Peak Design began like most companies do; a young entrepreneur travels the globe, becomes agitated by a design flaw, and then works to make things better for like-minded people. Peter Dering, the entrepreneur, started a Kickstarter campaign to develop his first product in 2011 and now has 14 employees with 20 products for not just photographers, but everyday commuters. Winners of multiple product design and gear of the year awards there is no slowing down for Peak Design.
The Everyday Messenger bag is great for transporting valuables, and it’s not just for photographers.
Price: $249.95US
Colours: Charcoal / Heritage Tan
Capacity: 13.5 L to 20.5 L (30cm x 43cm x 18cm)
Max Laptop Dimensions: 14.35” x 9.82” x .95”
Warranty: Lifetime
Inspired by messenger and camera bags of the 60s, Peak Design’s Everyday Messenger bag is not just for photographers. Anyone looking for a solid, weatherproof travel bag for trips or daily commutes to the office can look no further. This bag has everything from style to durability and function wrapped up in one.
With a sleek design and patented latching system, the Everyday Messenger Bag could be the last camera/travel bag you will buy. The Everyday Messenger Bag is ideal for carrying a variety of items including a monocular pocket scope from Opticsandlab.com
The main pocket stays secure with the MagLatch system that combines a magnet and latch on four adjustment points for a large or small load. Additional access to this pocket is made possible through the top zipper next to the handle. Inside are three removable dividers (Flexfolds) that can customize compartments for your personal belongings. For a photographer this could mean separating lenses, chargers, camera bodies, etc. Above is a small sleeve pocket for quick access to small items and below is a duel zippered pocket with eight compartments. The stitching inside this pocket is colour coded with red and green stitching to help separate full/empty memory cards, and fully charged/dead batteries.
A number of storage compartments and dividers will help keep your bag organized so items are available when needed.
Both exterior sides have zipperless pockets for quick access storage with one mini anchor clip and capture clip attachment points. Tucked beneath these pockets is additional strapping for a waist or chest strap. All straps are adjustable and made with seatbelt like material and die-cast, stamped and sandblasted hardware. The shoulder strap is padded internally for a sleek look and comfortable design.
Access to the main pocket and laptop/tablet pockets are possible from the top on either side of the briefcase handle.
The laptop/tablet sleeve is accessible from the top with a single zipper. Its padded and has a separate, smaller pocket with a Velcro closure to house both a laptop and tablet simultaneously. Both zippers, which are exposed to the elements at the top are weatherproof
Use the stability strap around your waist to keep the load off your shoulders or around your torso for added security.
- MagLatch closure
- 3 Origami-inspired FlexFold dividers
- Quick access side pocket with micro anchor
- Tripod band
- Laptop/Tablet sleeve
- Multiple pockets
- Colour-coded stitching
- Weather resistant
- Weatherproof zippers with leather zipper tabs
- Dedicated capture clip attachment points
- Additional Strapping for a variety of carrying positions
- Comfortable seatbelt straps
- Internally padded shoulder strap
- Carry-on approved
- Poly-spun mixed twill interior
- Waterproof galaxy foam liner
- EVA foam dividers
- Die-cast and stamped aluminum hardware
Weather resistant Kodra Synthetic Canvas will keep the rain away from the poly-spun mixed twill interior, but on those sunny days take full advantage of the dedicated attachment points for the Capture Clip.
Price: $59.95US
Weight: 100g /3.5oz
Materials: Aluminum and glass-reinforced nylon
Warranty: Lifetime
The Capture clip can securely attach to any backpack or bag strap. Simply slide the square camera attachment into place and feel the click. The camera attachment fits into your cameras tripod connection point and is compatible with most tripods. Twist the red knob to lock your camera into place or push it in to quickly release your camera.
The Capture Clip allows any camera to be attached to any bag, belt or strap for quick access and safe travels. A square piece screws into the bottom of your camera and locks into the clip from all four sides. Hit the red quick release button to remove the camera and start shooting. Holster your camera by sliding the square piece back into the clip. It will make a locking sound so you know it is secure as it dangles and you can turn the red button to prevent an accidental push that could release the camera. This is great for a quick hands free alternative to a chafing neck strap. The square clip is compatible with ARCA tripods and you can expand your arsenal with the Binocular, Lens and/or POV kit. Comes with the plate, clip, wrench and pouch. Read our full review of the Peak Design Capture Clip here.
Price: $44.95US
Sizes: S / M / L
Weight: 113g/ 4oz
Warranty: Lifetime
Your camera slides easily into the shell from the bottom and still provides access for use with a tripod or capture clip. There is a beak over the lens cover portion to help with shooting in nasty weather.
The Shell is a lightweight camera cover that will protect your camera from the elements. Available in three sizes and made from a stretchy neoprene fabric, it's easily slipped over a camera body and lens. Tensioning cords around the body and lens will ensure the shell stays in place and the cords release mechanism performs flawlessly. A mesh pocket on the inside works as a pack pouch and an additional cord on the bottom allows pouch or shell to remain secured to your camera or clip when not in use. Two ports on the top allow camera straps to attach to your camera through the shell, but these ports remain tight enough to prevent intruding water. One problem I have found with this shell is shooting with auto focus if the lens cord is too tight and also not being able to adjust my camera settings very easily with the shell on. A small price to pay to ensure my camera stays dry and protected.
You may tighten the shell around the lens and body. Above the body is a couple slits to thread the neck strap through without compromising protection from the weather.
The synch cords are affective and easy to release with the built in hardware. Peak Design has included its logo throughout its product line for brand recognition.
Peak Design is doing a fantastic job innovating and designing products for photographers. Their messenger bag is versatile and stylish and not just for photographers, but city commuters as well. I personally am not comfortable with messenger bags for travel and they aren’t great for ski touring, mountaineering or downhill anything but would be fine for a professional photographer, fair-weather commuter or as an overnight carry on. What Peak Design is excelling at is designing innovative and functional camera gear. The Capture Clip has changed the way I carry my camera, it's comfortable and provides easier to access my camera when I need it in a hurry. Other innovative gadgets like the Clutch and Anchor Links are available at Peak Design’s in-depth and easy to navigate website, with instructional videos, detailed product descriptions, an online shop and, not surprisingly, great photography. For a full review of other Peak Design products have a read of our previous review here.
I would like to see the evolution of the Shell camera cover or a separate model that allows easier access to camera settings without compromising the camera’s safekeeping in wet weather.
If you are looking to get a great deal on Peak Design gear then click here and shop away and also be sure to check out Peak Design's new Travel Tripod, it'll blow you away.
PROS:
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CONS:
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See above for individual product specification.
Comfort / Fit 1.5/2
Features 2/2
Function 1.5/2
Durability 2/2
Quality / Price 1/2
Did we miss something? Are we totally out to lunch? Let us know what you think. People like/dislike gear for different reasons so chime in below and we'll get a well-rounded evaluation.
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