Peak Design Travel Backpack 30L Review: Unpacking the Bag!

It’s been ages since I updated my travel backpack, so I was thrilled when I saw an email from Peak Design about testing their popular 30L Travel Backpack.

After it arrived, I was so excited to pack up and try it out on the road over the last month.

Spoiler alert, this bag’s sleek exterior design is going to get you a lot of compliments at the airport.

But did it become my new go-to travel backpack?

I guess you’ll have to read my Peak Design Travel Backpack 30L review to find out!

Overview of the Peak Design Travel Backpack 30L

After taking a 4 month trip around the world, Peak Design founder Peter Dering began making a little device that would make traveling with his camera easier.

Soon he created a Kickstarter and not long after his camera clip named Capture became a gigantic success.

It’s clear that Peak Design still takes the same creative approach to problem solving and creating useful travel items that people love.

But they’re popular for more than just amazing designs. They are also a brand that’s aware of their environmental impact, choosing every material thoughtfully.

Things to Consider Before Buying a Backpack from Peak Design

Sit down and make a list of the things you’re planning on using your backpack for.

Whether you need it for photography, travel, or daily commuting, knowing your need will make it easier to choose from Peak Design’s various options.

The 30L capacity is an excellent choice for most people, and a size that makes it perfect to use as a personal item for most flights.

Think about if you need extra space for additional gear or if you require a smaller bag for daily use.

It’s also important to figure out a budget. Peak Design’s backpacks can be on the higher end of the price range, but are a brilliant investment for frequent travelers.

Peak Design 30L Backpack & Unboxing

What’s in the Box?

• The 30L Peak Travel Backpack
• 2 x Cord Hook external carry straps
• 1 x Stowable sternum strap

I really liked that Peak Design’s products are mailed using as little packing materials as possible to stay as Eco-friendly as possible.

They even use Micro-Pak Dri Clay packets instead of synthetic silica packets, since they take less energy, water consumption, and no chemicals to produce.

Hardware and Design Features

Peak Design crafted this backpack with your travel needs in mind.

It’s got a minimalist and sleek appearance, and features a unique opening system that allows easy access to your belongings.

Some other key features include:

• International carry-on approved dimensions
• Theft-deterrent zipper pulls
• Protected luggage tag holder
• Expandable water bottle pocket
• Quick access side pockets and hidden passport pocket

Weatherproofing

This travel backpack protects your belongings from the elements anywhere your travels take you.

Peak Design crafts their backpack from high-quality materials that ensure its durability and weather resistance. The main fabric used is 400D nylon, which provides strength and resistance to abrasions.

Aluminum hardware adds a premium touch and boosts the overall sturdiness of the bag.

This backpack is coated with a DWR for extra water protection, making it great for travelers or those who need to protect their tech gear.

Color Options

The Peak Design Travel Backpack 30L comes in three different colors.

You can choose between black, sage green, and midnight blue. Though fair warning for vegans, the midnight blue and sage both come with leather accents.

Materials and Durability

Peak Design builds their backpacks with the best materials using quality craftsmanship to ensure each bag’s durability and longevity.

The 30L Travel Backpack has a weatherproof, 400D nylon canvas, which keeps your belongings safe from the elements.

The zippers are also highly resistant, even offering theft-deterrent protection for your valuable items.

Size

The Peak Design Travel Backpack is international aircraft regulation carry-on size, which is a big plus for travelers, though it’s worth noting it takes up all of the space under the seat in front of you.

This bag is 27L standard and 33L when expanded and weighs 3.17lbs. These are the interior and exterior measurements.

External Dimensions

Standard: 53cm x 34cm x 18cm (20.9″ x 13.4″ x 7″)
Expanded: 53cm x 34cm x 20cm (20.9″ x 13.4″ x 7.9″)

Internal Dimensions

Standard: 49cm x 33cm x 14cm (19.3″ x 13″ x 5.5”)
Expanded: 49cm x 33cm x 16cm (19.3″ x 13″ x 6.3”)

Organization and Storage

Clamshell Opening

The Peak Design Travel Backpack 30Lhas a convenient clamshell opening, allowing you to fully open the main compartment.

