Peak Design Outdoor Backpack Review (18L)

Peak Design continues to craft durable, well-designed backpacks, with the latest addition to their Outdoor Range being a more compact 18L option.

Suited to more casual use, it offers capabilities that the more dedicated enthusiast should appreciate.

I’ve been using this backpack solidly for a few weeks now. It’s joined me five days a week commuting to the office, and we’ve embarked on a few short adventures together.

The smaller size definitely suits my commute a lot better than the larger 25L, but the 25L has added functionality that gives it the edge for adventures.

Highly Recommended

Peak Design Outdoor Backpack 18L

Compact, frameless 18L daypack built for adventures, commutes, and everyday versatility.

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The Outdoor Range piqued my interest when it was first announced, and it hasn’t disappointed me.

I’ve long been an avid appreciator of Peak Design equipment, owning the other Outdoor Backpacks as well as a range of their offerings—from the Outdoor Sling Bags and Everyday Backpack to the Slide and Micro Clutch.

So, how does the 18L Outdoor Backpack stack up, and where does it fit within the broader range? Is it suitable as a camera backpack?

Let’s take a look.

What is the Peak Design Outdoor Backpack 18L?

Peak Design Outdoor Backpack 18L Specs

The Peak Design Outdoor Backpack 18L is sleek, stylish, and built from high-performance durable materials, while also featuring heavily padded touch points.

Built for adventure, but versatile enough to suit everyday carry and commuting, the Peak Design Outdoor Backpack 18L is a compact solution for those who don’t want to be weighed down by heavier materials or worry about unpredictable weather conditions.

It features lightweight weather-resistant materials, wide padded shoulder straps, external carry capabilities, and an interior space that can easily be used as-is or configured using optional Camera or Packing Cubes.

Design and Build Quality

The Outdoor Backpack 18L looks like a Peak Design product, it functions like a Peak Design product, and therefore it will likely endure whatever you put it through as Peak Design intended.

Although it’s part of the Peak Design Outdoor Range, the 18L Backpack takes a slightly different design approach, giving it character of its own.

It still carries the same design DNA and is built from the same premium materials that make the Outdoor Range stand out from the rest of Peak Design’s line-up.

It comes in the familiar classic Black, as well as the striking Eclipse colourway (but not Cloud). Personally, I usually lean towards black for my gear, but Eclipse is a beautiful statement colour.

My Outdoor 45L in Eclipse turns heads, though that might just say more about my lack of fashion sense.

Think of this pack as the “Zip” of the Outdoor Range, thanks to its simplified functionality. At its core, it’s one large Ultralight Terra Shell™ 210D ripstop soft-shell compartment, supported by a firm yet comfortably padded back panel.

The Outdoor Backpack 18L is simplified compared to its larger siblings, but is adaptable and capable of fulfilling the needs of those who don’t want a large backpack.

Super-tough weather-sealed UltraZips™ (#8 and #5) run smoothly around three-quarters of the bag, allowing it to open completely flat. This makes it easy to place packing cubes or attach a Camera Cube to the internal c-clip attachment points.

Because of the soft, unstructured outer shell, the bag naturally compresses in on itself. This means you’ll either need to lay out your items and pull up the sidewalls to check the fit, or load it vertically.

But also, this keeps the profile slim, so it doesn’t stick out from your back too much if it’s not fully loaded.

The back panel and shoulder straps are the same as on other Outdoor Backpacks, offering the same level of support and comfort. Inside, there’s a sleeve for either a hydration pack or laptop (up to 13″ MacBook), so you’re covered for both trails and city use.

External carry is a key feature of the Outdoor Range, and something that all Peak Design backpacks are very capable of. The simpler design of the 18L doesn’t compromise that.

Each side features tall stretch mesh pockets made from blended nylon and UHMWPE (Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene), easily roomy enough for a travel tripod, and strong enough to last continued use.

Easy-to-use zipper pulls, multiple attachment points and cables, thick padding, big pockets, and durable materials: the Outdoor Backpack 18L is ready to go.

Plus, a generous number of external attachment points let you secure the included cord hook packing loops wherever you need, to carry almost whatever you may need.

Should you overload the backpack and need some extra support through weight distribution, it’s compatible with the Outdoor Hip Belt (standard on 45L Outdoor Backpack, optional on the 25L Outdoor Backpack).

Lastly, as you’d expect, the Outdoor Backpack 18L has Peak Designs standard issue custom aluminium hardware, and the cording is made from ultra-strong UHMWPE.

True to Peak Design’s reputation, it’s made to last and is backed with the peace of mind of a lifetime guarantee.

Storage Capacity and Compartments

The Outdoor Backpack 18L has deep stretchy side pockets, multiple attachment points, and a clear open main compartment. The combination is up to you!

