I was looking for the ultimate dad bag. In my head, priorities were simple:

1. Side accessibility on the go
2. Versatile organisation
3. Comfort under heavy-ish loads over long distances
4. Easy to clean
5. Durable

The first, because nothing beats being able to whip out snacks or baby wipes on the go.

The second because you never know what life is going to throw at you when you’re out and about – it could be a spare jacket, an unexpected bag of snacks or an equipment malfunction (ie. someone else’s bag broke) you need to adapt to.

The third because you might have to carry a 3 year old while wearing your back for a looooong time.

Fourth, you never know when someones going to have an accident and you’re going to get puke or yogurt all over your pack. I hope your pack can take a hosing down.

Fifth, you have actual babies to care for – your stuff can’t be one of them.

The Bag : Peak Design Everyday Backpack

Enter the Peak Design Everyday Backpack

I got the 30L version to make sure I had plenty of room in Midnight. On hindsight, I think I would have preferred the 20L version but more on that later. The bag feels like a hard-ish shell with a soft fabric veneer. Construction and build quality feels good and immediately, stitching is clean and zippers feel solid. It definitely feels like you got your money’s worth.

Notable features:

1. Movable velcro partitions on the interior (Flex Fold dividers)
2. Magnetic latch top so you can easily extend the side of the bag upwards if you need a bit more space (MagLatch top)
3. Rear laptop compartment with a little organiser pouch

Besides that, there are lots of nifty little features that I did find useful. Sternum strap clips on the webbing to stow away nicely, the external carry straps are useful for the typical unexpected pick ups (eg. a jacket a child no longer wants to carry, a big of shopping, a picnic roll, camera tripod…etc). You get the feeling that the designers did as much as they could with as much bag as they could.

Another reason I was keen on this bag is Peak Design’s lifetime warranty – I personally know people who’ve claimed this and have gotten back new bags (sometimes updated versions) no questions asked.

The Use Case

So an example of a load out that I’ve fit into this bag:

1. 15″ MacBook Pro x2 (mine and my SOs)
2. iPad Pro
3. Nikon D750 + spare batteries and misc SD cards
4. Nikon 35mm f1.8/G
5. Nikon 85mm f1.8/G
6. Applecrumby Thick Baby Wipes
7. Spare diapers x2
8. Spare change of clothes for both children
9. Jacket for a 6 year old lashed to the outside
10. Misc snacks for children (Oat Crunch, Pocky…etc)
11. Manuka honey lollipops (for the children during take off and landing)
12. Small first aid kid – charcoal pills, loperamide
13. Passports, notebook and pen, sharpies…etc and other small miscellany

It Comes Down To Structure

The structure of this bag is its defining quality and double edged sword. You will either hate it or love it because of this.

Remember that smooth side access experience? The stuff box-like structure of the bag is what makes the smooth side access experience of this bag possible. If you’ve ever tried to zip up a side pocket on a fabric backpack hanging loose off, you’ll know what I mean. It is also what makes you feel like your camera, lenses and laptop are safe and well packed inside – no jostling or additional thought required.

However, the structure is also what makes the bag bulky and awkward to maneuver in crowded spaces and public transport. Even if you don’t use all the capacity of the bag, you’re feeling it.

The other thing is comfort – at lighter loads and shorter distance you won’t notice. But 8 hours on your feet with ~15kg on your back, I’ve definitely had bags with more comfortable straps. One other thing was I developed an odd pain between my shoulder blades while wearing the bag AND the ErgoBaby carrier with our 2 year old strapped in. May not apply to most people but hey, this is my review.

The last con is that the fabric exterior is not as easy to clean as I’d hoped. Maybe I need to put a bit more elbow into scrubbing off the stains but I do feel tentative about being too rough with that soft fabric outside. If being easy to clean is a priority, some other bag materials will let you just wipe miscellany much easier off so consider that.

The Verdict

I’ve used this bag for about a year now. I’ve dragged it through snow filled mountain sides and South East Asian jungles. It’s been my go to dad bag at the mall with the family (assuming you’re not using a baby carrier). The weather proofing and the bag’s ability to protect stuff inside is top notch.

The 20L version translates to 3cm less depth which could help with how bulky the bag feels. But otherwise, it’s a pretty good everyday bag for most average use cases especially if you like carrying a full frame with big glass with you wherever you go. At least, as long as you don’t need to hop on a crowded train or a bus regularly.

If side access on the go your number one priority and structure at all costs is your jam, this is the bag for you.

You can buy it here.