Peak Design Everyday Backpack V2 and Backpack Zip Comparison Review

Internal design, Everyday Backpack ZIP 20L

For the most part, the Everyday Backpack Zip is similar, internally, to the Everyday Backpack with Maglatch. There are, however, a few key differences.

First, the Zip ships with two Flexfold dividers instead of three. This is acceptable given the smaller size, but the bag would have worked pretty well with three dividers. The dividers are narrower than on the 30 liters EDB, but should be about the same size as those on the 20 liters EDB. Note that extra dividers can be purchased from Peak Design if desired.

Top access is where the EDB and the Zip differ the most. Since the zipper on the Zip goes higher towards the top, side access to the top section is a bit easier on the Zip.

The most intuitive way to access the top is, of course, by using the two zipper pulls typically located at the top of the bag.

The front section can bend and fold when forced, but otherwise it retains its shape. For this reason, access is easier if the zipper pulls move down quite a bit. Luckily, the UltraZip slides so easily that, once the top is opened even slightly, pulling on the front panel will push the zipper pulls downward and widen the opening.

On the inside of the front panel is a pocket. Where the EDB’s pocket is mostly hidden, and closes with a magnet, the one on the Zip is apparent and closes with a zipper. This mesh pocket is actually a bit larger than the one on the EDB.

The Peak Design logo is printed on the pocket itself, whereas on the EDB is appears on the internal side of the top flap.

Given that the Zip is narrower, longer items will not fit as well as in the 30 liters EDB. For instance, a small packing cube will fit, but its length will have to be compressed somewhat.

Organizing photo gear is similar to the EDB, with the caveat that there is one less Flexfold divider. The Zip ships with the two dividers nearer the mid-section, while the EDB ships with the third divider right at the bottom. This hints at the expected way to use and organize each bag.

We have found, however, that in some cases organization is easier if the dividers are reversed and the folding sections oriented downward. A regular third-party divider can also be used for the lower section, to create a more permanent division. This removes some of the usefulness of the folding dividers, but if a photographer always mounts the same lens when storing the camera or for a user placing the same item inside the bag every day, it can make sense. Each user will find his or her preferred way of positioning the dividers.

One interesting feature of the Everyday Backpack Zip is that, thanks to the long zipper, the bag can be completely opened and laid down mostly flat.

There is little purpose in doing this, but opening the bag as wide as needed can be very useful for placing a larger object inside, or simply to more easily adjust the position of the dividers.

Verdict

Internal organization inside the Zip is, for the most part, similar to what is found in the EDB. The smaller size is an obvious difference; some users will prefer a bag that’s as large as possible, while others will favor a smaller profile.

The four zipper pulls work extremely well to grant access to the inside of the bag. In their way, they are just as effective as the combination of side access and Maglatch found on the EDB.

While on the outside the Zip can appear to be a simplified version of the EDB, on the inside this distinction blurs. Configuring the position of the dividers properly will be key in making the most of the Evedyday Backpack Zip.