Peak Design's New City Bags Feature Innovative BagLev Hook

San Francisco-based Peak Design, known for its camera gear, is introducing its new City Line of bags, distinguished by a clever integrated hook named BagLev. This feature allows users to hang their bags from tables, chairs, or ledges, keeping them elevated from potentially unclean surfaces encountered in urban environments. The innovation addresses a common habit of placing bags on counters or floors, which can transfer dirt from public spaces like subways, sidewalks, and parks.

The reviewer has been testing two models from the City Line: the 12-liter City Crescent crossbody bag and the 15-liter City Backpack. The City Crescent, priced at $119.95, has become a preferred choice for casual exploration, while the 15L City Backpack, at $179.95, is better suited for work that requires carrying a laptop. Both bags utilize a lightweight, water-resistant Mono Shell 660D fabric that is described as easily cleanable. The BagLev hook has proven effective in keeping the bags clean, even when suspended above cafe tables or forest floors, and the "Moon" colored fabric shows dirt that can be wiped away with a damp cloth.

Design and Functionality Beyond the Hook

While the BagLev hook is a standout feature, the City Line bags offer more than just this innovative addition. Peak Design targets the casual urbanite with these models, rather than professional photographers. Both the backpack and crossbody bag boast clean, modern silhouettes. They are constructed from a lightweight, rain-shedding fabric that adapts well to various settings, from trendy coffee shops to more casual business environments. Thoughtful design elements include zippers with large, easy-to-grab pulls, an integrated key tether, and discreet compartments for tracking devices like Apple AirTags or Google Pixel Tags.

The City Crescent crossbody bag is designed for versatility. The reviewer prefers to carry it with the BagLev hook accessible behind, using its zippered pocket for keys. A front-facing zippered pocket on the leading edge provides quick access to items like a water bottle or a compact umbrella. The main compartment also includes a pocket suitable for a water bottle. For personal items, a zippered side pocket can hold a phone, while another pocket with a magnetic closure, positioned against the hip, offers rapid access to glasses. Inside, a zippered pocket is available for a wallet, and two stretchy pockets can hold devices, cables, and other small accessories. While a 14-inch MacBook Pro can fit in the main compartment, the bag lacks dedicated padding, prompting the use of a separate protective sleeve. Weighing approximately 530g (1.16 pounds), the City Crescent's unpadded, adjustable shoulder strap is comfortable for lighter loads.

For heavier loads, especially those involving a laptop, the 15L City Backpack is the recommended option. It weighs around 750g (1.6 pounds) and features padded shoulder straps that provide good support. The backpack includes a deep internal pocket designed to suspend a laptop, offering front and back padding for protection. This sleeve accommodates a 14-inch MacBook Pro, though larger laptops might have less protection. A separate sleeve is also provided for a tablet. Each side of the backpack features a zippered pocket capable of holding a 24-ounce water bottle, which can also be used for items like a bottle of wine and a baguette. These side pockets are accessible by sliding the bag off one shoulder and swinging it forward. However, the BagLev hook on the backpack is less versatile than on the crossbody, as it cannot rotate. Located in a top pocket, its limited movement can be problematic when trying to hang the bag on tables with short overhangs. The backpack does, however, have an integrated grab handle that can assist in securing it to chairs.

Internally, the City Backpack offers superior organization for gadgets compared to the Crescent. It features a top-access zipped pocket for essentials like a wallet and glasses, along with numerous pockets in the main compartment. These include a mix of zippered and semi-transparent stretchy pouches for phones, e-readers, power banks, cables, and pens. A sleeve on the padded back panel allows it to slide over the handle of rolling luggage. Despite its organizational advantages, the City Crescent remains the reviewer's daily carry choice unless a laptop is required.

The Peak Design City Line occupies a space between the brand's lighter Outdoor line and its more robust Travel and Everyday collections. The combination of features, weight, durability, and price positions these bags as ideal for everyday use. While the City Crescent and City Backpack are highly recommended, Peak Design also offers less expensive alternatives for those interested in the bag-hook concept, including various third-party tabletop bag hooks and hanger products. The BagLev hook itself is removable and can be attached to other bags. The experience with the City Line has converted the reviewer to the utility of bag hooks, offering a cleaner and more convenient alternative to placing bags on dirty surfaces or chairs, or holding them on one's lap.