The way this backpack opens makes packing and unpacking quick and easy, especially if you don’t have TSA Pre-Check and need to take things out at security.

Laptop Compartment

The internal padded sleeve keeps your laptop or tablet safe with a separate laptop compartment.

If you’re worried about the sizing of the computer pocket, here are the measurements you need.

Laptop: 40cm x 29.5cm x 4cm (15.75″ x 11.6″ x 1.6″)

Tablet: 24cm x 19cm x 1.5cm (9.5″ x 7.5″ x 0.6″)

Pockets

Mesh Pockets

The Peak Design 30L backpack has mesh pockets, which are perfect for storing items you want to grab quickly, like toiletries, snacks, or water bottles. These pockets are highly breathable, ensuring any moist items have adequate ventilation.

Zippered Pockets

The Peak Travel 30L Backpack has multiple zippered pockets for added security and organization. These pockets are great for storing small valuables and items you want to keep safe from potential pickpockets.

Attachment Points

Perfect for storage and organization, the Peak Design Travel Backpack 30L is ideal for city breaks, outdoor adventures, and vacations.

The backpack’s exterior features multiple attachment points for additional customization and versatility. These are ideal for securing tripods, or even a yoga mat while on the go.

Shoulder Straps

They made the shoulder straps with a combination of padding and webbing to help you can carry the backpack comfortably for extended periods of time.

The padding helps cushion and distribute the load, making it comfortable for people of different heights and body types.

Sternum Strap

Peak Design includse an adjustable and stowable sternum strap to provide additional support and stability while you’re on the move.

The Travel Backpack 30L also has an optional padded removable hip belt that helps maintain balance and provide extra support when carrying heavier loads.

Grab Handles

The Peak Design Travel Backpack 30L has handles on all sides, allowing easy handling and maneuvering in various situations.

The only thing that drove me a bi nuts is that the top handle is short, which makes it hard to quickly grab or toss onto a bag holder.

Peak Design Lifetime Product Warranty

It’s easy to invest in the Peak Design Travel Backpack 30L, when you know that it’s backed by a lifetime warranty.

Just make sure to register it as soon as it arrives.

When you register your Peak Design product, you’ll need to provide some information to activate the warranty, including the:

• Purchase date
• Place of purchase
• Product serial number

You should also keep the purchase receipt for proof-of-purchase so that you can access the warranty coverage should issues arise with your backpack.

Performance

I traveled for two weeks with only my Away Bigger Carry-On and the Peak Design 30L backpack, and as a habitual over-packer, I love using this bag as my personal item.

It fits a ton inside, and the clamshell opening makes it easier to unpack quickly after a long day of travel.

The bag is also super sleek, functional and stylish, which always makes me feel put together on the road. Overall, this is a great carry-on backpack for frequent travelers.

One of the things I wasn’t as into was the trolley strap on the back. To use it means your backpack must sit on top of your suitcase in a sideways position, which makes things top heavy.

Also, the top strap was too small to easily hang on the bathroom bag hooks in the airport, which is probably not bother for some people, but as a solo traveler who has to keep all their bags with them, this little detail got a bit annoying. I’m hoping for an update in the next version.

I should also mention if you’re planning on using the Peak Design 30L backpack as a personal item, it will take up basically all the room under the seat in front of you.

That said, it’s so worth giving up a bit of legroom to use the amount of packing space this bag gives you. Overall, this bag is one I’m excited to keep traveling with.

Peak Travel 30L Backpack Alternatives 

• Osprey Porter 30L Travel Backpack: With dual internal zippers and compression straps, this 30L backpack by Osprey is a great purchase for those you want sturdy backpack at a lower cost.

• LOVEVOOK Backpack: The LOVENOOK backpack comes in eight colors and either a 17 or 18 inch laptop sleeve option. This backpack is ideal for remote workers.

• ZOMAKE Backpack: ZOMAKE’s 30L packable backpack is the perfect folding day pack and ideal for travelers who want to bring an extra bag on their trip to carry home shopping.

My Overall Thoughts On Peak Design’s Tech Pouch

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