Hands-on: Peak Design launches new travel lineup, including Ultralight Packing Cubes and new Travel Duffel sizes

Peak Design has made a few changes to its travel offerings, introducing some new Ultralight Packing Cubes that do more than pack, as well as adding new 50L and 80L Travel Duffel options to cover a broader need for space.

Peak Design’s new Ultralight Packing Cubes

If you’re familiar with Peak Design’s lineup, you’ll know that the brand already has a selection of packing cubes available. However, those options utilize a thicker material, even though they compress contents easily.

The new lineup of packing cubes is made from two very different ultralight fabrics. The first is the sort of ripstop material often used in outdoor packs and tents that not only keeps moisture away but takes up very little weight in your bag. The other material used is part of the Ultralight Mesh Packing Cube lineup, which employs a stretchy, tight-knit fabric that allows for expansion while also taking up less weight.

The latter mesh material does weigh a little more, which might matter more if you’re utilizing a good few of them in your pack or duffel. However, it makes up for extra weight in its added capacity if you’re not looking for compression. While neither of the new packing cube types offers compression zippers like the original, the ripstop option stretches very little and keeps its contents tight together when fully packed.

Both versions of Peak Design’s new packing cubes are built the same exact way. They’re stitched to take up almost a perfect cuboid shape when packed all the way and fold perfectly flat when not in use. They are packing “cubes,” after all. On each end is a set of Peak Design’s signature fabric loops. Depending on what size you get, there can be multiple on each side. These are set to allow you to tie straps to them, connect them to another bag, or even turn them into an impromptu cross-body bag.

Perhaps one of the best quality-of-life features is the long zipper loop that allows you to tightly wrap the cube and secure it when not in use.

In total, Peak Design is launching the Ultralight and Ultralight Mesh Packing Cubes in small, x-small, and xx-small sizes for its travel series. The small size is equivalent to the original Shoe Pouch and has plenty of room for several shirts or even pairs of pants. The smallest xx-small size isn’t enough for socks or underwear, I’ve found. It is, however, great for organizing small gear you might need on your trip.

New Travel Duffel sizes

Two new Travel Duffel sizes are also launching today. They don’t exactly offer anything new in terms of features, but they do hit a couple of niche sizes that can be perfect for a variety of instances.

The first new size is a 50L version, which I’ve found to be the perfect size for a carry-on. It won’t allow you to pack so much that you’ll hurt yourself traveling with it, but it does allow for a generous amount of storage.

The second new size is a whopping 80L version, which will not be your next carry-on option. Instead, think of the new 80L model as a large-haul bag that can fit probably everything but the kitchen sink. This is a bag for car camping, skiing, and vehicle-aided expeditions. Even still, it offers the same carrying options as the entire lineup, which are thoughtfully designed and make carrying this behemoth of a bag easier.

Each of Peak Design’s Travel Duffels utilizes a loop system, much like the rest of its bags. On each bag are 12 different cord hooks, which allow you to connect any of the strap’s ends to a different position. This means you can set the carrying handle up as backpack straps if you want by simply attaching them to different positions. If you have an awkward load, you can connect the shoulder strap to different points to balance it out. The engineering and thought behind this bag hit the nail on the head.

In each duffel, you’ll also find a slew of pockets for extra storage. Those pockets also have small mesh compartments for finer organization, as well as a single ID pocket on one side of the bag.

Another detail that elevates these bags is how you can secure them. Each side pocket allows you to slip the sipper through to the internal compartment of the bag, where a small loop sits. That zipper can be locked into the bag so no one can access it without opening the duffel, which can be locked with a travel lock.

Both new Peak Design Travel Duffel sizes come in Sage and Black. After having used both, I can say that Sage is the better option. It brings excellent leather accents and doesn’t collect dust quite as well as the black colorway does. Even still, both are fantastic options and scream durability.

Other lineup additions

On top of Peak Design’s new packing cubes and duffel bags, the company is also releasing a new Tech Pouch size. It’s smaller than the original version, though it’s still able to hold a healthy amount of gear. I was able to fit cables, camera equipment, and chargers with relative ease. It’s an easy way to store all of your loose tech items without worrying about pocket space in your bag.

Not only that, but the company’s versatile Packable Tote is also getting a refresh with the gorgeous Sage colorway that’s implemented throughout the lineup.

Each of Peak Design’s new travel items will be available through its website starting today.

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