Peak Design Everyday Messenger Bag Review 2018
Recently we received another great photography bag from Peak Design called the Peak Design Everyday Messenger. For those that aren’t in the know, messenger bags are one of the mainstays for cycling messengers, which is where the name Messenger Bag comes from. Messenger bags usually consist of a one shoulder strap that allows you to quickly rotate or remove the bag to deliver items. For photographers, having the ability to rotate the bag allows quick access to camera gear and other items a photographer might need on a shoot.
Peak Design Everyday Messenger Bag Unboxing
When unboxing the Peak Design Messenger, you will find it comes with a few extra items that make the bag super useful for carrying photography gear.
WHAT IS IN THE BOX
- 1 x Everyday Messenger bag
- 2 x Flex-Fold Dividers
- 1 x Tripod Band
- 1 x Anchor key tether
Beyond the bag itself, Peak Design includes 2 flex-fold dividers providing the ability to partition the bag into 3 separate sections, plus an additional 2 when the folders flaps are flapped down. Peak Design also provides a thick rubber band for use with a tripod and a key holder.
Opening up the main compartment reveals a zippered pocket and a pocket to hold glasses or a phone
The main compartment consists of 2 removable velcro dividers and plenty of space for a DSLR or Mirrorless camera and multiple lenses.
Zippers have easy pulls and are weatherproofed.
The Messenger is designed to accept the Peak Design Capture Clip camera accessory. Unfortunately the Capture Clip is not included and must be purchased separately.
The main strap is of high quality webbing similar to what you would find in a car
A front pouch compartment has plenty of room for batteries, a phone, and other small accessories.
Peak Design Everyday Messenger Bag Review
The Everyday Messenger is available in two sizes (13 inches and 15 inches) and three colors including Charcoal (BS-BL-2), Ash (BS-AS-2), Tan (BS-BR-1). Our Messenger came in the 15 inch version with a Charcoal color scheme. What you will find with all the Peak Design bags and backpacks is their attention to detail, clever features and minimalist approach. Peak Design tries to when ever possible to eliminate unnecessary and unwanted clutter. I have to imagine they must have a feng shui mind set when designing their products.
Peak Design Everyday Messenger 2018 Updates
For 2018, Peak Design updated the Everyday Messenger (Version 2) with
- Luggage pass-through on the rear panel
- Upgraded FlexFold dividers
- Provided more durable fabric on small internal pockets
- Upgraded weatherproofing treatment to the exterior shell
While a messenger bag setup isn’t for everyone, it certainly strikes me as a perfect camera bag for those on the go and those who commute or travel on 2 wheels. Whether you are a motor cyclists, a bicyclist or someone who loves to zip around town on a scooter, I think you will find the design quite appealing.
When developing the Everyday Messenger, Peak Design teamed up with renowned adventure traveler/photographer Trey Ratcliff. The goal was to create one bag that adapts to your gear and lifestyle, no matter where you go or what you’re carrying. The main audience seems to be commuter crowd who want the versatility of a commuter bag with the flexibility of a camera bag and something a bit larger than the Peak Design Everyday Sling. In our opinion they nailed it.
One of the unique features of the Everyday Messenger is it’s MagLatch™ buckling system. It combines the use of a magnetic clasp and 4 ladder lock points riveted to a stainless steel internal plate. It’s a little quirky, but once you start using it, it’s rather cool. Those who own the Peak Design Everyday Backpack will feel right at home with the MagLatch™ latching system.
The top features 2 zippered access points
The Top of the Everyday Messenger provides easy access to the 15 inch or 13 inch laptop compartment (depending on bag size) as well as the main content area. Both access points use high quality zippers that are easy to open and offer a premium weatherproof exterior.
Top compartment provides access for a 15 inch or 13 inch computer + a pocket for an iPad
Easy access to the main compartment
Peak Design Everyday Messenger Main Compartment
The main compartment of the Everyday Messenger can be organized in a multitude of ways. The bag comes with 2 velcro Flex-Fold Dividers and depending on your needs, can be positioned to create 1 big area, 3 separate areas or even 5 with the Flex-Fold Divider’s flaps in the down position. I have found this particular setup very versatile, but it might pose a bit of an issue for some who prefer a more snug fit for their camera equipment. So far we haven’t experienced any issues with equipment getting damaged, but that might be something to consider.
Beyond organizing the main compartment, Peak Design provides both an open pocket to hold an iPhone or eyewear and a zippered pocket that is perfect for holding money, an ID and credit cards.
