Apparently, a simple 20L backpack from a brand like Peak Design that knows how to put together a high-end travel or everyday bag is the backpack I’ve been looking for all this time.
I have reached a point where carrying everything “just in case” has become an arduous task. Now I want to wear as little as possible whenever I can, even at photo shoots or press events. I have searched for the right bag and always justify 30 liter backpacks as a good middle ground as they contain enough pockets for anything I need. Unfortunately, when I want to carry my laptop and a camera, all that extra fabric just weighs me down.
Enter the Peak design 20L travel backpack. To be clear, it’s not just for travel. And although I’ve taken flights with it, the bag shines as a default everyday carry bag.
It’s small, at only 20 liters, but I didn’t realize how much it could carry. It is literally one of the smallest backpacks I have found that still fits my laptop.
From front to back, the bag measures about 6 inches, which is pretty slim. It can expand up to 8.4 inches if you need to carry extra things. That option means that can Be the biggest package you need, but it’s just “just in case.”
Unlike Peak Design’s iconic Everyday backpack, the Travel Backpack has no dividers or any other structural features except what is necessary. One main pocket takes up most of the backpack and an additional quick-access pocket is located on top. That pocket has several dividers for essentials, replacing a tech bag if you normally bring one, like I do.
I found myself throwing everything I could in there and still had no space issues because of the way each pocket is arranged. That includes batteries, extra chargers, lots of cables, and phones that I didn’t need to bring on my day hikes.
The main compartment only has two pockets: an internal elastic pocket for organization and a laptop/tablet pocket. Laptops up to 16 inches will fit well, along with a 10-inch tablet using the internal divider.
Along the walls of the main compartment are C-clip loops for camera cubes because, yes, the 20-liter backpack can fit Peak Design’s camera cubes. I got away with my “medium” camera cube and a tech bag, which fills the entire interior. Without it, you can just drop the smaller camera cube in for minimal transportation. Again, the expansion zipper adds about 3 liters of additional volume, so carrying a camera bucket and a bit more works perfectly.
If you’re boarding a plane, you might consider keeping the bag as small as possible. After using it as a personal items bag for several months, I don’t think I could ever fit a larger bag under the seat in front of me again. It takes up so little space that it’s actually a pleasure to fly with, and that’s hard to say for most bags.
The construction of the bag is just as good. The inner fabric is soft yet durable and doesn’t give off a “cheap” feel in the slightest. Peak Design does a good job of sourcing materials made for their bags like the travel backpack, not just available on a shelf. The outer fabric is a fully recycled 400D Versa Shell nylon material, so water doesn’t seep through. The bottom goes even further with 900D waterproofing.
During a small photo shoot for the bag, classic May weather rolled in and offered some scattered but powerful storms. I had no problem taking my camera inside during heavy rain, nor leaving the bag in a wet location. It worked perfectly well.
Even with that weather resistance, the bag looks classically modern. It’s not a statement, but it doesn’t seem robust. It is a simply designed tech case with many hidden charms such as metal buckles and a side handle for ease and functionality.
It also has several loops to attach the additional Peak Design straps, so you can really pack it away. Not to mention, it has an internal drink pocket that hides away when not in use.
Of course, bags that do that come at a cost. The 20-liter travel backpack (but also for everyday use) is priced at $199. Peak Design runs a Kickstarter when these bags are released and you can get them for $159. After that, you’ll hit your full, hard-to-swallow MSRP.
Mentally, it’s hard to justify that price for a 20 liter bag. Larger, more robust travel backpacks are easier to recommend because they offer tons of features for specific uses. However, this one, as an everyday bag, does its job very well.
I haven’t been able to find another small tech bag that fits my camera, a tech bag with essentials, and a laptop that has the same sturdy yet lightweight construction. On top of that, it’s comfortable for long days and functional in classic Peak Design style.
That being the case, yes, I recommend it. I may be biased, but it’s exactly what I was looking for.
That little backpack isn’t the only thing Peak Design just announced. The company launched a new 3-liter crossbody bag for $99.95. Essentially, it’s a small Tech Pouch with a strap attached. In theory, it sounds crazy but it works quite well.
The Travel Crossbody is extremely minimalist and offers the same origami-style internal organization as the Tech Pouch. The buckles are made of metal, so they provide some necessary resistance and quality. The back of the bag has a hidden magnetic phone pocket and the entire bag is made from the same recycled weather-resistant 330D Versa Shell fabric. It is a perfect companion if you are looking for a functional and sensible sling.
The Peak Design 20L Travel Backpack is easily my favorite everyday backpack to date, and I say that as a die-hard backpack nerd. It’s not cheap, but it’s easily one of the best options available.
At the time of writing, Peak Design is running a sale of surplus with some pretty significant discounts until May 30. For example, the outdoor backpack is up to $131 off.
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