peak design travel backpack under seat

Peak Design Travel Backpack Review – Is it Really Worth the Price?

• Last Updated: March 28, 2024

In my constant search for finding the best travel gear, I finally picked up the ‘Ferrari’ of carry-on bags and put it to the test. In my personal and comprehensive Peak Design Travel Backpack review I set out to determine if it really is the best carry-on backpack for travellers and photographers, break down all the innovative features and most importantly decide whether it’s worth the somewhat hefty price tag.

For the past 15 years I’ve been fortunate enough to traverse the globe pretty much full-time, exploring breathtaking landscapes and immersing myself in rich cultures with everything I own on my back.

As a professional travel photographer and full-time wanderer, I’ve relied on a mix of check-in and carry-on style travel to accommodate my ever-changing needs.

Some trips I’ll need camping gear, other times I’ll need clothing for -40 degree temperatures, and sometimes, when I’m really lucky, I’ll just need my camera gear and summer wear for a tropical assignment.

Despite my experience, the biggest dilemma always remained – how the hell do I actually carry everything in a travel backpack without needing a team or sherpas to manage it all?

I’ve been on a perpetual quest to find the perfect carry-on bag that strikes the right balance between functionality, durability, and style.

The right travel backpack also needed to cater for my somewhat demanding list of equipment and other bags I always need to bring with me.

READ MORE: Don’t miss my complete guide to all the best travel backpacks on the market right now!

Besides being a full-time content creator, I also run a number of online businesses and spend more time than I like to admit in airports, on sketchy boat or bus rides and walking long, long distances to avoid unscrupulous taxi drivers.

Peak Design Travel Backpack

Tonnes of storage and organisation

Very customisable for travel, tech and camera gear

Strong, durable and water-resistant

So not only do I need something that carries a laptop, multiple cameras and lenses, clothes, electronics, cables and whatever else I need for a particular trip, it needs to be comfortable, durable, water resistant, discreet and hold everything without the inside of my bag looking like a complete mess.

At my last calculation, I have personally bought and tested almost 50 bags, yet I had never quite discovered one that ticked all the boxes and met my high standards.

Until now? (Yep, question mark…)

As my journeys took me to new corners of the world, I’d often hear whispers about the Peak Design Travel Backpack from fellow travellers and photography enthusiasts.

It was hailed as a game-changer that had revolutionised the way people travelled with their gear.

I have already used a number of Peak Design products in the past, with no bad experiences.

The Capture Clips are simply phenomenal. The camera straps live permanently on all of our bodies. Hell, even the Clutch and Cuff have their places in our bags full time.

And I’ve managed to get my hands on their Everyday Bag and Messenger Bag a few times and been very impressed.

So much so that Alesha and I ended up getting both. You can read Alesha’s personal Peak Design Everyday Messenger review in this article.

Still, I remained skeptical; after all, I have been left disappointed by many so-called “revolutionary” bags in the past. And these Peak Design bags, as well-received as they seemed to be, aren’t exactly cheap.

Eventually, curiosity got the better of me, and I decided to bite the bullet and give the Peak Design Travel Backpack a shot.

After all, if it lived up to the hype, it could be the solution to my carry-on conundrum.

With my skepticism in tow, I put the Peak Design Travel Backpack through the wringer, subjecting it to the rigorous demands of my on-the-go lifestyle.

As a professional traveller , the quality and features of my gear are of paramount importance, so I was determined to leave no stone unturned in my evaluation of the backpack.

My journey with the Peak Design Travel Backpack took me from the bustling city streets of Sydney to remote villages in the Solomon Islands, and I paid careful attention to how it performed under various conditions and environments.

In the following review, I will share my honest thoughts and experiences with the Peak Design Travel Backpack, detailing its many features, its few drawbacks, and ultimately, whether or not it lived up to the hype that had surrounded it for years.

So, without further ado, let’s dive into my Peak Design Travel Backpack 45l review and discover if it truly is the carry-on bag that can meet the demands of a seasoned traveller and professional photographer like myself.

Table of Contents

Summary of Features

Zippered pocket compartment, zippered dividing panel with dual-side access, technical features and material, zipper and hardware quality, organisational features and accessibility, shoulder straps, waist strap, multiple grab handles, packing cubes, camera cubes, camera cubes for your camera gear, flexibility, accessibility, expandability, compression, water bottle side pockets, cons of peak design travel backpack, can i use the peak design travel backpack as a carry-on, is the peak design travel backpack comfortable, which is better – peak design travel backpack or travel duffel, does the peak design travel backpack fit under the airplane seat, my peak design travel backpack review – is the 45 litre bag worth it.

The Peak Design Travel Backpack is a versatile and well-designed 45L bag that is highly regarded for its functionality, durability, and overall performance.

It can be compressed to 35L for a more compact setup or expanded to its full 45L capacity, making it suitable for a variety of travel scenarios.

The bag’s design prioritises access and organisation, featuring multiple access points including back, side, and front panels, and various pockets and compartments for sorting your gear.

This includes a dedicated laptop sleeve, internal and external pockets for better organisation, and the ability to integrate with Peak Design Packing Tools for further customisation.

Constructed from high-quality, weatherproof materials, the backpack is designed to withstand harsh conditions and keep your belongings safe.

The well-padded back panel and shoulder straps, along with a stowable waist belt and adjustable sternum strap, contribute to a comfortable carry, making it a reliable choice for long travel days.

However, it’s worth noting that the bag may be on the heavier side for some users, and the price point is higher compared to other options.

Despite this, its solid construction, thoughtful design, and versatile functionality make the Peak Design Travel Backpack a popular choice among seasoned travellers, particularly those who carry camera equipment or other delicate tech gear.

The bag comes in 30 litre and 45 litre versions, but I went for the larger one.

Let’s dive into my full review!

Here’s a bullet point summary of the key features of the Peak Design Travel Backpack:

• Expandable capacity: The bag can expand to 45L for longer trips or compress to 35L for shorter trips or day-to-day use.
• Multiple access points: The bag features back, side, and front panel access, making it easy to reach your belongings without digging through the entire bag.
• Excellent organisation: The bag includes a dedicated laptop sleeve, external quick-access pockets, and internal pockets to keep your gear organized.
• Customisable setup: The bag is compatible with the Peak Design Packing Tools, allowing for further customisation and organisation.
• Weatherproof materials: The bag is made from high-quality, weatherproof materials to protect your belongings in various weather conditions.
• Comfort features: The bag includes a well-padded back panel and shoulder straps, a stowable waist belt, and an adjustable sternum strap for comfortable carrying.
• Meets carry-on requirements: The bag is designed to meet most airline carry-on requirements.
• High-quality construction: Known for its durability and robust construction, the bag is designed to withstand the rigours of travel.

Detailed Features of the Peak Design 45 Litre Travel Backpack

Let’s dive a little deeper into the features of this epic travel backpack.

The main zippered compartment of the Peak Design Travel Backpack is the backbone of its design and offers a wide range of organisational possibilities.

Accessed via the back panel, the primary zippered compartment is expansive, making up the majority of the bag’s 45L volume when fully extended.

This compartment is secured with robust and durable zippers that run around the perimeter of the back panel, ensuring your belongings are kept safe.

The zippers are also lockable for an added layer of security when you’re on the move.

Once you open the Peak Design backpack, you’ll see the large, cavernous interior designed to hold the bulk of your gear.

The space is versatile and can be utilised in a variety of ways depending on your packing style and travel needs. It can accommodate a combination of clothing, shoes, toiletries, camera gear , and other travel essentials.

A standout feature is that the main compartment is compatible with Peak Design’s system of Packing Tools.

These include packing cubes, a tech pouch, a wash pouch, and a camera cube. They fit seamlessly into the main compartment, allowing you to further organise your belongings and tailor the bag to your specific needs.

These additional packing tools are a big plus for those who want an extra level of organisation.

Within the main compartment, on the inner sides of the bag, there are also two stealthy zippered pockets.

These pockets are great for stowing smaller items that might otherwise get lost in the large space. Think items like cables, chargers, snacks, or personal hygiene products.

The back panel that houses the main compartment zipper also includes a sizable flat pocket suitable for documents, notebooks, or other slim items.

This is especially handy for items you want to keep flat or protect from being bent or damaged.

Overall, the main zippered compartment of the Peak Design Travel Backpack is a flexible and spacious area that can be customised to suit a wide variety of travel needs.

Its design keeps in mind all the details and practicality of accessing and organising your belongings effectively and securely.

The Peak Design Travel Backpack features a zippered dividing panel with dual-side access that truly enhances its functionality and accessibility, setting it apart from many other travel bags on the market.

This mid-layer dividing panel essentially splits the main compartment into two separate sections – a top and a bottom.

It’s a convenient feature that offers a new level of organisation, allowing you to separate your belongings based on use or category, such as clothing in one section and tech gear or shoes in the other.

Each side of the dividing panel has a zippered mesh pocket that’s perfect for storing small items that you want to keep secure yet visible.

These pockets can be used for items like cables, chargers, or travel-sized toiletries.

But the real game-changer is the dual-side access to these compartments. With zippers on both sides of the bag, you can quickly reach into either compartment without opening the entire bag.

This is particularly handy when you’re in a hurry or in a tight space like an airplane cabin or a crowded train. It eliminates the need to rummage through your bag, helping you to find what you need with minimal fuss.

Additionally, the zippered dividing panel is not just functional, but it’s also flexible. If you want to use the full capacity of the main compartment, you can simply unzip all the zippers and dividing panel to create one large space.

This flexibility gives you the freedom to pack your bag in a way that suits your specific needs and travel style.

In essence, the zippered dividing panel with dual-side access is one of the key features that enhance the adaptability and practicality of the Peak Design Travel Backpack, making packing and accessing your items a much smoother process.

The Peak Design Travel Backpack boasts a construction primarily of 400D nylon canvas, renowned for its durability and resilience.

Sounds fancy, doesn’t it?

Basically all that means is that the high-density material ensures the backpack can withstand the rigours of frequent travel, from rough handling to unpredictable weather conditions.

Example – I just put this backpack through hell on a trip to Japan, throwing it in overhead compartments on bullet trains, wandering through the rain and rocking it while on a mountain biking experience in the mountains of Shizuoka.

The thing still looked brand new.

Enhanced with a weatherproof coating, the fabric offers resistance against light showers, safeguarding the contents within.

The choice of nylon canvas also contributes to the backpack’s lightweight nature, ensuring ease of carry without compromising on strength.

Stitched with precision, the material promises longevity, making the backpack a reliable travel companion.

The zippers on the Peak Design Travel Backpack are industry-renowned YKK zippers, ensuring the backpack has smooth operation and longevity, even with frequent use.

Additionally, the external zippers come with weather-sealing features, offering an added layer of protection against moisture and dust.

Beyond the zippers, the backpack’s hardware, including buckles and clasps, is crafted for durability and ease of use.

Again, I treat my gear pretty rough on my travels and this damn thing just won’t break.

The Peak Design Travel Backpack shines in its organisational features and accessibility, which are deliberately designed to facilitate easy packing and quick access to your belongings.

• Multiple Access Points: The backpack features back, side, and top access points, each of which offers entry to different sections of the bag. This design is particularly advantageous when you need to grab something quickly without having to unpack the whole bag.
• Main Compartment: The spacious main compartment, which can be accessed from the back panel, serves as the bag’s primary storage area. It can be customised with Peak Design’s Packing Tools for further organisation.
• Zippered Dividing Panel: Inside the main compartment, there’s a zippered dividing panel that splits the space into two sections. Each side of the panel has a zippered mesh like pocket, and there’s dual-side access for easy retrieval of your items.
• Exterior Pockets: The bag features two quick-access pockets on the front and one hidden pocket in the back panel, ideal for storing items like passports, wallets, or phones that you need to reach quickly and frequently.
• Laptop Sleeve: A dedicated laptop compartment provides safe and secure storage for a 15 ” laptop and additional space for a tablet. It’s accessible from the top of the bag, making it easy to remove your devices at airport security, and it sits flush against your back for solid weight distribution.
• Interior Side Pockets: Inside the main compartment, there are zipper pockets on both sides, perfect for small items like cables, chargers, or personal hygiene products.
• Stowable Straps: Even the bag’s carry options provide organisational versatility. The shoulder and waist straps can be stowed away when not in use, giving the bag a sleeker profile and preventing unwanted snags during transit.

In summary, the Peak Design Travel Backpack’s organisational features and accessibility options have been meticulously designed to make packing, unpacking, and accessing your gear as easy as possible.

This thoughtful design helps ensure that whether you’re in transit or on location, your focus can remain on your travel experiences rather than on battling with your bag.

Stowaway Shoulder Straps and Hip Straps

The stowable straps are one of the features that enhance the versatility of the Peak Design Travel Backpack, contributing to its comfort, convenience, and streamlined aesthetic.

The backpack’s shoulder straps are well-padded for comfort and can be easily adjusted to fit various body types.

When you don’t need them or when you’re in transit (like on an airplane or a crowded bus), these straps can be unclipped and neatly tucked away into a hidden pocket at the back panel.

This creates a sleeker profile for the bag and prevents the straps from catching on anything, which is especially useful when storing the bag in overhead compartments or other tight spaces.

The bag also comes with a harness system a waist strap that provides additional support and helps distribute the weight of the bag more evenly, reducing the strain on your shoulders.

This hip belt strap is particularly useful when you’re carrying heavier loads or moving around a lot. Similar to the shoulder straps, the waist strap can be stowed away when not in use.

It neatly tucks into the pockets at the base of the bag, maintaining the bag’s streamlined look.

In addition to these stowable straps, the bag features reinforced carry handles on the top and sides.

These handles offer alternative carrying options when the shoulder and waist straps are stowed, making it convenient to carry the bag like a briefcase or a duffel bag, or to quickly grab it from an overhead bin.

READ MORE: Need stability? Check out our full guide to the top tripods for travel .

Peak Design Travel Bag Accessories

The Peak Design Travel Backpack is part of a broader ecosystem of travel accessories created by Peak Design.

These accessories, known as “Packing Tools,” are designed to fit perfectly within the bag and offer further customisation and organisation options.

Available in small and medium sizes, these cubes can compress your clothing to save space. They feature a tear-away zipper for fast access and have a separate compartment for dirty clothes. Check them out here .

These are available in small, medium, and large sizes, and are meant for safely storing and organising your camera gear. They can hold everything from a simple camera setup to a full professional kit, depending on the size. See them here .

