Everyday series: my new favourite bags
28.4.2017
Translation: machine translated
For me, a good shoulder bag or backpack should offer plenty of space, be functional and look good. This Peak Design series, which was the result of a crowdfunding campaign, won me over like no other bag I've ever seen. In fact, it convinced me so much that I bought two of the four models.
After many buying mistakes, I've finally found the perfect shoulder backpack. The Everyday Sling from Peak Design. It won me over so much that I also bought the backpack from the same series. Before you accuse me of being crazy - after all, these two pieces cost almost 400 francs together - let me justify myself to you.
Peak Design specialises in camera accessories. Admittedly, I like photography, but that wasn't really the main criterion. I, by chance, saw their campaign on Kickstarter. As I always keep an eye out for the perfect bag, I was immediately drawn to the bags they were offering. A sleek, timeless design with a big dose of functionality. The Everyday series consists of the Backpack, the Tote, the Messenger and the Sling - backpack, handbag and two shoulder bags.
I immediately leaned towards the Sling, as it's ideal for going to work. However, my thoughtful wife noticed I was also eyeing the Backpack and so gave it to me for Christmas. Two magnificent examples of fine tailoring. Even the valiant little Tailor would be impressed. But what makes the Everyday series so special?
The Backpack
My old backpack was some sort of fashionable skater bag by Dakine. It's certainly 20 years old or maybe even older. You could almost get sentimental. But as the original colours are almost unrecognisable and my skateboard has been rusting in my garage for a few years, I have, without a guilty conscience, bought a new bag. Perhaps I might have had a few qualms about the price, but firstly, it was a gift and secondly, it quickly becomes clear why it costs the earth.
Finishments
The water-resistant material is robust and feels great to the touch. The zips are stable and show no protruding threads. The finish is excellent, there's absolutely nothing to complain about. From the first touch, it's clear why the Backpack is so expensive.
Smart design
I have the 20 litre version in dark grey (charcoal). A 30-litre version is also available. But often there's enough room in the former. Unfortunately, the main opening doesn't allow itself to be enlarged and the opening doesn't particularly stretch. Bulky items could present a problem (at least in the 20l model). The closing system is a combination of buckle and magnet. The bag opens easily with a slight tug on the buckle, but doesn't open on its own.
The disadvantage of the rather narrow opening is offset with the two side pockets, irrefutable proof of a clever and functional design. You can use the side pockets for quicker access to the contents at the bottom of the backpack, but can also use the Velcro dividers to store and take out your camera and lenses in separate compartments. With a little practice, you can, in one move, place the backpack across your chest, unzip and access your camera gear directly.
In addition, the side pockets have extra internal compartments for small items. Another double compartment is located on the back of the backpack. It offers space for a laptop of up to 15 inches and, in another slightly shallower compartment and thanks to the thick padding, room for my Kindle. So the computer and e-Reader can be taken out quickly without you having to empty your whole rucksack.
Then there are also two outer compartments with straps that can be used to carry bottles or to hold a drone or tripod.
The shoulder straps are fairly wide and remain comfortable even during longer outings. A chest belt holds them together even better. Only the lumbar belt is missing, but the Backpack is, in any case, not made for hiking.
Finally, the Backpack is not made for hiking.
Finally, the bag has three sturdy handles. Two on the sides and one on the top.
The Sling
As, for my daily commute, a small bag is enough for me, I bought the Sling. The advantage it has over the backpack is that you can quickly and easily swivel it forward if you need to get something out of the bag.
Finishings
As with the Backpack, the finishes are, again, perfect. The bag feels robust, is water resistant and the zips give the impression of being durable. The material is robust and therefore not very elastic. So it doesn't offer much room for shopping.
For tightening, you have a small buckle that tightens and loosens quickly. At first glance, the strap seems a little thin, but it's still very comfortable to wear. The bag itself is also pleasantly light.
Numerous storage options
Despite its small size, the Sling is a real surprise bag. In the main pocket is a laptop compartment. Peak Design recommends it for devices up to 11 inches, but, with a little goodwill, my 13.9-inch Lenovo Yoga 910 fits too. Inside the 'lid' is a zipped compartment with four small pockets. On the outside of the Sling, there's also a compartment that has two small pockets; perfect for my Kindle Oasis.
In addition to the various handles, the bag has two straps for attaching a tripod, for example.
A really stylish bag with practical features and handles that offers enough room for a notebook, e-reader and small purchases.
Tote and Messenger
I haven't tested these two models personally, but they're made from the same material and rely on the same system. What's more, the Messenger comes in two sizes and has the same closure system as the backpack. It's much bigger than the Sling and better suited if you're carrying a lot of stuff.
The Everyday Tote also offers plenty of room for your camera equipment or the things you take with you on a daily basis. Thanks to the practical straps, you can also wear the bag like a backpack.
Accessories
All the models in the Everyday series can, more or less, be combined with additional Peak Design products. I have, for example, chosen the Capture Pro. This belt clip can, as the name suggests, also be attached to a normal belt. However, I prefer mounting it to one of the two Sling handles provided for this purpose, as the weight is distributed more evenly that way.
Results: fulfilled
I'm sure there are many other similar bags and backpacks out there, but the Everyday series really got me. It started with the stylish look, continued with the finishes and ended with the extremely clever design. The numerous straps and compartments with their foldable and removable Velcro dividers make the Backpack and Sling indispensable everyday companions that are worth their price.
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Philipp Rüegg
Senior Editor
Philipp.Rueegg@digitecgalaxus.chBeing the game and gadget geek that I am, working at digitec and Galaxus makes me feel like a kid in a candy shop – but it does take its toll on my wallet. I enjoy tinkering with my PC in Tim Taylor fashion and talking about games on my podcast http://www.onemorelevel.ch. To satisfy my need for speed, I get on my full suspension mountain bike and set out to find some nice trails. My thirst for culture is quenched by deep conversations over a couple of cold ones at the mostly frustrating games of FC Winterthur.
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