Apparently, a 20L empty backpack from a brand like Peak Design that knows how to pack a high-end travel or everyday bag is the backpack I’ve been looking for all along.
I’ve gotten to the point where carrying everything “just in case” has become a chore. Now whenever I can, even on photo shoots or press events, I want to bring as little as possible. I’ve been looking for the right bag and I always base the 30 liter packs as a good middle ground, keeping enough pockets for everything I need. Unfortunately, all these extra pieces weigh me down when I want to bring my laptop and camera.
enter Peak Design Backpack for travel 20 l. To be clear, this is not just for travel. Even though I take flights with me, the bag shines as a standard everyday carry.
It’s small at only 20L, but I didn’t realize how much I could get away with carrying it. It’s literally one of the smallest backpacks that fits my laptop.
From front to back, the bag measures about 6 inches, which is pretty slim. If you need to bring extra stuff, it can expand to 8.4 inches. This option means that can be the bigger package you need, but that’s just in case.
Unlike Peak Design’s iconic Everyday Backpack, the Travel Backpack has no dividers or any other structural features beyond what is necessary. The main pocket takes up most of the pack and an additional quick access pocket sits above. This pocket takes a few dividers for essentials, replacing a tech bag if you usually bring it like I do.
I found myself throwing everything I could in there and still had no space issues as every pocket lined up. This includes batteries, extra chargers, multiple cables, and phones I don’t need to bring on my daily trips.
The main compartment only has two pockets – an internal stretchable organization pocket and a laptop/tablet pocket. Laptops up to 16 inches will fit well, along with a 10-inch tablet that uses an internal divider.
Along the walls of the main compartment are C-clips for camera cubes, because yes, a 20L backpack can fit Peak Design’s camera cubes. I got away with my “smedium” camera cube and a tech bag that filled the whole thing. Without it, you can put down the smallest camera cube for minimal portability. Still, the expansion zipper adds about 3L of extra volume, so carrying a camera cube and a little extra works perfectly.
If you are flying, you may want to consider keeping the bag as small as possible. After using it as a personal item bag for a few months, I don’t think I can go back to stuffing a larger bag under the seat in front of me. It takes up so little space that it’s actually a joy to fly with, which is hard to say about most bags.
The construction of the bag is just as good. The inner fabric is soft but durable and doesn’t give off a “cheap” vibe in the least. Peak Design does a good job of sourcing materials for their bags like the Travel Backpack, not just off the shelf. The outer fabric is a completely recycled Versa Shell 400D nylon material, so water does not seep in. The bottom goes even further with 900D waterproofing.
During a small photo shoot for the bag, classic May weather presented scattered but strong storms. I had no problem carrying my camera inside during heavy rain, and I had no problem setting the bag down in the wet. It performed perfectly well.
Even with this weather resistance, the bag looks classically modern. This is not a statement, but it does not seem harsh. It’s a simply designed tech bag with many hidden charms like metal buckles and a side handle for convenience and functionality.
It also has a few loops to attach Peak Design’s extra straps, so you can really pack this thing down. Not to mention, it has an internal drink pocket that hides away when not in use.
Of course, bags that do this come at a cost. The 20L Travel Backpack (also for everyday use) costs $199. Peak Design is running a Kickstarter when these bags launch and you can get them for $159. After that, it will go up to its full, hard-to-swallow MSRP.
Mentally, it’s hard to justify that price for a 20 liter bag. Larger, more robust travel packs are easier to recommend because they offer more features for specific uses. As an everyday bag, it does its job very well.
I couldn’t find another small tech bag that fit my camera, a tech bag with essentials, and a laptop with the same sturdy yet lightweight construction. Plus, it’s comfortable for long days and functional in classic Peak Design fashion.
In that case, yes, I recommend it. I might be biased, but that’s exactly what I was looking for.
This little backpack isn’t the only thing Peak Design has just announced. The company has introduced a new 3L Crossbody bag for $99.95. Basically, it’s a small Tech bag with a belt. In theory, this sounds wild, but it works pretty well.
The Travel Crossbody is extremely minimal and brings the same internal origami-style organization as the Tech Bag. The buckles are metal, so it brings some necessary strength and quality. There’s a hidden magnetic phone pocket on the back of the bag, and the entire bag is made from the same recycled weather-resistant Versa Shell 330D fabric. If a no-nonsense functional sling is what you’re after, this is the perfect companion.
Peak Design’s 20L Travel Backpack is easily my favorite everyday backpack to date, and I mean that as a backpack with a twist. Not cheap, but easily one of the best options available.
At the time of writing, Peak Design is working sale of excess stock With some pretty deep discounts until May 30th. For example, as much as the Outdoor Backpack $131 off.
FTC: We use automatic affiliate links that generate income. More.
