These days I am all about the hybrids and the fusions. Electric bikes, fusion food, mashed up music genres, nation states mixing authoritarian control with laissez-faire, free market values. Yes please! And of late I have also had the pleasure of testing quite a few different duffel-backpack hybrids too.
The Peak Design duffel-pack is one such duffel-backpack hybrid that offers the volume and straightword functionality of a duffel bag along with the carrying friendliness of a backpack.
In this review I am going to put the Peak Design Duffel Backpack (The Duffelpack) through its paces and see how it stacks up. I will look at its key features, its performance, its quality, the best uses for it and of course its value for money. And then to round things off I shall also look at how it compares to some of its competitors.
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Quick Answers – Peak Design Duffelpack Overview and Specs
- Capacity: 65L
- Dimensions: 32 x 64 x 30 cm (12.6 x 25.2 x 11.8 in)
- Weight: 2.2 kg (4.8 lbs)
Note that these are only approximate measurements and the true size and weight may vary depending on the bag is packed and the specific manufacturing batch.
To summarise, The Peak Design Duffel Pack is a versatile, durable travel bag that offers the functionality of a traditional duffel bag with the convenience and comfort of a backpack. Put crudely, it’s basically a duffel bag with backpack “over the shoulder straps:. Here are some of the key features and specs of the Peak Design Duffelpack bag:
- Capacity: The Peak Design Duffel backpack bag is 65L – big enough to hold enough gear for a weekend trip or an extended vacation. Peak Design make a smaller pack, called the Travel Pack, that comes in both 30L and 45L sizes.
- Design: The Duffelpack is made from a weatherproof 100% recycled 600D nylon canvas shell with a 900D ottoman-weave reinforced bottom. It utilises a clamshell opening with a zip that goes all the way around the bag, providing easy access to your gear. The bag can be carried as a backpack, a duffel bag, or a shoulder bag… or in other words, it’s a hybrid duffel backpack!
- Organization: The Duffel Pack features multiple compartments and pockets. These include a dedicated laptop sleeve that fits up to a 15″ laptop, a zippered front compartment with interior organization pockets, and a large main compartment that can be divided into two sections using a removable divider. The bag also has external attachment points for carrying additional gear.
- Comfort: The bag’s backpack straps are padded and adjustable, and can be stowed away when not in use. The bag also has padded grab handles on the top, side, and bottom, as well as a padded shoulder strap for carrying it as a duffel or shoulder bag.
- Sustainability: Peak Design is committed to sustainability. They use recycled materials in the construction of many of their bags. The Duffel Pack’s exterior fabric is made from 100% recycled nylon canvas, and the bag is designed to last a lifetime. Win!
Overall, the Peak Design Duffel Pack is a well-designed and versatile travel bag that offers ample storage space, organization, and comfort, while also being sustainable and environmentally friendly.
Peak Design Duffelpack Pack Review – Key Feature and Performance Breakdown
Now that’s the basics out of the way lets down to the nitty gritty details of the pack.
Capacity and Organisation
Like pretty much every other travel duffel I have come across, the Peak Design duffelpack has a single main compartment that spans the entire length of the pack and zips open from the middle. Once the pack is open, you will note that each side of the “flaps” has a zip pocket which spans the length of the flaps.
From an organisational perspective, it’s really very rudimentary. Travellers simply pack the majority of their gear into the main compartment and then perhaps pack in some smaller items (action camera, leads, loose toiletries) into the side pockets.
Then, the outer part of the pack also has 2 zip pockets; one situated on either, middle, side. The pockets are not especially deep though and I suspect they will mostly be used for things like chargers and odd socks. That said, you could squeeze one shoe into each pocket if you didn’t mind distorting the shape a bit!
Overall Storage Capacity
Remember, the Peak Design Duffel Backpack hybrid comes in 2 size versions; the 45 litre and the 65 litre version.
Personally I find 45 litres is usually enough for trips lasting under two weeks and 65 litres is enough space for trips of 1 month or more – a typical “backpacking” backpack offers around 65 litres of capacity.
Carry and Comfort
There are multiple different ways to carry the Peak Design Duffelpack. The main handles can be shortened and carried in hand or over arm like a regular duffel bag or they can be loosened and worn over the shoulders turning the pack into a backpack. There is also a hip belt hidden away under the opening flaps which assists backpack use.
Then, there are small handles on each side of the pack for those who want to carry the pack close in hand like a suitcase.
I have tried quite a few different duffel backpacks and can vouch that this is one of the most comfortable to wear as a backpack on account of the (relatively) light weight of the pack (more on this next) and the useful hip belt.
