Peak Design is a brand synonymous with quality. A frequent flyer on our best bags list, Peak Design has built a reputation for designing and constructing some of the most durable bags on the market. Its latest creation, the Travel Backpack 20L, is an impressively compact day-travel bag designed from the ground up to maximize space, improve accessibility and provide comfort during long journeys. With a lifetime guarantee and Peak Design’s pedigree behind it, there is a lot to love about the Travel Backpack 20L.
While Peak Design’s lineup already includes some excellent 20L bags, such as the Everyday Backpack, which is designed with creators in mind, the Travel Backpack is purpose-built as the ideal carry-on companion. Its compact design works well in the cramped quarters of most airplanes, easily tucking under a seat for quick access in transit.
The Travel Backpack is built for durability and resistance to wear and tear. Leveraging a rear-access design, the entire back panel opens to provide quick access to the contents without the need to dig around. A separate compartment at the back of the bag accommodates up to a 16-inch laptop and an 11-inch tablet, while still leaving the main compartment free for other belongings. For reference, the main compartment can hold roughly 2.5 Peak Design packing units or 20-23 litres when expanded.
“With a lifetime guarantee and Peak Design’s pedigree behind it, there is a lot to love about the Travel Backpack 20L.”
Heavy-duty, weatherproof Ultra Zips help keep the main pouch secure, along with a quick-access pocket on the top and a water bottle pocket on the side. While not fully water-tight, the outer Versa Shell is waterproof, offering strong protection from the elements. That is a feature that has been thoroughly tested over the past couple of weeks through a mix of snow and rain. Welcome to Canada.
While there are many design elements I appreciate about Peak Design’s Travel Backpack, one standout is the reinforced bottom panel. This panel is thicker than even the side walls. That detail is often overlooked in travel bags and is especially important for a bag that is set down frequently during travel. Speaking of attention to detail, Peak Design spares no expense when it comes to quality. Every zipper, buckle, C-clip, and stitch is expertly crafted, resulting in a sturdy, incredibly durable bag.
Peak Design has worked hard to include many quality-of-life features on the Travel Backpack that are greatly appreciated while travelling. For starters, the inclusion of both a top and side grab handle makes it exceptionally easy to pick up the bag regardless of its orientation. While it lacks the 360-degree grab handles of the 45L version, a feature I absolutely love on that bag, I have not found them nearly as necessary given this model’s more compact size.
“While it comes at a premium price point, the Travel Backpack justifies the cost.”
The Travel Backpack also includes the aforementioned C-clips, making it exceptionally easy to attach additional luggage compartments, such as a camera cube, to the main bag. Located on the outer shell and bottom panel, the clip points make it simple to mount extra gear using the two included straps.
While the main pouch can handle the bulk of your packing needs, Peak Design has also included a top quick-access pouch and a convenient water bottle pocket on the side of the bag. Both offer additional storage and have come in handy frequently during my testing. The water bottle pocket, for instance, stores my BrüMate lockable travel mug perfectly, providing a hands-free experience while commuting to and from work. There is even a small pouch tucked inside the main storage area dedicated to an AirTag for easy storage.
Every element of the Travel Backpack is thoughtfully designed and provides all the storage I have needed for on-the-go travel. When paired with a traditional rolling carry-on bag, the Travel Backpack can attach via the luggage pass-through strap on the back. For additional carry support, the bag also includes a removable, adjustable sternum strap.
I am thoroughly impressed with the features and thoughtful details Peak Design has built into the 20L Travel Backpack. While it comes at a premium price point, the Travel Backpack justifies the cost, delivering a high-quality, feature-rich pack that is ready to endure whatever travel comes your way. If you are in the market for a sturdy, well-built travel backpack, the Travel Backpack 20L is definitely worth considering.
