Peak Design Travel Backpack 30L Review & Wash Pouch Review
Peak Design Travel Backpack 30L Review (Link)
Introduction
After several months of rigorous testing, I’m finally ready to dive into my thoughts on the Peak Design Travel Backpack 30L. I’ve pushed this bag to its limits from road trips to family vacations. Whether you’re a fan of Peak Design or just looking for a versatile travel backpack, here’s a detailed breakdown of what works, what doesn’t, and whether this bag might be right for you.
The Basics
Capacity: 30L, expandable to 33L-34L
Material: 400D Nylon Canvas Shell
Weather Resistance: DWR-coated fabric, weatherproof zippers
Dimensions: 19.5" x 13" x 6"
Weight: 2.96 lbs
Laptop Sleeve: Fits up to a 15" laptop
Main Features: Clamshell opening, external carry attachment points, multiple grab handles, hidden zippers
The Cool Stuff
Attachment Points Galore: The bag has plenty of attachment points, allowing you to easily strap things like a jacket, shoes, or even a blanket to the outside. This is especially useful when space inside the bag is tight. Personally, I’ve used these attachment points to secure jackets or shoes that I didn’t want taking up internal space.
Hidden Pockets for Small Items: There are lots of hidden pockets for quick-access items like transit cards, memory cards, or small tech gadgets. I found the side zip pockets handy for items I needed to reach on the go, but keep in mind these compartments can fill up fast and start to protrude into the main compartment.
Durable & Functional Straps: Despite some complaints I’ve seen online about Peak Design’s straps, they worked well for me. Whether the bag was fully loaded or lighter, the adjustable straps and grab handles made it comfortable and easy to carry.
The Wow Stuff
Fantastic Zippers: I have to talk about the zippers. These are by far some of the smoothest, most satisfying zippers I’ve ever used on a bag. From the moment I unpacked the bag, these zippers operated flawlessly—even with one hand. Many of us are familiar with YKK zippers, but Peak Design’s in-house zippers are impressive. They slide effortlessly and feel durable, even when the bag is packed to capacity.
Expandable Design: Another wow feature is the expandable capacity. With just a simple zipper, the bag expands from 30L to around 33-34L. This extra space is a lifesaver when you’re on the return leg of your trip and need just a bit more room for souvenirs or extra gear.
Modular Packing Friendly: If you use packing cubes or other modular pouches (like I do), this bag works like a dream. The interior is designed with multiple compartments, but I bypassed most of them and used packing cubes to keep my stuff organized. It’s a versatile space that can adapt to different packing styles.
Design & Aesthetics
Like all Peak Design bags, the Travel Backpack 30L is sleek and understated. Its clean, minimalist aesthetic and black colorway make it ideal for travelers who don’t want to draw attention. This bag fits right in whether you’re wandering through airports or navigating city streets.
It’s also built with a DWR-coated nylon canvas shell, offering decent weather resistance. While I haven’t had it out in heavy rain, the combination of sealed zippers and coated fabric has kept my gear dry in light showers. The bag’s streamlined look is also functional—it doesn’t scream "tourist," which is great when traveling through areas where you'd rather blend in.
Straps & Comfort
Peak Design’s shoulder straps have always sparked debate in the carry community. Personally, I found them more than adequate. The padding on the straps is firm but comfortable, and even when I packed the bag to the brim for a week-long trip, I didn’t feel any discomfort. The bag also includes a stowable harness system, meaning you can tuck the straps away to make the pack easier to handle when storing it in overhead bins or beneath airplane seats. However, I didn’t use this feature much, as I prefer the magnetic strap tuck method from Peak’s Everyday Backpack.
The bag’s back panel features a nice, breathable design, but it’s not as robust as some hiking-oriented packs. Still, it works well for urban travel, keeping my back fairly cool during long walks.
Internal Organization
The clamshell opening is one of the highlights, allowing you to access the bag’s main compartment easily. However, Peak Design included several pockets on the inside that I found to be a bit more restrictive than helpful. If you’re like me and prefer packing cubes, the internal pockets might feel like they get in the way.
