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Review cover Peak Design Everyday Backpack v2 (Merch)
Official GBAtemp Review

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Does Peak Design’s Everyday Backpack live up to being an award-winning pack for the tech user? Let’s find out in this review of the v2, 30L variant!

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Peak Design has a growing line of tech storage/accessory options from tech pouches to phone mounts; but these will likely need a larger backpack if you are the commuting tech user. We’ll take a look at one such backpack in this review, the Peak Design Everyday Backpack v2, which features among the company’s revamped Everyday Line of backpacks and bags.

To begin with, there are two variants of the Everyday Backpack v2 based on storage capacity, 20L and 30L, and four colour options. This review will focus on the 30L Midnight (blue) model which retails for €270 on the official Peak Design website and comes with the following:

  • 1 Everyday Backpack
  • 3 FlexFold dividers
  • 1 Sternum Strap
  • 1 Anchor Link key tether
  • 4 Cord Hook external carry straps (2 long, 2 short)

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Further specs of the backpack can be found below:

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While the Everyday Backpack v2 is aimed at tech, in particular photography kit, storage/carry, the design is sleek and inconspicuous; easily enabling it to double as an everyday or even travel backpack. Aesthetics are one of the major aspects that I personally look for in a backpack and this option from Peak Design hits the spot with its minimalist, no-frills yet elegant look.

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The second, if not most important, aspect that I look for in a backpack is its features; and the Everyday Backpack v2 does not hold back any punches despite its minimalist approach as it features a number of useful pockets, compartments and straps, some of which are neatly concealed.

The main compartment, which can be accessed from the top flap or side zippers, offers generous storage space which is expandable with the main flap attachment hooks. Inside are a number of smaller pockets to store accessories such as cables or even your key with the included key tether. Most of the side/accessory pockets are held by magnets that enables convenient and easy access without requiring you to fiddle around with opening them.

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Included are three FlexFold dividers with velcro attachments to help you create compartments and keep your belongings organised inside the backpack. This is really handy when travelling as it can help to keep your clothing, tech and food items separate (and safe) from each other. You can further adjust the position of the dividers to customise the space you allocate for each compartment; and if you’d still prefer not having dividers, you can easily remove them altogether. 

If you do decide to leave the dividers on, they can be partially folded to provide access to lower compartments if you are reaching from the top access. But this backpack also has side access which can be more convenient to reach the compartments from either sides and not requiring you to completely remove the bag from your back. This is further facilitated by the shoulder straps that can pivot around their attachment point. 

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Such a shoulder strap design also enhances comfort as they are free to move and adjust based on different body sizes, while not feeling loose. The Everyday Backpack v2 has indeed been designed with comfort in mind. In addition to the swivelling shoulder straps adjustment, it includes a sternum strap which can be repositioned along three grooves on the shoulder strap. Padding on the back and strap also adds to the overall comfort.

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Peak Design also sells a hip belt accessory at an extra €30 but I’d recommend getting one to minimise back pains and discomforts, especially if you tend to walk a lot during your commute, have a heavy bag or just want some extra support. I even wish that this accessory was included in the base package. What I also wished to have seen included is a suspended mesh ventilation that would help with keeping your back (and sweat) separate from the bag and also can help with comfort.

Regarding accessories, Peak Design also sells bag organisers from camera cubes and tech pouches to shoe and wash pouches which can be further handy for organising your belongings in one place for easy access. You could then slide each into a compartment within the bag and have everything neatly tucked in an organised fashion.

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In addition to this modular aspect of having smaller pouches within the bag, the Everyday Backpack v2 is also expandable. It features external carry straps (that are cleverly hidden in a dedicated magnetic flap) that you can use to hold extra items such as a helmet, shoes, jacket or mat on the face-side or underside of the bag.

While these external carry options means that these items won’t be shielded from the external environment, the items stored inside the bag are safe. This is thanks to the Everyday Backpack v2’s nylon canvas shell which is weatherproof and provides some peace of mind. This is enhanced by the self-locking mechanism of the zipper straps that can prevent thefts.

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As a fan of modularity in tech and accessories, this modular and expandable aspect of the Everyday Backpack v2 was personally very attractive. I have used the backpack for a short trip abroad and it fitted my clothing, tablet, cables/chargers, water bottle and Nintendo Switch conveniently while allowing easy access to the neat compartments. I have also adopted the Everyday Backpack v2 as my daily commute backpack and it fits in my main laptop, tablet and stationeries. I’ve even packed the Pimax Crystal VR headset and controllers on one occasion and the contents were all well fitted in.

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There is little to fault with the Everyday Backpack v2 and it’s because Peak Design’s attention to details when crafting this storage accessory is on display. They practically thought of everything and some given the modularity and expansion options available. But there are some minor aspects that I would like to have seen improved. For instance, including the hip belt rather than selling it separately and having a mesh ventilation on the back would be welcome. In addition, I found that the laptop/tablet compartment can feel a bit restrictive. It is quite narrow and practically only allows access from the top, so that you can only slide your laptop/tablet in and out from the top.

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That said, the overall package that the Everyday Backpack v2 offers easily made me overlook these minor downsides. Its a prime example of a backpack that elegantly satisfies both form and function; so much so that it can easily become the only backpack you will ever need. Even if it is geared towards photography storage/carry, its modular and expandable features make it versatile for various use cases whether you are commuting, hiking or travelling. 

Verdict

What We Liked ...
  • Well-designed backpack
  • Modular and expandable aspects
  • Comfortable
  • Weatherproof
What We Didn't Like ...
  • Access to laptop compartment can feel restrictive
  • No suspended mesh ventilation
  • Hip belt sold separately
9
out of 10

Overall

With its durable build, generous storage space and expandable aspect, Peak Design’s Everyday Backpack v2 is easily a contender for the only backpack you will ever need.
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Reactions: SylverReZ, impeeza, Jonna and 3 others
Weyu
I got that bag. It looks nice, build quality is great but it's expensive and I wish they would've included a small tech pouch for that price.
 
GoldenBullet
Weyu said:
I got that bag. It looks nice, build quality is great but it's expensive and I wish they would've included a small tech pouch for that price.
Click to expand...
its expensive but their lifetime warranty that guarantees free replacements if it ever breaks makes it worth it.
 
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