The Tech Pouch is designed to store and organise small electronics, cords, SD cards, and other tech accessories. It opens out flat for easy access and features multiple pockets and elastic loops. Check prices .

This pouch is intended for toiletries, featuring pockets and organisation designed to hold a range of personal care items. It also opens out flat for easy access and has a stowable hook for hanging. Check prices here .

The Shoe Pouch is a lightweight, packable pouch for carrying shoes. It has a weatherproof design to keep dirt and odours contained. Check the latest prices .

Though not strictly a packing tool, the Rain Fly is a waterproof cover designed to protect your backpack and its contents in heavy rain. It’s especially useful if you’re travelling in regions with unpredictable weather.

The fact that this doesn’t come with the bag already though is a bit of a kick in the guts.

Each of these accessories fits seamlessly into the Travel Backpack, allowing you to customise the bag’s interior based on your specific travel needs.

Whether you’re a photographer needing to protect your gear, a tech enthusiast with multiple gadgets, or just someone who appreciates organisation, these accessories enhance the functionality of the Travel Backpack.

Use as a Camera Bag

One of the main reasons I wanted to go for this backpack is because I was in desperate need for a bag that could be used as carry-on for short travel trips while also carrying some camera gear.

If I’m flying off to Antarctica or Africa for a photography assignment, obviously I need a large, dedicated backpack or case to carry all my ridiculous amounts of gear.

But what if I’m just ducking off to Thailand for a week and need a small amount of clothes along with one camera body, two lenses, a GoPro and a drone?

That’s where the appeal of this bag started to pop up – could this finally be my one-size-fits-all??

Turns out it just about can be!

The Peak Design Travel Backpack can be transformed into an exceptional camera bag thanks to its thoughtful design and the company’s range of compatible packing tools.

This feature is particularly appreciated by photographers like me who need a convenient and secure way to carry their gear.

Here’s what makes it so damn good as a hybrid travel and camera bag.

Ahh, the legendary Peak Design Camera Cubes. Coming in small, medium, and large sizes, these cubes are padded, have customisable dividers, and are designed to fit perfectly into the main compartment of the Travel Backpack.

Depending on your gear setup, you can choose a cube that fits your needs and fits neatly into the backpack.

They offer protection for your camera body, lenses, and other camera accessories and can be accessed easily from the back or side of the bag.

Up until recently I’ve been using another camera cube system inside the bag which works but doesn’t sit as nicely in there.

I’ve ordered the Peak Design Camera Cubes and will update this article once they arrive.

The bag’s interior is highly customisable, so you can arrange it to suit your gear. For example, you could store your camera gear in a Camera Cube in the bottom half of the bag, and use the top half for personal items, snacks, or additional gear.

The zippered dividing panel keeps everything in its place.

The bag is made from durable and weatherproof materials to protect your gear from the elements. Additionally, there is a separately sold Rain Fly for extra protection in heavy rain.

It’s not as good as a dedicated camera bag, but it serves a pretty good purpose.

The Tech Pouch can be used for batteries, SD cards, and other smaller tech items. Also, the front and side pockets are great for storing lens caps, filters, or cleaning cloths.

By using the Peak Design Travel Backpack as a camera bag, photographers can have their essential photography equipment and personal belongings in one bag that’s comfortable to carry and easy to manage.

Remember, however, that while the backpack offers a lot of protection and accessibility features for everyday backpack, it won’t offer the same level of protection as a dedicated hard case for extremely fragile or high-value equipment.

Expandability and Compression

The Peak Design Travel Backpack is a unique blend of design and functionality, with its impressive expandability and compression features being standout elements.

This adjustable capacity is one of the features that truly sets it apart from other backpacks on the market.

When fully expanded, the Travel Backpack offers a generous 45L of volume, providing ample space for all your travel necessities.

This makes it ideal for longer trips, or for when you need to carry larger items like camera gear, additional clothing, or souvenirs.

The bag’s main compartment and various pockets are designed to make the most of this volume, with a smart layout that allows for easy organisation and access.

The expandability is primarily achieved through a zippered gusset that runs around the front of the bag.

When the zipper is closed, the bag is in its standard 35L capacity. When the zipper is opened, the front of the bag can expand outward, providing an additional 10L of storage space.

Just as it can expand, the Travel Backpack can also compress down to a more compact size.

When you’re not carrying a full load, or when you’re in environments that require a smaller bag (like crowded public transportation or tight airplane cabins), you can compress the bag down to a more manageable 30L.

This compression is achieved via the ‘snap’ buttons on the front of the bag that cinch down the excess fabric when the bag is not fully loaded.

This not only reduces the physical size of the bag but also gives it a sleeker, more streamlined appearance.

In my experience though, it’s not a very strong method for compression unless your bag is really empty.

The expandability and compression features of the Peak Design Travel Backpack provide an incredibly adaptable storage system.

Really Jarryd? You want to talk about a water bottle sleeve?

You’re damn right I do!

I have been searching the world for the best camera bag ever made, and I’m yet to find the winner.

My main camera bag (a Lowepro) that has been on most of my recent adventures is close to being perfect…Except it doesn’t have anywhere to hold a water bottle!!!

As a thirsty photographer, how the hell can a company not think that somebody may want to, oh I don’t know, stay hydrated?

Ugh. Anyways. Not a problem with this backpack though.

On either side of the backpack, there are expandable side pockets that can each hold a water bottle. These pockets lie flat and sleek when not in use, maintaining the bag’s streamlined appearance.

The side pockets are designed with an elasticated top and a gusseted, expandable design, allowing them to stretch to accommodate bottles of varying sizes.

When a water bottle or similar item is inserted, the pocket expands to hold it securely.

Additionally, these pockets can be used to hold other items like travel umbrellas or mini tripods, making them versatile storage spaces beyond just holding water bottles.

When you’re not carrying a water bottle or any other item in these pockets, they neatly tuck back into the bag, contributing to its sleek and professional look.

It’s worth noting that, like the rest of the bag, these pockets are made from a weather-resistant material, which can help prevent any condensation on your water bottle from wetting other items in your bag.

Ok, so you’ve read all the features of the bag, can see that I think it’s pretty damn awesome, and I’d tell my best mate or mum to get it.

Does it mean it’s perfect though?

Sadly not quite.

While the Peak Design Travel Backpack has been well-received and offers a range of impressive features, no bag is perfect and there are some potential downsides to consider:

• Price: The Peak Design Travel Backpack is considered a premium product, and its price reflects that. It might be a significant investment for some travellers. Additionally, the specialised packing tools like the Camera Cubes and Tech Pouch are sold separately, adding to the overall cost.
• Weight: Empty, the bag weighs about 2.05 kg (4.5 lbs). This is heavier than some other travel backpacks on the market, which might be a concern for travellers who are trying to keep their pack weight to a minimum. Especially considering most airlines cap their carry-on specs to 7kg total.
• Complexity: The bag has numerous features and compartments, and while this is great for organisation, it might be overwhelming or unnecessary for some users. If you prefer a simple bag with a straightforward design, this might not be the right choice for you.
• Size: Even in its compressed state, the bag may still be quite large for some people, especially those with a smaller body frame. It fits me great, but it looks huge on Alesha. This can affect the bag’s comfort and fit. Additionally, while it can compress and expand, the fully expanded 45L size might not be compliant with carry-on restrictions for some airlines.
• Aesthetics: While this is subjective, the modern, tech-focused aesthetic may not appeal to everyone. Some people have found the bag to look a bit too sleek or technical for their tastes.
• Comfort: While the bag is generally considered comfortable, especially with the adjustable and stowable straps, if the bag is packed to its full capacity, it’s a bit heavy and uncomfortable to carry for extended periods. The lack of breathable material on the back panel might also contribute to discomfort during hot weather.

As with any product, it’s essential to consider your specific needs, preferences, and budget when deciding whether this is the right backpack for you.

FINAL VERDICT – Is the Peak Design Travel Backpack Worth It?

The Peak Design Travel Backpack is a product that expertly marries form and function. It’s a travel companion that’s been meticulously designed to cater to a wide range of needs, particularly for photographers and frequent travellers who value organisation, versatility, and style.

With a thoughtful array of features such as customisable organisation, stowable straps, expandability, and convenient accessibility, the bag stands out in the market.

The option to add specialised packing tools like camera cubes and tech pouches further enhances its functionality and adaptability.

However, it does come with a few caveats – it’s on the pricier end of the backpack spectrum, it may be too complex or large for some, and its aesthetics might not be for everyone.

Yet, for those who value the qualities it excels in and are willing to invest in a bag that’s built to last, the Peak Design Travel Backpack can be seen as an excellent value proposition.

In conclusion to my Peak Design Travel Backpack review, if you’re a frequent traveller, photographer, or a digital nomad who’s always on the move and needs a durable, reliable, and extremely versatile backpack that can hold not only your travel essentials but also your precious camera gear, then Peak Design’s Travel Backpack is certainly worth it.

It’s not just a bag; it’s a testament to innovation, attention to detail, and a deep understanding of the travel-savvy customer’s needs. Plus the company itself is dope as.

It’s more than just a backpack; it’s a travel solution.

Am I keeping it? 100% yes.

DISCLAIMER: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which means if you book accommodation, tours or buy a product, we will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. These commissions help us keep creating more free travel content to help people plan their holidays and adventures. We only recommend the best accommodations, tours and products that ourselves or our fantastic editorial team have personally experienced, and regularly review these. Thanks for your support, kind friend!

Yes, the Peak Design Travel Backpack has been designed to meet all international and domestic carry-on requirements in terms of dimensions. As long as you don’t overpack it, have tripods hanging out everywhere or fill it with enough stuff to make it weigh 30kg, then you can take it as carry-on.

Based on my personal experience with this bag, the Peak Design Travel Backpack is very comfortable. It’s not the most comfortable bag on the market, but the thick straps and padded back makes it a pleasure to wear for long periods of time.

Overall, the Duffel Pack has more versatility, a more robust structure and holds more items. It has less organisation and can be more difficult to carry however. Personally I prefer the Travel Backpack, but it comes down to your own preference.

The ability to have one bag travel, the Peak Design Travel Backpack to fit under an airplane seat can vary depending on the airline, the specific aircraft, and how full the bag is. The fully expanded 45L version of the bag is quite sizable, and it may not fit under the seat in front of you on most commercial airlines, particularly when the bag is fully packed. However, this bag does have a compressible design. When compressed to its smallest 35L size, it might fit under the seat of some airlines, but it will likely still be a tight squeeze. That said, the bag is designed to meet most airline carry-on standards when not fully expanded, meaning it should fit in the overhead bin without a problem. It’s always best to check the specific carry-on requirements of your airline before your flight, as these can vary and change. The last thing you want is to have to check your bag unexpectedly!

What Colour are Peak Design travel backpacks?

The Peak Design Travel Backpack has two different colour options—black and sage. I’ve got the sage backpack, and I really like it.

In my Peak Design Travel Backpack review I dive into all the features, tech and style of the 45 litre bag to see if it really is worth the price tag.

Product Brand: Peak Design

• Tonnes of space and organisation pockets
• Very durable and water resistant
• Complies with airline carry-on restrictions
• Perfect for tech-focused travellers

Alesha and Jarryd

Hi, We’re Alesha and Jarryd!

We’ve been traveling the world together since 2008, searching for the planet’s best destinations and adventures.

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Very good informative blog about bags . The Peak Design Travel Backpacks are attractive as well as comfortable.

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An Obsessive Peak Design Travel Backpack Review: A 30L backpack, perfect for daily life, travel, and more

Finding a single backpack perfect for “one bag” travel but still solidly suited to be an everyday bag is a tough task. Few travel bags have the storage space, organization, zippered pockets, comfy yet stowable harness system, and other perks that make a good travel bag – while still being small and manageable enough to use as an everyday backpack. The 30L Peak Design Travel Backpack is the exception to the rule – a great bag equally suited to travel as it is to everyday carry.

In my experience I’ve discovered that Peak Design’s everyday carry travel bag is meticulously designed to be your single travel backpack for adventurous wandering, yet suited to be the bag you take out every day, wandering cities, bouncing between coffee shops and coworking spaces, and taking full advantage of the opportunity to travel and wander. On those weekend jumps between cities this backpack is an easy carry on travel backpack

Peak Designs smaller more manageable travel pack expands to 30L to fit enough for weeks of travel, and contracts back to 27L to be used as a perfectly daily carry backpack with enough room to store everything you need for the day.

Over the past few months, I’ve toted this obsessively designed 30L travel bag on week long adventures exploring the best that Indonesia has to offer, by motorbike, with everything I need tucked in this bag and strapped to my bike.

In between, I’ve used the pack for long days of working at coworking spaces, exploring hill country by motorbike, squeezing in a workout, and ending with a sunset dip in the ocean, carrying everything I need for the day of work and impromptu adventure.

The verdict : for minimalist travelers, especially those with tech they need to protect (laptop, tablet, smartphone, etc.) from rain and the elements, Peak Design 30L Travel Backpack is a great, comfortable, wandering friendly everyday pack…and it just might be the bag for you.

Read on to discover what makes this pack such an awesome travel bag option in this obsessive Peak Design Everyday Backpack review.

This article contains affiliate links

Contents of this Peak Design Travel Backpack Review

Quick Review

Pros of the Peak Design 45L Travel Backpack

Cons of the peak design travel backpack.

• Best Use of the Peak Design Everyday Backpack

Quick Rating of the Peak Design Travel Backpack

Quick verdict, full review of the peak design travel backpack, my experience with the 30l peak design travel backpack, function by function review of the peak design 30l travel backpack.

• Appearance and Aesthetics
• Comfort and Carry

Materials and Build

Dimensions, weight, & specifications.

• Carry-On Compliance
• Storage and Organization

Packing and Accessibility

Durability & testing.

