Peak Design Duffelpack Review: Is It Worth the Price?
We take pride in providing authentic travel recommendations based on our own experiences such as unique images and perspectives. We may earn a commission when you purchase a product or book a reservation. Learn more ›
Written by Kyle Kroeger
In the world of travel gear, the name Peak Design is synonymous with quality and innovation. Recently, I had the pleasure of trying out their Duffelpack 65L. As you may be able to guess from the name, it’s a spacious backpack that doubles as a duffel bag.
After testing this bag in a few different countries on a few different trips, I’ve found that it’s a great solution for one-bag travel. As expected, Peak Design has come up with something fun and functional. That’s not to say it’s a perfect bag, but I did enjoy toting it around Europe this summer.
Of course, there are pros and cons to a duffel pack or any sort of combo bag. Read on to hear my first-hand Peak Design Duffelpack review and see how the bag held up over a few hundred miles of travel earlier this year.
First Impressions: Peak Design Travel Duffelpack 65L
Let me start by saying this bag is nothing short of a beast. Its cavernous capacity of 65L makes it roomy, aesthetically pleasing, and versatile.
The Duffelpack’s exterior is made from weatherproof recycled nylon canvas. Its 900D Ottoman-weave Poly bottom fabric can withstand more demanding travel situations.
Peak Design’s commitment to sustainability is obvious. It showcases this by using Fairtrade organic and Fairtrade climate-neutral certified materials. The external label also indicates that the bag is composed of recycled plastic.
As we found with the Peak Design Duffel Bag, the straps and handles offer multiple configurations, which is great for customized carry. You can hold your bag from the top, side, or bottom. This design ensures equal balance and less stress on your hands or shoulders; you can switch it up as you move around.
Besides the sturdy comfort, these great internal pockets are coated with silicone mesh. They keep your belongings well-organized.
WHERE TO BUY
Here are the places you can buy the Duffelpack:
See Related: ViaTravelers’ Unbiased Peak Design Duffel Review
Design and Construction
INTERNAL DIMENSIONS: 24in (64 cm)x 9in (20 cm)x 9in (23 cm)
Upon opening the box, you can see the sturdy external carry straps at the top of the bag. These handles play a crucial role in maintaining the bag’s structure and make it easy to keep it upright while you rummage for your things.
The duffelpack’s cool interior design is adorned with quality lining. Its light gray shade also makes spotting items in your bag easier. For something so well made, it’s surprisingly lightweight, at around 4 lbs when empty.
Unique Design Features
The Duffelpack 65L’s key element is its ingenuity. It integrates the best of backpacks and duffels into one robust design. Its adjustable capacity of up to 65 liters makes it a roomy travel bag that can double as a sports or gym bag.
The bag offers ergonomic padded backpack-style waist and shoulder straps. The straps are easily deployed or hidden by magnetically sealed back panels. This genius design quickly transforms the bag from a duffel to a backpack. That provides you the convenience and comfort of both worlds.
It might seem like a small detail, but the strong magnets that help you transform from backpack to duffel are one of my favorite features. They produce satisfying auditory feedback when they engage and are a testament to the detailed thought that has gone into the design.
Quality of Materials
The DuffelPack 65L’s external fabric is weatherproof and made of 100% recycled 600D nylon canvas. This decision aligns with the brand’s environmental responsibilities.
The Duffelpack is good at tackling various weather or environmental conditions thanks to the high-quality materials. The intricate detailing of Hypalon adds another layer of quality. The Nubuck leather accents on the waist straps are a nice touch, so the Duffelpack is also appropriate for more formal travel.
Durability and Longevity
I must say, the Duffelpack 65L does feel like it is built to last. The quality materials and robust construction all point towards longevity, which is no surprise considering Peak Design’s reputation.
I tested the durability of this bag on my recent trip to Budapest for a few weeks. It performed beautifully, carrying all my gear while protecting my clothes and cameras from harsh elements.
See Related: Types of Travel Bags for the Jetsetter
Capacity and Storage
Any traveler looking for a versatile bag may find the Duffelpack 65L useful. This bag is designed for one-bag travel, and the ability to expand from 45L to 65L is a great option.
One feature I loved was the long zipper. Compared to traditional duffel bags that just zip along the top, the extra-long zipper made it easy to open the bag and see its contents without rummaging through deep corners.
Two spacious interiors and two external pockets are perfect for smaller items and tech supplies. Nylon loops on the exterior are perfect for daisy-chain attachments or further customization.
Standard Capacity (45L) vs Expanded Capacity (65L)
In its standard form, the Duffelpack offers a convenient 45L capacity. It’s right for most of my journeys, from weekend to week-long adventures.
Two external expansion zippers make it easy to transform the bag from a comfortable 45L to an oversized 65L. That extra storage was a lifesaver when I returned from Budapest with more than I originally packed – the shopping scene was fantastic, and I couldn’t help myself.
