After years of listening to about it I lastly bit the bullet and picked up this digital camera bag to see if it lives as much as the hype. In my Peak Design On a regular basis Messenger assessment I personally put it to the check in a wide range of circumstances and share my trustworthy insights into whether or not or not this bag is definitely worth the funding.
As an expert journey photographer, there are two issues that I can’t escape – Jetlag and having to haul round a lot of gear to every kind of extraordinary areas.
It simply comes with the job, and after a decade of doing this gorgeous a lot full time I’ve all the time been a backpack lady.
To me there was simply no higher solution to carry the quantity of drugs I often have with me than throwing all of it in a digital camera backpack.
However not too long ago I had a little bit of a well being difficulty which suggests utilizing a heavy backpack is now a little bit of a hindrance. Not precisely very best for somebody like me that travels quite a bit for work and wishes a bunch of apparatus always.
So, a lot to my reluctance, I began to look to options, and began to seek out myself drawn to the concept of messenger baggage.
They seemed…fairly good really.
They’re simple to entry, fashionable, and surprisingly roomy. Plus I may sling them over one shoulder as a substitute of getting my cameras on my again.
So I launched into a quest to seek out the proper one and put it to the check.
It doesn’t take a lot analysis to see the Peak Design On a regular basis Messenger Bag come up as a advisable product, and though I had seen them in a lot of digital camera shops and listened to Peak Design gear followers rave about it, I’d by no means really tried one.
READ MORE: When you’re at it, take a look at Jarryd’s private, trustworthy assessment of the Peak Design Journey Backpack!
Then in the future I made a decision to only say “screw it” and get one to see if it will be my new go-to choice a journey bag.
I downsized my digital camera gear barely and hit the highway with what I wanted thrown into the On a regular basis Messenger V2 Bag.
From the rice terraces of Bali to the plains of Africa I did my greatest to place my shiny new bag by way of hell and decide if it will be my new go-to baggage accent.
How did it go? Let’s dive in and see if it may very well be the game-changer I’ve been on the lookout for.
Peak Design On a regular basis Messenger
Very robust, sturdy and weatherproof
Nice customisable organisation for various carry eventualities
Retains digital camera gear safe and padded for journey
Peak Design Messenger Bag Assessment – Key Takeaways
With its weatherproof building, customisable inside, and an array of technical options, this On a regular basis Messenger bag is designed for every kind of images adventures.
- The bag can carry a laptop computer, mirrorless digital camera with two-three mid-sized lenses (or one lengthy telephoto lens), equipment like batteries and SD playing cards, paperwork and different ins and outs.
- The Peak Design On a regular basis Messenger strives to be the proper digital camera carry bag, with adjustable FlexFold dividers, Seize Clip compatibility., and MagLatch closure system for simple entry.
- It presents environment friendly building with customized organisation, loads of pockets, an exterior tripod sleeve and a padded laptop computer sleeve to maintain your gear secure & dry in any climate situation.
- With its versatile design & a number of carrying choices, this bag is nice for photographers or travellers on the lookout for comfort with out compromising model.
- The bag can carry
Preserve studying our “Peak Design On a regular basis Messenger assessment” to seek out out if the Peak Design On a regular basis Messenger V2 is the proper bag for you!
My Private Peak Design On a regular basis Messenger Assessment
Over the previous 12 months of testing the Peak Design On a regular basis Messenger it rapidly went from “this can be a bag I have to make use of” to “this can be a bag I love to make use of”.
And belief me, as any person that has been by way of over 30 digital camera baggage, that’s an enormous name for me to make.
*Nervously glances on the spare room filled with now unused baggage gathering mud*
For a roving photographer like myself, the weatherproof 400D nylon canvas shell preserving my tools secure and dry in surprising downpours and versatile digital camera organisation made it very spectacular.
Aside from its sturdiness, what impressed me probably the most was the bag’s general design.
READ MORE: Peak Design have simply introduced their model new Outside Line!
