It’s just a hook, sewn into a bag, but it’s the kind of small innovation that changes your expectations. Peak Design is so proud of the integration that it gave the feature a name: BagLev. The idea is to keep your bag “levitated” above the dirty ground, and after using it for weeks, it’s hard to go back to any other everyday carry.

Peak Design built its reputation on camera bags, but the new City Line targets a broader audience: urban commuters, remote workers, and anyone who wants a clean, lightweight bag that doesn’t scream “photographer.” The two bags in the line — the 12-liter City Crescent crossbody and the 15-liter City Backpack — are designed for daily use, with a focus on convenience, durability, and style. They both feature the BagLev hook, which is as clever as it sounds.

What is the BagLev hook?

The BagLev hook is a small, nonslip hook integrated into the bag. When you’re at a cafe, restaurant, or anywhere with a table, chair, or ledge, you can hang the bag off the surface instead of placing it on the floor. The hook is designed to keep the bag stable and off the ground, protecting it from the grime that accumulates on sidewalks, subway floors, and park benches.

On the City Crescent, the BagLev hook rotates, giving you more flexibility in how you hang it. The backpack’s hook, however, is fixed in place, which makes it slightly less versatile. Still, both hooks work as intended, and once you start using them, you’ll wonder why every bag doesn’t have one.

Peak Design City Crescent (12L)

The City Crescent is a crossbody bag that quickly became a favorite for casual outings. It weighs just 530 grams (1.16 pounds), making it one of the lightest bags in its class. The main compartment is surprisingly spacious for a 12-liter bag, easily holding a 14-inch MacBook Pro, though without any padding, you’ll want to use a sleeve if you plan to carry a laptop.

The bag is made from Peak Design’s Mono Shell 660D fabric, which is lightweight, rain-shedding, and easy to clean. The “Moon” colorway, a nearly white fabric, picked up some dirt during testing, but it wiped off easily with a damp cloth. The water-resistant material ensures that your belongings stay dry in light rain, making it a dependable choice for city commuting.

One of the standout features of the City Crescent is its organization. There’s a zippered pocket on the front leading edge that fits a 24-ounce water bottle or a compact umbrella. That same pocket is accessible from inside the main compartment, allowing you to grab your bottle without fully unzipping the bag. The side pockets are equally clever: one zippered pocket points away from your body, perfect for a smartphone, while the opposing side pocket has a self-closing magnetic opening that’s ideal for quick access to glasses or other essentials.

Inside, you’ll find a zippered pocket for a wallet, two stretchy pockets for smaller items like cables and chargers, and a hidden compartment designed to hold a tracker such as an Apple AirTag or a Pixel Tag. The shoulder strap is wide and comfortable, although lacking padding, and it was still comfortable when carrying the bag fully loaded with a laptop, water bottle, umbrella, and assorted accessories.

Peak Design City Backpack (15L)

For those who regularly commute with a laptop, the City Backpack is the better option. It weighs 750 grams (1.6 pounds) and features padded shoulder straps that do a good job of supporting a heavier load. The straps lack pockets or attachment loops, and there’s no sternum strap, but the bag remains stable and comfortable when walking or cycling.

The backpack includes a deep internal laptop compartment that suspends your laptop in the air, with padding on both the front and back. It easily fits a 14-inch MacBook Pro, though larger laptops may not get the same level of protection. There’s also a separate sleeve for a tablet, as well as a variety of internal pockets that offer a mix of zippered and stretchy storage options.

Two stretchy, zippered side pockets are perfect for holding 24-ounce water bottles, but they also work well for carrying a bottle of wine or a baguette — a pleasant surprise for those who like to pick up groceries or snacks on the go. The pockets are accessible by sliding the bag off one shoulder and swinging it forward, a move that grows on you quickly.

The BagLev hook on the backpack is located inside a small pocket at the top of the bag. Unlike the Crescent’s hook, it doesn’t rotate, which can make it trickier to hang from surfaces with short overhangs. The backpack does have an integrated grab handle that can help with hanging, but the limitation is noticeable. Still, it’s a minor issue in an otherwise well-designed bag.

Design and construction

Both bags share the same clean, not-too-slouchy silhouette. They look at home in coffee shops and casual business settings alike. The Mono Shell fabric has a smooth, textured finish that feels durable without being stiff. Large, easy-to-grab zipper pulls make access quick, even with gloves on. There are also thoughtful touches like a key tether and a hidden AirTag pocket.

Peak Design’s reputation for quality is evident in the stitching and materials. The bags feel solid and well-made, and despite their lightweight construction, they don’t feel flimsy. The water-resistant coating adds peace of mind, though the bags are not fully waterproof — they’re designed to shed rain, not survive immersion.

Comparison and pricing

The City Crescent is priced at $119.95, and the City Backpack costs $179.95. Both are competitively priced for the features they offer, especially considering the brand’s focus on thoughtful design. While they lack the protective padding of dedicated camera bags, they appeal to a wider audience who want a versatile everyday carry.

For those who want to try the BagLev hook without buying a new bag, the hook can be removed and attached to other bags that feature similar fabric loops. There are also inexpensive alternatives like portable tabletop hooks from Walmart, Etsy, and Lihit Lab, ranging from $3 to $10. These options provide a similar function, though they don’t integrate as seamlessly as Peak Design’s solution.

Everyday practicality

The City Crescent quickly became the go-to bag for exploring villages and running errands. Its compact size and smart organization make it ideal for carrying essentials like a phone, wallet, glasses, and a water bottle. The BagLev hook meant the bag was never set on the ground, which kept it cleaner and more hygienic.

The City Backpack was the preferred choice for trips that required a laptop. It offers solid protection for a 14-inch MacBook Pro and enough organization for all the tech accessories one might need. The side-access pockets were a particular highlight, making it easy to reach a water bottle without removing the bag.

Both bags excelled in daily use, and the BagLev hook proved to be more than a gimmick. It changes the way you interact with your bag, keeping it off the dirty floor and within easy reach. After a few weeks of testing, it’s clear that the hook is the standout feature, and it makes other bags feel less capable.

The City Line strikes a balance between Peak Design’s lighter Outdoor lineup and its more rugged Travel and Everyday collections. With a focus on weight, durability, and everyday usability, these bags are an excellent choice for urban dwellers and digital nomads.

Peak Design’s City Crescent and City Backpack are thoughtfully designed, lightweight, and practical. The BagLev hook is a genuinely useful innovation that enhances the carrying experience. While neither bag offers dedicated camera protection, they are perfect for everyday use, and the hook alone might be enough to make a purchase.

Source: The Verge News