Sunday, November 13, 2016

Peak Design Everyday Backpack 20L Adventure #1 - Mt. Rubidoux Hiking Trail

     In my last post about the Peak Design Everyday Backpack, I only gave it a quick overview.  I could only give my initial impressions about the aesthetics and manufacturing quality of the bag.  I'm not gonna lie to you.  I haven't hiked in a long time.  I won't say how long...but long. Let's just say I must've been prettttttyy darn excited to use this backpack to decide to go hiking with it.  

     So I packed it up with my 5d mark II (the III was in the shop for a repair), my 28mm, and my 135mm. I also packed my Instax SP-2 printer, extra batteries, my Canon G7x, a snack, and my coffee tumbler.  Basically, I packed like I was moving. ;) I think the hike I did was about 1 mile each way, but I just wanted to see how the backpack would hold up and feel with all the weight on me.  

     Mt. Rubidoux is an uphill hike.  I wasn't really expecting that despite the "Mt." part LOL.  I don't know what I was expecting, because, again...LONG TIME.  By the way, if you've never been, there is a park nearby the hiking trail that you can park at.  It's got a nice long name that starts with a T that I cannot recall.  I'm sure you'd be able to easily locate it on Google maps.  EDIT:  It's actually called Ryan Bonaminio Park, and it's on a street called Tequesquite.


     I loved that the side pockets stretched to accommodate my coffee tumbler.  My Instax SP-2 is stuffed into the other side.



     I decided to take a little break to enjoy the view catch my breath. 


     It was refreshing to not have to fumble through my bag looking for stuff.  Everything has its designated spot because of all the organization that is built into the everyday backpack.  


     We finally reached the spot that I had only seen in photos.  This is pretty iconic of Mt. Rubidoux, although there is a large white cross if you hike up the hill to the actual top (which I did not). 



     One of the things that I really enjoyed about the everyday backpack was  that it did not move around during the hike.  It stayed in place, and the straps were nice and comfortable.  Because the materials used to make the bag were of such great quality, I felt like my gear had enough protection from getting damaged or moving around. 

     For those of you looking for size comparison, I have the 20L backpack.  I am 5'1" (on a good day), and my body type is "a little more to love" LOL.  The 30L would be far too big for me.  I find that the 20L feels like a normal backpack size on my frame.  What would be amazing is if Peak Design came out with a backpack that is one size smaller.  It would solve the problem of people who love the feel of a backpack, but don't want to carry that much gear.  The 20L size is perfect for travel, hiking, and commuting.  If you're a taller/bigger person, the 30L is probably equally great for you.



     So this picture below is the only picture I took with my 5d mark II.  Everything else was taken with the G7x.  If this hike taught me anything, it's taught me I need to get out and hike more. :)  #outofshape


     I love the mag latch on the backpack.  It is a genius invention, and not once did I feel it would come loose, or that my things would fall out.


     Another feature that I really love is the key attachment.  It uses the Peak Design anchor link system.  I've since bought the Peak Design Slide camera strap, and I'm totally sold on the anchor link system.  If you're tired of your current camera strap (and I've owned a LOT of them!), then check out the Slide.  So far I'm loving it! :)


     After the hike, I met up with some friends who wanted to see my new backpack for lunch at Mendocino Farms.  I had the "Thanksgiving" sandwich, and it was delicious!





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