The 18L Outdoor Backpack is essentially one large soft-shell compartment attached to a back panel. It also has two Ultra Zip pockets on the front and large stretchy side pockets for bottles, travel tripods, hiking poles, or other gear.

The pack opens wide for easy packing, and the zippers run around the body so you can access your items from almost any point. While it doesn’t have expandable storage, the included cord hook and packing loops make it versatile.

The Outdoor Backpack 18L is adaptable; just get the right cubes to suit your needs!

For exclusive camera use, you can fit an SMedium Camera Cube inside with an X-Small Camera Cube on top.

For a combination of travel and photography, a Small Compressible Packing Cube, Small Ultra Light Packing Cube, Outdoor Sling, or a Tech Pouch will also fit above the SMedium Camera Cube.

The Medium Compressible Packing Cube can also fit in place of the SMedium Camera Cube, as long as it isn’t packed to its maximum capacity and still has some give.

On flights, one option is to pack an Outdoor Sling at the top of your backpack. That way, you can stow the backpack with camera cube in the overhead bin, and keep the sling—filled with your in-flight essentials—under the seat in front of you.

For my daily commute, I usually secure an X-Small Camera Cube inside with the rest of my gear around it. The backpack is rarely full, keeping it light and slim, making it easy to move through crowded train stations, while still leaving room for a jacket or unexpected items.

Peak Design has provided numerous attachment points around the body of the Outdoor Backpack 18L to help you customise and adapt your external carry options.

Capture Clip users can attach it to either shoulder strap, with a sturdy strip of material behind the mesh pockets providing a secure attachment.

If you place it low on the mesh pocket, you can still use it to hold small spare accessories. The camera will still secure to the Capture Clip with a battery in the pocket.

Externally, the Outdoor Backpack 18L has a good number of attachment points wrapping around the entire body, including along the bottom, allowing you to adapt to whatever it is you may be securing to the outside.

You can also secure the Ultralight Packing Cubes and Outdoor Slings to the outside using the included cord hook cables.

Protection and Security Features

Peak Design has ensured that the Outdoor Range is heavily weather-resistant. In the recent heavy downpours of Sydney, the Outdoor Backpack 18L endured incredibly well.

It’s been a very wet winter here in Sydney, and with daily commuting on public transport, this backpack has dealt with more than its fair share of the elements.

When it comes to protection, a few key features stand out: the weather-resistant materials, the UltraZips, and the backpack’s slim profile.

The Terra Shell™ 210D ripstop nylon fabric doesn’t absorb water. Instead, it beads and rolls off, allowing it to dry quickly.

Additional water resistance comes from the thick, wrapped layer around the base, which helps protect against puddles or standing water when you have limited options for where to set it down.

The included elastic cargo straps can be used to keep the zippers secure while you’re on the move. But it won’t stop someone in the same way a lock would.

While there aren’t any built-in options to lock the zippers, you can secure them to the cord hook loop points located around the bag. This won’t stop a determined thief, but it does give some peace of mind while you’re on the move.

Padding for your gear comes from any Camera Cube you use inside. There is no extra cushioning along the front or base, only the rear panel, so the protection is determined by how you organise or treat your gear.

Accessibility and Ease of Use

Smooth-moving zippers that wrap around the backpack ensure quick and easy access whenever you need it.

The Peak Design Outdoor Backpack 18L is straightforward and intuitive to use.

The zippers glide smoothly around the full body of the bag, giving you easy access to your gear from almost any angle. I’ve never had a Peak Design zipper snag.

The main compartment opens wide, making it simple to stow items and secure either the X-Small or S-Medium Camera Cube to the c-clip attachment points.

Once a cube is secured, the backpack operates like a clamshell bag, though there’s no side-access option for grabbing your camera while on the move.

It’s also worth noting that the padding in the lid of either camera cube can be removed, and the lid tucked underneath, keeping your gear easily accessible when you need it.

The front pockets are easy to reach by swinging the bag around on one shoulder, and the zipper pulls are simple to locate.

For external carry, the included cord hooks attach and detach easily without ever coming loose by accident.

Peak Design has thoughtfully provided multiple points on the bag where they can be secured, giving you flexibility for whatever gear you need to bring along.

Comfort and Portability

Light and portable: It’s easy to move around with the Outdoor Backpack 18L sitting firmly on your back.

Peak Design has always prioritised comfort and thoughtful design across its product range. Generous grab handles and well-shaped shoulder straps make carrying the Outdoor Range of backpacks simple and intuitive.

With lightweight construction and combined with thick padding at key contact points, the Outdoor Backpack 18L is both comfortable and highly portable.

It’s ready to go when you are, and may even scream at you if you’re sitting idle for too long. It wants adventure!