I mostly left the pockets unused, especially the smaller mesh ones. If you stuff these pockets, they protrude into the main compartment, reducing the space available for larger items like clothing or gear. While the pockets may be useful for some, I felt they added unnecessary bulk when I wanted to maximize space for a week’s worth of travel clothes.
Laptop Compartment & Packing
I also encountered a minor issue with the laptop compartment. When fully packed, the bag’s lid (which holds the laptop) tends to flop around, making it tricky to pack efficiently. You end up having to hold the lid up while placing your items inside, which creates friction in the packing process. In my opinion, a separate laptop compartment—like in the Everyday Backpack—would have been more functional.
That said, the laptop sleeve itself is well-padded and holds up to a 15-inch laptop. I carried my Surface Laptop Studio 2 with no issues, and there’s a smaller sleeve for a tablet or documents. However, the lack of dedicated document storage was a downside for me. If you need to bring papers or files, you’ll end up squeezing them in with your laptop or other gear.
Expansion & Versatility
The expandable design is a fantastic feature. Being able to quickly add a few liters of capacity without compromising the bag’s structure makes it even more versatile. Whether you’re adding a tech kit, extra toiletries, or an extra layer of clothing, the expansion works seamlessly. Just zip it open, and you’ve got the extra room you need.
While I wouldn’t recommend this bag for extended travel beyond a week or so (unless you're a true minimalist), it’s perfect for shorter trips. For week-long travel, this bag can handle everything you need, including clothes, tech, and other essentials. Anything beyond that, and you might find yourself wishing for more space.
Final Verdict
Despite a few quirks, the Peak Design Travel Backpack 30L is a well-made, highly functional pack. From its smooth, in-house designed zippers to the expandable capacity and thoughtful design, it’s clear that Peak Design knows how to build for travelers. While the internal organization may not be ideal for everyone—especially if you’re a modular packer like me—the bag’s overall performance shines in short trips and urban travel.
If you’re looking for a stylish, minimalist travel backpack that can handle a variety of travel styles, the Travel Backpack 30L is a solid option. Just be mindful of its limitations when it comes to extended travel or carrying bulky items.
Peak Design Wash Pouch (Link)
First Impressions
Moving on to the Wash Pouch, I wasn’t sure I needed something this large at first. It’s much bigger than my previous toiletry bag, and my initial thought was, "Do I really need all this space?" Well, it turns out I did. Over the past five months, I’ve come to appreciate just how functional and robust this pouch is.
Design & Functionality
Like the Travel Backpack, the Wash Pouch features a clean, minimalist design. It doesn’t scream for attention, but it’s packed with functionality. One thing I immediately loved is the metal hook for hanging. It’s sturdy, not some cheap plastic hook, so I didn’t worry about it breaking when it was loaded with toiletries.
The internal organization is excellent. You’ve got mesh pockets, drop pockets, and zippered compartments—plenty of space for all your essentials. The pouch easily handled everything I threw at it: beard maintenance gear, razor, hair gel, toothpaste, deodorant, and more. It’s a tank of a toiletry bag, and thanks to the sealed zippers, it held up to all the liquids and toiletries I carried without worrying about spills leaking out.
Does Size Matter?
Now, let’s talk about size. This is a big toiletry bag. If you’re a minimalist packer, or if space is tight, this may not be the best choice for you. But if you’ve got the room and travel with many grooming essentials, this is the bag for you. The Wash Pouch also fits perfectly with the Travel Backpack 30L, slotting in like a puzzle piece, which is a huge plus if you’re into packing cubes and pouches to stay organized.
Final Verdict
This is a great choice if you need a functional, durable wash pouch with plenty of room. It’s built to last, and with the dedicated pocketing, it keeps everything neat and organized, making it a solid addition to your travel gear.
Conclusion
The Peak Design Travel Backpack 30L and Wash Pouch make an excellent duo for those who want function without sacrificing aesthetics. While both items have their unique features and quirks, together, they provide a versatile and stylish travel setup. Whether you’re packing for a short business trip or a week-long adventure, Peak Design has you covered with thoughtful design, durable materials, and ample space to organize all your gear.