• Price, Value for Money, and Discounts
• Final Verdict
• Comfy shoulder straps, with solid webbing wrapped in cushion, quickly and conveniently stowable
• Sturdy build – great stitching, solid shoulder straps, heavy duty premium weatherproof exterior zippers
• Great, durable, weather-resistant materials
• Grab handles in very convenient places
• Tons of zippered mesh pockets inside make keeping organized easy, whether for long term travel or everyday use
• Lashing loops and strap points at all corners of the bag make it strap extras to the outside of the bag (rain jackets, camera tripods) via “access axial strap attachments” or strap the bag to a bicycle or motorbike.
• Looks great
• Clearly meticulously designed with amazingly stylish accents, and tough features (rivets, reinforcements, and heavy duty steel/webbing in the right places)
• Clean, efficient design makes for minimal dangling straps
• Dedicated laptop compartment easily accessed via back panel
• Rear opening back panel design makes packing for day use and accessing items difficult, compared to how items are normally packed in a backpack and takes some getting used to ( Click here to read more )
• I wish there was a better divider between the laptop and packed goods (for protection) ( Click here to read more )

Neutral points to know about the (30L) Peak Design Travel Backpack

• This travel backpack seems like an expensive backpack, however, when you account for the high quality materials, great design and craftsmanship, and versatile use, this is a “buy it for life” purchase that delivers function and value commensurate with its pricetag

Best Use of the Peak Design Everyday Backpack: Perfect for Long Term Nomadic Travel (as a weekend bag and daily carry), Paired with The Peak Design Duffel

The Everyday Backpack, the smaller sibling to the 45L Peak Design Travel bag, is packed with all the features you need fro “quick travels” and fits a perfect middle ground that makes it perfect for travel and trips that you pack lightly for – such as weekend trips, or climates where you can pack light – and used as an everyday carry backpack, for work, wandering, and adventure.

This middle ground pack is perfect for the needs of digital nomads that often base in a single big city for months on end, such as Tulum, Chiang Mai, or Lisbon, and take smaller trips for a weekend or a week to nearby locales to make the most of their location independence.

The Peak Design Everyday Backpack is just as perfect for daily use, as a nomad working in co-working spaces and coffee shops, as those leisurely trips out of town.

However, for long term travelers, especially those carrying laptops, tech, and the clothes to thrive in any city or climate, a single everyday backpack 30L big won’t be sufficient for carrying the gear necessary for months, or years of comfortable travel. So, for long term, nomadic travelers, basing in a single city with adventurous trips on the side, I recommend pairing the Peak Design Travel Duffel * with the Peak Design Everyday Backpack for a perfect travel setup .

In reality, most nomadic travelers tote a lot of gear (understandably) that they only move every few weeks or months, making a duffle bag a great option for the other bag to bring for carrying most gear for those bigger moves as checked luggage, to a new base. In between those big moves, for shorter travel and daily life, a solid, versatile bag for daily carry and weekend travel bag is more essential than you think.

So, Consider grabbing the Peak Design Everyday Backpack 30L size and the Peak Design Travel Duffel (65L size) for a perfect long term travel setup

Highlight Features of the Peak Design Travel Backpack

• Premium materials throughout
• Ultra clean aesthetics
• 400 denier Durable Water Resistant coating treated outer keep water out
• Large, weather shielded zippers, keep water out
• Stowaway Shoulder Straps
• Quick access tech pouch (up top, in front)
• Rear access design and wrap around zip back panel – great for security
• HUGE main bag compartment lined with zippered mesh pockets to keep everyday gear organized
• Dual expansion zips, add 10L of capacity expanding the bag from 35L to 45L
• Tough, sturdy grab handles on top, bottom, sides, and back
• Zippered internal pockets line the interior of the main compartment
• Built with weather resistant, durable materials and solid quality construction
• Secure zippers all around the backpack with weatherproof seams
• Tons of zipper pockets to stay organized
• Collapsible side pockets and water bottle sleeves accommodate a standard Kleen Kanteen or slim water bottle
• Quick access top pocket, with tons of organization for pens, cards, cash, glasses, phones, etc.
• Lots of hidden pockets for valuables (passport, credit, cards, lots of cash )
• Stow away external straps that lash in an “X” pattern across the front of the bag, so you can carry more and lash more essentials (camera tripod, rain jacket) to the outside of your bag adds huge external carry capacity
• Integrated luggage carry makes the everyday backpack suited to pair with roller carry on luggage, or a duffle bag *
• Protected laptop pocket styled as a padded laptop sleeve

Materials and Craftsmanship Highlights

• Weatherproof 400 denier nylon canvas outer made from recycled plastics – for water resistance, abrasion resistance, and durability, protecting your valuables from weather and making a bag that will last for years
• Huge, tough zippers have weather covers , to protect your goods and your tech from rain and moisture
• Fair trade certified
• 100% carbon neutral
• Guaranteed for life by Peak Design

Who Is the Peak Design Everday Backpack For?

From my months of use, I can definitely say the Everyday Backpack is suited very well for a few types of users

• Daily commuters and wanders with plenty of gear: Ample size, great organization, and comfortable wear making it great for carrying a day’s worth of goods for work, gym, and leisure without returning home
• Weekend travelers, or lightly packed week-long trips: The 30L is a perfect short travel bag or a week+ if packing for a single climat, and paired with packing cubes * can quickly be emptied to use as a daypack
• Digital Nomads: A quickly accessible laptop compartment, durable yet comfy shoulder straps to handle the weight, and storage for all of the techy accessories make this a great everyday carry bag specifically for digital nomads
• Photographers as a camera bag: The comfort, weatherproof design, and Peak Design’s modular camera storage make the Everyday Backpack a solid camera bag for keeping photography gear safe and comfortably carried

Overall Rating: 4.6/5

• Design: 4.5/5 – The inconvenience of a rear opening pack for daily carry gives a slight “ding” to the score
• Durability: 5/5 – Durable materials and high quality build throughout
• Style: 5/5 – Clean, minimalist, and sleek design elements add up to a very stylish bag
• Comfort: 4.5/5 – Though the Peak Design has a durable build, the tough straps may not have enough padding for some people
• Value: 4.5/5 – The great function you get and the fact that it will last for years make this bag a great value – but the initial purchase may still sting a little…but it’ll be worth it

Peak Design Everyday Backpack is an excellent, durable, and stylish expression of what it aims to be – a clean organized everyday pack that’s got enough room and organization for travels for a weekend, or a week+ for minimalist packers. Though the pricetag is steep, the materials, craftsmanship, function, and expected durability make it a bag you will use, often, and for life, making it a great investment for travelers, commuters, and nomads.

Digital nomads, on the road for months or years, and basing out of a single location for months with short trips throughout, consider pairing this 30L travel backpack with the 65L Peak Design Travel Duffel for enough space to contain your entire life and still travel easily, and the functionality you need in a daily carry and weekender backpack

I’m lucky enough to live my life as a full time traveler and digital nomad based in Bali, Indonesia, and every aspect of my life – and making the most of it – involves being on the move and staying on the move. Whether I leave at sunrise and get back before midnight after dropping into cafes and working at coworking spaces, or simply exploring the mountains, hills, lakes and surf spots, having a versatile backpack to keep everything I need close is essential.

For the past few months I’ve also been lucky enough to test the 30L Peak Design Travel Backpack as a daily carry when wandering by motorbike, and a weekend adventure bag when exploring new places and islands by boat, plane, and any other way I can find.

Along the way, the Peak Design Travel Backpack has not only met my expectations for a good travel backpack, but exceeded them. Here’s why…

This backpack is meticulously organized.

Every square inch of the inside of this pack is covered with well organized, zippered mesh pockets, and strap points for organization, allowing me to carry not just the “basics” of a laptop, cell phone, tablet, and extra clothes, but pens, paper, well hidden cash, sunglasses, surf trunks, and anything else I obssessivel carry – while keeping it all organized.

The materials and craftsmanship are awesome.

I am not only insanely hard on bags, dropping them from moving bikes, overstuffing them more than their stitching and zippers may like, and I’ve literally broken (the seams and straps) of several bags. At the same time, I’m cheap and a minimalist – once I buy something I don’t like to buy that item again. “Buy it for life” is my policy.

After wearing this bag for hundreds of hours I can feel how every bit of fabric, all of the straps, all of the handles, all of the stress point stitches, and all of the rivets are sturdy, durable, top notch quality, and made to last a lifetime, as evidenced by Peak Design’s Lifetime warranty .

The pack is comfortable enough for all day wear, yet sturdy in design and construction for years of use

Look closely at this backpack an you realize it was actually design with with a sturdy fabric skeleton, with storage attached (with aluminum rivets and heavy stitching) and coated with foam rubber for comfortable. The shoulder straps use the same nylon webbing common in seat belts that is commonly built to withstand 1000’s of pounds of force. The aluminum rivets attaching the shoulder straps to the just as tough backpanel are even stronger.

And the fabric is tough and top notch too, with weatherproof 400 denier nylon all around and the bottom doubled up with 900 denier waterproof fabric.

The foam rubber wrapping of the shoulder straps and backpanel isn’t as soft and comfy as some backpacks, like the super padded shoulder straps on the Tortuga Outbreaker *, but are perfectly fine if you don’t plan on trekking 10 miles with 65 pounds. More importantly to me, the straps can comfortably carry a bag full of weighty tech – laptop, smartphone, tablet, notebooks, etc.

Not only does the backpack feel good and look good, but its tough. Which leads to the next point, the look and design on this backpack is amazing.

Looks good due to great design

I’ve received more than a handful of complements on the look of this backpack, and trust me, that doesn’t happen often. The clean lines, lack of dangling straps, earth toned fabric, and high quality accents (leather branding badges, stamped aluminum hardware) add up to a bag that delivers function with the sleek aesthetic of a speed boat or airplane.

Rear loading main compartment: The only downside for me

I’ve fallen in love with clamshell opening style backpacks, essentially bags that have wrap around zippers that allow the bag to open fully. The GORUCK GR3 and GR2 backpacks were my first backpacks with that feature, and now I insist on wrap around zippers and fold open design with even my daypacks. However, the Peak Design Travel backpack is the first daily carry backpack I’ve tried with a rear opening panel design.

A rear opening design isn’t inherently bad for travel backpacks, but in a daily carry backpack, rear loading takes some getting used to – here’s why…

In good packing, the flat items and heavy items should be closer to your back, allowing the load to sit close to your spine, and avoiding the risk of the heavy things (laptop) crushing the small things (cell phone) while you wear the backpack. This is why good laptop pockets are just behind the backpanel. However, with a rear opening backpack, wherein the back panel flips up, if you pack correctly then whenever you open the pack, you’ll have to dig past the large items, like tablets and notebooks, to get to the smaller items buried underneath.

This is my one complaint about the bag – rear opening panel design just isn’t the best for daily carry backpacks, and quickly accessing smaller items in the bag.

By contrast, whenever I open my GORUCK GR1, which has a front opening clamshell design, smaller items are naturally on top and larger items on bottom, making everything very accessible.

Thanks to the rest of the extremely positive points of the Peak Design Travel backpack – great materials, good craftsmanship, organized storage, great style – opening style mismatch for daily carry isn’t a deal breaker, and I still happily use the backpack daily. I actually have it with me now as I sit at a coffee shop.

Overall for daily life, the 30L Travel Backpack is a win

Thanks to the comfort and organization, the backpack is not only great for travel, but daily life, as I’ve learned firsthand. The added bonus is that it transitions perfectly to being a weekend travel backpack.

For Travel, the 30L Peak Design Travel Backpack holds its own for weekend adventures

On the many impromptu trips I’ve taken, whether I’m cruising on a motorbike, hopping a plane (and taking this carry on), or hopping a quick ferry to another island, this bag is still solid. With the help of a few packing cubes I can fit in everything I need for a trip and stay organized, with enough dedicated space and protection for my all essential laptop.

The Ultimate Nomad Travel Setup is the 65L Peak Design Duffel Bag, Paired with the 30L Travel Backpack

For the crazy people like me out there, that love to “nomad” from place to place for weeks or months and carry more luggage than a good carry on backpack * allows, a great option is admitting you have quite a bit of luggage and taking a duffel bag to transport your who life, and using the 30L travel backpack for those beautiful week long vacation trips away, exercising your location independence, and daily at your cafes and coworking spaces.

The Bottom Line on My Experience with the Peak Design 30L Travel Backpack: A solid, well designed bag, for daily life, weekend adventures, and nomading

Ultimately, I enjoyed using the Peak Design 30L travel backpack, I highly recommend it, and I’ll continue to use it in the future.

Appearance and Aesthetics: Clean design, modern, and sleek

Throughout this pack, Peak Design does achieve peak aesthetics resulting in backpack that looks as good as it performs.

The durable, weather and abrasion resistant fabric has a heathered look that combines a touch of classic styling with the modern look and design that makes up the rest of the bag.

All haul points (handles straps) use nylon webbing which gives toughness and durability but looks thinner and cleaner.

A lack of compression straps and daisy chain webbing, common in other bags, actually improves the look of this bag, making for a more sleek appearance and fewer loose bits to get snagged on random objects while commuting.

Ultimately the style and look of this bag is great – clean, minimalist, and understated in a stylish and great looking way.

The potential pitfalls: Rear opening design and I wish there was a more substantial laptop divider

Though I really love the comfort, storage space, design, and functional minimalism of the Peak Design Travel Backpack, nothing is perfect – and I have 2 points I would love to see improved in the bag.

Rear opening back panel design makes packing for day use and accessing items difficult, compared to how items are normally packed in a backpack

Clamshell opening backpacks, that fully open while lying flat are by far the best for travel, as they allow for quick and easy packing with packing cubes and easy access to everything in the bag while traveling.

All of my preferred daily carry bags (like the GORUCK GR1 , the GORUCK GR2 , and the REI Ruckpack 28 ) are clamshell style opening, however all of these open from the front. This allows you to stack the heavier, flatter, larger items close to your spine for the most stable packing and most comfortable wear.

However the Peak Design Travel Bag is rea opening. This means that if you pack your backpack with the flatter, heavier items (laptop, notebooks, etc.) closer to your spine, when you open your bag the large items will be on top of your smaller items.

This is noticeably inconvenient during the first few uses, if you’re obsessive about your backpacks like I am, as you will have to dig to get to your smaller items. Additionally, most of the great zippered mesh pockets inside the pack line the front panel, meaning you’ll have to dig under everything to get to those pockets.

If you’re obsessive about your packs (like I am) it will take a few uses to get used to. However, I still use the 30L travel backpack daily now and rarely notice this inconvenience anymore.

I wish there was a better divider between the laptop and packed goods (for protection)

Most backpacks with a dedicated laptop sleeve or laptop pocket store the laptop just behind the back panel – such as the GORUCK GR1’s bombroof laptop pocket and the Tortuga Outbreaker’s laptop and tablet pocket . However, both of those bags offer a more substantial bit of protection between your laptop and the goods in your bag.