The shoulder straps are wide and are also generously padded, helping to spread weight evenly, while the rear panel is designed to provide cushioning and a little airflow for extra comfort.

Once adjusted, it sits firmly upon your back and doesn’t shift or swing as you move.

Weighing in at just 1kg (2.1 lbs), the Outdoor Backpack 18L is only ever as heavy as the gear you put inside, so it won’t slow you down on your adventures. Unless you’re carrying too much, but that won’t be the bag’s fault.

The padded Outdoor Hip Belt can be easily attached or detached, and also has a stretch mesh pocket on one side and a zippered mesh pocket on the other.

If you like warm hugs, equip it with the optional Outdoor Hip Belt. It’ll not only provide you with some emotional support, but also help deal with the long-term transport of a loaded backpack through padding and weight distribution.

The belts are easily removable when you’re done and come with their own carry bag.

On one side of the belt, you’ll find a stretch mesh pocket, and a zippered mesh pocket on the other. The clasp is the same as found on the Outdoor Sling.

Versatility and Travel-Friendliness

Small enough to pass through busy airports with ease, and with less of a worry about carry-on capacity—but durable enough to have the confidence that it’ll survive various conditions you may face at your destination.

In my perspective, Peak Design must have built the Outdoor Range with versatility and travel-friendliness at its core. They’re all so lightweight that the range hardly eats into any weight limits you might encounter.

At 18L, the Outdoor Backpack is not only the smallest backpack in the range, but it’s also the lightest. With most airlines limiting carry-on luggage to 7 kg (15 lbs), every gram counts. Many camera bags weigh 1.5-2.5 kg empty (3.3-6.6 lbs), so this pack keeps things lean.

For flights, it slides easily under the seat, though I often pair it with the Outdoor Sling. Depending on what I’m carrying, I’ll either clip the Outdoor Sling to the exterior or tuck it inside.

On board, I usually keep the Outdoor Sling at my feet while stowing the backpack overhead, making the most of the tight space economy class allows.

The weight advantage isn’t just for flights. Whether you’re heading to the beach, traversing dusty trails, or exploring city streets, the Outdoor Backpack 18L only weighs what you put in it, so it won’t drag you down.

Weather changes shouldn’t phase the Outdoor Backpack, and with the wrapped base, it shouldn’t matter too much what type of surface you set it upright on.

Weather resistance is another plus. Forecasts aren’t always reliable, and being around water often means potential splashes.

This backpack handles it without fuss, so you can travel with confidence whether on boats, near pools, or out in unpredictable conditions.

The wrapped base means you’ll be fine setting it down on wet surfaces, such as a water’s edge (beach, creek, river, etc), puddles, snow, ice, or anything else.

Finally, the durable ripstop shell is tough enough to withstand heavy use, and it cleans off easily if it picks up dust or dirt along the way.

If the potential for adverse weather is highly likely, Peak Design also has a rainfly that can be used to provide additional coverage for the backpack.

Alternatives to the Peak Design Outdoor Backpack 18L

The Outdoor Range currently consists of three backpacks and three slings, all built for adventure but with differing levels of suitability to everyday use.

Peak Design provides a significant number of options that could be considered as alternatives to the Outdoor Backpack 18L.

Within the Outdoor Range, you have a 25L and a 45L option if you decide further carry capacity is necessary. Not only within the main compartment, but externally as well.

They both have a large flex pocket at the front and deeper side stretch pockets for more storage. The 45L has height-adjustable shoulder straps for taller users and an additional pair of side stretch pockets.

Both also share the same rear panel as the Outdoor Backpack 18L, so the carry experience is much the same.

While all three may look similar in size, there are width and depth differences. The 25L Outdoor Backpack is deeper and wider than the 18L, while the Everyday Backpack 20L is wider.

If you’re after something with a structured build and camera-ready inclusions, the Everyday Backpack range could be considered. The flagship Everyday Backpack and the Everyday Backpack Zip are both great options for commuting and travellers alike.

The Everyday Backpack Zip is to the Everyday Range what the Outdoor Backpack 18L is to the Outdoor Range: a simplified offering that’s still a great bag, just with a fine-tuned range of features and inclusions.

External carry is a feature offered in the Everyday Range, but there is less of a focus on that, with fewer points to secure the cord hook cables.

I would consider the materials used more suitable for city-based adventures, but they’re still equipped enough to handle adventures off the beaten path (my Everyday Backpack has visited a number of countries, including Morocco).

But for those who are more seasoned adventurers looking to put a bag through the elements, the capabilities found in the Outdoor Backpack 18L would probably be more suitable.

Price and Value for Money

The Outdoor Backpack 18L can compress down to whatever it is you’re carrying by using the elastic cargo straps, keeping a slim profile when needed.

