Peak Design Travel Bags Review (New for 2026)

Peak Design’s Travel range has grown with four new travel-optimised bags, from the compact 3L Travel Crossbody through to the versatile Travel Backpack 2-in-1 40L.

With more than 10 bags in the Travel Series, plus a wide range of packing cubes, pouches and accessories, there’s a setup to suit almost every style of travel.

For photographers, three of the four new bags are also compatible with Peak Design Camera Cubes.

As a long-time Peak Design user, with favourites including the Everyday Backpack, Outdoor Backpack and the lightweight Leash, I was excited to add these new bags to my collection and see how they performed.

At the start of June, I took the Travel Backpack 20L, Travel Weekender 25L and Travel Crossbody 3L with me to Malaysia. The larger Travel Backpack 2-in-1 40L is waiting for an upcoming trip, but I’ve already spent time exploring it at home.

Allow me to show you Peak Design’s Travel additions.

What is the Peak Design Travel collection?

The Peak Design Travel Collection combines modular organization, durable materials, and travel-friendly designs for photographers and everyday travelers alike.

Below, I’ll take you through four of the newest additions to the lineup, exploring what each bag offers, how much it reasonably fits, and how it performs in real-world use.

Design and Build Quality

Each of the new additions is unmistakably a Peak Design product. The clean styling, premium materials and excellent build quality are exactly what you’d expect from the brand.

Despite their relatively slim profiles, each bag makes efficient use of its space and comfortably holds more gear than its size might suggest.

The range is available in three classic colours: Black, Stone and Sage. After plenty of indecision, I ended up choosing the full range in Black, along with a second 20L Travel Backpack in Stone.

While Black remains a timeless option that blends into almost any environment, Stone quickly became my favourite. It has a subtle, earthy tone that feels modern without drawing unnecessary attention.

Construction is equally impressive. The bags use Peak Design’s weather-resistant Versa Shell fabric, paired with a tougher reinforced base, durable custom hardware and smooth weather-resistant zips.

Padding is added where it’s needed, the harness systems are comfortable and adjustable, and there’s a thoughtful level of internal organisation throughout.

Combined with Peak Design’s existing range of packing cubes, pouches and accessories, the Travel Series is designed to adapt to a wide variety of travel styles.

Like the rest of Peak Design’s recent products, sustainability has also been considered. The materials are PFAS-free with a durable water-repellent finish, while the shell, liner and stretch fabrics are Bluesign approved. The bags are also Fair Trade Certified and Climate Label Certified.

Across the new Travel Collection, in addition to the materials, several thoughtful features are shared between the three larger bags. Each includes a luggage pass-through, securable zipper pulls for added safety, a dedicated smart tracker pocket, padded shoulder straps and back panels for improved comfort, and weatherproof zippers to help keep the elements at bay.

Peak Design Crossbody 3L

I have to admit, at first I wasn’t quite sure how handy this would be for me personally… But then we took it on a trip.

The Peak Design Crossbody 3L surprised me with just how much it could carry. Its origami-inspired dividers, multiple accessory pockets, dedicated smart tracker pocket, and soft-sided construction make it far more capable than its compact size suggests.

Perfectly sized for airports and shopping centres, it comfortably carried our passports, snacks, batteries, cables, sunglasses, and other travel essentials. It even had enough room for my daughter’s over-ear headphones for the flight.

The external phone pocket easily accommodates an iPhone 16 Pro Max, or a similarly sized device, keeping it within easy reach without needing to open the bag.

The slim, lightweight design of the Crossbody 3L also makes it easy to pack inside a larger bag during transit, ready to become your go-to companion once you arrive. It’s weather-resistant, understated, and discreet enough to blend in wherever you go.

Although it’s marketed as a travel bag, I think it shines just as much for everyday use. The thoughtful internal organisation keeps your daily essentials neatly arranged, and there’s even room for a compact camera, making it a genuinely versatile little bag.

These days, it’s no longer mine. My daughter has effectively claimed it as her dedicated snack and device bag, while my wife found it incredibly useful throughout our trip around Malaysia for carrying her everyday essentials.

