Peak Design start out a few years back making straight-up photography gear, like their classic Capture Clip, which revolutionized the way in which we all carried our DSLR’s on outdoor adventures. We have multiple editions of the Capture and use them regularly, in conjunction with their ultra-handy Slide strap. Well, Peak Design has since shown no signs of slowing down, and their latest venture – the Travel Line of backpacks and packing tools – has actually gone on to raise more than $5 million on Kickstarter.
Let’s be clear; $5 million is a lot of money, and just goes to show how excited Peak Design’s fanbase is for new products from them. The new Travel Line is mainly built around their 45l backpack, which is designed to be the sleekest, most-versatile and capable travel pack for carrying everything from your photo gear to your underwear. It’s built from a 400D fabric made of recycled plastics, with a weatherproof construction and waterproof zippers. The bottom is made of a 900D nylon for padding and abrasion-resistance on rough surfaces, and there is an assortment of various handles on the side, top and back. The zippers are even built to deter pickpockets, and a padded waistbelt helps distribute the load but also stows away cleanly when you don’t want it.
The main compartment features a wrap-around zipper and opens up wide, allowing you to lay the pack flat for easier storing and packing. There’s a mesh organization panel that expands to accommodate all your gear, as well as a 15” padded laptop sleeve.
Perhaps our favorite feature of the Travel Bag is the duffel-style handle on the back, which allows you to carry it like any old duffel bag but is smoothly integrated enough to not get in the way when you don’t need it.
Complementing the 45L Travel Backpack are a 35L duffel, a new 65L Travel Backpack added because of the success of the first one, and a series of packing cubes and gear pouches, such as the Tech Pouch, Wash Pouch and even camera cubes. All built from some kind of weatherproof canvas or recycled plastic material.
All in all, it looks like Peak Design has built a truly epic lineup of travel gear for the most demanding of trips. There might still be some Early Bird Specials available, but otherwise, the Travel Backpack starts at $300. You can grab one for yourself now.
