This new Travel Backpack from Peak Design launched yesterday and already has over $1M pledged

Peak Design is basically a household name now when it comes to camera bags, but there are some that would complain that their current lineup doesn't really cater to more than a single-day use situation. They're fine to travel with, but they only address a segment of a traveling photographer's needs. To address this, Peak Design launched a new Travel Backpack system on Kickstarter, and in about 24 hours it already doubled its pledge goal with over $1M backed. What's so exciting about their latest bag that would have that kind of growth?

To start with, this backpack is different than those from more established brands like Manfrotto, Lowepro or ThinkTank. Instead of launching a style in three separate sizes, Peak Design instead is debuting just a single backpack that has the capability to be those three sizes. Though it's a 45 liter bag, it can compress to 35L and 30L depending on how you mess with the system.

In what I would call the "resting state," it's a 35L bag, but it can compress down even smaller or grow much larger. In addition to full rear access for easy packing, the bag features dual side access, top access to a laptop/tablet compartment, and a dedicated front-access organization panel for smaller items. Beefy shoulder and waist straps stow instantly beneath a magnetically sealed back pad. Expansion zips allow the bag to grow to 45L check-in size, while an innovative compression snap system shrinks the bag down to a 30L daypack.

It has a few smart additions, like 360-degree grab handles, a duffle/luggage carry handle, theft-deterrent zips, hidden passport pockets, a soft-lined sunglasses pocket and tuck-away external carry compression straps.

The Travel Backpack comes with a weatherproof 400D nylon canvas shell made from 100% recycled plastics and is available in black or sage colors.

Accompanying the Travel Backpack is a feature-rich system of standalone Packing Tools that provide endlessly customizable organization and protection of clothes, shoes, toiletries, tech items and photo/video gear. Designed to fit perfectly in Peak Design travel bags, each cube or pouch offers easy access, thoughtful organization, durable materials and a consistent aesthetic cleanliness.

This style is not unique; just last year Shimoda's line of backpacks follow a similar design layout. But the difference here is that Peak Design is combining the many pouches and divider containers with the express knowledge that many people are going to want to remove them sometimes just to fit clothes in the same exterior shell.

The new Travel Backpack (MSRP: $299.95) and Packing Cubes, will be available on Kickstarter (peakdesign.com/ks) for a pre-sale discount beginning July 23, 2018. The system will then be available for purchase online at peakdesign.com and through major retailers in time for the 2018 holiday season.

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Below is a full breakdown of all the features for you to peruse. Warning, there is a lot:

45L Travel Backpack
MSRP: $299.95
Available on Kickstarter for a Limited Time: $235

Access

• Full back panel-load access for packing
• Dual zippered side hatches for instant camera access
• Quick tablet & laptop access
• Dedicated front organization panel
• Soft-lined sunglasses pocket
• Hidden passport/document pockets
• Bag sits upright on floor when packed or empty

Expansion & Compression

• Maximum international carry on size in normal 35L state
• Expansion zip gives additional 10L of storage (45L max)
• Compressible down to 30L day bag size
• Expandable side pockets for water bottles, tripods
• Tuck-away external carry compression straps

Organization

• Rigidly supported sidewalls for easy packing
• Zippered dividing panel separates bag into 2 compartments, or stows away for 1 large volume
• Front organization panel contains 4 zippered mesh pockets for smaller items
• Mount Camera Cubes (sold separately) internally for back or side access to photo, drone, or video gear
• Protected luggage tag holder

Comfort & Portability

• Magnetic strap storage system
• 360-degree grab handles
• Full-size padded hip belt with additional pockets and attachment points for Capture & Range Pouch (sold
• separately)
• Axial strap attachments for shoulder & hip straps give constant comfort for all body types and carry loads
• Proprietary sternum strap
• Luggage pass-through and duffel grab handle
• Back panel folds under for increased ventilation & comfort

Security

• 400D weatherproof 100% recycled nylon canvas shell
• DWR impregnated, PU-coated interior for water resistance
• Oversized #8 (front, side) and #10 (back) main zips are weatherproof and lockable
• Rugged 900D weatherproof bottom liner
• Ultralight padded foam provides security, structure, and aesthetic cleanliness around entire bag

Packing Cubes (sold separately):
Packing Cubes (MSRP: Sm - $29.95, Md - $39.95) – Compressible, easy to access, and dividable, Peak Design Packing Cubes are available in 2 sizes. A tear-away main zip lets you access contents instantly, and an internal divider allows separation of clean and dirty clothes. An expansion/compression zip doubles available space or
compresses clothes so you can fit more in your bag.

Wash Pouch (MSRP: $59.95) – Dedicated, easy-to-clean pockets for toothbrush and razor. Hangs or sits upright on sink for easy access in tight spaces. Unique folding pocket layout keeps toiletries neatly organized and easy to find.

Tech Pouch (MSRP: $59.95) – Designed to store small items like cables, cards, batteries, and travel essentials, Tech Pouch’s unique origami-style pockets create enormous spatial efficiency. Pack more into a smaller space, yet keep all items organized and easy to find.

Camera Cubes (MSRP: Sm - $49.95, Md - $69.95, Lg - $89.95) – Camera Cubes provide protection, organization, and instant access to camera, video, and drone gear. Securely mount Camera Cubes inside the Travel Backpack and access your gear via the rear or side zips. Tuck-away lids let you access camera gear from outside of the bag via a single zip, while a system of intelligently designed dividers allows for endless organization and customization.

Shoe Pouch (MSRP: $24.95) – An ultralight, durable, weatherproof pouch for shoes or additional clothing storage.

Rain Fly (MSRP: $29.95) – Provides complete waterproof protection to an already weatherproof bag. Rain Fly is made of durable, ultralight 200D rip-stop nylon, adjusts via cinch cord for snug form-fit, and stuffs into a convenient storage pocket.

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As a final note, I'm not really sure why Peak Design is still using Kickstarter for their products. I get that it's a pretty solid hype machine, but Peak Design is a fully established company now with multiple million-dollar-plus launches. They don't need the Kickstarter formula anymore, but I guess it's just what they are comfortable with.