Meanwhile, I was left hauling the Travel Backpack 20L with everything else.

Peak Design Travel Backpack 20L

For me, the Peak Design Travel Backpack 20L is the standout addition to the updated Travel Collection. In fact, I own two. It’s a backpack that feels just as comfortable in a corporate office as it does navigating a busy airport.

The 20L capacity strikes an excellent balance for everyday carry. Its slim, discreet profile makes weaving through crowded terminals effortless, while still providing enough room for everything I typically need when travelling with family, including a camera.

Comfort is equally well considered, with generously padded shoulder straps, a removable sternum strap, a supportive back panel featuring airflow channels, and a luggage pass-through for pairing with rolling luggage. Top and side grab handles also make it easy to pick up and move whenever you’re on the go.

Its lightweight construction and streamlined design strip away unnecessary bulk, resulting in a clean, understated backpack that’s equally suited to daily commutes and overseas adventures.

Bundled with two Cord Hook™ external carry straps and multiple attachment points across the exterior, the Travel Backpack 20L can also secure bulky items to the outside when extra carrying capacity is needed.

Storage Capacity

The wraparound zipper opens the backpack fully in a clamshell design, providing complete access when packing or organising your gear.

If you need a little extra flexibility, the expansion zipper increases capacity by an additional 3L, relieving pressure on a tightly packed bag or making room for those inevitable purchases collected along the way.

One design choice that may not suit everyone is the internal water bottle and umbrella pocket. It helps preserve the backpack’s clean silhouette while leaving room for the expansion zipper and side grab handle, but there is a compromise.

Because the bottle sits inside the main compartment, it occupies valuable packing space. More importantly, if a bottle leaks, the contents end up inside the bag rather than outside it. Unfortunately, I learned that lesson the hard way while travelling through Malaysia.

For work and everyday use, the Travel Backpack 20L includes a generously sized laptop compartment with a divider for separating devices, such as a laptop and tablet, or for safely storing important documents. The rear panel also features a large stretch zip pocket that’s perfect for chargers, cables, passports, or the collection of loose items that inevitably builds up throughout the day.

The upper quick-access compartment opens from the top and includes several soft-lined slip pockets for organising smaller essentials. There’s also ample space for sunglasses, travel accessories, and the everyday items you want within easy reach.

Photographers will appreciate compatibility with a Smedium Camera Cube when the backpack is expanded. If unexpanded, a XS Camera Cube can be placed at the bottom, but not secured in place.

Access is exclusively through the rear panel, effectively turning it into a traditional clamshell camera backpack rather than one designed for quick side access.

If you’re packing for an overnight stay or a light day trip, the Travel Backpack 20L accommodates one Smedium Packing Cube (or two when expanded, if both aren’t overloaded), with enough room above for a small pouch or lightweight jacket.

Alternatively, a combination of smaller cubes fits neatly, with the full clamshell opening making organisation and packing refreshingly straightforward.

Peak Design Travel Weekender 25L

The Travel Weekender 25L was one of the products that immediately caught my attention when the Kickstarter campaign first launched.

As a family that’s constantly heading away for overnight stays and weekend trips, and with my wife occasionally travelling for work, it felt like a natural fit.

I already own the 35L Peak Design Travel Duffel, but the biggest difference, beyond capacity, is the Weekender’s shape. Designed more like a briefcase than a traditional duffel, it’s comfortable to carry by the top handles or over your shoulder using the included strap.

Inside, the main compartment is divided into two sections, complemented by several stretch pockets in varying sizes that make organising clothing and accessories surprisingly easy.

There’s also a dedicated laptop sleeve on one side and a quick-access organisation pocket on the other, complete with additional internal pouches for smaller essentials.

The wide-opening main compartment makes packing refreshingly simple. Each side comfortably fits either one Large Packing Cube or a combination of one Small and one Smedium Packing Cube. Keeping in mind toiletry bags or tech pouches you may need.

