My case was a bit different from most. I originally had a Tortuga Setout Divide. I loved the straps but am small (5’4” 125lbs); they were slightly too wide and always cutting into my underarm. Additionally, I was carrying around the max of the Setout; 35L, and it was bulging a little. It felt unstructured it pulled on my back weird. As Chase Reeves said, you can’t actually pack a bag to full max capacity as it becomes a hassle to navigate around and close/access when everything is super tight.

I went looking for a replacement bag around 38-45L that I would pack only around 35L to keep everything loose. I found someone in my local area selling a brand new unused Peak Travel Backpack all in for 200USD. I took it and sold my Setout.

I like that it’s just a huge bucket I can throw my stuff in. I pack it in the compressed 35L mode, then undo the compression so the bag is still loose and not stuffed (and because I’m not completely stuffing the compression, it still falls under the carry on limit). Perfect! (Note: I’m not using it for tech/photography, just regular onebag travel).

The thinner straps are actually more comfortable for me (and this is coming from the Tortuga) I think due to my frame, nothing cuts in and it rides perfect. I love how I have the hipbelt neatly tucked away for the odd occasion I need to go for longer walks. Wouldn’t be suitable for multi day hiking. But very comfortable. Also I like how the strap management on the Peak bag keeps everything tidy.

The last point is the Peak backpack has some sort of internal framing. This effectively eliminates any bulging and weird pull like I was experiencing on the Setout,. This also added to the comfort points.

All in all, at only about 15% heavier than the Setout Divide, for extra emergency volume and increased comfort (well for my size), I’d say it was absolutely worth it. Your case may be different though so definitely try it out before settling on it.