I tend to pack more than I need for any kind of travel, but that is not always the best approach. Sometimes, travelling light is the best way to experience a new place, something I have come to learn over time. The Peak Design Travel Crossbody 3L is built for exactly that, and I wish I had found a bag like this sooner, to be honest. It lets you bring only what you need while keeping everything easy to reach on the go.
The body is made from Peak Design’s Versa Shell recycled nylon, which feels solid in hand and holds up well against rain and spills. The aluminum hardware adds a clean, premium touch. The bag weighs just over 12 ounces, so it is easy to forget it is on your shoulder during a long day out, from morning to night, while exploring a new city.
This sling really shines on the inside, which is one reason I like the concept so much. Peak Design borrowed from its popular Tech Pouch, one of my favourite travel organizers, and added origami-style dividers that split the main compartment into four neat sections. Smaller slots hold items such as battery banks or point-and-shoot cameras, while the larger channels can fit a paperback or a compact gimbal.
There is also a zippered pocket along the back interior wall with a key leash and a hidden tracker pocket tucked inside. These are useful touches for anyone focused on keeping valuables secure in busy airports or transit stations. Three additional pockets on the front wall round things out, along with a slot for a pen or stylus.
On the outside, a magnetic rear pocket offers a fast way to grab your phone, boarding pass or passport without unzipping anything, something you may not realize you will love until you use it. The strap is thin and unpadded, which keeps the profile slim. However, it can dig in if you are wearing a light shirt and have the bag loaded. That said, the swivel attachment points where the strap meets the bag help it sit flat against your body as you move. It feels more secure than many slings in this size range and is surprisingly comfortable.
Now, do not get me wrong: this is not a bag that can replace a full bag solution like the Travel Backpack 20L or one of the Peak Design Everyday series bags, but it can let you travel extremely light with what you need for the day. If you are like me and also plan to carry a smaller camera, the Travel Crossbody 3L can even fit that, too, provided it is on the smaller side.
When I was testing what I could fit, I easily packed in my passport holder, a power bank, a small light, minor extras like cables and a power brick, and even a Canon EOS M with a pancake lens. You can also just focus on your phone accessories and make sure you are stocked up so you do not miss a moment of your experience because of a dead battery or because you are afraid to use your smartphone, fearing it may die later in the day. It is only 3L worth of space, so you will need to pare down significantly if you want to actually use the bag to the fullest.
When you are travelling around a new city and just want to see the sights, this is perfect. It gives you everything you need, keeps it within arm’s reach, and keeps it much safer than putting it in your pockets, which is always wise to avoid, especially in crowded spaces. The Travel Crossbody 3L finds that sweet spot, giving you extra carrying space while never making you feel overburdened or like you cannot just enjoy the travel experience the way you would without any extra bags.
Right now, the Peak Design Travel Crossbody 3L is on Kickstarter, where it is offered at a discount if you want to purchase it that way, currently $21 off the $99.95 MSRP at least until the end of the Kickstarter on April 3rd. That is not a bad way to buy into the bag if you are excited about it.
Of course, if you want to buy the bag after the Kickstarter is over, it will be sold at the regular retail rate when it launches later this year. Considering the craftsmanship on offer, if you are on the fence, this is a pretty solid deal. As with anything on Kickstarter, it is always worth understanding the risks of any crowdfunding campaign.
The Peak Design Travel Crossbody 3L is a welcome addition to the lineup and offers a solid companion for travel without getting in the way of experiencing a new place. If you want a secondary carry option that pairs well with a larger travel backpack and keeps your daily gear within arm’s reach, this one is worth considering. It has become my go-to bag when I want to travel light.