The On a regular basis Messenger is a handy solution to carry digital camera tools with its padded dividers, stretchy inside pockets, ample house, and quick access.
The distinctive MagLatch closure system made it a breeze to rapidly attain my gear whereas on the go too.
However spoiler alert – Whereas it’s superb, it’s not an ideal bag and there’s just a few issues I want had been completely different.
The Finest Options
The Peak Design On a regular basis Messenger has a complete vary of options to make a photographer’s life simpler.
Or in case you’re a non-photographer that simply needs an superior messenger bag for on a regular basis use, this one makes a strong argument for being the highest product available on the market proper now.
A few of the key options of this bag that I like and can be exploring on this Peak Design Messenger assessment are:
- It’s use as a perfect ‘digital camera carry’ choice
- The way it performs as a common ‘on a regular basis carry’
- The laptop computer sleeve
- It’s quick access efficiency
- Customized organisation
- Pockets – heaps and plenty of pockets
- Sturdiness in every kind of circumstances
- Baggage pass-through, which now that I’m a suitcase lady is tremendous useful
- Varied carry choices
I’ll discover every characteristic in depth, discussing the advantages to your images journeys and each day travels.
Digital camera Carry
Peak Design baggage are recognized for excelling of their capacity to soundly carry digital camera gear, and the Peak Design On a regular basis Messenger is not any exception.
The padded dividers and ample house claims to can help you slot in a full-frame DSLR with three small, prime lenses and different equipment, making certain your tools is well-protected.
Personally I exploit it to hold one mirrorless digital camera (a Sony A7iv) with a 24-70mm lens mounted to it, a 16-35mm extensive angle on one aspect, and the opposite aspect for random bits and items like an SSD, batteries, and so on.
Try my full checklist of advisable cameras for journey.
With this quantity of drugs the bag does get fairly tight, so I’ve a little bit of doubt across the digital camera firm’s declare of becoming every part else in and nonetheless having quick access, besides within the case of claiming, “See, it does match!” in case you jam all of it in.
I also can use the customisable FlexFold dividers to combine issues up with the physique and a 70-200mm lens packed on its aspect.
If you happen to’re utilizing smaller cameras like an APS-C or Micro 4/3 setup then you possibly can undoubtedly match extra in there.
So in case you’re simply bringing one full body physique and two lenses max, or a smaller setup like a mirrorless digital camera with a lens and a GoPro, this bag is ideal.
You possibly can additionally slot in a digital camera with a small drone just like the DJI Mini 3 Professional, which Jarryd has finished earlier than comfortably.
If you happen to’d wish to mount the digital camera externally, which I’ve finished a lot with backpacks however not likely with this bag, there’s the choice to make use of a Peak Design Seize Clip (significantly, do your self a favour and purchase one proper now – they’re wonderful) and sling it on the skin.
Mainly, it’s excellent a shoulder bag for avenue images and journey images.
On a regular basis Carry
Not solely is that this on a regular basis bag excellent for photographers, however it’s additionally nice for on a regular basis use in case you’re not lugging round digital camera tools.
The On a regular basis Messenger is designed to hold a bunch of random objects and could be tailored to completely different conditions.
With its FlexFold dividers , outer entry zips on the entrance entry panel, purposeful organisation and magnetic latches, you possibly can simply organise and entry necessities like your keys, cellphone, headphones, a light-weight sweater, random equipment, a 2.5” exterior arduous drive and pockets.
Plus, the padded laptop computer compartment in the principle compartment gives a safe house for as much as a 15-inch Macbook Professional, or a pill, cellphone, notepad and passport.
Laptop computer Sleeve
One among my favorite options of the Peak Design On a regular basis Messenger is the devoted laptop computer sleeve.
This compartment can match as much as a 15-inch laptop computer (my 14-inch Macbook Professional matches tremendous simple, even with a plastic case round it), offering ample padding to make sure the machine is protected throughout your travels.