Its proportions are ideal for overhead lockers on planes, trains, and buses, making it an excellent companion for light travel.

A luggage pass-through is also built in, allowing it to sit securely on top of rolling luggage when you’d rather save your shoulders.

Then, lastly, the shoulder strap is removable if you prefer briefcase-style carry.

Our recent trip to Malaysia was the perfect opportunity to put the Travel Weekender 25L through its paces.

Flying out of Sydney in winter and arriving in a hot, humid tropical climate meant we quickly shed our heavier clothing after landing. I used the Weekender as our carry-on bag, packing neck pillows along with our bulkier winter layers before stowing it in the overhead locker.

Once we arrived, the Weekender proved just as useful. Several of our journeys involved travelling by train, where we only needed enough clothing for a couple of nights at a time.

Rather than dragging our full-sized suitcase everywhere, we left it at our local house and packed only what we needed. The Weekender was perfectly suited to these smaller trips, carrying comfortably by the handles through the narrow aisles of Kommuter trains or over the shoulder while moving through busy stations.

Paired with our 20L Travel Backpacks, and my daughter happily carrying the Crossbody, it became part of a travel setup that made moving around Malaysia remarkably easy.

Peak Design Travel Backpack 2-in-1 40L

To put it simply, the Peak Design Travel Backpack 2-in-1 40L is a beast.

While it’s not the largest backpack in Peak Design’s line-up, it’s arguably one of the most versatile, combining a full-sized travel backpack and a detachable day pack into a single system.

While I haven’t had the opportunity to travel internationally with the 2-in-1 just yet, I immediately understand the appeal.

The concept is simple. Pack your clothing, bulkier gear and anything you won’t need during transit into the Base Pack, while keeping your everyday essentials in the Day Pack.

Once you arrive, leave the Base Pack at your accommodation and head out with a much lighter backpack for exploring.

Together, they provide 40L of carry capacity, but once separated, their soft-sided construction allows them to stretch beyond their stated capacities. The Base Pack stretches from 30L to around 34L, while the Day Pack grows from 10L to approximately 16L, providing a combined usable capacity of around 50L.

Although the two packs are designed to separate, they can also remain attached throughout your journey if you prefer. Even as a complete system, the Travel Backpack 2-in-1 is designed around carry-on dimensions for most airlines, making it a genuine one-bag travel solution.

At first glance, it certainly looks substantial, but putting it beside a typical carry-on suitcase quickly puts its size into perspective. In fact, the footprint of the Base Pack is almost identical to the Travel Weekender 25L, with the Weekender simply tapering towards the top.

Both the Base Pack and Day Pack feature dual external stretch bottle pockets, multiple Cord Hook™ attachment points for carrying bulky items externally, and many of the thoughtful travel features found throughout Peak Design’s updated Travel Collection.

The Base Pack (30-34L)

The Base Pack opens fully in a clamshell design, making it exceptionally easy to organise clothing, camera gear, Packing Cubes and Camera Cubes.

Inside, you’ll also find a generously padded laptop sleeve with a divider for separating a tablet or important documents.

Comfort is excellent thanks to the heavily padded shoulder straps and back panel, while grab handles on all four sides make lifting and maneuvering the backpack surprisingly easy. A luggage pass-through is also included for pairing it with rolling luggage.

Hidden within the back panel is a generously padded waist belt that tucks away neatly when not required. I actually didn’t realise it was there until researching this review, a testament to just how seamlessly it’s integrated.

The shoulder straps can also be unclipped and tucked away, making the backpack easier to stow in overhead lockers, while magnets help keep everything tidy if you choose to leave them attached.

The stowable waist belt can be completely removed if you wish to shave off some of the overall weight.

There’s also a slim front pocket, although it’s only accessible when the Day Pack is removed. It’s a little narrow for larger items, but useful for flatter accessories and documents. Additional Cord Hook™ attachment points around the exterior provide even more flexibility for carrying bulky gear.

One clever advantage of the soft front panel is that, once the Day Pack has been removed, the Base Pack gains a little extra flexibility and can comfortably accommodate more gear. It makes it a surprisingly capable travel backpack in its own right.