The bag integrates well with other Peak Design gear in my collection. Attachment points for the Capture Clip on both the shoulder and waist straps made it easy to keep my camera out and ready, and the expanded capacity can fit up to 4 packing cubes or camera cubes.
Once packed up, accessing items on the go is very straightforward, thanks to the aforementioned long zipper. Everything in there is visible at a glance, removing the need to dig around to find what I need.
As I’ve come to expect with Peak Design bags, the light grey interior makes it easy to spot and reach whatever you need whenever required.
See Related: Peak Design Tech Pouch Review: Is This The Best Travel Organizer?
Suitability for Different Types of Travel
I have since tried the Duffelpack on various trips – backpacking excursions, city trips, photoshoots – and it handled them all admirably. Its super convenient padded grab handles made it great for overhead bins in planes and trains.
Moreover, 100% recycled weatherproof nylon canvas makes it perfect for urban environments and more rugged outdoor adventures. I don’t have to worry about being caught in a downpour.
It’s fair to say that the Peak Design Travel Duffelpack has become an integral part of my travel gear. Peak Design has not only managed to squeeze immense capacity into their Travel Duffelpack 65L but has also made it one of the most flexible luggage solutions.
Comfort and Ergonomics
Trust me; I’ve encountered countless “comfortable” designs in my quest for the ultimate bag for lugging my camera gear and single-bag travel. However, the meticulous attention to comfort in Duffelpack 65L with woven nylon straps immediately stood out.
The backpack straps were ergonomically padded, and the inclusion of a waist belt was a game-changer. The shoulder and waist straps provided extra support while evenly distributing the weight across my torso.
While I normally pack light, long walks between train stations and hotels or long lines at the airport can get to you with even a minimalist load. The comfortable straps and weight distribution options are much appreciated.
Accommodates Different Body Types
The adjustability features catered to my body type and personal preferences. The Duffelpack is an exceptional travel companion for people of all shapes and sizes. Whether tall, slim, or broad-shouldered, this bag was designed with everyone in mind.
You’ll want to ensure the bag fits your torso. There are many straps to adjust, but a more customized fit is more comfortable. After a few minutes of ensuring the straps were set correctly, backpack mode’s been very comfortable.
It is a large bag, so it can be a little overwhelming if you are particularly petite. There’s no hiding the 45L capacity; it’s a pretty hefty bag to haul when expanded.
See Related: Peak Design Travel Tripod Review: Unboxing & Testing
Pros and Cons
I’ve always been searching for the perfect travel bag to cater to my myriad needs, so I was intrigued when I came across the Duffelpack 65L. After putting it through the wringer, here are some of my thoughts.
Pros
- Sleek and lightweight.
- Transitions easily from a compact carry-on to a spacious checked bag.
- Weatherproof exterior and durable interior materials.
- Composed of recycled plastic, contributing to Peak Design’s status as a B Corp company.
- Comfortable shoulder and waist straps.
- Allows for easy access and easier packing with customizable organization.
- Hoisting the bag into overhead compartments with six padded grab handles is easy.
- The light-colored interior provides a light backdrop, making it easier to spot the contents.
Cons
- Not ideal for those with smaller frames as it can be cumbersome to carry around.
- The duffel lacks organization features like separate internal pockets or compartments.
- You may have trouble using the 65L as a carry-on bag unless you’ve left some room.
- Not as well protected as hard-sided cases.
Is the Peak Design Travel Duffelpack 65L Worth It?
Want to buy a Peak Design duffelpack? Here’s a review to see if it’s worth it and a good travel bag.
Want to buy Peak Design duffelpack? Here's a Peak Design duffelpack review to know if its worth it and a good travel bag.
Product Brand: Peak Design Travel Duffelpack 65L
4.4
Pros
- The bag is super lightweight, with a 65L capacity. It transitions easily from a compact carry-on to a spacious checked bag.
- The weatherproof exterior is made of weatherproof 100% recycled 600D nylon canvas shell exterior fabric and silicone-coated mesh internal pockets.
- The origami-inspired construction lends it a sleek and modern look
Cons
- It may not be ideal for those with smaller frames as it can be cumbersome to carry around.
- The duffel lacks organization features like separate internal pockets or compartments.
- Only four packing cubes (sold separately) can fit in the duffel.
Verdict: Is the Peak Design Duffelpack Worth the Price?
Yes, in my opinion. This product impressively fuses sleek design, functionality, and sustainability. For one-bag travel enthusiasts, the Peak Design Travel Duffelpack 65L proves an unbeatable companion. It accommodates the shifting needs of modern travelers.
The product lives up to the brand’s reputation. It combines an excellent design, a reasonable price point, and a commitment to sustainable practices. With the Duffelpack, you can maximize your carry capacity without compromising comfort or versatility.
Visit Peak Design’s Official Website to learn more about Duffelpack’s capabilities. This bag meets my travel needs and aligns well with my environmental stewardship values, making it a winner.
Related Resources
Please sign in to leave a comment.