The Peak Design Outdoor Backpack 18L, much like the rest of the line-up, sits on the premium end of the backpack market. It’s not really the sort of bag you’d grab on a whim, but that price reflects the effort poured into materials, functionality, usability and durability.

At the time of writing, it sells for around US$189, or US$259 if you bundle it with the SMedium Camera Cube (in Australia, AU$369 and AU$467 respectively).

When weighing up a backpack like this, it’s worth looking beyond the price tag to see what’s included in terms of warranty, support, and overall value. What you’re really paying for is the peace of mind, as Peak Design backs their gear with a lifetime warranty, and the backpack itself is built to last for years of daily use or adventures.

For many, it becomes a one-and-done purchase, the sort of bag you buy once and carry for life. That longevity keeps the cost-per-use fairly low.

Of course, the Outdoor Range of bags seems to fit two worlds, which has been a sticking point for some. Are they best for everyday carry? Are they better suited to hiking and travel? Do they genuinely work well for both, or do they sit awkwardly in between?

If you’re in the camp that believes they pull off both roles, then the Outdoor Backpack more than justifies its price.

If not, it’s still hard to deny the reputation Peak Design has for build quality. Plenty of people are still happily using the V1 Everyday Backpack and Slings.

It comes down to choosing what fits your budget and expectations. For some, it may be better to invest in a backpack that holds up for the long haul, but for others, it may be better to replace a cheaper alternative every couple of years.

FAQs

The Outdoor Backpack 18L is suited for adventure, suited for photography, and suited for everyday carry.

Can the Peak Design Outdoor Backpack 18L function as a camera bag?

Not on its own. The backpack isn’t specifically designed for cameras, but you can add camera cubes to create a custom setup. It’s a flexible pack that adapts to your needs. You can outfit it for photography or simply use it for everyday carry without any camera gear.

How suitable is the Peak Design Outdoor Backpack for photography?

It works well, depending on which camera cube you use. If you frequently need quick access to your camera (ie, you continually pack your camera away), the lack of side or top access to the cube might be inconvenient. That’s where the Everyday Range comes into play, as camera functionality is built in with side and top access options.

But that’s often the case with traditional clam-shell camera bags.

For photographers who stop to take their time, hand-carry or shoulder-strap their camera, or use the Capture Clip, the backpack can perform very well. You can store a tripod in a side pocket, keep additional gear in a camera cube, and use a mesh shoulder strap pocket for quick access to spare batteries.

Would the Everyday Backpack 20L suit me instead of the Outdoor Backpack 18L?

The Everyday Range is designed with photographers in mind straight out of the box. Internal dividers let you separate camera gear from everyday items, while structured builds offer support and protection. This range is still weather-resistant and built to handle daily wear, making the backpacks reliable companions.

Peak Design also pays close attention to aesthetics throughout its entire line-up, often using fine materials and details that suit almost any occasion or outfit you may wear, while still appealing to adventurers. The Everyday Backpack features top and side access to gear, making it easy to reach equipment on the move. Though in my view, these packs are best for urban environments or travels to less demanding destinations.

In contrast, the Outdoor Range gains camera functionality through the use of camera cubes and is built to withstand tougher conditions, while remaining suitable for everyday use. The Outdoor Backpack 18L has a more functional, understated look, helping it blend in and avoid drawing attention in environments where high-end looking bags could be a target.

Additionally, while it’s called “20L”, the Everyday Backpack is actually 17L capacity at minimum (lid secured to it’s lowest point), and 20L maximum (lid secured to the highest point), meaning the Outdoor Backpack 18L sits within the same capacity range.

Peak Design Outdoor Backpack 18L Review | Conclusion

Sleek and built for performance: The Peak Design Outdoor Backpack 18L is a fitting match with my car.

The Peak Design Outdoor Backpack 18L has won me over and stands out as a strong addition to both the Outdoor Range and the broader Peak Design line-up.

It’s a capable bag that strikes a great balance between weight, capacity, and size, and it has been very comfortable to use every day, even when packed to its full capacity.

While the 25L used to top my favourites list, the smaller 18L better suits my daily needs. The 25L will probably come in handy for longer trips, but for now, I’m seeing how the 18L performs in regular use.

My Peak Design Everyday Backpack 20L still gets pulled out when I want something a bit flashier, want to change things up, or have to dress up for work or an occasion.

Outside of those moments, though, I reach for the Outdoor Backpack 18L more often. Its lighter build gives it an edge on the commute.

Mind you, though, having to use camera cubes when on the move becomes less ideal sometimes, but when using the Capture Clip, that’s less of a concern.

Peak Design has done it again… They have completely thrown my preference list into chaos! Which do I choose tomorrow?!

Highly Recommended

Peak Design Outdoor Backpack 18L

Compact, frameless 18L daypack built for adventures, commutes, and everyday versatility.

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