Photographers will appreciate support for up to a Large Camera Cube, or a combination of a SMedium Camera Cube and Packing Cubes, making it an excellent choice for travelling with larger camera kits.

The Day Pack (10-16L)

The Day Pack is impressively light, slim and comfortable to wear. While attached to the Base Pack it offers 10L of capacity, but when used on its own the flexible construction expands to hold up to around 16L, providing plenty of room for a day’s worth of essentials.

Inside, the top-opening compartment houses a laptop sleeve alongside a tall main compartment, complemented by two soft zippered pockets for organising smaller items. A combination of XXS and Small Packing Cubes also fits comfortably for shorter trips.

On the outside, you’ll find two stretch mesh bottle pockets, along with a quick-access top compartment featuring several soft-lined organiser pockets. The opening isn’t particularly wide, but the soft construction allows it to flex enough to comfortably reach your gear.

For photographers, the Day Pack is best suited to an XS Camera Cube. The backpack is simply too slim to use other-sized Camera Cubes, although two XS Camera Cubes can be stacked if required (although not particularly convenient, but will do the job if necessary).

Like the rest of the updated Travel Collection, the Day Pack also includes a luggage pass-through, making it equally helpful travelling on its own or as part of the complete 2-in-1 system.

Versatility and Travel-Friendliness

Across the range, Peak Design’s usual focus is on practical design and versatility. Rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach to travel, the collection allows you to mix and match bags, packing cubes and accessories to create a setup that suits each trip.

Whether you’re commuting to the office, heading away for a work trip, or travelling overseas, there’s likely a combination to suit your needs.

As mentioned earlier, several of the new bags are compatible with Peak Design Camera Cubes for photographers, while the Travel Backpack 2-in-1 features a removable Day Pack that can be used separately when a smaller carry solution is all that’s needed.

The three larger bags include generously padded shoulder straps and back panels, luggage pass-through sleeves for wheeled luggage, and sturdy grab handles positioned for quick access when you’re on the move.

Each main zipper also includes a simple soft-locking feature. Metal pulls slip through a small retaining loop, while the strap pulls thread together and secure in the same way. It’s enough to keep the zippers secure while you’re on the move, but it isn’t a substitute for a proper lock if the bag is left unattended.

They’re also carry-on friendly, fitting comfortably into overhead compartments on most airlines, buses and trains. The Travel Backpack 20L and the detachable Day Pack are compact enough to slide under the seat in front of you.

The 3L Crossbody remains slim enough to pack inside a larger bag when not in use, while sitting comfortably against your body when worn.

Across the collection, you’ll also find thoughtful internal organisation, with each bag designed to accommodate different combinations of Peak Design’s Packing Cubes and accessories. Every model also includes a discreet smart tracker pocket, sized to securely fit trackers from multiple brands, including the Apple AirTag and UGREEN FineTrack.

The Peak Design Travel and Outdoor Collections

The Travel Collection is designed around organised travel, airports and generally urban environments – the focus being on efficient packing, easy access, luggage compatibility, clean styling and modular organisation. They’re equally at home on business trips, city breaks and international travel.

The Outdoor Collection, meanwhile, has been built with hiking, adventure and long days outdoors in mind. The emphasis shifts towards comfort over extended wear, lighter weight, external attachment points, hydration compatibility, and carrying gear across varied terrain rather than through airports.

In short, the Peak Design Travel Collection is optimised for getting from destination to destination, while the Outdoor Collection is optimised for the journey once you get there.

Having said that, while the Travel and Outdoor Collections each have their own focus, there’s also plenty of overlap between them. Many of the bags pair together naturally, making it easy to build a setup that suits the way you travel.

For example, an Outdoor Sling slips neatly inside one of the larger Travel bags, ready for secure, close-body carry through busy cities or lighter walks where the Travel Crossbody may not be the best fit.

Likewise, you could pack your clothing and toiletries into the Travel Weekender 25L while carrying your camera gear and daily essentials in the Outdoor Backpack 18L, leaving the Weekender at your accommodation while you head out to explore.