In the 30L Peak Design Travel Backpack, the laptop sits in its own pocket, which is essentially a sleeve sewn into the main bag compartment. The sleeve does offer a bit of protection – a ~2mm sturdy foam rubber pad – but I would be weary of the protection if I had a hard, oddly shaped object in my main compartment poking the laptop. The laptop sleeve padding is fine for most uses, however, beware if packing oddly shaped, hard objects with corners.

Let me be clear, though I’m not a fan of these two features, they are absolutely not deal breakers and I still really like this bag for daily use and weekender travel

Comfort and Carry: Sturdy yet comfy shoulder straps, and sturdy handles on all sides

Tough, durable, and comfy shoulder straps attached to the bag with lightweight yet tough anodized aluminum make for a bag that can handle heavy loads, is comfortable to carry, and will last a long time.

• Each shoulder strap is made from tough, tubular nylon webbing (the stuff used in rock climbing to hold 1000’s of pounds) wrapped in soft, comfortable, and durable foam rubber for a sturdy yet comfortable carry
• The shoulder harness system stows away quickly and smartly, rotating at the metal rivet to stash behind the back panel padding, to quickly allow for a suitcase style carry
• Adjustable sternum strap, made of the same tough nylon webbing, has the tough and stylish anodized aluminum accents as well

Tough “Drag handles” cleanly line the top, bottom, sides, and back of the bag, allowing for a quick suitcase style carry when needed, and without getting in the way the rest of the time.

Thoughtful nylon “haul points” dot the corners of the exterior of the bag so you can either 1) strap large or quick access items to the outside of the bag, like a tripod or rain jacket or 2) strap the bag to something else, like a motorbike or the top of a duffelbag .

Removable and adjustable straps that easily hook onto and detach from the haul points make it possible to carry wet or extra gear outside of your bag

• Outer Cloth: Weatherproof 400 denier nylon canvas treated with two water repellant methods and made from recycled sources
• Bottom Cloth: Waterproof 900 denier nylon along bottom of the pack
• Straps: Tough nylon webbing
• Rivets and hardware: Anodized aluminum rivets and hardware
• Stamped anodized aluminum hardware as rivets at shoulder straps, clips on straps, adds style and lots of durability
• Weight: 1.44kg (3.17lbs)
• Dimensions – Standard: 53cm x 33cm x 18cm (20.9″ x 13″ x 7″)
• Dimensions – Expanded: 53cm x 33cm x 20cm (20.9″ x 13″ x 7.9″)
• Laptop Pocket: 40cm x 29.5cm x 4cm (15.75″ x 11.6″ x 1.6″) Fits Macbook Pro 16″
• Tablert Pocket: 24cm x 19cm x 1.5cm (9.5″ x 7.5″ x 0.6″)

Carry-On Compliance: Fits most international airlines and budget airline carry on restrictions

At 53cm x 33cm x 20cm (20.9″ x 13″ x 7.9″), the Peak Design 30L Travel Backpack is small enough to fit as a carry on for most international airlines, as well as budget airlines like Air Asia (56cm x 36cm x 23cm) and Ryanair (22 in x 16 in x 8 in/55 cm x 40 cm x 20 cm)

Meticulous and Clean Storage and Organization: Large open main compartment, lots of internal zip pockets, top pocket, and water bottle side pockets

Large main compartment lined with zippered mesh internal pockets and a laptop sleeve

• Internal zippered mesh side pockets
• Internal zippered mesh pockets on back panel
• Lightly Padded and protected laptop sleeve style laptop pocket
• External water bottle side pockets

Top zippered compartment with organized storage for smaller items

• Soft zippered stretch pocket – for sunglasses or the like – with MOLLE webbing storage
• Soft, small pannel compartment storage to keep smaller items organized

Internal anchor points and included straps allow you to compress gear from inside the backpack to make sure everything stays in place

And a water bottle pocket that fits the slim Klean Kanteens or a smaller water bottle, but don’t expect to fit your wide mouth Nalgene here.

The full wrap around zip backpanel opens to reveal zippered mesh pockets on every square inch of the inside of this bag and the padded laptop and tablet sleeve.

The wrap around compression zip easily unzips to increase storage by 3L

The front, zippered kangaroo pouch pocket has even more meticulous storage to keep small frequent use items accessible – like sunglasses, wallet keys, pens, cash, etc.

**Hidden within the front panel is a nifty storage spot for shoes or flip flops

Any trip worth taking requires flip flops or solid travel ready sandals, and shoes, which means you’ll need a space to carry the pair you’re not wearing. This cool storage spot allows for that storage while maintaining the small overall footprint.

Its been a few months and the feel of this bag is super durable and rugged.

There hasn’t been a single loose stitch or popped thread.

The straps and and shoulder harness show zero stretch, and the rivets that hold the shoulder straps to the main bag show zero weakness. Even under heavy daily loads (30lbs+).

The water resistant, weatherproof fabric and water protected zippers have performed well, protecting my laptop and documents in the surprise rainstorms that happen in Bali often while I’m exposed on my motorbike.

I’ve tested tens of bags and broken more than a handful, so I can tell a bag with a limited life very easily from a tough built, sturdy, buy it for life bag. From my experience, the Peak Design Travel Bag is a tough bag that, even with heavy, hard use will last a long time, longer than I expect from most backpacks.

Price, Value for Money, and Discounts: Not cheap, but a good value

At ~$230, the Peak Design Travel Backpack seems like its not cheap…but buy cheap, buy twice. If you look at this bag as a daily carry and travel bag (when paired with a good duffle for extra space*) that has a lifetime warranty and expected to last for life, you won’t need another bag, making this bag worth the money.

This travel backpack isn’t cheap, but it is a great value

Peak Design offers discounts to military, first responders, hospital workers, and students, via its discounts page. Visit the Peak Design discount page to learn more

Peak Design Lifetime Guarantee: What Kind of Warranty Does Peak Design Offer?

Peak Design warranties all of its bags with a “no rhetoric, lifetime guarantee.” Straight from Peak Design: “If any part of your Peak Design product* becomes non-functioning or defective, we will repair or replace it with a fully-functioning item in the same or better condition”

Click here to see full details of the Peak Design no hassle warranty

Shipping: Does Peak Design Ship their Bags Internationally?

Peak Design delivers globally for very cheap. Canada, Europe, Australia, Asia, and more.

Click here to learn more about the Peak Design shipping policy

FINAL VERDICT

After months of testing, hundreds of days of use, and hours upon hours of wear, I can confidently say the Peak Design Travel Backpack is a comfortable, tough, and functional daily use, commuter, and travel backpack that I highly recommend.

Travelers will not be disappointed.

Nomads, I highly recommend pairing the 30L or 45L Peak Design Travel Backpack with 65L Peak Design Travel duffle, for a versatile and near perfect travel and adventure friendly luggage system.

Compare Similar Products

• Peak Design Duffel Bag *

Essential Peak Design Travel Accessories and Packing Tools to Consider

Sold separately but very worthwhile

• Hygiene bag : To keep your toiletries organized and tidy, and protecting your gear from toothpaste explosions *
• Packing Cubes *
• Tech Pouch : A toiletries bag style organizer, specifically designed to organize your cables and peripherals as a tech pouch

Peak Design Accessories for Photographers to Consider

• Camera Cubes and Camera Cube System to keep your camera gear organized and turn your daily carry into a camera backpack.

More great articles on other travel backpacks to help you find the perfect bag and packing system

• The 59+ Best Carry-on Backpacks for Travel: A perfect bag for every traveler
• 27 Great Packable Daypacks: Day bags that tuck away easily when not in use
• An Ultimate Guide to the Best Backpacks for Digital Nomads

Is peak design bag worth it?

Yes, the Peak Design Travel bag is worth it. Meticulous design, durable materials, and weatherproof build make this daily carry a solid travel bag that will last for years, making it well worth the price tag.

Is Peak Design a good brand?

Peak Design lives up to its name, leveraging extremely good backpack design to deliver function and durability.

Does peak design travel backpack fit under airplane seat?

The Peak Design 30L Travel backpack will fit under most airline seats, with dimensions of 18″x14″x8″, but the 20″ length of the Peak Design Travel backpack will stick out just a few inches.

What is the most comfortable travel backpack?

The Peak Design Travel Backpack is a contender for the most comfortable and durable travel backpack, but the Tortuga Outbreaker’s cushy thick foam rubber shoulder straps beat out the Peak Design Travel backpack while slightly sacrificing shoulder strap durability compared to the Peak Design Travel Backpack.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Carlos is a nomad, slow traveler, and writer dedicated to helping others live abroad and travel better by using his 7+ years of experience living abroad and background as a management consultant and financial advisor to help other nomad and expats plot better paths for an international lifestyle. Click here to learn more about Carlos's story.

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Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L Review

Read this Peak Design Travel Backpack Review for travelers and photographers needing an all in one system to carry gear and clothing efficiently.

Bag Reviews | Peak Design Bag Reviews | Photography Gear Reviews | By Mark Condon | Last Updated: January 24, 2024

I wrote this Peak Design Travel Backpack review a year ago, but have decided to update it for 2024 with some insights from my recent trips.

Peak Design is well known in the photography industry for creating bags that innovate in excel – we’ve reviewed almost all of them here on Shotkit.

Their foray into the travel industry was an eagerly anticipated one, and I was keen to get my hands on their new 45L camera backpack .

Functional, durable, comfortable... and uber cool! A truly unique camera backpack for travel.

My initial review was written after a couple of weeks of testing. It was, admittedly, rather harsh 😐

The Peak Design Travel Backpack deserves at least a year of consistent usage in order to form a balanced opinion – as you’ll see, there’s a lot more to it than meets the eye…

Table of Contents

Peak Design Travel Backpack | Intro

See More Reviews

Writing camera bag reviews is usually a rather simple affair. After all, a bag designed to carry a camera is usually much like any other bag, albeit one with some form of adjustable padding to safely transport photography gear.

Then there are bags like the Peak Design Travel Backpack that require a big step backwards, and a complete rethink of how to broach the topic.

To say that there’s a lot going on with the Peak Design Travel Backpack and the system of Packing Cubes is an understatement.

Luggage redefined: a carry-on Travel Backpack and system of Packing Tools designed around the idea that no two trips are the same.

There are literally so many features, so many nooks and crannies, and so many more large and small design details than you could shake a stick at – this review was a real challenge to put together!

Writing about every single one of the feaures of the bag would result in an enormous post, so I’ve decided to approach this review a little differently, and highlight what I like and dislike about the product.

Summary of Features

Watch the video above to see all the features of the Peak Design Travel Backpack, including practical usage cases.

Despite all the video reviews flying around online, Peak Design is obviously the best at showing exactly what this backpack is capable of in real-world situations.

As you’ve probably gathered, this is no ordinary camera backpack. It’s a complicated product with numerous features that require time to digest, and as such, is best explained in a video by its makers.

After you’ve watched the video, keep reading on to hear more about my favourite features, and those that left me feeling a little confused.

What I Like

Size comparison – I’m 6ft 4″ (194cm)

While some brands choose to release a range of bags with different design elements to suit a range of people, Peak Design seems to prefer to try and offer one bag for everyone.

With the other bags in the line up, size is the only differentiator – you can have the Peak Design Sling , for example, in 5L or 10L variants.

With the Peak Design Travel Backpack , there’s only one size (45L), but a plethora of built-in storage/carry options designed to appeal to every sort of traveler/photographer.

45L is actually the expanded size of the backpack, with its regular size hovering around 35L, which is in my opinion the perfect size for a travel backpack. It’s also the maximum carry-on size of most airlines.

You can also ‘collapse’ the top third of the backpack, making it 35L and its appearance slightly less bulky. I think the aim here was to transform the bag into a more streamlined day pack, but in reality it doesn’t make that much difference.

The main thing I like about the design of the Peak Design Travel Backpack is how it looks. For all its bells and whistles, it still succeeds in looking understated and cool.

I usually opt for all-black bags, but the ‘Sage’ colourway looks great too!

I’m not a huge fan of the appearance of their previous creation, the Peak Design Everyday backpack , even though it’s a hugely popular product.

I much prefer the look of the Peak Design Travel Backpack in both black or ash, which manages to straddle both ‘tech’ with ‘stealth’, whilst still concealing an absolute tardis of internal carry/storage options.

The ‘Ash’ colourway deserves a special mention for being unlike any other bag I’ve owned – it really is a unique colour – kind of a mixture between grey and green, which is attractive and cool. I particularly like the brown leather branding accent on the front.

Recently, Peak Design have been releasing all-black versions of its Everyday line of bags, and I’m glad they went with two one-colour options with the Travel Backpack.

I’m also glad they resisted the temptation to bring other colours in to the various design elements, which may have resulted in a very ‘busy’ appearance.

Camera cube featuring padded dividers can be accessed via the front flap or side flaps.

Looks are nothing unless they’re built on a solid foundation, and the Peak Design Travel Backpack doesn’t disappoint in this regard.

In fact, every Peak Design product I’ve handled has always featured premium build quality.

The more you use the Peak Design Travel Backpack, the more you’ll appreciate just how well it’s been put together.

The nylon shell looks and feels amazing in its matt finish, and coupled with its concealed padding, it’s built to protect your precious camera gear even if you’re forced to check-in the bag when traveling.

Available separately, the camera cubes add an additional layer of protection, whilst offering innovative side access points which mirror those found on the actual backpack, for ease of access without removing the bag from your shoulder.

As mentioned previously, the bag’s padding feels so robust so I’ve actually decided not to use the camera cube, with all my main gear items stowed away in the main flap’s zippered pockets.

Another example of the incredible build quality of the Peak Design Travel Backpack are the waterproof zippers, that slide solidly, but effortlessly around the inside and outside of the bag.

If you’ve ever wrestled with a zipper when it meets a curve, the operation of this bag will be a breath of fresh air. I also love how the zippers completely concealed when fastened, with the zipper pulls remaining large enough to grab even with gloved hands, but still not overwhelming in the bag’s overall appearance.

The zippers also offer multiple ways to secure the bag from pickpockets.

Modular Tech pouch (reviewed here) and Wash pouch (sold separately) feature numerous organisation options.

Once you’ve got over the sheer multitude of storage options available to you, and realise that you don’t need to use every single pocket and pouch, you’ll have a lot of fun loading and unloading the Peak Design Travel Backpack.

It feels a little strange initially to neglect certain storage options on the bag, but I believe this is essential to use it efficiently.

