CRKD, part of the Embracer Group, has just released the Vortex 1.0 backpack priced at $99.99. On a recent trip, I decided to replace my trusty 20-liter Peak Design Everyday backpack, a favorite for nearly eight years, with this new offering. While the Vortex mimics the design of Peak Design’s bag, it stands out due to its specialized pockets for handheld gaming devices, which is a unique feature at this price point.

I am usually content with the Peak Design backpack, but switching to it for vacations often means leaving portable gaming devices behind. Its narrow size can’t fit the original Switch once the side slots are packed. Conversely, the Vortex 1.0 allowed me to bring both my Switch 2 and Steam Deck, as it includes two dedicated sleeves. Additionally, it is larger, both in height and width, making it possible for its top zip compartment to hold a 16-inch laptop and a tablet.

Even though the Vortex 1.0 closely resembles the Peak Design Everyday model, it lacks some nuanced features that could have been incorporated, such as multiple handles for versatile carrying options and adjustable velcro shelves to customize compartment space.

Priced at a third of the 30-liter Everyday backpack, the Vortex 1.0 offers great value for gamers wanting to avoid turning packing into a complicated task. Yet, its material and shoulder strap padding do not seem as robust or breathable as my nearly decade-old Peak Design bag, which remains in excellent condition. Therefore, while the Vortex 1.0 imitates its competitor in design, it falls short in several key areas that affect its overall performance.

Photography by Cameron Faulkner / The Verge