Peak Design confidently, and nearly instantly, inserted itself as a premier supplier of quality bags in 2015. It’s now back at the end of 2019 with the next generation of its “Everyday” line of bags — and they’re better than ever.
Beyond revamped versions of its current bags, Peak Design is releasing two new lines with the Everyday Backpack Zip and the Everyday Totepack. The packs come in 15L and 20L models in several different colors.
As a collection, there’s really something here for everyone. The various sling sizes, for instance, should cover most people’s needs, ranging from an extra large pocket (in the case of the 3L sling) to the mid-sized 6L sling to the large 10L variant, which will hold a 13-inch laptop, iPad Pro, and cable pouch.
Although both backpack styles — meaning the Zip mentioned above and the Everyday Backpack V2 — seem to overlap in function, it’s nice to have each for stylistic reasons.
All in all, the revamped Everyday Line V2 of packs makes for compelling carry solutions. I was able to try three bags and confirm the claims. My thoughts on each of them are below.
Everyday Backpack V2
The Everyday Backpack V2 is feature-packed to the brim. In fact, one of the coolest things about the backpack is being able to spend 20 minutes showing off every secret compartment and carefully placed magnet to your spouse.
Just like the original backpack, the V2 is so carefully thought out that it’s hard to find many faults with it. If you aren’t familiar with the bag, however, there are a bunch of features worth pointing out.
My favorite feature has to be the magnets in the back padding, which hold the straps in place while not being used. Having the straps held neatly helps extends the bag to corporate settings. The other mindblowing feature is the laptop compartment that can be resized to fit a 13-inch or 15-inch laptop. That way, whichever size device you have, it’ll actually fit without sinking to the bottom.
On the outside of the bag, one of the most noticeable features is the closure system of the main compartment. Version 2 of the MagLatch closure system has been improved over the first, and it works even better to help expand the top compartment to fit all your gear.
Also improved are the zippers, with a fancy proprietary zipper technology. The zippers are nice and work as advertised, but there’s not a whole lot to say about them beyond that.
Inside, the Everyday Backpack utilizes a unique internal storage system, one that will either drive you crazy or fulfill all your carrying needs. For me, it’s mostly former. The compartments were primarily intended for cameras and lenses and, although they can be resized by moving the velcro shelves around, they feel a bit awkward to be used for much else.
My other minor gripe about the V2 backpack is how rigid it is with a laptop, an iPad, and the velcro divider shelves. It can feel full, even if it isn’t.
Verdict: For use with camera gear, the Everyday Backpack V2 is hands down the best backpack you can get. For other uses, it may be the perfect backpack for you because of its versatility. Or, it may end up driving you crazy because your stuff just doesn’t fit quite right.
For me, the minor annoyances are largely personal preferences that don’t quite align with the type of backpack I’m looking for. If you’re really looking for a general-use backpack from Peak Design, I’d start with the new Backpack Zip instead.
Everyday Sling 10L/6L
On the sling side on the line, I tested both the 10L and 6L variants. Both versions mirror one another in layout and function, differing only in size.
Compared to some of its other bags, the Everyday Slings are relatively simple in their features. Don’t let that fool you though — the Everyday Sling is a near perfect embodiment of the sling style.
Despite being relatively simple, it still has Peak Design basics like security locks for the zippers, passthrough slots for hooking on gear, and secret pockets to tuck away straps.
The 10L Everyday Sling is big enough to fit a 13-inch MacBook Air, but just barely. The computer compartment best fits a 12-inch iPad Pro or an 11-inch MacBook. That said, I was able to carry a MacBook Air, iPad Pro, and a Bellroy Tech Pouch without fighting the zipper to close. It’s a spacious sling with a compact footprint.
The 10L sling is essentially a compact messenger bag.
The most noticeable thing about the Everyday Sling is how comfortable it is to carry. The strap is one-hand adjustable and the pad generously covers the entire shoulder. The 10L strap doesn’t have a clip — not really meant to unhook — but its resizing mechanism makes pulling it on and off just as easy as one that unclips. The 6L Everyday Sling, on the other hand, does have a clip to unhook so it can be used around your waist.
Both slings have a carry handle tucked on the backside, offering a convenient way to move the bag around. When setting the bag down, it is also incredibly nice that it’s able to stand on its own. Being able to set the bag down and not have it topple over sets it apart from other slings and smaller bags.
Verdict: The Everyday Sling is such a great option for people who want a very compact bag. The 10L is very spacious for its size and has a strap as comfortable as any other bag I’ve ever tried — which is quite a few. The 6L is just as comfortable, but, obviously, smaller. If you need something akin to a big fanny pack, the 6L is for you. It will work well for people making frequent half-day trips or small detours.
While the V2 Backpack and the slings aren’t in competition, I found the 10L Everyday Sling to be the bag that fits my carry needs best. It’s a fantastic bag that should suit a large group of people.