Leaving pockets completely empty and unused on the Peak Design Travel Backpack is OK! It may seem strange, but really, let go…!

Peak Design has given you the luxury of choice when it comes to loading your perfect travel backpack. This is a great thing, as long as you’re not wasting time looking for items every time you need to use them.

The storage options I liked in particular on this bag were as follows:

• Side pockets – these expand to include water bottles or lightweight tripods , and include handy magnetic closures when storing smaller items. They’re also the perfect size to house the awesome Peak Design Travel Tripod .
• Internal Main Flap Zippered pockets – I use these to carry small travel cameras and lenses.
• Shoulder Straps stowaway – ingenious design which allows you to create a ‘clean’ duffel bag , with the shoulder straps concealed behind the magnetic rear panel.
• Belt Strap stowaway – as above, but for a belt strap for when you need the extra support.
• Belt Strap zipper pocket – useful for small items, meaning you don’t need to remove your backpack for access.

Shotkit being a site for photographers, I should also mention that that the camera cubes transform the Peak Design Travel Backpack into a fully-fledged camera backpack .

The cubes are available in 3 sizes, and mount securely to the inside of the Travel Backpack via removable clips. The side access points can be tucked away, allowing you to access camera gear from the outside of the backpack via a single zip .

You can fit a ton of gear into the Peak Backpack!

Inside the camera cubes reside a selection of Peak Design’s origami-style dividers and other padded ones, allowing endless organization and customization.

The cubes are sturdily built and offer a lot of protection, almost as if they’re intended to be used on their own. I actually found that the padding of the Travel Backpack was substantial enough to not actually require a camera cube to protect my gear.

I imagine if you’re planning to check-in the backpack, using the camera cube would offer the most peace of mind for protection, but if the backpack is to be largely remaining on your back, it may not actually be necessary (from a protection point at least).

Either way, the camera cubes do provide additional organisation options for your gear, which can be very useful.

As for the tech pouch and wash pouch, they’re both impeccably built and designed, with a multitude of sleeves, pockets, nooks and crannies to organise all your bits and bobs and keep them protected.

I also like the compressible packing cubes and shoe pouch, which weigh next to nothing and help keep the miscellaneous clothing items organised in the backpack.

Camera Cube can be accessed via side opening of Travel Backpack.When you’ve got over the (somewhat confusing) novelty of being able to access the contents of your bag via the front, the back, the sides and the top, you should decide on one or two access options that work best for you.

This goes back to the notion of decision-fatigue, whereby you’ll be forced to think every time you come to open the Peak Design Travel Backpack, since there are so many damn ways to get inside it!

Remember I mentioned muscle-memory? Well, I want to be at a point with this bag where my hands move without thought to exactly where my gear is located.

I’ve chosen to ignore the side entry points completely, choosing to favour front flap or rear panel access. If I need gear, I access via the front. If I need clothes etc., I access via the back.

Once you’ve decided on your access points, you can now enjoy one of the best-thought-out travel bags you’ll ever come across.

No matter which zipper you pull to get into the Peak Design Travel Backpack, you’ll be able to access the interior in a split-second, without tugging stubborn zippers back and forth, or scratching your arm trying to reach through small openings.

Pulling open the front flap or rear panel is a glorious experience, instantly revealing the entire contents of the interior main compartment (or zippered interior pockets, depending on how you have the backpack set up).

Padded rear panel conceals shoulder and hip straps.

With all these innovative design features, let’s not forget what a travel backpack needs to do well – be comfortable while you carry it.

Despite being heavier than other travel backpacks I’ve come across, all that is forgotten when you actually have the Peak Design Travel Backpack on your back – this thing feels great to carry.

The rear panel and shoulder straps are padded just enough for prolonged use, and the axial rivets that secure the straps to the top of the bag allow the straps to rotate freely as you move.

This small design addition results in a backpack that conforms to any shape and size of back, and makes the Peak Design Travel Backpack comfortable and enjoyable to carry.

The stowable waist straps are a great addition too, allowing you to tighten the backpack more securely to your body, to aid with weight distribution and reduce movement when walking or running. There’s also a basic sternum strap, to further reduce bag movement.

I also love the grab handles, which as you’d expect from such a multi-faceted product as this, are located on the top, sides, rear and bottom of the backpack! The back handle also doubles as a pass-through for rolling camera bags, which is a nice touch if you’re traveling with check-in luggage too.

Another ingenious design feature is the rear panel, which folds under itself for increased ventilation and comfort, by reducing the surface area on your back.

What I Dislike

Over-design….

Zippered dividing panel separates bag into 2 compartments, or stows away to create 1 large volume

Watching the video above, you’ll probably be excited about a camera backpack with so many features – several of which you’ve probably never seen on a bag before.

After all, I can’t name any travel backpack or camera bag which offers access from all 4 sides… well actually, 5 sides if you include the regular top access too.

I don’t think I’ve ever come across a bag with so many pockets, zips, straps and attachment points either.

In their own words, the Peak Design Travel Backpack is the result of “2-years of coffee fueled nights and a desire to make the best damn travel system on the market.”

Now imagine an experienced design team consisting of photographers and other creative professionals, with a proven track record of creating a line of truly innovative carrying products, having a 2 year long discussion about what to include in a travel/camera backpack… it’s inevitable they’d create a monster!

The Peak Design Travel Backpack is the first bag I’ve ever used that requires muscle memory!

Is this a bad thing? Well, yes and no. Yes perhaps, if it’s a backpack you’ll be rotating alongside several other bags, without devoting the necessary time to really get used to its multiple storage options – I wasn’t kidding about the muscle memory thing!

Side access point – 1 of 5 ways to get inside the Travel Backpack

…and no if the Peak Design Travel Backpack will be, as Peak Design intended, the only travel/camera backpack you’ll ever need.

By my counting, there are eleven pockets you could legitimately use to carry your passport. ELEVEN!

With this bag, you need to spend time deciding and memorising which pockets you’ll be using for each individual gear item… and never change them!

There’s the OCD part of me that loves being able to organise gear in a compartmentalized way, with a pocket for absolutely everything.

Then there’s the lazy part of me that’s most comfortable with simplicity. Up until now my travel backpack of choice had 3 pockets – one main one for clothes, one laptop sleeve, and one for small items such as passports.

In this I’d throw a camera bag insert, or just the camera gear wrapped up in my clothes. I’d always know where everything was without having to think .

With the myriad of carrying/storage options offered to you by the Peak Design Travel Backpack, you’ll either be excited or overwhelmed.

2024 UPDATE: After using this bag solidly for over a year, I’ve grown accustomed to the location of all the pockets, and have chosen to ignore those that aren’t practical for me. It’s nice to know that there are other storage options, if and when my gear changes.

Front organization panel with dedicated laptop/tablet sleeve opens to reveal main compartment, medium camera cube, wash pouch and tech pouch.

This was almost a deal-breaker for me. One of my bug-bears with camera bags has always been bags that are heavy even when they’re empty.

Camera gear is already heavy – why would we want to add to this burden by using a bag that’s heavy?!

Unfortunately, it’s usually the case that the best looking camera bags are heavier than their rivals. Bags like the Holdfast Roamographer (reviewed here ) or the Wotancraft Commander (reviewed here ) which wouldn’t look out of place on a catwalk are heavy, and that’s why I don’t use them.

As for a dedicated travel bag, well weight becomes even more important, especially if you travel a lot on stingy local airlines with measly carry on baggage limits (7kg in Australia).

Empty, it weighs in at 2190 g (4.8 lbs). Coupled with the Medium Camera Cube which I imagine most photographers will go for, the combined weight is already 2930 g (6.5 lbs).

My goal is to always travel with just one single carry-on item, not only for fear of mislaid checked luggage, but also to do away with the time required waiting for luggage to arrive on the conveyor belt at the destination.

Ironically, the weight of the Peak Design Travel Backpack actually makes it a huge challenge for me to travel without checking in an additional bag.

Depending on your country and airlines, this may or may not be an issue for you, but I’d much prefer to be under the most stringent airline baggage allowances worldwide, for absolute peace of mind.

Pro travel tip for photographers: Over the carry on weight limit? Simply attach your flashes and lenses to your camera bodies and carry them via a strap on your shoulders when checking in. It’s a bit cheeky, but these items won’t count towards your carry on luggage weight.

[Related: travel tips for photographers .]

Fortunately, I use a mirrorless camera system and a couple of small, lightweight flashes and lenses (see my Sony accessories guide ), so shave off a lot of weight in that regard.

However, traveling with the Peak Design Travel Backpack has required a complete rethink of my packing options.

2024 UPDATE: I’ve been traveling carry-on-only with this bag for a year now. Yes, it’s been a challenge on regional planes with stingy baggage allowances, but it has been possible with a little ‘rejigging’ of my gear.

To say that the weight of the Peak Design Travel Backpack is a disappointment to me is an understatement, but I’m willing to make the sacrifice and use this bag over my previous light-weight travel bag for two reasons.

First, protection . Made from recycled plastics, the 400d nylon canvas shell and 900d bottom is weatherproof and extremely durable. The exterior is padded to the extent that I don’t feel I actually need to use the bulky camera cube at all, which shaves off some extra weight to my set up.

The second reason is that I’ve grown to like the wealth of features, which no doubt add to the weight.

Yes, I believe it’s somewhat excessive to have so many carry/storage options, but it’s also great to have a place for each gear item, once you’ve spent the time memorising the location of everything.

Thanks to the exterior padding and multiple zipped pockets on the interior, I’m currently experimenting with my camera body plus two lenses in one pocket, and my 2 flashes and trigger in another – a second zippered flap ensures that my gear is suspended above the main carry compartment.

For those with bulkier DSLR set ups, my pocketed-approach to gear storage to free up the main compartment won’t be possible, in which case you’ll need to resort to the camera cubes, or my recommendation for lighter weight – Domke protective velcro wraps.

It’s also worth noting that if you want a camera backpack with a similar level of robustness and features, it’ll also be as heavy as this one – case in point, the McKinnon x Nomatic Camera Pack , which weighs in at a portly 3kg (6.6lbs) unpacked!

Value for Money + Cost

Despite so many innovative features, the Peak Design Travel Backpack manages to remain understated in its appearance.

So for such a well-thought-out, well-designed backpack , what’s the damage?!

It’s obvious that for this level of quality, you’re going to be looking at pricing that’s above average for a travel backpack, but Peak Design has still managed to keep it competitive when compared to other models by competing brands.

45L Travel Backpack MSRP: $299.95

The various modular packing cubes are sold separately here, giving you the option to pick and create your own individual bag set up to suit your needs.

Compressible Packing Cubes MSRP: Sm – $29.95, Md – $39.95

Wash Pouch MSRP: $59.95

Tech Pouch MSRP: $59.95

Camera Cubes MSRP: Sm – $49.95, Md – $69.95, Lg – $89.95

Shoe Pouch MSRP: $24.95

Rain Fly MSRP: $29.95

All in all, I think the Travel Backpack and accessories are all excellent value for money , and a great investment for those who need a highly functional, good looking travel backpack that is built to last a lifetime

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Peak Design backpack waterproof?

The Peak Design Travel Backpack is built for the elements. It has outer shell made from waterproof nylon canvas and double padding. The zippers are also waterproof.

How big is a 45l backpack?

A 45l bag is the most efficient use of most airlines’ carry-on luggage allowance. A bag measuring 22″ x 14″ x 9″ is 2,772 cubic inches in volume, which equates to 45.2l.

How do I clean my Peak Design bag?

Most dirt can be easily removed using a damp washcloth. The Peak Design Travel Backpack is treated with anti-absorbtion agents, meaning that most stains don’t penetrate very deep. If the stain/order is still present after the first rinse, repeat the hand wash, and gently scrub it with a soft-bristled brush. Rinse and repeat as necessary. Then let the bag fully dry in a well-ventilated area.

Peak Design Travel Backpack | Conclusion

So as you can see, there’s a lot to like about the Peak Design Travel Backpack…

It’s hard to please everyone with the release of a product, but Peak Design has certainly tried to do exactly that with the Travel Backpack.

I love the modular approach, which attempts to simplify travel via the use of dedicated pouches for tech, toiletries and clothing.

Initially I was overwhelmed by the multiple carry and storage options of this backpack, and part of me wishes that they’d neglected some of them, which may have resulted in a lighter product.

However, I’m willing to sacrifice my lighter travel bags for the minor additional weight of the Peak Design Travel Backpack, and what I’m left with is a truly innovative product which is a genuine joy to use.

Congratulations Peak Design for continuing to push the boundaries of what’s possible in bag design, and in doing so, making one-bag-travel more convenient, secure and fun.

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Mark Condon is a British wedding photographer and editor of Shotkit. When he’s not taking photos or reviewing the latest camera gear and software, Mark can be found cycling around the northern rivers.

26 Comments

Great review. I just purchased this bag to be used as luggage but I’m also considering using it as an everyday carry for my camera gear (with a camera cube) as well. I do family photography so I need something to take out with me on client shoots, but am also looking for a bag I can take to, say the zoo or out for an afternoon hike, with my wife and 4 kids. Having 4 kids you can imagine there’s always a lot of extra stuff. Would you recommend this bag as an everyday carry given my use description? I realize I’m asking a lot of one bag.

Hey Chris! As long as you can handle the weight, I don’t see why not! Personally, I wouldn’t use it as an EDC (despite having 3 kids), as would prefer something lighter, even if it is only by a few grams. My personal preference is a smaller camera and no lenses for personal stuff (Fuji X100V, for example). All the best!

Hi Mark! Huge thanks for your review, it was pretty useful. You know, I’ve just bought this backpack (in a really good price by the way), and I’d like to know how well this backpack fits in the overhead compartment and down the seat. I’m currently using the AER travel pack 2 and looks like a hand luggage, fits in everywhere so I’d like to know what ‘bout this one. I’ll appreciate your answer.

I’ve used it several times in the overhead compartment on small budget airlines, Diego, so you won’t have any problems. As for under the seat, it should be fine too.

Hi Mark! I’m thinking about buying this backpack for my travels, however, for my current gear setup, a small cube would be too small and the medium would be too big. Can you detail how you managed too ditch the camera cubes? A few photos would be of great help. Can’t figure out where you fit your camera and lenses, as I’m a Sony shooter myself and only carry 2 zooms with me.

Great review by the way.