One of the key selling points of any good messenger bag is it’s strap. As someone who cycles a lot, messenger bags with thin straps just don’t cut the mustard. The bags quickly become uncomfortable and dig into your skin. While the Peak Design Everyday Sling has a wide strap, it still is not as beefy or as wide as the Everyday Messenger, which makes it not as useful as a true commuter.
The Messenger comes with a very wide, hyper-adjusting internally padded seatbelt strap and certainly has the look and feel of high quality. The strap can quickly convert the bag from being a messenger to a low-slung shoulder bag in seconds. Peak Design also includes stabilizer straps that are useful when carrying a heavy load. The strap hooks to the main strap and can be connected from either side from under the arm pit.
Peak Design Everyday Messenger Front Access Pocket
The Messenger comes with a front access pocket to carry items like a phone, wallet, batteries and other small items. Color-coded internal pocket stitching helps keep your photography workflow organized by separating dead batteries and full storage cards.
Peak Design Everyday Messenger Product Specifications
EVERYDAY MESSENGER 15
- SKU/PART NUMBER – BS-BL-2 (Charcoal), BS-AS-2 (Ash), BS-BR-1 (Tan)
- WEIGHT – 1200g (2.6 lbs.)
- CAPACITY – 8 L min to 18 L max
- LAPTOP CARRY – Max laptop dimensions: 15″ screen size / 2.5cm (1″) x 36cm (14.2″) x 25cm (9.75″)
- OUTER DIMENSIONS – 43cm (17″) x 30cm (12″) x 18cm (7″) (These are average dimensions. Actual size will expand/contract depending on load.)
EVERYDAY MESSENGER 13
- SKU/PART NUMBER – BS-13-BL-2 (Charcoal), BS-13-AS-2 (Ash), BS-13-BR-1 (Heritage Tan)
- WEIGHT – 1100g (2.4 lbs.)
- CAPACITY – 6 L min to 14 L max
- LAPTOP CARRY – Max laptop dimensions: 13″ screen size / 2.5cm (1″) x 32.5cm (13″) x 23cm (9″)
- OUTER DIMENSIONS – 38cm (15″) x 27cm (11″) x 12cm (5″) (These are average dimensions. Actual size will expand/contract depending on load.)
MATERIALS
Ultralight 400D nylon canvas shell with DWR coating for weatherproofness, poly-spun mixed twill interior, waterproof galaxy foam bottom liner, compression-molded high-density EVA foam dividers and protective panels, machined and stamped aluminum hardware with sandblasted finish and protective clear coat.
CARRY-ON APPROVED
Carry-on approved for all airlines. Fits under airline seats easily.
WARRANTY
Lifetime
How long are the main and secondary straps?
The main strap is adjustable between 31-56in (78-142cm). The secondary stabilizer strap is 21in (54cm) total length.
Will this fit a Macbook pro retina 15 inch?
The Everyday Messenger comes in both 15 inch and 13 inch. Obviously the 13 inch will not work, but the 15 inch should easily fit a 15 inch Macbook. Mine slides in perfectly with a bit of room to spare.
Does the Messenger come with the Capture Clip?
NO
Peak Design has created another stellar product for photographers on the go. Elegance and style is the name of the game and Peak Design Everyday Messenger delivers on all cylinders with a messenger bag that is chalk full of features. While a messenger bag isn’t for everyone, it makes quick outings and day trips a breeze.
The Messenger is bigger than the Everyday Sling, yet smaller than the Everyday backpack, and seems to fill the void in between the two perfectly. While bulkier than the Sling, the Messenger has more usability from using it as a photo bag, to using as a business travel commuter. There is enough storage for cloths and certainly enough room for a camera or 2 and a few lenses. The 15 inch can also easily house a drone, like the DJI Mavic Air and still have plenty of room to spare.
With a price tag of $249, some people my opt for another lower priced option, but considering the quality and lifetime warranty, it’s not a bad deal.
Realistically I couldn’t find anything really wrong with the bag. It consistently delivers what I expect from a messenger bag and does it in style.
My only negative comment would pertain to heavy rainstorms where water may seep into the bag based on how the flap is designed. It doesn’t have a fully zippered seal, so wind and rain can eventually come in through the sides. Many commuter bags have roll top designs that virtually eliminate water from coming into the bag from any angle.
Check out Peak Design (https://www.peakdesign.com/) for more information on the Everyday Messenger and other great products.
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