#everydaybackpack

First off I have something embarrassing to confess: I have spent A LOT on Peak Design products. It’s probably too embarrassing to mention the amount. But lets just say I’ve gone through most of their recent products: The Everyday Messenger (both big and small) as well as their 20L Everyday Backpack and 30L Everyday Backpack. You know what - typing that out every time gets a bit annoying. Let’s just use EDB for Everyday Backpack!

I’ve been using my 30L EDB full-time, everyday for a year now. Prior to that I was using the 20L in combination with the Everyday Messenger. I thought that if I was going to be continuing my travels, it would be so nice to have ONE bag: A bag that was small enough to fit under the seat in front of me on an airplane, but big enough to contain my entire life as I hop from country to country.

I settled on the 30L EDB.

This allowed me to not ever have to worry about whether or not there was enough overhead cabin space onboard the plane, as well as not ever have to  check a bag.

Since I started using the bag I’ve been to around… 30 countries? I’ve taken it trekking through northern India (see photos) as well as used it as a more conventional tourist on the streets of Tokyo and Berlin. It’s been useful during my photography and video assignments in Sierra Leone and Togo as well. And through all of these adventures I’ve definitely received some lovely compliments about the design my backpack.

Now, I don’t think this 30L bag was ever meant to be a single-bag-travel kind of backpack. I know living life to be this minimalist isn’t everyone’s travel style. But I must admit, it’s very liberating - even if I have to wash my socks and underwear a lot more frequently! But I also think that if you travel without a laptop (and it’s accessories) or a camera (and lenses and accessories) then 30L should provide a decent amount of space for everything you need on an adventure… but that’s just my minimalist opinion!

I know that’s quite a lengthy intro and backstory. So rather than get more wordy with reviewing this bag, I will just list the Pros and Cons and write-up a conclusion, so here it goes:

Pros: - It looks great! I personally love the design and the texture of the bag. - It’s packed with features: I love all the little hidden pockets and compartments. It really allows me to separate my stuff and access it quickly. - The mag-latch feature looks good and is so useful: The mag-latch system allows for quick access to the top compartment and it’s almost impossible for someone to open without you feeling a tug on your back. -  The side zippers are great for on-body access to your stuff. Because it zips all the way you can see almost everything at once. This combined with the velcro dividers makes for great organization! - It’s weather resistant, fits under an airplane seat (if you don’t have anything bulging out of the side-pockets), and has enough padding to be gentle on your body.

Cons: - It’s heavy/heavier. Because of all it’s features and compartments and padding, the EDB weighs more and is more bulky than your average backpack. This isn’t ideal when the airline you’re flying has a cut-off limit of 7 or 8kg for carry-on bags. Luckily it’s never been enforced for me. - Over time the fabric covering the padding of the lower back-panels will start to wear. … but maybe this is only a real concern if you use it as much as I do! - The 30L can look a little out of place as a daily-carry kind of bag. It’s definitely on the larger end... but those are the compromises you make.

Conclusion: I LOVE this bag and I hope it will serve me for many more years to come. The fact that it’s bulkier and heavier than other bags is something I’ll have to put up with but I also know that those are crucial elements to ensuring my laptop and camera gear is padded and protected from bumps and drops. I would definitely recommend the 30L if you are ambitious enough to try single-bag travel.

This is NOT a sponsored review.

Pictured below: How I packed my bag the first time I got it. Since then I’ve done away with a few items, lost other things, and changed things up.