Hey Alex, I use the 5L or 3L Peak Design sling instead of the cubes – you should be able to find a review on this site of them ;-)

This backpack seems quite incredible and suits most my needs which made me consider changing a backpack. There’s one problem though that I didn’t see anyone discussing in any review I looked up of this bag – What about suspension systems? It seems to have none. How comfortable is it when you carry it for a long period of time? (Like a few hours?) Especially when you carry so much in it and the bag itself is heavy.

That’s something that really bothered me and I saw nowhere that discusses it, and if I’m going to change my regular backpack for this quite pricey one I want to make sure it’s actually comfortable on your back…Any thoughts? References? Suggestions?

There’s no suspension system, but to be honest, I don’t miss one Gal. This isn’t a hiking backpack though, so if you intend to walk long distances with it fully loaded, you’re probably better off with a suspended hiking backpack, or something designed for that kind of thing.

How has the bag been holding up over the years time that’s passed? Also, can you fit the Sling 5L inside much like their camera cubes? I’d like to be able to use the 5L as an EDC while traveling Europe. Thanks!

It holds up very well – no signs of abrasions, and easy to wipe down when it gets dirty – I find the black version shows dust a lot more than the other colours. I have the 5L sling too and it fits well in either size of the EDB – a perfect EDC as you mention! If you found this info useful, use this link to get it – cheers, and happy holidays in Europe ;-)

Sorry, I was speaking of the Peak Travel Backpack (45L). Were you speaking of the Everyday Backpack?

Ah right, sorry Dean – yep, it can definitely fit in the Travel Backpack! I’ve used it like that before, foregoing the usual camera cube that you can buy separately for the Travel Backpack. Works a charm ;-)

I wish bag reviewers would review a travel bag for what it is for, travel. I want to know how many clothes can fit in here along with some camera gear.

Just click on any of the links or head to the Peak Design site for that info, Jeff.

I like you this bag ok

I’m not going to be seduced by this gorgeous product which I don’t need. The negatives: half the carry-on allowance is the bag. Can you travel with 7# total? No way. And I travel light 6.8 kg with a 1 3/4# bag!. Carry comfort: I’m old and carry comfort is #1 consideration. Peak D EDC sucked IMHO. And I have no reason to think otherwise here. My Osprey Escapist 18 makes the weight DISAPPEAR. Last-once you’ve used a bag for a long time, the features don’t matter-you can make anything work. I use Sil-nylon pouches, know where everything is, can pack unpack in seconds, doesn’t add weight. The number one factor in increasing travel pleasure is getting rid of weight. I bought a PD Field Pouch which I had to re-design and now never use: too heavy/man purse. After all their hype, when I shoot, I have the camera around my neck, spare batteries in my pocket and don’t need ANY BAG. This one loaded is half the price of a Leica M2. (Hey Mark. Would you actually PAY YOUR OWN HARD EARNED CASH ON THIS BAG?)

I agree that it’s not a bag for everyone, Laurence, but for those who don’t care about carry-on allowances, it may be more suited. To answer your question, I’m going to be traveling overseas and interstate (on planes) several times in the coming months for photography work – I’ll let you know after that!

1. How is it that they need a kickstarter when they already have a successful company? 2. I love the design of my peak design backpack. But as a woman, it’s hard to open the side compartments in the sling mode, partially because of my anatomy. Something called breasts get in the way. It opens with the flap in your way. Too difficult to get your camera out that way. 3. But I tried A LOT of packs and I am blown away by the features and craftsmanship. I’m heading off to Europe soon, so I will be able to give a “out in the field” review. (My sis works in design for one of the big three automotive companies and I wow’d her with the manufacturing of the pack.)

I love your website and your reviews. Keep up the good work and thanks for sharing.

Thanks for the kind words Dailyn. To comment on your points: 1. I guess it’s to validate their idea before mass production. 2. haha I guess you should be thankful for those!! 3. Let us know how it fares, and have fun in Europe!

I backed it- I’m going to use it as a bag for all my Fuji gear on a wedding day- use the bag as a base at weddings and go to it when I need to change anything.

Sounds like a good way to use it Murray – I do something similar with my bigger bag.

Wow, a fantastically detailed review of this quite innovative travel backpack! As a Fujifilm X-System landscape and product photographer who rarely travels with more than one body and 3 or 4 lenses (plus of course, a good solid tripod), this bag would be a “bit” large! And, like you, I don’t enjoy bags that are heavy even when empty. (That’s why I avoid all-leather options. Ballistic Nylon or the like is the way to go, IMHO.) So, I find that an 18L size is about right for my kit, such as the MindShift TrailScape 18L Backpack. That said, I do admire some of the innovations of Peak Design, such as the QR camera clips and modules. Again, an excellent review!

Thanks Steve! I think I may have been a little too harsh with my comments on the bag’s weight. Yes, it is heavier than others in its class… but only by a matter of grams, and those other backpacks don’t often nearly the amount of features as this one. Swings and roundabouts!

Nice review! I that you really took real world usage into consideration, a lot.

Glad you liked it Rez. It’s a great bag that deserves an in-depth analysis.

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1. EXPANDS TO FIT MORE

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Peak Design Travel Backpack 30L Review

The Peak Design Travel Backpack 30L is a good example of the brand’s attention to detail, packing the same innovative features of its 45-liter sibling.

Our Verdict

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• Compression system is simple, clean, and works well
• Structured sides and clamshell opening makes packing a breeze
• Has plenty of attachment points inside and out for camera gear
• Back panel ID pocket is easy to miss
• Hook-on sternum strap not as simple as we’d like
• Main compartment’s zippered mesh pockets lack accessibility

Technical Details

Carry-on compliance.

View 116/145 Airlines

Disclaimer: We take the measurements of the bag provided by the manufacturer and compare them to the allowance listed on airline websites. This should be used as a guideline rather than a rule. Bags can change size as you pack them out, and every airline's interpretation of compliance is different. Just because a bag is listed as carry-on compliant here doesn't mean that the airline will interpret it that way.

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27L Standard | 33L Expanded

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3.17 lb (1.4 kg)

13.4 in x 20.9 in x 7 in (34 x 53.1 x 17.8 cm)

standard | Expanded: 20.9 in x 13.4 in x 7.9 in

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Nylon, Aluminum, Hypalon®, Polyurethane, DWR Coating, YKK Zippers, Zoom Zippers

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Full Review

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When we first took a look at Peak Design’s 45-liter Travel Backpack , we noted that it was well-executed with innovative features. It was by no means perfect, with some concerns regarding the Zoom zippers, sternum strap, and side handles. Nonetheless, it’s still a travel bag that’s pleasant to use whether you’re lugging camera gear , clothes, or tech goodies for that digital nomad lifestyle.

However, 45 liters might be a bit too much for some, and we were definitely curious to see it in a smaller form. Thus, here we are with the Travel Backpack 30L. It’s the same backpack for the most part; a bit shrunken down, a few revisions here and there, but still classic Peak Design all throughout. You get solid materials, a clever harness system, a spacious interior, diverse pockets for organization—really everything you’d want on a travel backpack. It’s not all smooth sailing, however. With a bag this packed to the gills with features, it’s almost unavoidable that some will feel less stellar than others. So which are they? Join us as we go through them one by one.

Materials & Aesthetic

Okay, the Travel Backpack in this 30-liter version doesn’t necessarily look like it breaks the mold. In fact, with enough toying of a camera’s settings, you could probably fool someone into thinking that this is the much larger 45-liter version. If we put it side by side with its bigger sibling, the similarities are more apparent; there’s nothing major to report in terms of aesthetic changes.

Of course, the absence of drastic change isn’t an inherently bad thing. In our eyes, Peak Design has always been on point with their aesthetics. Whether it’s their Field Pouch V2 or their Everyday Totepack 20L (V2) , they blend just the right amount of opposing lines and curves to for distinctly good-looking Peak Design gear. If you want a concrete example, check out downward-sloping lines at the front, one of which has the logo; you can find similar design cues in their other bags, too.

We particularly dig this Black colorway that really doubles down on the sleek looks of the Travel Backpack. It even gets a nice sheen thanks to the DWR coating on the 400D nylon fabric, which, by the way, still has the same durability. We noted on the 45-liter version that the base has a heavier 900D nylon canvas fabric, and that seems to be the case with the 30-liter version since there’s a noticeable difference in texture—so far, so familiar. There’s also a Sage colorway, which looks more heritage, with small leather tabs replacing the Hypalon ones on the Black model.

One big leap in this version is the zippers. All of them are now Zoom ones, with no YKKs in sight. We’re skeptical about Zoom zippers since we have experience with them breaking. However, Peak Design says they’ve developed a close working relationship with Zoom for custom-made zippers and insist that they meet their standards. Only time will tell how well these zips will perform. That said, we’re happy to report that none have jammed or broken in our testing so far.

Apart from the looks, the Travel Backpack 30L’s robust build and structuredness still feel very confidence-inspiring. Aluminum hardware adds a nice premium touch whenever you adjust or fiddle with the bag. Additionally, bits of Hypalon are scattered around, most notably around the main compartment’s zipper pulls, making them nice and grabbable.

External Components

The Travel Backpack 30L is a bit on the conservative side when it comes to capacity, however that’s just one of the many aspects that makes a travel backpack a travel backpack. One other important thing to consider is the harness system.

Again, Peak Design applies the same harness system they designed for the larger 45-liter version of the Travel Backpack. The shoulder straps feature thick and dense padding—a staple characteristic of any comfortable backpack. Both straps are anchored on rivets at the top of the back panel, and this allows them to swivel easily without the awkward buckling and stress more typical straps experience. Swinging the Travel Backpack around is easy thanks to these rivets, even when fully packed with clothing and supplies needed for a wedding trip.

The shoulder straps themselves have some nice touches that show Peak Design’s attention to detail. Each strap has a Hypalon loop at the top of the sternum strap rail, then one nylon loop at the bottom as well. You can attach a decent amount of accessories to these loops, and there’s even one on each of the aluminum adjusters in case you need more. On that note, aluminum adjusters always come with the risk of being too slippery since metal is smooth. Fortunately, these ones have enough grip that they stay in place after we’ve adjusted them.

Before we forget, we also appreciate the tiny bit of fabric at the tips of the padded portion of the shoulder straps that shrouds the aluminum hardware. It’s a particularly easy-to-miss feature, but we feel they’re worth mentioning since they add more protection for the aluminum. The very ends of the straps are even stitched into triangular tips, so they’re easier to re-thread through the aluminum hardware. Lastly, the straps are anchored to the bag’s base via bartack stitching, just for good measure. As we said, it’s this attention to detail that sets Peak Design’s gear apart. It’s not quite as perfect, though, as we’ll now see.

Don’t get us wrong, this sternum strap gets the job done in aiding carrying comfort. It has aluminum hooks on either end of the strap, which in turn attaches to rails on the shoulder straps. We encountered an issue with the hooks’ tightness on the 45-liter version, where one felt noticeably grippier than the other. Fortunately, that’s not the case here, and the sternum strap remained firmly in place where we positioned it.

That said, we still think a simple buckle arrangement is much simpler and easier to use than this hook-on system. Another nice touch is the elastic strap keepers that keep the extra slack in check. You can also hook both ends to one rail when it’s not in use, or you can detach the sternum strap altogether.

There’s also an optional hip belt if you need a more secure way to carry the bag. Underneath the main back panel, there’s a small pass-through that’s lined with loop and hook fasteners. We don’t have the hip belt accessory on hand to test, but honestly, we didn’t find a need for it. One scenario where it could prove useful is if you’re taking the Travel Backpack while biking; we tend to get move-y when we’re cycling uphill.

The Travel Backpack wears as fluently as we expect, that is to say very comfortably. Most of the back panel is made up of a floating island that forms the spine. It helps keep things nice and cool by raising the backpack just a bit away from your back, but it also allows you to stow the shoulder straps away neatly and easily behind the flaps.

The space behind the back panel is rather generous, about as deep as half our hand’s length. As deep as that is, though, it’s not a sealed compartment like what you’d find on the Osprey Arcane Duffel , so there’s always the potential for the shoulder straps to slip out. For the most part, we don’t have too much trouble keeping the straps stuffed inside. This lets us carry the Travel Backpack comfortably via the handles sans any dangling shoulder straps.

There’s actually quite a lot of options in terms of secondary means of carrying the Travel Backpack. First, there are handles at the top, bottom, and sides of the backpack. All of them are well-padded, and the ones at the sides even get the same texture that blends well with the body. One small nitpick we have with the top handle is that since it sits below the top edge, it’s hard to use for hanging the bag on something like our pegboard. It sits on hooks just fine, however.

We noted in our review of the 45-liter version that the side handles felt unbalanced at times; that’s not the case with this one, though. Because it’s much smaller, the handle is in an ideal position, and it never felt imbalanced; quite remarkable considering that Peak Design had to fit these side handles alongside the water bottle pockets.

But what about those times you’re sitting around at the airport? Like most travel backpacks, Peak Design’s also has a luggage pass-through on the back panel. Note that this is a vertical-style pass-through, which means that the Travel Backpack will sit horizontally on your rolling luggage. This can negatively impact the balance depending on how you loaded the pack. Also worth noting is that opening a sideways backpack is a lot trickier than opening one that’s sitting vertically.

Speaking of sitting around at the airport, on the upper left side of the back is an ID or luggage tag pocket; the same one is featured on the larger 45-liter Travel Backpack. We weren’t the biggest fans of it since it’s fairly easy to miss, which kind of defeats the purpose of an ID. We wish it had a window cut out as other travel bags with a similar feature do; that would make it more reassuring that someone will find the bag’s owner rather than consign it to a lost and found.

If the built-in handles and luggage pass-through isn’t enough, the Travel Backpack also has a number of attachment points for accessory straps. There are four at the corners of the back, plus four at the front. You can get creative with how you use these straps; maybe attach a sling strap for a duffel-style carry. However, they’re primarily there for accessory straps that you can use to secure camera gear. For example, you can use a pair of straps to attach a tripod to the bottom-most loops at the front and back of the bag.

Accessory straps attached to the bottom front loops can be stuffed inside a bottom-opening pocket at the front. Interestingly, this pocket is quite deep and spacious—too spacious for just a pair of accessory straps. The opening is bottom-facing, but it’s also magnetized for security. But hey, at least the option’s there in case you need to stow away something bulkier than a pair of straps.

