Today’s B&H DealZone (one-day deal) features a one-day deal on “open box” Peak Design Everyday Messenger 13″ V2 (Charcoal) — it’s available for $119.95. Compare with a regular price of $220.
It is clearly listed at B&H that this is the Version 2 of the bag. It is open box, but the listing notes it still has a lifetime warranty. This popular bag is large enough to hold a DSLR, 2 lenses, accessories, and up to a 13″ laptop.
Just to help avoid any confusion, this is VERSION 2 OF THE V1 Everyday Messenger, ***NOT*** the new Everday Messenger v2 that was released in late 2019. This v1.2 has redesigned flexfold dividers and an added luggage pass-through/trolley strap added to the rear exterior. This was an update that Peak quietly made to all the Everyday Messengers in 2018, except the Heritage Tan.
Thanks for the clarification. This is awfully confusing, given that B&H calls it the “Peak Design Everyday Messenger 13″ Version 2”.
No problem. It took me awhile to figure it out myself. The key identifier for any Peak Everyday Messenger or Backpack is in the stitching on the front flap. The v1’s (Version 1 and Version 2) all have the stitching patterns visible. The v2’s have a “cleaner” look and lack the stitching.
Is it still worth buying?
ABSOLUTELY. In my opinion, the v1 (or the v1.2 in this case) is better aesthetically than the v2. I have the original 13″ v1 from the Kickstarter campaign, and I love it. It’s my main “business” bag for taking back & forth to work. I took it to a Chicago Cubs game at Wrigley Field back in 2018, and the security guard doing the bag check said “That is a REALLY nice bag!”
The only thing you should really consider with this bag is if you have a larger laptop, or if you plan on using it as a “main” camera bag. If the former, then the 15″ might be better for you. If the latter, then one of the Everyday backpacks (currently 40% off for the v1’s at Peak’s website) would be a better choice.