Peak Design Everyday Backpack v2 20L is the best lifestyle photo backpack I know - a review

Peak Design Everyday Backpack v2 20L is more than just a refreshed version of a successful backpack for photographers. At a similar price we get a much better, almost completely new product.

I have been using Peak Design products for three years. Until now, my main backpack was the Peak Design Everyday Backpack 30L. Now I switched to a smaller, 20-liter version, but in the second edition. I use it since the end of January. I immediately took him with me on a weekend trip to ... Italy, when there was no coronavirus yet. From that moment, I also checked it in everyday life: both professional, when I pushed it with photographic equipment, and as a help during shopping. How did Peak Design Everyday Backpack v2 20L work out and is it worth spending about PLN 1200 on it?

Workmanship a class higher

The second generation of valued Peak Design products is more than just refreshment, although at first glance it may look like this. And although the very idea of ​​the backpack has not changed, its design and workmanship are new. I will say more: it is a backpack that has been designed and made almost again, not just a slight refreshment.

Peak Design Everyday Backpack v2 looks like the first version of the products, but the differences are clearly visible. The line is slightly different, rounded corners give it more dynamics, and the whole design is more minimalist and cleaner. There are less visible stitches. These are a plus, and the old version looks like an archaic project from years ago.

What's more, to the three color versions (gray, graphite and black), new colors have been added: dark blue. And it was this new version that came to me. Initially, I thought it wasn't for me, but over time it turned out that the navy blue backpack goes amazingly well with many clothes. Unfortunately, like any dark backpack, it gets dirty quickly, but it can also be cleaned quickly.

Peak Design Everyday Backpack v2 has dimensions of 45-55 cm x 16 cm x 28.5 cm, weight approx. 2 kg and was made of high quality materials, clearly better than the predecessor. The outer material is impregnated, covered with a double layer of polyurethane, resistant to weather conditions, 100%. 400D recycled nylon. On the bottom, reinforced, waterproof 900D nylon is used. The difference in plus in relation to the predecessor is visible to the naked eye. The gray interior is made of soft, bright and very durable fabric, which makes a better impression than its predecessor. On the back there is a ventilated, quick-drying, mesh lining that increases comfort while wearing.

The design is similar, but much stiffer and safer.

The overall design of the backpack is the same as before. The idea of ​​this backpack assumes full access to the main compartment - from above through the flap that opens on the hook and on the sides of the flaps with zippers. Inside you will find three compartments hooked on the internal walls with Velcro, which give you the freedom to modify the main compartment. This solution has its huge advantages - such as the high versatility of the internal chamber or the ability to reach for equipment from many sides. In practice, the whole structure is quite rigid.

Peak Design Everyday Backpack v2 20L is much stiffer than its predecessor, which is a great advantage. Unfortunately, this effect was achieved with a slightly different construction of the side walls. The side zipper does not reach all the way to the back of the structure - it stops about 10 cm earlier. As a result, the entire structure is much stiffer, more reliable and safer. The walls open with some resistance. It is not possible for the wall to open by itself after opening the lock.

This is a significant change because the old backpack model is shot threatening to spill all contents when opened. Some even joked that Peak Design makes backpacks that vomit content, referring to such dangerous situations. We all want to care for our jars or cans, so that's a good change.

Good, although a bit annoying at first. The walls must be slightly shaped so that they can be opened freely. After three months, I think this solution is much better.

The difference can also be seen in the upper pocket design. The lock has been moved back. Aesthetic, leather-covered handle is located between it and the main chamber flap. The zipper has a protective compartment for a laptop up to 15 "with the possibility of adjusting the size to smaller equipment and with pockets for tablet and documents.

The UltraZip zippers used are watertight and have been used for decades due to the extremely resistant thermoplastic thread. I haven't had the tests for decades, but their work culture after three months is great. The locks run smoothly, are solid but do not offer such resistance as in the old version. There is a lot of progress.

It is also worth noting that the side pockets are larger, more flexible. Calmly accommodate a bottle of water or a tripod, etc.

The improved fastening system ensures greater safety

The MagLatch magnetic fastening system is one of the weakest links of old Peak Design products. I have complained many times about this system myself. In the Peak Design Everyday Messenger 13L bag, it happened several times that the bag opened because of a too weak closing.

In second-generation products, such situations are not to occur because the manufacturer has used a modernized system. The new attachment points will be slimmer and more ergonomic. They are meant to be. The hook works much more effectively and during tests I did not notice that it detached itself.