Nonetheless, it’s value noting that when the principle compartment is full, the laptop computer sleeve could be a bit tight and difficult to make use of.
In brief you should utilize this purely as a laptop computer bag, which I did on a current journey to Sydney the place I didn’t must take any cameras with me.
READ MORE: See what else made the checklist of our prime digital camera backpacks for journey.
Straightforward Entry
Think about you’re out for a stroll in Tokyo, casually scanning round for some avenue images alternatives, however actually you’re simply targeted on discovering a scrumptious ramen restaurant since you’re ravenous.
Instantly you stroll previous a darkish alleyway and see a complete string of illuminated lanterns and fascinating angles, and there’s any person strolling down the center.
You could have exactly 5 seconds to bust out your digital camera, flip it on, dial in your settings and get the shot.
Now in case you can’t rapidly entry your gear the second is gone, irrespective of how briskly you might be on the different parts.
That is the place I’ve now discovered a messenger model bag to be method higher than my ordinary backpacks – quick access!
The distinctive MagLatch closure system on the principle flap of the Peak Design On a regular basis Messenger makes entering into the bag a breeze.
With only one hand, I can simply open and shut the bag to seize my digital camera and seize the (virtually) excellent shot (I say virtually, as a result of who am I kidding, I’m not so good that I nail an ideal shot each time).
The magnetic latch is just not solely handy however it expands and can also be safe, preserving my gear secure always.
Customized Organisation
One of many standout options of the Peak Design On a regular basis Messenger is its customized organisation capabilities.
The bag comes with adjustable dividers for further house, ultrazip exterior zippers and pockets, permitting you to tailor the inside to your particular wants.
The interior organisation with little aspect pockets, entrance pocket, inside enlargement supplied by way of a stretchy pocket, attachment factors for a key tether or anchor hyperlink and zipper on the highest flap makes it greater than only a good bag, it makes it extraordinarily user-friendly.
Whether or not you’re carrying digital camera gear, your lunch, or the rest, the 2 FlexFold dividers make it simple to create the proper setup to your belongings.
Plenty of Pockets
Irrespective of how a lot house you may have, you possibly can by no means have sufficient pockets, and the Peak Design On a regular basis Messenger delivers on this entrance.
The bag is provided with heaps of pockets for organising small objects and equipment.
From the exterior zipper pockets for keys and wallets to the zippered pocket with mushy cloth lining for lens filters or sun shades, you’ll discover a place for all of your necessities.
READ MORE: So you’re keen on images? Why not have a learn of our absolute favorite journey tripods!
Sturdy
Sturdiness is a vital facet of any bag I journey with, and the Peak Design On a regular basis Messenger doesn’t disappoint.
Crafted with a weatherproof 400D nylon canvas shell and a DWR coating, the bag is designed to face up to each day put on and tear whereas preserving your gear secure from the weather.
I can testify that the bag didn’t miss a beat throughout 2 months of safaris and overland journey in Africa, from torrential downpours in Cape City to sand storms in Namibia.
You possibly can belief this bag to guard your belongings, irrespective of the place your adventures take you.
My solely change can be that there was a further zipper that lined the principle compartment to eliminate any gaps between the opening and the magnetic latch.
Baggage Go By means of
This is perhaps thought-about normal for each bag on this planet, however as somebody who travelled completely with a backpack up till a 12 months in the past I had by no means recognized the posh of cruising by way of airports with a wheeled suitcase and a bag that slips over the deal with.
Oh expensive lord how my life has improved since having this as an choice.
Travelling with the Peak Design On a regular basis Messenger is a breeze, because of its little baggage pass-through characteristic.
The sleeve on the again of the bag lets you simply mount it on the trolley deal with of your wheeled baggage, making it a handy journey companion.
No extra carrying further weight purely for the sake of it. Good!
A number of Carry Choices with the Shoulder Strap
Versatility is essential in terms of discovering the proper bag, and the Peak Design On a regular basis Messenger presents a number of carry choices to fit your wants.
