than others have during prolonged use.

The zippers providing access to the side entry points of the bag never snag and consistently slide open smoothly without resistance, allowing you to access your gear on the go without frustration.

When you can’t decide which side you wish to use to access the Everyday Backpack V2, why not use both like this guy?

The FlexFold dividers are easily removable and adjustable and Peak Design have now stitched a vertical guide inside the bag so you can align them properly and with ease.

Depending on how the weight is distributed inside the Everyday Backpack V2, it’ll always sit upright when placed on the ground – albeit while doing a rather odd front tilt.

Having three large access points makes for a great feature to pack and access your gear in whatever way you need to at the time.

Opening up both sides helps rearrange and pack things easily, and the top lid opens nice and wide for easy reach.

Value for Money + Discount Code

The Everyday Backpack V2 is a great-looking bag that fits into any situation.

The Peak Design Everyday Backpack V2 is undeniably a fantastic-looking premium bag made of premium materials that demands a premium price tag.

It isn’t a product that you’d be expected to purchase on a whim, so I can understand the hesitation many may have when it comes to deciding on whether to purchase it or not.

If you already own an Everyday Backpack V1, I can also understand your hesitation in deciding whether to update your collection to include the Everyday Backpack V2.

There are numerous people online who say that the update may not be worth it, and I don’t blame them at all for thinking such.

When it comes to opinions I believe in “to each their own”. It’s quite a subjective thing as to whether you deem the updates worthwhile or not, and it really comes down to where your priorities sit and whether you think they’re important to your needs.

I personally feel justified in purchasing the V2 after having used the Everyday Backpack V1 for quite some time on my everyday commute and on most of my holidays.

The improvements Peak Design have made to the comfort and usability of the bag have been quite worthwhile in my opinion.

The removal of the waist strap and the small interior pockets made for a bit of getting used to, but the added comfort and the improved MagLatch help to balance that out.

Between the three 20L Peak Design Everyday Backpack range, there is no wrong choice. However, one may just suit your needs better than another.

If you don’t already own the Everyday Backpack V1, then I say (without hesitation) that the Everyday Backpack V2 is worthy of a purchase, especially with its lifetime warranty that is included in the package.

It’s my favourite bag and it suits basically any situation I find myself in. I love mine and I’ll always happily promote it to anybody who may look my way or make the mistake of asking me about it.

I wear it proudly on my back: it looks great, it’s built well, and it feels so good to use.

If Peak Design definitely is your thing but the price tag attached to the Everyday Backpack V2 is not so much, then I must suggest that you also consider the Peak Design Everyday Backpack Zip. It’s a functionally simpler variation of the Everyday Backpack V2 but at a lower price point.

The Zip is just as durable and comfortable, and although it’s not as premium in its included features, it’s still a fantastic bag (check out my Peak Design Everyday Zip review for an in-depth look at it).

Every bag in the Peak Design Everyday Backpack range is a well-designed “one bag fits most” creation.

Instead of having a dedicated camera bag and a separate everyday bag sitting around you can quite simply make use of the one in both situations, without having to sacrifice anything else.

Everyday Backpack V1 vs Everyday Backpack V2

The Everyday Backpack V2 definitely has had work done to it. Not only has it had a facelift, but there are also a range of functionality changes and a few new bits added to it.

Here’s a list of changes between the original Everyday Backpack and the Everyday Backpack V2:

• Aesthetic improvements via cleaner seams and more rounded profile
• More internal pockets in top and sides of bag for increased organisation
• Increased laptop, tablet, and document capacity – 20L now fits up to 15” laptops
• Adjustable height laptop sleeve
• New UltraZip external zippers, vastly more durable than conventional zips
• New external carry straps with improved Cord Hook connectors and more tie-down points
• New outer fabric is 100% recycled and Bluesign certified (all colours except Black)
• Updated MagLatch hardware – more ergonomic and sleek
• Widened top and side access points
• More volume in external side pockets for water bottles, tripods, etc.
• Revamped shoulder straps for increased comfort + magnetic strap holds

Source: Peak Design

Peak Design Everyday Backpack Review | Conclusion

I’m very happy with the Everyday Backpack V2, and my wife doesn’t seem to mind it either.

If you’ve read my other articles about Peak Design products, you’ll very well know that I have grown quite fond of the brand and the products that they release.

They constantly live up to the hype and definitely live up to my expectations of what I see as a great product.

I’ve just concluded my first overseas trip with the Peak Design Everyday Backpack V2 and I have to say, it definitely served me extremely well throughout the whole adventure.

So to answer my own question from the beginning of the article – yes, I do love the Everyday Backpack V2 more than the previous iteration and so it will be sticking around in my collection for quite some time.

Maybe up until the release of V3, if ever there is one!

Highly Recommended

Peak Design Everyday Backpack V2

Feature-packed, award-winning camera backpack that keeps you organised and your gear secure.

Check Current Price

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