Testing Peak Design's Outdoor Bag Photographing Blue Whales in Loreto, BCS
For two months, the Peak Design Outdoor 45L Pack sat on my shelf. Its design intimidated me: no traditional clips, a roll-top, and an array of dangling cords. I’ve packed hundreds of bags, but I couldn’t figure out where to start with this one. I shelved it for "later," waiting for the right opportunity. That opportunity finally arrived. I was heading to Loreto, Baja California Sur, for a quick trip to photograph whales. Carry-on only, no room for error.
Peak Design
Packing the Bag
With my trip ahead, I took the bag off the shelf and started packing. Laptop, camera, small lens, big lens, medium lens, chargers, toiletries, camera cleaning supplies, headphones, batteries, journal, memory cards, jacket, extra pair of shorts (just in case I got hot on the plane)—all of it fit. At first glance, this seemed like an impressive feat for a carry-on bag. However, figuring out how to organize everything in the bag efficiently was another story. The clips and closures weren’t intuitive at first, and the design required a bit of trial and error to master. It’s not the kind of bag you just throw items into; it demands a bit of planning. However, once I got the hang of it, everything clicked, and the bag’s smart design started to make sense.
I appreciated the modularity of the compartments. Adding a camera cube kept my camera gear organized and snug, while the roll-top provided flexibility for last-minute additions. Despite my initial frustration, I began to see the potential for this bag to adapt to various scenarios.
Early Travel Morning
The day started early. I was up at 2:30 a.m., groggy but determined to catch my flight. By 5:30, I was boarding my first plane. The plane was small, but to my relief, the bag fit under the seat without any issues—a major win for carry-on travelers. This was one of those moments when the bag’s compact yet spacious design really shone.
Waiting for my connecting flight, hunger struck. I remembered tossing snacks into the bag’s numerous pockets earlier that morning but couldn’t find them immediately. Scrunching the outside pockets and looking through the pack's main compartment, the snacks disappears. Then it came back to me: the snacks were in one of the front zipper pockets. A small inconvenience, but it highlighted how many compartments the bag has—both a blessing and a curse if you’re not organized.
The two large chest pockets on the shoulder straps also stood out. My phone and passport fit perfectly, keeping them within easy reach. Although I worried about losing my passport in the shuffle, I eventually moved it to an internal zipper pocket for extra security until I needed it again at immigration.
The first mission in the California’s. Photo by Dalton Johnson
Exploring Loreto, BCS
Once in Loreto, I dropped off most of my gear at the hotel and ventured into town with just my camera equipment. This is where the bag really started to shine. Walking through Loreto’s charming streets, I frequently placed the bag on the ground, unzipped the back panel, and pulled out my camera to snap frames. The back panel’s access design made these quick transitions seamless. It was clear that this bag was designed with photographers in mind.
Loreto’s town square was bustling with activity. I admired the historic mission, the first in the Californias, and took in the sights along the malecón. The views of the Sea of Cortez and the nearby islands were stunning. The freedom to pack my camera away between shots allowed me to observe more without the weight of my camera constantly around my neck. This bag provided the perfect balance of accessibility and security for my gear.
Photographing Blue Whales
The next morning, the real adventure began. We headed out early for a panga boat ride to search for whales. After an hour’s drive to the dock, we set off on the water, and the wildlife did not disappoint. Along the way, we encountered:
Dolphins — Pods of them, darting alongside the boat in numbers I have never seen before.
A fin whale — Elusive and quick, it surfaced twice before disappearing into the depths.
A blue whale — The gentle giant of the sea. It was feeding and calm, allowing us to spend two incredible hours watching it surface repeatedly. Our guide summed it up perfectly: “Watching blue whales is like... blowhole, back, back, back, more back, more back, tiny fin, more back, tail.” While we never saw its iconic fluke, the experience of being so close to this water mammal was unforgettable.
Peak Design outdoor bag going for a boat ride. Photo by Dalton Johnson
Throughout the day, the bag continued to perform admirably. The rainfly provided peace of mind against ocean spray, while the internal camera cube kept my gear secure even on the choppy waters. The back-opening design made it easy to switch lenses quickly, a crucial feature for capturing wildlife on the move. While the bag isn’t waterproof, its water-resistant materials handled the conditions well.
While we didn’t see many whales in Mag Bay, we did see lots of birds including this Bald Eagle. Photo by Dalton Johnson
A Windy Day at Magdalena Bay
The following day, we ventured to Magdalena Bay in search of gray whales. Unfortunately, the wind had picked up, and the choppy seas made sightings difficult. We managed to spot a few gray whales, but the experience was brief. Despite the challenging conditions, the bag held up. My gear remained dry and secure, and the bag’s comfortable straps made carrying it all day a non-issue. This was another reminder of the bag’s durability and thoughtful design.
Sunrise at the marina in Loreto, BCS. Photo by Dalton Johnson
Sunrise and Final Impressions
On my last morning in Loreto, I woke up early to watch the sunrise before heading to the airport. As I sat on the malecón, reflecting on the trip, I realized how much I had underestimated this bag. While its design takes time to get used to, the Peak Design Outdoor 45L Pack proved to be a reliable and versatile companion. Its structured compartments, clever organization, and durable materials make it a solid choice for outdoor photographers.
Would I call the Peak Design Outdoor 45L Pack a perfect bag? Not quite. Personally, I prefer simpler designs that require less of a learning curve. However, for casual outdoor photography and travel, it’s an excellent choice. The bag’s adaptability, comfort, and functionality make it a valuable tool for those willing to take the time to learn its quirks. If you’re planning an adventure like photographing blue whales in Loreto, this bag won’t let you down.