Lastly, just below the side handles on the outside are low-profile water bottle pockets. We just dig how well they fit and blend into the fabric of the Travel Backpack; you probably wouldn’t notice them right away. But they’re definitely there, and they can hold a bottle firmly thanks to some built-in elastic and gusseted sides.

Inside The Pack

Surprise! We’re actually not quite done with the outside of the bag—what’s that lone zipper at the bottom left? It’s the compression zipper that allows the Travel Backpack to go from 27 liters to 33 liters. Yes, at its standard form, the Travel Backpack 30L isn’t actually 30 liters; it’s 27 liters. We’ll let that little detail slide since it all averages out to 30 liters anyway. Besides, the compression system Peak Design has here is really clean and subtle. Some bags handle compression and expansion features less elegantly, so we’re glad to see something as neatly integrated as this because it does lend the interior a fair bit of extra space.

Peak Design Travel Backpack 30L | Just like an accordion, minus the fanfare.

Near the top of the Travel Backpack is the front compartment that acts as the sole quick-grab pocket of the bag. The good news is that it’s quite accessible thanks to its wide horseshoe-style opening (with water-resistant reverse coil zippers) and easily navigable white liner fabric. Everything apart from the inside of the zippered pocket is readily visible.

Two wide liner pockets are flanking a small narrower one towards the back of the compartment. Volume for these pockets is great since they’re made from a stretchy mesh material. They are a bit loose from the start, which is a little concerning, but they’re still pretty okay for our purposes. The bigger downside is that the zippers hit passport-sized items that are in the liner pockets near the sides. Alternatively, you can put your passport in the middle of the compartment instead.

You can also put it inside the zippered pocket at the front side of the compartment. However, this pocket is really more for accessories like dongles, adapters, thumb drives, and, yes, memory cards. There’s a set of five memory card slots stitched into this pocket, highlighting the camera-focused nature of Peak Design.

The main compartment is guarded by Zoom zippers that are quite beefy and feature Hypalon pulls on O-rings. You can lock the O-rings together with a travel lock, or you can loop the Hypalon pulls together. It’s fairly easy to do since the Hypalon pulls are attached via snap fasteners. Our technique is to zip both zippers all the way down below the bag and to interlock the pulls to the bottom handle. It’s not quite as secure as a travel padlock, but it’s more secure than having them loose and visible like usual.

The full clamshell opening gives you access to the bucket-style main compartment, our favorite style for travel bags. It makes packing so much easier since the available space is laid out and ready for packing. As usual, our go-to hack is to use packing cubes to make the most out of every inch of space available. Equally important is how well-structured the sides are. They stay up like the sturdy walls of a suitcase, and even the back panel is quite rigid on its own. Mind you, all of this structuredness is achieved without compromising carrying comfort.

One tradeoff with this clamshell opening is that you need to have the bag laid down to open it. This, in turn, makes it tricky to access the front compartment. Not really a huge deal; it just means we have to access the front and main compartments independently and not at the same time.

We’re able to lay a medium Peak Design Packing Cube alongside a small one. With the front expanded, it’s possible to stack another layer of cubes. Your mileage may vary, of course, depending on what clothes, cubes, and pouches you’re rolling with. Regardless, there is plenty of space, plus there are pockets all around in case you need more granular organization.

Towards the front of the main compartment are two zippered mesh pockets. We dig that these are see-through mesh because it means everything inside of them is easily visible. Plus, the mesh gives them some room to expand. These could be great for tech accessories, but they’re located in a tricky spot. Once they’re buried behind packing cubes and other gear, they’re pretty much inaccessible; not ideal if you have your charger back there and you’re sitting at just 5% battery level. A more practical role for them would be as built-in toiletry pouches for when you’re already unpacked at your hotel room or as security pockets for important travel documents.

For other smaller gear, there are side pockets built into the walls of the main compartment. They’re zippered and low-profile, so they won’t rob much space from the main compartment. Each pocket is divided into a small and wide segment, with the former able to fit a standing credit card while the latter fits a passport sideways. Use these pockets as needed, to each their own. In our case, we used the pockets to store our handy Cold4ged Forkanife Travel Set , plus some souvenirs.

Even at this smaller size, the Travel Backpack 30L’s laptop sleeve is still pretty large. It easily swallows our 16-inch MacBook Pro with tons of room to spare. It’s well-padded at the front and the back, and there’s a false bottom to absorb impacts from setting the bag down on a surface. As a nice little bonus, there’s also a tablet sleeve inside in case you’re also traveling with an extra device.

If we have any nitpicks with this laptop sleeve, it’s that it can feel a bit deep for smaller laptops. We’ve seen Peak Design use adjustable ones on other bags like the Everyday Backpack Zip 20L (V2) and Everyday Backpack 30L (V2) , so we would have liked to see the same here. We also noticed that the loop and hook fasteners on the tablet and laptop sleeve feel a bit small and somewhat easy to miss. Again, these are just nitpicking from an otherwise very capable backpack.

Last but certainly not least, the main compartment has a set of attachment points. The immediate idea that comes to mind would be to use these for hold-down straps to keep clothes from sloshing around. However, the ideal use for these is to secure one of Peak Design’s Camera Cubes inside, further highlighting the company’s camera-focused philosophy.

That was a lot to go through; no surprises there since it is a feature-packed travel backpack. Yes, there are a few misses, but most of them are nitpicks, and there’s so much more to like than to dislike about the Travel Backpack 30L. Most features feel neatly integrated and well-considered; much the same story as with the 45-liter version, but now in a much more manageable 30-liter form.

Usage Timeline

Condition: Excellent

• Basically a scaled-down version of the 45L Travel Backpack
• Has tons of pockets for organization
• Can expand to take in more gear
• We like that the main clamshell is structured
• Mesh pockets in the main compartment can be hard to access when full
• Comfortable harness system with just-right bag structure makes a comfortable carry
• Optional exterior straps keep a clean look when tucked away but add a ton of exterior storage versatility when needed

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Travel Backpack 30L

Marketplace guarantee.

All gear bought on the Marketplace is guaranteed for life by Peak Design. We also guarantee that the seller has accurately represented the item's condition, or you may return the item for a full refund.

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Color: Black Condition: PD Certified

--> Ships from: Chicago, IL

Seller Note:

This product is PD Certified, meaning that it's an open box, gently used, or refurbished item sold by Peak Design and shipped from our refurbishment facility near Chicago. Unlike other products on the PD Marketplace, the images in this listing aren't of the exact item you'll receive. But don't worry, because PD Certified products have passed a stringent in-house inspection. They may show very slight non-functional cosmetic wear, but work (and often look) as good as new. Cosmetic wear may include scratched hardware and zippers, scuffed fabric, and other surface abrasions indicative of previous use.

Color: Sage Condition: PD Certified

Color: Midnight Condition: PD Certified

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• Casual Daypacks

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Peak Design Travel Line Backpack 45L (Sage) (Expandable 30-35-45L)

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Free returns are available for the shipping address you chose. You can return the item for any reason in new and unused condition: no shipping charges

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Purchase options and add-ons

Product details, about this item.

• Modular Bag System by Peak Design, customise the internal carry options to match your requirements
• Meets international max carry-on standards in default 35L configuration. Dual expansion zips give 10L extra volume for 45L max storage.
• Dual side zippers for instant camera and item access. Full rear access via large dual zips.
• Quick tablet and laptop access using the main back zip.
• Packing Tools, Camera Cubes, Tech Pouch and Wash Kit compliment the Travel Line Backpack and are available separately.

Additional Details

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2 Year Backpack Protection Plan

• No Additional Cost: You pay nothing for repairs – parts, labor, and shipping included.
• Coverage: Plans starts on the date of purchase. Stains, rips or tears and seam separation covered from day one. Defects in materials or workmanship covered after the manufacturer warranty expires.
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Product Description

REIMAGINED ORGANIZATION

Rigid sidewalls and full-back panel load for organized packing.

SEPARATE YOUR GEAR

Zippered dividing panel separates bag into two compartments or merge into one.

IMPRESSIVE CAPACITY

Meets international max carry-on standards on most major carriers in default 35L configuration (please check the dimensions with your specific carrier). Dual expansion zips give 10L extra volume for 45L max storage.

From the brand

We are Peak Design

Our carry solutions help creatives, commuters, and adventurers keep their gear accessible, organized, and protected.

Everyday Line V2

Everyday style, extraordinary design. We made these bags for creators, commuters, and explorers alike.

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Camera Gear

Keep your photo and video gear organized, protected, and instantly accessible during your workflow.

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Connect your phone to a massive ecosystem of mounts and accessories.

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Radical products ; Radical Company. We design beautiful, industry-shifting products that last a lifetime, and we’re hell-bent on leaving this world better than we found it. No investors, no venture capital, nobody telling us how fast to grow. Our ultimate goal? Be happy.

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Peak Design 45L Travel backpack, best travel backpack review

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Features overview of the Travel Line Backpack

Highly rated top line travel back pack

Looking for specific info?

• Is Discontinued By Manufacturer ‏ : ‎ No
• Product Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 3.54 x 8.66 x 5.12 inches; 4.52 Pounds
• Item model number ‏ : ‎ BTR-45-SG-1
• Department ‏ : ‎ unisex-adult
• Date First Available ‏ : ‎ November 28, 2018
• Manufacturer ‏ : ‎ Peak Design
• ASIN ‏ : ‎ B07GH4HMFR
• #539 in Casual Daypack Backpacks

Customer reviews

Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.

To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.

Customers say

Customers like the pockets, appearance, and quality of the backpack. They mention that it looks great, has expandable storage, and is well done. Some complain that it's a little on the heavy side. Opinions are mixed on comfort.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Customers like the pockets in the backpack. They say it has a large main pocket with small sub-pockets within. They also appreciate the expandable storage and the thoughtful features without mentioning the cost. Some mention that the backpack has great laptop and iPad storage.

"...With the expansion capabilities , I was able to expand it enough to fit additional purchases made on the trip but still have easy access to my..." Read more

"...Looks great and has huge capacity - use this for when you want your carry on to be on your back as opposed to pulling it behind you, which is great..." Read more

"...The materials used are of good quality and the bag can hold a lot however, it is weighty when empty...." Read more

"...part of the pack from both the front and the back, zip pockets accessible from outside the bag , and zipper closures that make the challenge a little..." Read more

Customers are satisfied with the quality of the backpack. They mention it has a very high quality construction, and the materials are amazing. The bag is very capacious with numerous pockets for organizing. Some say the bag is flawless, and a great long-term travel backpack.

"...The build is great , I got black and love how sleek it is. A phenomenal travel companion" Read more

" Great bag , works well, I have a tendency to overstuff the bag with stuff and then try and shove the bag under the seat...." Read more

"Great backpack, many features, quality material , only disadvantage the back panel can be improoved, is not really confortable, no air flow,..." Read more

"I like this bag but I wished it was lighter. The materials used are of good quality and the bag can hold a lot however, it is weighty when empty...." Read more

Customers like the appearance of the backpack. They say it has a genius design, and they love the sage color.

"... Looks great and has huge capacity - use this for when you want your carry on to be on your back as opposed to pulling it behind you, which is great..." Read more

"...traveling with this bag because of the great functionality while looking good at the same time...." Read more

"...If you are a frequent flyer like myself, the design is smart but not unique and extra weight is not worth the gimmick features...." Read more

"...I don’t own a camera. I love the sage color, very stylish and not black. All and a I am happy with it...." Read more

Customers are mixed about the comfort of the backpack. Some mention it has a very comfortable fit, the convenient and comfortable stowable straps are a great feature, and the 3l sling fit perfectly. However, others say that it's great backpack, but not 100% comfortable, the backpacking chest and waist straps is far from comfortable, and it barely fits in the overhead bin.

"...This bag combined with the tech pouch, wash pouch, and the 3l sling fit perfectly with room for my over headphones and a 16inch Macbook pro...." Read more

"...be careful with the snaps, they do come undone and the bag will not fit under the seat ...." Read more

"A great bag that was surprisingly comfortable for the weight . In 35L form it was 27.5 lbs fully loaded with:-..." Read more

"...The convenient and comfortable stowable straps are a great feature...." Read more

Customers are not happy with the weight of the backpack. They mention that it's a little on the heavy side, they wish it was lighter, and that it is too bulky.

"I like this bag but I wished it was lighter . The materials used are of good quality and the bag can hold a lot however, it is weighty when empty...." Read more

"...My only criticism is that it is a little on the heavy side . To me, though, the pluses outweighs the one minus." Read more

"...-while the materials are amazing, they are heavier and add some weight - my bag was easily heavier than my brother's osprey bag which was..." Read more

"...myself, the design is smart but not unique and extra weight is not worth the gimmick features ...." Read more

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Matador Original Series

These Two Genius Bags Replaced the Four Camera Bags I Used to Carry

I always try to travel carry-on only, but as an adventure traveler, it’s not always possible when I have to carry gear for various sports or bulky winter jackets for ski trips. And what makes it even harder is that camera gear, as any photographer knows, takes up tons of space. Add in lots of padding (which you need unless you want your expensive camera to get broken while traveling) and your camera bag becomes the size of a full carry-on.

And what’s  the most annoying if you’re both a photographer and an adventure traveler is that most travel camera bags are heavy — so you wouldn’t want to use yours as a hiking backpack — and so big that you need to carry yet another bag to use when you just want to carry your camera at your destination.

Need a travel backpack? Check out Matador’s detailed travel backpack reviews: Our favorite carry-on backpacks for your work-from-anywhere lifestyle Tortuga Travel Backpack 40L is the best travel backpack for your money This small backpack is the only travel pack an efficient packer needs The best Patagonia backpacks for travelers

The 45-liter travel backpack carries quite a lot, with stow-away hip straps to help ease heavier loads. Photo: Suzie Dundas

So when I travel, I need a bunch of bags: a carry-on, a smaller bag inside the carry-on to protect camera gear, a smaller bag to use for just my camera while traveling,  and a waterproof bag I can use for hiking or outdoor activities. That’s  four separate bags. Yeesh.  But I am thrilled — and I don’t say that lightly — to have found a combination of just two bags that fits the role of four, allowing me to carry all my camera gear  and have a full roller bag for the overhead.

Without further ado: the perfect combo is the Peak Design 45-liter Travel Backpack , and the Peak Design three-liter sling bag.

We hope you love the gear we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.