The buckles are made of aluminum. In the blue version, MagLatch fasteners are black, which perfectly matches the whole. Unfortunately, the paint is easily scratched when we put the backpack on the ground.

Inside: good old FlexFold

Let's look inside the backpack. Everyday Backpack does not use the system of individual padded compartments separating individual zones. Peak Design is famous for the FlexFold divider system that distinguishes their products from other backpacks. This is a system of Velcro shelves that occupy the entire width of the backpack. Each compartment has wings, so that in practice we can divide each chamber into three smaller ones. This solution enables many different combinations of equipment packaging. Larger equipment can be inserted vertically or horizontally, and smaller equipment can be separated in small chambers. The compartments can also be removed from the backpack, providing full space, e.g. for shopping or clothes.

Of course, this design also has its drawbacks. The chambers are not perfectly separated, so smaller elements, like lids, may fall out of them. The backpack does not give full access to all compartments and compartments with the equipment at the same time, as in many popular photographic backpacks, which have removable backs.

This solution suits me, because thanks to it the backpack is very universal. The only remark I have for this test copy are the cracking edges of the compartments. The protruding threads can be cut, but this should not take place in a backpack for over 1000 PLN.

Inside you will also find a lot of different pockets for various trinkets. My favorite is a tiny, magnetic pocket, located in the middle of the main compartment, from the front. Perfect for a small wallet or keys - it is almost imperceptible, and access to it is not easy for a potential thief.

Partitions can also be found on the inside of the side flaps. In the old backpack, you had to unzip an additional zipper to get to them. There is no lock in the new version. However, we have two small pockets: one closed with a magnet and the other with a small zipper. The pickled capacity is slightly smaller, but the access is much faster.

Practical use: comfortably like never before, but not without flaws

My old Peak Design Everyday Backpack has always been very comfortable, but its successor Everyday Backpack v2 increases the pleasure of using at least one level. The first version, however, is a construction with some flaws or imperfections, the so-called childhood, a syndrome that every premier product struggles with. The second generation of backpacks is very polished, mature, definitely better made. The backpack is great and using it is a pleasure.

Locks work perfectly smoothly, we have many thoughtful pockets, compartments, i.e. innovative solutions. For example, I love details such as magnets on the back that attract the backpack's shoulders. Thanks to this, the arms always stay in place and do not stand out. The back of the back intentionally sticks out a bit, so you can hang the backpack through the handle of the suitcase on wheels. Four outer straps allow you to attach oversized luggage using the Cord Hook system. The strap with Anchor Links allows you to attach keys. I was very pleased with the information that Everyday Backpack V2 has increased space for laptop, tablet and documents. The 20-liter version will fit a 15-inch laptop. Previously it only contained a 13-inch version. The ability to modify the height of the laptop compartment has also been introduced.

What are the weaknesses of this backpack? After three months, I don't find many, maybe more will appear over time. The biggest problem is that the backpack falls on its own by itself - even when it's empty. This is not how it should look. In addition, you can attach small things. Like the predecessor, the skin on the upper handle quickly loses color. The front hook or zippers scratch quickly, and black is clearly visible from abrasions.

Peak Design Everyday Backpack v2 20L is the best lifestyle photo backpack I have used

As a user of Peak Design products for many years, I am aware not only of their advantages, but also of some disadvantages. The new Everyday Backpack v2 20L eliminates most of these disadvantages. It is practically a completely new product that retains the overall idea but introduces a new quality. With him, the old backpack looks like an underdeveloped, archaic product from many years ago, although it is still solid equipment. In fact, however, its second version is much, much better.

The Everyday Backpack v2 20L costs quite a lot in Poland, as much as 1149 PLN. The larger, 30-liter version costs PLN 1,249. However, if the idea of ​​this backpack suits you, then in my opinion it is worth investing in it. Especially that Peak Design gives a lifetime warranty, so it will last for many years.

Is it worth buying a new version of the backpack if you have the previous one? Much, of course, depends on the degree of consumption, own needs and financial capabilities. However, I can assure you that the second generation of Everyday Backpack is much better than the previous one, and you can feel the differences after the first hours of use. In my opinion, the improvements are worth the transition from the old generation to the new.

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Peak Design Everyday Backpack v2 20L is the best lifestyle photo backpack I know - a review