The bag incorporates a comfy shoulder strap in addition to a prime deal with, permitting you to carry it cross physique, as a single shoulder carry, or by hand.
The shoulder strap design is kind of comfy as nicely, and I’m an enormous fan of it.
Materials High quality
The Peak Design On a regular basis Messenger is produced from high-quality supplies that not solely present sturdiness but in addition weatherproof safety.
The bag’s shell is crafted from 100% recycled 400D nylon canvas that’s double PU-coated, making it immune to water and different parts.
As I discussed above the bag held up throughout downpours in Cape City, however the greatest check was getting good and near the sting of Victoria Falls, the place chances are you’ll as nicely be in a bathe with water spray coming from all angles.
The outer cloth exterior of the bag acquired completely soaked, however the inside was bone dry.
Simply bear in mind although that it isn’t totally sealed, and there’s a spot between the highest flap and the within.
That being mentioned, you could be assured that your gear will keep secure and dry on this bag, it doesn’t matter what the climate has in retailer.
Aesthetics and Fashion
The Peak Design On a regular basis Messenger is just not solely purposeful but in addition fairly fashionable.
Effectively, as fashionable as a digital camera messenger bag can actually get, I suppose.
You’re not precisely going to waltz down the catwalk in Paris with it, however at the least it doesn’t look ridiculous.
With a clear and minimal design, it’s appropriate for {most professional} and informal settings. The bag is obtainable in a wide range of colors, together with Black and Ash, permitting you to decide on the one which most closely fits your private model.
I went with Black attributable to it being impartial, and am fairly pleased with my selection.
One factor to notice although is that the bag is kind of massive, and appears so in case you have a smaller body like me.
If measurement is a priority, take a look at the Peak Design Sling Baggage, which each Jarryd and I additionally personal and genuinely love.
This bag is an ideal mix of type and performance, making it an important selection for photographers and travellers alike.
Actual-Life Efficiency
On paper this bag appears to be like fairly candy. And in case you’re like me, studying a lot of these opinions makes it sound prefer it’s the world’s bestest, most unbelievable, never-to-be-beat messenger bag that’s ever graced the earth.
However constructive phrases on paper (or a display?) doesn’t imply a bag really performs decently in the true world.
And that’s what I all the time got down to share with my trustworthy expertise from a 12 months of fixed use.
You see, most tech assessment web sites are given a product for just a few days at most to check earlier than they publish their opinions.
Not me although (principally as a result of I’m too busy travelling and taking pictures to put in writing a assessment, haha). I’ve waited till I’m totally assured in my evaluation.
So to assessment the Peak Design On a regular basis Messenger I put it by way of dozens of sensible eventualities, with the purpose being to guage its efficiency within the following areas:
- Consolation
- Digital camera gear carry capabilities
- Weatherproof efficiency
- Comparability to backpacks
- Suitability for people with pacemakers
By the tip of my analysis, you’ll achieve perception into the bag’s efficiency in frequent conditions and its suitability to your private wants.
Is it Comfy?
Throughout my testing, I discovered the Peak Design On a regular basis Messenger to be fairly comfy to put on, particularly throughout lengthy walks.
The dense shoulder strap, with its padding and grippy materials, supplied sufficient help throughout prolonged durations of use.
Nonetheless, it’s value noting that the bag could be considerably awkward to hold on a bicycle, which can be a priority for some customers.
When the bag is full of a laptop computer, all my digital camera tools, water bottles and equipment although it does get fairly heavy after some time.
Utilizing as a Digital camera Gear Carry Bag
As a digital camera gear carry answer, the Peak Design On a regular basis Messenger really shines. So long as you’re not convey a bunch of lengthy telephoto lenses with you.
The bag’s customisable inside, padded dividers, slide digital camera strap and ample house allowed me to securely match my digital camera, lenses, and different equipment with ease so long as I didn’t overpack with a good match.
