I juggled coffee, boarding passes, and camera gear on an early flight to Montana. I packed my Nikon Z8, two lenses, a compact drone, a laptop, and travel essentials into the Peak Design Everyday Backpack Zip. It was my first time traveling with this backpack instead of my worn Lowepro, and I wasn’t sure I’d like it. By the time I landed, though, the bag had proven itself. It wasn’t just carrying my gear; it was built for how I work.
From the TSA line to a cramped airplane seat, the Everyday Zip made travel easier. The laptop slid smoothly out of the rear sleeve, my gear stayed protected, and the oversized zipper pulls and side access let me grab headphones or snacks without digging around. The wraparound zipper system opened from the top or either side, a great design for creators constantly on the move.
In short: The Peak Design Everyday Backpack Zip ($220) is a sleek, versatile 20L camera backpack designed for hybrid creatives who need fast access, innovative organization, and reliable protection for cameras, drones, laptops, and everyday essentials. It shines in travel, urban environments, and short hikes, perfect for photographers, videographers, and digital nomads on the move. This is an excellent choice if you need a lightweight, stylish pack that balances gear carry with everyday functionality. However, it’s not ideal for those carrying large, heavy setups for long, rugged expeditions.
Compare how the Peak Design Everyday Backpack Zip holds up to the other camera packs we tested in our buyer’s guide to the Best Camera Backpacks of 2025.
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Sleek, extremely functional design -
Simple to access all gear from any angle -
Pass-through back for fixing to carry-on -
Tons of organization in a tiny package -
Beautiful construction and aesthetic -
Solid weather resistance for outdoor use
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Thin, sparsely padded straps get uncomfortable when pack is fully loaded with heavy gear -
Unorthodox sternum strap -
Laptop can be a bit difficult to remove when bag is full
Backpack for Hybrid Creatives and Everyday Adventures
This backpack is more than just a camera bag; it’s a true daily companion for hybrid creatives who must manage photo gear, laptops, and everyday essentials. Since my office is wherever I happen to be, having a pack that effortlessly carries work necessities and shooting gear has been priceless.
The 20L capacity might seem modest, but the FlexFold dividers make it very versatile. I often carry my Nikon Z8 with a 24-70mm lens attached, a second Z-mount, and my hover drone, along with batteries, external hard drives, notebooks, and snacks. While it is large enough for my 200-500mm lens, it doesn’t fit much else, so I usually use this pack when I’m traveling and shooting rather than as my dedicated wildlife pack.
A Laptop Compartment Built for Real Workflows
On the back of the pack’s main compartment, a dedicated zippered laptop sleeve with five separate sections holds a 13-inch MacBook Pro, iPad, documents, and accessories. Due to the padding and its structure, it keeps my tech safe and easily accessible.
The interior is thoughtfully crafted and has a zippered mesh pocket inside the main lid for cables and small accessories. Internal side pockets on each side have a magnetic divider to keep items in place and within reach. Beneath the magnetic pockets, additional zippered mesh compartments help with organization. You won’t run out of storage with this pack!
I especially value the organization when traveling. The multiple pockets provide space for everything — headphones, notebooks, pens, snacks, a battery charger, SD cards, and more — all neatly within reach without rummaging. I’ve never been more organized!
While the back pockets might feel snug when the main compartment is fully loaded, the organization exceeds that of most camera bags. It’s perfect for creators who work on the go. A padded laptop sleeve adds workspace flexibility for editing on the go.
Quick Access and Thoughtful Details
One of my favorite features of the Everyday Zip is its 270-degree wraparound zipper system, which provides top and dual side access to the main compartment. This design made it incredibly easy to grab what I needed, whether reaching for my camera, a drone battery, or a snack, without ever having to unpack fully. I especially appreciated it during layovers, when I could snag an external hard drive without dumping my entire bag onto the airport floor.
The oversized zipper pull tabs were another bonus, allowing me to open compartments effortlessly, even with gloves on, or one-handed while mid-shoot. These kinds of details are what truly set this pack apart.
Externally, the pack has expandable side pockets that securely fit water bottles or a tripod. The attachment points with integrated carry straps allow me to attach my tripod, jacket, or other gear quickly.
It also has a cleverly integrated luggage pass-through sleeve, allowing me to slide the backpack securely over the handle of my rolling suitcase. With the bag perched securely on my carry-on, I was able to move quickly through lines, navigate crowded gates, and walk through the airport without getting a sweaty back.
Comfortable Enough for Trail and Travel
Although not a dedicated hiking pack, the Everyday Zip is surprisingly comfortable on the move. The rotating shoulder straps flex with my body, keeping the load balanced while navigating airports, city streets, or hiking to a sunrise shoot. The sternum strap easily adjusts, allowing me to fine-tune the fit as my load or activity changes. While more padding might help on longer, heavier treks, this pack performs well on day hikes and quick shoots without feeling bulky or cumbersome.
Durable Construction Meets Urban Style
Made from 400D and 900D weatherproof nylon canvas with a durable DWR coating, the bag withstands daily wear and tear. I’ve taken it through light snow, desert dust, and several travel days, and it still looks fresh and sharp. The water-resistant zippers glide smoothly, and the minimalist design keeps the bag discreet, perfect for traveling in urban environments or international destinations without shouting “expensive camera gear inside.”
Room for Improvement
As much as the Everyday Zip impressed me, there are a few areas where it could improve. The laptop compartment can be tight when the main space is packed, making it tricky to slide out my MacBook in a hurry. Also, more shoulder strap padding would help during heavier carry days.
Final Thoughts: The Everyday Zip Is for Creators on the Go
For hybrid creatives balancing camera gear, tech, and daily essentials, the Peak Design Everyday Backpack Zip is a rare find. It blends streamlined portability, smart organization, and durability, qualities not often found in one pack. Whether flying, navigating busy streets, or hiking to a remote overlook, it keeps pace without slowing you down.
The Everyday Zip isn’t built to replace a full studio case or a heavy-duty hiking pack. Instead, it’s designed for photographers, videographers, and digital nomads who value versatility and efficiency. Thoughtfully built, it thrives in unpredictable travel, outdoor shoots, and fast-moving editing sessions.
More than just a backpack, it kept me organized on the go, with camera gear, drone, laptop, and accessories always secure and within reach. Whether I worked on location, in transit, or at a café, this pack made my workflow smoother every step of the way.
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