A well-built Peak Design travel setup rests on three layers: a backpack or bag as the base, organisers (packing cubes and pouches) that keep things sorted, and small accessories that make the trip easier. Below you'll find how to put a setup together for the length of your trip and what fits where.
1. The base: backpack or bag
| Trip | Recommended base | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Weekend, business trip | Travel Backpack 20L or 30L | the 20L (20–23 L) fits under the seat, the 30L (27–33 L) holds more clothing |
| A week with carry-on only | Travel Backpack 45L | 35 L standard, 45 L expanded, access from all sides |
| Longer trip with day trips | Travel Backpack 2-in-1 40L | 34 L base pack + 16 L zip-off daypack |
| Car, train, checked luggage | Travel Duffel 65L or 80L | large volume, removable shoulder strap |
| Companion to a suitcase | Travel Duffel 35L or 50L, or Travel Backpack 20L | luggage pass-through (on backpacks), carry-on size |
The Travel Backpack 45L has stowable shoulder straps and hip belt, so nothing gets caught on the airport conveyor. A detailed backpack comparison is in our Everyday vs Travel Backpack guide, and the full range is in the Travel line – backpacks and bags collection.
Travel Duffel: when it makes sense
Travel Duffels come in 35, 50, 65 and 80 L. According to the manufacturer, the 35L and 50L are carry-on sized weekenders, while the 65L and 80L are meant for check-in and road trips. All have removable padded top handles, a removable shoulder strap, two internal mesh pockets and four external side pockets. Capacity for Peak Design organisers: the 35L holds 3 units (packing or camera cubes), the 50L 4 units plus extra space, the 80L 8 units. The 35L Duffel weighs 0.9 kg according to the manufacturer.
2. Organisation: packing cubes and pouches
Organisers are what turn a backpack into a suitcase: clothes stay folded, shoes separate and cables in one place. Peak Design sizes them to fit its Travel and Outdoor bags precisely, but they work in any luggage.
Packing Cube
The classic clothing cube with a tear-away zip for fast access, an internal divider for clean and dirty clothes, and a compression zip to squeeze the contents down or expand them. It comes in Small, Smedium, Medium and Large. The Travel Backpack 20L fits, for example, two Smedium cubes or snugly one Large.
Ultralight Packing Cube
A stripped-down version with a single compartment and one zip, in sizes from XX-Small to Smedium. The smallest XX-Small holds 0.8 L and weighs 20 g. You choose from two materials: weatherproof Terra Shell fabric with taped seams, or see-through stretch mesh that expands to up to double the volume and suits things that need to breathe. Empty cubes fold flat. XXS–XS–S bundles are good value.
Shoe Pouch
A 9 L shoe bag weighing 48 g that typically fits 1–2 pairs depending on size. When not needed, it packs into its own integrated pouch.
Wash Pouch and Tech Pouch
- Wash Pouch – a toiletry bag in regular and small sizes. It stands on a counter or hangs from a stowable hook, with mesh pockets inside and a magnetically sealed toothbrush pocket. The material wipes clean easily.
- Tech Pouch – a pouch for cables, chargers, power banks and cards. The Small version has 12 pockets and fits Apple brick-style chargers; the regular version also has an external pocket with a cable pass-through.
All organisers are in the Pouches and organisers collection.
3. Accessories worth taking
- Passport Wallet – a slim wallet for 2 passports, 8 cards, cash and a pen, with RFID shielding and a magnetic closure. More models in the Wallets collection.
- Packable Tote – a zip-closing foldable tote with 12 L capacity and 80 g weight, packing down to about the size of a deck of cards. For shopping, the beach or as an extra bag on the way home.
- Rain Fly – a rain cover for backpacks in sizes by volume (15–20 L, 20–30 L, 35–45 L).
- Travel Tripod – a travel tripod that collapses to 39.4 cm long and 8.3 cm in diameter (roughly a water bottle). The aluminium version weighs 1.56 kg, the carbon 1.27 kg, and maximum height with the centre column raised is 152.4 cm. Travel backpacks carry it in a side pocket or on the external straps.
- Camera Cube – a padded insert for a camera and lenses with FlexFold dividers. The Travel Backpack 45L and 30L fit up to size Large (the 30L only when expanded), the 20L up to Smedium (Medium when expanded).
Sample setups
Long weekend
- Travel Backpack 20L
- Packing Cube Large or 2× Smedium
- Small Wash Pouch, Small Tech Pouch
A week with carry-on only
- Travel Backpack 45L
- 2–3 Packing Cubes (e.g. Medium and Smedium) + Shoe Pouch
- Wash Pouch, Tech Pouch, Passport Wallet
- Packable Tote for day trips and shopping
Travelling with a camera
- Travel Backpack 45L or 2-in-1 40L
- Camera Cube (Medium or Large) + 1–2 Packing Cubes
- Travel Tripod on the external straps, Capture clip on the shoulder strap
Packing tips
- Heavy items close to your back. Put the Camera Cube or shoes in the section next to your back, light clothing further away.
- Keep documents and electronics handy. For security checks, keep the laptop in its own sleeve and the Tech Pouch on top.
- Leave some reserve. Save the expandable volume for the way home.
- Check dimensions with your airline. Carry-on limits differ by carrier and fare.
The full range of travel bags and accessories is in the Luggage and accessories and Peak Design collections.
Frequently asked questions
Which Peak Design backpack is best for carry-on-only travel?
The most versatile is the Travel Backpack 45L – in its standard 35 L form it meets international carry-on size requirements according to the manufacturer, and it can be compressed or expanded. If you want a separate smaller pack at your destination, choose the Travel Backpack 2-in-1 40L. Always check airline limits with your carrier.
Do Peak Design organisers fit other suitcases or bags?
Yes. According to the manufacturer, Packing Cubes and Ultralight Packing Cubes are designed for any suitcase or bag, but they are sized to fit Peak Design Travel and Outdoor bags precisely.
What is the difference between the Packing Cube and the Ultralight Packing Cube?
The Packing Cube has an internal divider for clean and dirty clothes, a compression zip and a tear-away zip for fast access. The Ultralight Packing Cube is a stripped-down single compartment with one zip, made either from weatherproof Terra Shell fabric or a see-through stretch mesh that expands to up to double the volume.
How do I travel with a camera in a Peak Design backpack?
Put a Camera Cube in the pack. The Travel Backpack 45L and 30L fit a Camera Cube up to size Large (the 30L only when expanded), the 20L up to Smedium (Medium when expanded). On the 45L you can reach your camera through the side zip without taking the bag off.