I by no means needed to fear about our gear getting broken or jostled round throughout our travels, because of the bag’s protecting padding and inside zippered pocket too.
One factor I discovered fairly helpful too was its capacity for use as a little bit of a base camp whereas out on highway journeys or safaris.
Primarily I may simply put the bag down on a seat subsequent to me and have immediate entry to no matter tools I wanted.
For a few items of digital camera tools, it’s excellent.
For full-on digital camera load for wildlife images, or paired with a drone and motion cameras, it’s not large enough although.
How Weatherproof is it Actually?
To check the weatherproof capabilities of the Peak Design On a regular basis Messenger, I uncovered the bag to a complete bunch of loopy climate circumstances, together with rain, sand storms, and mud.
I used to be impressed by how nicely the 400D nylon canvas shell and DWR coating protected my gear from the weather, preserving every part contained in the bag dry and safe.
The hardest state of affairs I put it by way of was undoubtedly that Victoria Falls day journey, which in case you’ve been to earlier than you understand managing to maintain something dry there’s a massive deal.
This digital camera bag is a dependable selection for photographers and travellers who want a weatherproof answer for his or her gear, together with digital camera batteries.
How Does it Evaluate to a Backpack?
When evaluating the On a regular basis Messenger to a backpack, I discovered that each choices have their very own benefits and disadvantages.
Whereas the Messenger Bag presents higher accessibility to digital camera gear, a backpack gives extra even weight distribution and higher general consolation.
Plus a backpack can typically carry much more gear.
Nonetheless, the comfy shoulder strap and prime deal with make the On a regular basis Messenger Bag a flexible and handy different to conventional backpacks or messenger baggage, in addition to an on a regular basis sling.
Finest Digital camera Bag for Individuals with a Pacemaker
So yea, I’ve a pacemaker now. An implantable cardioverter defibrillator to be exact.
And whereas this little part is fairly area of interest, the largest motive I acquired this bag was as a result of I can not sling heavy backpacks and put weight by way of a strap on my left aspect the place the pacemaker is.
If you happen to’re a bionic human like me with a pacemaker and are on the lookout for an acceptable digital camera bag, I can hand-on-my-(robotic)-heart stand by this as an important choice.
I do have some issues about utilizing a bag with magnetic closures, such because the Peak Design On a regular basis Messenger.
Nonetheless, the MagLatch closure system doesn’t sit over my machine.
However, it’s all the time a good suggestion to seek the advice of with a healthcare skilled in case you have issues about utilizing any bag with a pacemaker.
Downsides and ‘Might be Higher’ Ideas on the Messenger Bag
Regardless of its quite a few options and advantages, the Peak Design On a regular basis Messenger is just not with out its challenges and limitations.
Listed below are some potential drawbacks of this bag I discovered, notably safety points when overpacked and its appreciable measurement.
Not Safe when Overpacked
If you happen to’re the type of one who tends to overpack a bag, like little previous me, the Peak Design On a regular basis Messenger can result in potential safety points, equivalent to gaps alongside the opening, which may put your digital camera gear and equipment prone to falling out.
The reason being as a result of the highest flap is simply secured with the adjustable MagLatch fairly than a zipper pocket.
It’s Large
The dimensions of the Peak Design On a regular basis Messenger could also be too giant for some individuals and in sure conditions.
Sure, the Peak Design On a regular basis Messenger V2 Bag sits nicely inside normal carry-on rules for all airways.
However it’s a largish bag, measuring 41cm x 36cm by 30cm, or 16 inches x 14 inches x 12 inches for my American readers, and weighs simply over 1kg empty (2.2lbs).
The bag can also be fairly cumbersome, and even with the surplus strap you possibly can’t actually compress it to make it smaller.
Whereas this measurement does permit for ample space for storing, it will not be very best for many who want a smaller, extra compact bag for his or her each day wants.
