With the Peak Design Everyday Messenger 13″, my search for the perfect laptop and camera bag has finally come to an end.
Every person who likes photography enough to be carrying a DSLR, a lens or two, extra batteries, and memory cards – and maybe even a laptop computer – will always be on the lookout for the perfect bag.
Some bags are too rugged. Others are too flimsy. Some are too small, or too big. Yet others are just not flexible enough to bring just one bag on a longer trip.
Over time I have acquired a collection of photo bags, pouches, and backpacks almost outnumbering my wife’s collections of handbags. Yet, for years I have been looking for a bigger version of something like the now discontinued Evernote Triangle Commuter Bag. I had almost given up. Then I stumbled over the Peak Design Everyday Messenger 13.
When I saw the video below, I knew that I had to have this bag.
The company Peak Design started off making the Capture, soon expanding with more products. The 25 employees at Peak Design has raised more than 14 million dollars through Kickstarter. The company has received multiple awards for their products.
They claim that the Peak Design Everyday Messenger is Kickstarters most funded bag. That that might well be true. There are several reasons why every other review for this bag contains the word “perfect.” One of the reasons for the success may be that they included the renowned photographer Trey Ratcliff in the team designing and testing this bag.
Smart design
With its compact and smart design, the bag is perfect for travel. It’s a carry-on size and fits neatly under the seat in front of you. The combination of the laptop pocket, with two separate rooms, and the top zipper makes it easy to access your stuff without having to hassle the bag from under the seat.
This bag is designed to expand with your needs. With a shell made from 22 parts, it is highly flexible. If you carry only a laptop and some minor items, it looks like a stylish messenger bag. The key to this is not only the shell but also the Flex Fold dividers that collapse if you don’t need them.
In the picture above, I have filled the bag with my Canon EOS 70D camera – with my Sigma 24-70mm f2.8 lens mounted. Plus my huge Sigma 70-200 f2.8 lens. Also, the center room holds my laptop charger and cables, and my Sigma 30mm f1.8 lens. All this just in the main compartment.
In the front pocket, I have memory cards and batteries. In the back pocket, I have space for my HP Spectre X360 13″ laptop and my Samsung Galaxy Tab S, 10.5″ tablet. I managed to fit my Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge phone in the small room at the center of the bag, just below the quick-access zipper.
If you are looking for a bigger size, Gizmondo has a full review of the 15″ bag. Both sizes come in both tan and gray.
Peak Design Everyday Messenger 13″ – Summary
KEY INFO
Product name: Peak Design Everyday Messenger Bag 13″
Size: 38cm (15″) x 27cm (11″) x 12cm (5″)
(These are average dimensions. Actual size will expand/contract depending on load.)
Cost: $220.00
Link: https://www.peakdesign.com/everyday-messenger
Capacity
- Medium format camera
- 3 Lenses
- 13″ laptop
- Tablet
- Cables and accessories
- Tripod
PLUS
- Stylish enough to be worn with a suit, yet rugged enough withstand everyday use.
- Lifetime warranty.
- Comfortable Wide Strap.
- Smart dividers.
MINUS
- Expensive.
- No pocket that is perfect for a pen.
- The quick adjust on the shoulder strap is sliding.