Of course, Peak Design’s Travel Collection extends well beyond the bags covered in this review. The range also includes the larger 30L and 45L Travel Backpacks, the 65L Travel Duffelpack, and the classic Travel Duffels in 35L, 50L and 80L capacities.

Then there’s the recently released Roller Pro. It’s a bag I haven’t had the opportunity to use yet, but one I’d love to add to my own collection in the future.

Price and Value for Money

There’s no escaping the fact that Peak Design products sit towards the premium end of the market, but I’ve come to see them as long-term investments rather than impulse purchases.

They’re thoughtfully designed, exceptionally well made, and versatile enough that one bag often replaces two or three others in the wardrobe.

So, rather than buying separate bags for work, travel, photography and everyday use, I often find myself reaching for the same Peak Design bag in each situation. Over time, that versatility has become one of the biggest reasons I keep returning to the brand.

Every bag in the Travel Collection is also backed by Peak Design’s Lifetime Guarantee, providing added confidence that they’re built to last. When a company is willing to stand behind its products for the lifetime of the bag, it says a lot about the quality they expect to deliver.

Combined with the premium materials and practical design, it’s a package that represents excellent value for anyone looking to buy once and use it for many years to come.

FAQs

Are the Travel Weekender 25L and Travel Backpack 2-in-1 40L sized for carry-on?

Yes. Despite its appearance, the Travel Backpack 2-in-1 40L isn’t much larger than a typical carry-on suitcase. Remove the detachable Day Pack and its boxy shape slides neatly into most overhead compartments.

The Base Pack is actually similar in size to the Travel Weekender 25L. The main difference is the profile, with the Weekender being a little shorter and tapering towards the top, while the Base Pack retains a more rectangular shape.

The Travel Backpack 20L has an internal bottle pocket, how did that go on a trip?

So, the internal bottle pocket is less of a gripe and more of a trade-off. An internal bottle pocket keeps your bottle secure, out of the way, and helps maintain the Travel Backpack 20L’s clean, slim profile. For many people, that’ll be the better solution.

For our trip through hot-and-humid Malaysia, though, it wasn’t quite as practical. With three of us travelling together, we were often carrying three water bottles alongside my camera gear. When only one backpack was in use, reaching multiple bottles from inside the bag became a little cumbersome. It never stopped me carrying everything I needed, but one or two external bottle pockets would’ve made those frequent water stops much easier.

That said, I understand the compromise. The backpack’s expandable design and streamlined shape leave limited room for external storage, and the internal pocket helps preserve its clean silhouette.

Do I have to use Peak Design’s accessories? Or can I bring my own?

Your bag, your choice.

Peak Design has optimised the dimensions of its bags to work seamlessly with its range of Packing Cubes, Camera Cubes, Pouches and other accessories. The main compartment of each bag is designed to accommodate different combinations from the Peak Design ecosystem, while other brands naturally size their accessories to suit their own products.

Peak Design’s Camera Cubes also have the benefit of securing directly inside the Travel and Outdoor Backpacks using the included C-Clips and internal attachment loops.

Of course, you’re free to use your own packing cubes and pouches as well. If they fit your bag, they’ll do the job just fine.

Peak Design Travel Bags Review | Conclusion

Peak Design have done it again, and I genuinely hope they keep doing it. Their latest travel bags deliver the versatility, build quality and thoughtful design that I’ve come to expect from the brand.

The Travel Crossbody was the biggest surprise, proving far more useful throughout my trip than I expected, while the Travel Weekender was an excellent companion for flights and shorter journeys by train around Malaysia.

The detachable Day Pack on the Travel Backpack 2-in-1 40L is a genuinely useful idea, and one I’m keen to see my wife put to use on her next solo trip.

For me though, the Travel Backpack 20L is the clear winner. I liked it enough to buy two, and both have become my everyday work bags. I have no doubt they’ll continue joining me on future adventures, too, provided my wife can overlook the internal bottle pocket.