45-liter Peak Design Travel Backpack

Use it as: a camera gear bag, a piece of luggage, a hiking pack, a briefcase, or a 35-liter daypack

Rating: 4.8 of 5 stars

• Compresses to a daypack or expands for more storage
• Side access for cameras
• water and weatherproof
• Fits under an airplane seat
• Silent clasp (ideal for wildlife)
• Fair-trade and carbon neutral
• Roomy enough for gear, laptop, and quite a bit of clothing or shoes
• Side pocket fits large water bottle
• Tuck-away external straps

Most helpful review:

Photo: Peak Design

I love this bag — and when I meet other people who have it while traveling, we usually have at least a quick convo talking about how it’s such a useful bag for photographers. And it is — in fact, the primary downside is that the bag is so loaded with features it’s hard to take advantage of them all. But Peak Design knows this and has a helpful video to help explain most of them, at least. Among them, one of my favorite features is the tuck-away external straps. If you have a heavy DSLR , you probably can’t get away with a cheap-o tripod — but quality tripods take quite a bit of space. Fortunately, you can use those straps to carry your tripod externally, saving tons of space in the actual bag.

Another con, for me, was the way the hip belt connects. I love that it has a tuck-away hip belt, and the area on your hip bones is padded enough that it’s quite comfortable when the bag is heavy (which it will be if you have it full of camera gear). It has a hook closure, which I found a little more annoying to adjust than a clip, just because it took me an extra second or two. Of course, if you’re shooting wildlife and need to be as silent as possible, a hook may be preferable to a clip. Personal preference.

The hip belt is comfortable but the hook closure was a bit annoying for me. Photo: Suzie Dundas

Other features I love (aside from the fact that Peak Design’s packing cubes stack perfectly within it) are the smart and useful pockets. I particularly like the slim hidden pocket for phones or a passport and the top pocket for sunglasses. And when I carry the Peak Design 45-liter, I don’t need to carry a separate hiking pack. The bag has shoulder straps and a sternum strap and is totally waterproof. The full capacity is a bit too big of a bag for day hiking, but when I use the clips to make it a 35-liter bag, it’s the perfect size and doesn’t feel like my hiking gear is bouncing around in my bag.

Everyday Sling

Use it as: a shoulder bag, a hip bag, a cross-body bag, a purse, a storage bag, or a protective camera bag inside a backpack

The Everyday Sling has a minimalist, urban look, and doesn’t feel like it’s too bulky or large on my back. Photo: Suzie Dundas

• Extra pockets for phone and small items
• Adjustable for right or left wear
• Removable external straps to carry a jacket or tripod
• Foldable and adjustable internal dividers
• One-handed strap adjustments
• Weatherproof and waterproof

I feel like I’ve been searching for a product like the Peak Design Sling Bag for years. It’s a camera-specific bag that comes in three sizes (three liter, six liter, and 10 liter), but what makes it a travel-must have is that it doubles as an inner carrying case. So I put my camera body and/or lens in the Sling Bag, then put that in the Peak Design Travel Backpack. It eliminates the need for a separate internal storage bag for cameras and doubles as a small bag when I’m at my destination.

It works around your hips or around your shoulder and offers easy access to your camera while keeping your hands free. I also really like having a small bag for my camera so I can keep it close and handy instead of taking off my backpack and digging around for the camera every time I want to take pics. I miss far fewer shots by having my camera handy, and it’s more comfortable than walking or hiking with a camera strap slung around my neck all day. All three sizes have additional pockets to hold credit cards or a wallet, so it can replace a purse or tote bag while you’re traveling.

Make sure you choose the right size bag for the lens and camera set up you plan to carry most often. A standard 50mm or so lens should fit in even the smallest bag, but you may want a the six-later bag for larger lenses. Photo: Suzie Dundas

The main downside to the three-liter Peak Design Sling Bag is the size — and that’s more of a piece of advice, rather than a reason not to buy. It’s a small bag and best for carrying one camera with a smaller lens. If you use multiple lenses while traveling, the larger ones may not fit, as shown below with a wide-angle lens. So be sure to check the measurements and make sure it’ll fit whatever bag you plan to carry most. I ended up just taking the lens off and carrying the camera and the lens separately, but it would have been easier if I had just bought the sling bag in two sizes.

It comes with replacement bags….for life

All new and used bags comes with the lifetime warranty to repair or replace your bag. Photo: Peak Design

There’s no beating around the bush: Peak Design doesn’t make cheap gear, and the travel backpack costs $229 for the 30-liter version or $299 for the 45-liter. And the Sling Bags run between $89 and $159, depending on size. Photographers likely already know that quality protective and travel gear is expensive, but it’s still far pricier than a generic camera backpack from Amazon.

Personally, I think if the bags’ lifetime guarantees can be trusted, the price is reasonable — if it lasts me 30 years, that’s a heck of a good price. And I’d rather pay more upfront for a a bag that will last a lifetime than buying half-a-dozen cheaper bags that will eventually end up in landfills.

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Travel 45L Backpack

The Peak Design Travel 45L Backpack functions as a day bag, carry-on, or checked bag for all of your travel needs. The backpacks default 35L configuration meets the maximum international carry-on standards so you can confidently fly. Or, if you need a little extra room, dual expansion zips offer an extra 10L and the durable face fabric and ultra-light foam padding keep your gear protected so you can check the bag with peace of mind. Conversely, compression snaps reduce the bag to 30L when you're out on a day trip while tons of internal and external pockets help you keep all of your gear organized throughout the duration of your travels, wherever they may be.

• Versatile travel bag for overnighters or international trips
• Adjustable from 30L day bag to 45L checked bag for versatility
• Default 35L configuration meets international carry-on standards
• Durable, water-resistant fabric sheds moisture in light showers
• Oversized zippers are weather proof and lockable to protect gear
• Ultra-light foam padding offers extra protection during travel
• Dual side zippers allow quick access to contents of the backpack
• Compatible with Peak Design accessories for maximum organization
• Item #PKE0018

Overall Rating

5 based on 919 ratings

Review Summary

Fits true to size.

What do you think about this product?

April 13, 2024

This backpack is awesome, it has tons of space and lots of storage space.

April 8, 2024

Great travel companion

Bought this as carry-on for longer trips and as travel backpack for shorter business trips, usually betwenn 1 and 5 days. Great companion with lots of thoughtful features and exeptionally well crafted piece.

Originally reviewed on Peak Design

April 2, 2024

One-bag travel in style

I bought the 45l travel backpack for one-bag travel for work. It easily handles 3-day trips and I can go up to a week in a pinch—even with a suit. Everything is well thought out and constructed and the shoulder/hip strap storage is genius. The compression snaps make it a usable day pack once I leave the clothes at my hotel, but I do recommend a packable tote for items you want at your seat on the plane I love the sage color with the wash bag and tech bag accessories. The bag has very clean lines and a professional look, despite being a backpack. I do wish the external top pouch was a bit bigger but it is a minor concern.

March 26, 2024

I'm satisfied

I'm satisfied. It's a really great backpack, everything is thoughtful, the quality is super

March 21, 2024

Great travel backpack

I bought this few weeks ago in anticipation for japan holiday, I was blown away with the design and practicality of the bag, it has pleanty of compartment and also the strap design is ingenius. I cant fault them

March 20, 2024

Best bagpack I ever had!

It truly exceeded my expectations and is by far the best backpack I have ever owned. The flexibility and comfort it provides are exceptional. While the price may be on the higher end, I believe it is completely justified by the quality and functionality of the product. Thank you for creating such an outstanding backpack that truly delivers on its promises.

Great backpack that could be awesome.

Overall product is great. The only gripes I have, is that the shoulder padding when using as a back pack is very thin, thus my shoulder hurts from the straps dig in. Need a better design shoulder pads (hint.. The North Face) and adding shoulder straps adjustments would be really great. These two addition will make the backpack comfortable to carry for a long walk in Europe.

One Bag to Rule Them All

I love this travel backpack. Last summer I spent 30 days backpacking Europe so traveling as light as possible was important to me. This was the only bag I took on that trip. While other people on my trip took wheeled carry-ons and massive checked bags that they then tried to wheel down the cobblestone streets of European cities, I had none of those issues whatsoever with my lone travel backpack. I used the medium + small packing cube configuration which worked well, and I was also able to fit my tech pouch and toiletry bag by removing the organization divider. When you’re backpacking, traveling around often, and staying in hostels this is a fantastic setup. One bag is the way to go. Since last summer I have also taken the bag on shorter trips within the US and it obviously works great for that as well. I’m looking forward to this Summer when I will be taking it to the UK for another longer 17 day trip! Thanks PD!

March 19, 2024

Versatile and easy access

I really like how you can access the main compartment multiple ways, so you don't have to dig through your backpack from the top to find your items. The front compartment also have 4 internal zipped compartments to help you stay organized.

Best pack I’ve ever used for Traveling!

The 45L backpack is the best designed pack I’ve ever traveled with. Especially with the pack cubes! It keeps it all organized and is especially good at being able to find things quickly. Just an amazing design.

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Travel Backpack 45L

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A rugged, expandable, and brilliantly accessible carry-on travel backpack driven by a simple truth: No Two Trips The Same™. Features top, side, front and rear access via weatherproof #8 and #10 UltraZips, which can withstand decades of use thanks to their proprietary abrasion-resistant thread. Meets international carry-on size requirements, but expands to be a 45L gear-hauler and collapses to be a 35L day bag, making it unmatched for 1-bag travel. Quick-access pockets for keys, glasses, passport, etc. Hugely expandable side pockets for water bottles, tripods, and more. Padded laptop + tablet sleeves. Main cavity is divisible into 2 compartments via a zippered mesh sleeve. Tuck-away shoulder straps and hip belt. 360-degree grab handles. Cleverly concealed external carry straps. All packed within a sleek, weatherproof 100% recycled 400D nylon canvas shell with 900D bottom liner. Fair Trade Certified and 100% carbon neutral. Works seamlessly with Peak Design  Packing Cubes ,  Camera Cubes , and  Pouches , sold separately. For similar features in a smaller bag, check out the 30L Travel Backpack.

Need help choosing the right bag? Try our  Bag Finder

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ONE BAG TO RULE THEM ALL

The 45L Travel Backpack debuted at the Outdoor Retailer show in 2018 and promptly won three best-in-show awards. Why? Perhaps because it was designed to do everything for everyone. 2-week journey? Check. Weekend jaunt? Check. Daypack? Check. Camera bag? Check. No two trips are the same, so get a bag with the versatility to do them all.

COMPARING TO THE 30L?

The 45L is better for:

• 1-bag-travel for trips 4 days and longer
• More access and organization options
• Trips where you need multiple jackets, pairs of shoes, or other bulky clothing
• Carrying camera gear: better compatibility with PD Camera Cubes , plus dual side access.

TRAVEL READY

• International carry-on approved
• Theft-deterrent zipper pulls
• Protected luggage tag holder
• Luggage pass-through for roller bag carry
• Padded shoulder & waist straps stow under magnetic flaps for worry-free bag-checking

ULTIMATE ACCESSIBILITY

• Huge rear access via burly #10 UltraZip
• Dual side access via burly #10 UltraZips
• Front zip panel for additional access, storage, & organization

HUGE CAPACITY

• Expansion zips for fitting more or compressing your load
• External carry straps stow beneath a magnetic flap

SPACE FOR EVERYTHING

• Hugely expandable side pockets for water bottles, tripods, more
• Soft-lined zippered top pocket for keys, glasses, passport, etc.
• Internal zippered mesh pockets
• Padded, dedicated laptop and tablet sleeves

ALL-DAY COMFORT

• Stowable hip belt
• Axial strap attachments provide all-day comfort for all body types
• Stowable sternum strap
• 360-degree grab handles

RUGGED PROTECTION

• Weatherproof 100% recycled 400D nylon canvas shell
• Rugged 900D waterproof bottom liner
• Ultralight padded foam provides security and structure around entire bag
• High-visibility grey interior

SUSTAINABLY BUILT

• Fair Trade Certified
• 100% carbon neutral
• Lifetime guarantee

PD TRAVEL ECOSYSTEM

Designed to fit Peak Design Packing & Camera Cubes (fits 3 units with space for additional smaller things)

DIFFERENCES VS. 30L

• More access points: rear, side, and front access zips
• Dividable main volume: internal divider sleeve zips up to creates 2 compartments when needed
• Integrated hip belt: stowable padded hip belt for heavier loads
• Compressible: compression snaps slim down the profile for use as a day bag
• Hidden pockets: 2 hidden external zip pockets for cash, passport, etc.
• Room for more: room for 3 units of PD cubes, plus bonus space for pouches, jackets, shoes, etc.
• More photo-capable: fits camera cubes in un-expanded state, and allows quick side access to cameras and lenses

What is in the box

• 1x 45L Backpack
• 2x Cord Hook external carry straps
• 1x stowable sternum strap

SKU/PART NUMBER

BTR-45-BK-1 (Black) BTR-45-SG-1 (Sage)

EXTERNAL DIMENSIONS

Standard: 56cm x 33cm x 24cm (22" x 13" x 9.5") Compressed: 56cm x 33cm x 24cm (22" x 13" x 9.5") (compression only happens at the top of the bag. 6" at top when compressed) Expanded: 56cm x 33cm x 29cm (22" x 13" x 11")

INTERNAL DIMENSIONS

Standard: 53.3cm x 33cm x 16.5cm (21" x 13" x 6.5") Compressed: 53.3cm x 33cm x 14cm (21" x 13" x 5.5") Expanded: 53.3cm x 33cm x 19cm (21" x 13" x 7.5")

Standard (max carry-on): 35L Compressed: 30L Expanded: 45L

PD PACKING/CAMERA UNIT CAPACITY

3 units + bonus space

LAPTOP/TABLET CARRY

Laptop: 40.6cm x 30cm x 2.5cm (16" x 11" x 1") Tablet: 24cm x 19cm x 1.5cm (9.5" x 7.5" x 0.6") Fits 2021 Macbook Pro 14" and 16" models

2.05 kg (4.5 lb)

• Weatherproof 100% recycled 400D nylon canvas external shell. DWR impregnated and double poly coated for water resistance. Sage fabric is Bluesign approved.
• 900D waterproof bottom liner
• High-visibility grey nylon interior
• Hardware is anodized aluminum and glass-reinforced nylon
• Super-durable UltraZips with abrasion-resistant UHMPE thread
• Leather accents (Sage only) are Gold Certified by the Leather Working Group
• Hypalon zip pulls and reinforced stress points

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