Peak Design has achieved something great with the Travel Backpack 45L. The carry-on is everything I’ve ever wanted from a multifunctional pack: It’s handsome as hell, expandable and collapsible, and the pockets actually fit a reasonably sized water bottle. It also comes with a lifetime warranty. Does that mean I’m at the end of the long road of testing carry-on packs? Perhaps.
This Multifunctional Pack Will Last You a Lifetime, and Is Currently 20% Off
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The Peak Design Travel Backpack can replace cumbersome camera bags, but even if you’re not a gear-laden traveler, it’s a fantastic general go-to bag for getaways.
It’s been called “the unicorn bag” by other reviewers, and that’s not a stretch. The exceptional design and construction is a fit for many types of excursions, from hiking, to photography sessions, to a carry-on and a 35-liter daypack. It’s the kind of backpack you’ll receive a look of admiration from another owner, much like you get when you pass a fellow EV driver on the road..
There are three colorways to choose from: black on black, sage, and my personal favorite, coyote. It’s constructed from durable 400D nylon canvas, with a reinforced 900D nylon canvas base to enhance abrasion resistance. The base material offers a slightly rubberized texture. While many similar bags opt for ballistic nylon, Peak Design’s intentional choice of canvas is smart. It feels nice to touch, and it’s water resistant (plus, there’s a DWR-coated polyurethane liner to help give an extra layer of protection).
What I love the most about this pack is how comfortable and innovative the harness system is. The straps are hideable, so you can carry the pack like a duffle in one hand. But if you want to strap on in, you’re in for a treat.
Photo: Peak Design
Peak Deisgn’s signature rotating high-density foam padded straps are a lifesaver when you’re rushing through an airport and you need to quickly access valuables from the pack by swinging it around to your side. To balance out a heavy load, a detachable sternum strap can be stored vertically along the shoulder strap or as a small loop when not in use. The hip belt is expertly padded, and again, you can stow this away when you don’t need it. Two external pockets are also perfectly sized and even fit a YETI Rambler flask, which never leaves my side. Many other zippered pockets help add to the feeling that the team at Peak Design sat around a whiteboard and brainstormed everything a traveler (every type of traveler) would want from a pack, and then delivered.
Photo: Peak Design
You can compress this pack down or extend it out. External compression zippers allow for additional storage. These are easy to use, and within seconds you can transform it from a day pack into a sturdy piece of luggage. You can also compress towards the top of the pack with a button system. There’s so much you can do with the external features of the pack to tailor it to what you need that it’s worth watching Peak Design’s set-up and tips video.
The inside has more well-thought-out storage. At the top, a quick-access pocket with stretchy mesh is ideal for airport essentials. The front panel has a smart organizational system. The upper section features a rubberized mesh pocket that provides visibility and easy access to contents. This compartment has multiple smaller pockets for pens, pencils, chargers, and adapters. These pockets can be flattened when unused, maximizing the bag’s overall space.
Photo: Peak Design
The opposite side of the compartment mirrors this layout, with a half-mesh pocket and a liner pocket. This compartment has dual-sided accessibility. Items can be accessed from both the main compartment and the front panel, and the removable separator can be stored at the bottom of the main compartment, transforming the bag into a spacious duffel.
There’s no getting around the fact that Peak Design packs are pricey. But, it’s currently reduced from $319.95 to $255.96 for coyote, $239.96 for sage and the same 20 percent off for black. If you’re in the market for a great all-rounder, you’ll find it hard to get anything as multifunctional as this for the price point. Keep in mind that you get a lifetime guarantee, so choose your color wisely, as this pack will likely become your companion for years to come. 