It’s Not Low-cost
Nothing that Peak Design makes is reasonable…nicely, come to think about it the Seize Clip and their superior Slide Straps are fairly inexpensive…however then once more Peak Design baggage aren’t actually out there of constructing low cost merchandise.
They make investments closely in R&D and solely use tremendous top quality supplies to create their gear.
So whilst you could take a look at the value of the 13l On a regular basis Messenger v2 and suppose it’s costly, simply needless to say you get what you pay for.
However in case you’re on a good finances, I perceive that it may be arduous to justify spending just a few hundred {dollars} on a bag.
In the end, it’s as much as you whether or not you suppose the bag is definitely worth the value.
I do suppose it’s value it.
Is that this Bag for You?
So on the finish of the day that is the final word query, proper? Is that this the dream bag you’ve been trying to find all this time?
That relies upon.
If you happen to’re a photographer or traveller in want of a flexible, weatherproof, and trendy bag to hold a choose vary of drugs, and don’t wish to go down the route of a backpack, this bag is a wonderful selection.
With its customisable inside, a number of carry choices, and sturdy building, the On a regular basis Messenger is well-equipped to deal with most images adventures and on a regular basis wants.
Nonetheless, in case you want a smaller, extra compact bag, or on the opposite finish of the dimensions require one thing to hold a number of lenses and digital camera our bodies or want higher weight distribution, a standard backpack could also be a greater match for you.
So far as aspect satchels, slings and messengers go although, the Peak Design choice actually is greatest at school.
General Ranking for My Peak Design On a regular basis Messenger Assessment – 8/10
In conclusion, the Peak Design On a regular basis Messenger is a powerful bag that provides an important mixture of options, efficiency, and aesthetics.
Its weatherproof building, customisable inside, and quick access make it a perfect selection for photographers and travellers like me.
Whereas it does have some challenges and limitations, its general worth and performance make it a robust contender out there.
If you happen to’re on the lookout for a dependable and trendy aspect bag to hold your digital camera gear, laptop computer, and different necessities, the Peak Design On a regular basis Messenger will get extra trustworthy vote of confidence
Peak Design On a regular basis Messenger
Very robust, sturdy and weatherproof
Nice customisable organisation for various carry eventualities
Retains digital camera gear safe and padded for journey
Regularly Requested Questions
What measurement laptop computer can the On a regular basis Messenger Cag carry?
The On a regular basis Messenger bag can simply accommodate as much as a 15″ laptop computer, plus house for paperwork, cords, spare batteries, and extra. Its weatherproof shell retains your gear secure whereas the stowable strap system gives further carrying capability.
What measurement laptop computer pill and DSLR does the on a regular basis messenger bag match?
The on a regular basis messenger bag matches a 15″ laptop computer, 11″ pill and a full-frame DSLR with mounted lens, plus the inner pockets can match smaller objects like batteries, cords and cables.
Is the Peak Design On a regular basis Messenger Definitely worth the Value?
The Peak Design On a regular basis Messenger is a wonderful all-rounder with sturdy supplies, an important capability, and useful options equivalent to magnetic latch closure. Whereas it’s costly in comparison with comparable merchandise, it made with top quality and industry-leading options.
What are the disadvantages of a messenger bag?
Messenger baggage could also be fashionable, however they are often uncomfortable to put on and have restricted storage capability. Additionally they don’t present the identical organisational choices as different bag kinds.
What’s the capability of the Peak Design On a regular basis Messenger?
The Peak Design On a regular basis Messenger has a capability of 13 litres and could be expanded to suit much more while you want it.
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Peak Design On a regular basis Messenger Assessment
It took me one 12 months of heavy testing to convey out this Peak Design On a regular basis Messenger assessment and actually reply whether or not it is nearly as good because it sounds.
Product Model:
Peak Design
Professionals
- Very sturdy materials
- Weatherproof
- Carries a number of digital camera gear
- Plenty of accent pockets
- Can be utilized for common journey and on a regular basis carry use
Cons
- Costly
- No wraparound zipper