However, note that this is afterall a duffel and there is no lumbar support, no back suspension or breathable mesh padding like you get with dedicated hiking packs. Therefore I suspect that if you was using the pack as a backpack over long distances or on a hot day, it would start to bother you after a while. But of course, it is not really intended as a serious hiking pack.
Weight
The 65 litres version of the Peak Design Backpack Duffel weighs 2.2 kg (4.8 lbs). That’s actually pretty light for a durable duffel pack and I was very impressed by how light the pack feels when you pick it up.
To offer up a comparison, the Monarc Settra Duffel Backpack offers only 40 litres of storage and weighs 4.5 Ibs!
Then the Osprey Aether 65 litre weighs 4.919 Lbs, although to be fair, because the Aether is a hiking pack the weight is managed better so it won’t feel as heavy on your back.
Aesthetic and Materials
The Exterior fabric used on the Peak Design Duffelpack is a weatherproof, 100% recycled 600D nylon canvas fused with 900D Ottoman-weave Poly bottom fabric. The woven nylon straps are made with Hypalon and the pack is punctuated with Nubuck leather accents.
To the touch, it feels sleek and resilient and once you have this pack in front of you for yourself you can really see the quality of its construction.
The version I got is in black and it just looks like a very fine, minimalist stylish duffel. The design used is simple yet suave and the pack even has a nice bit of a shimmer to it – I felt pretty cool carrying this around the city. When loaded it does ‘round out’ a bit and almost reminds me of a tortoise.
I have not had the pack for very long and so have not had much of a chance to put it through its paces as much as I would like but take it from me, I have seen a LOT of packs in my time and this one feels like it was built to last. I have no doubts about its durability.
Best Uses
Personally I would not take a pack like this on a proper “backpacking” trip where I would need to carry the bag most days and wear it on my back over long distances. Likewise I do not feel it would be an ideal camping backpack unless of course we are talking about car camping where distances between car parks and pitching points are minimal.
However, I would gladly take it on vacations instead of a suitcase or roller or as a carry-on bag on a city break, or alternatively as a weekend bag.
Also, whilst I said above that I would not really take this duffel backpack camping, it could still be useful as a “festival” pack as it can carry a lot of gear or beers!
Price and Value
- 65L Version – $225
Coming in at $225 the Peak Design duffelpack actually represents pretty good value for money if you ask me (which by reading this you kind of are doing). Quality travel gear does not come cheap and when you want something that is going to last for a few years of use you usually have to spend a few hundred bucks.
In terms of comparisons, the smaller Osprey Porter 46 is $200, the much smaller Monarc Settra is $175 and a 65 litre Osprey Aether hiking pack is $250+.
My only issue with paying $225 for this is that it is not a pack I could use for every trip I take and I would still need to buy a backpack. If you are however looking to extend your travel gear collection and add a hybrid duffel backpack then this one is great and is also good value.
Peak Design also offers a lifetime guarantee so you will not have to worry about it breaking.
Now, you could spend a fat chunk of $$$ on the WRONG present for someone. Wrong size hiking boots, wrong fit backpack, wrong shape sleeping bag… As any adventurer will tell you, gear is a personal choice.
So give the adventurer in your life the gift of convenience: buy them an REI Co-op gift card! REI is The Broke Backpacker’s retailer of choice for ALL things outdoors, and an REI gift card is the perfect present you can buy from them. And then you won’t have to keep the receipt. 😉
Buy on REI!Alternatives To The Peak Design Duffel Pack
In this section I am going to look at some alternative travel packs to the Peak Design duffelpack. I will show you some other duffel-backpacks hybrids along with some other packs that I feel fulfil a similar function to the Peak Design.
Osprey Porter 46
The Osprey Porter 46 is strictly speaking, not a duffel backpack hybrid. It is technically just a backpack although for me, it behaves like a duffel in some regards.
The Porter has one main spacious compartment with zippered access, as well as multiple pockets and compartments for organising your gear. Note that it zips open all the way around the sides so you can lay it down like a piece of luggage to access the pack. There are a number of different carry options including fairly comfortable backpack straps as well as quite a few grab handles for “luggage”style carrying.
The Porter also has a protective outer shell which makes it useful for carrying tech gear. The 45 litre version is slightly too big for most airlines “Carry on” standards though the 30L is approved even by Ryanair.
Monarc Settra 40L
The Monarc Settra is a duffel backpack hybrid made entirely from recycled material. It is not as comfortable to carry as a backpack as the Peak Design but does meet carry-on requirements for most airlines. It also has a shoe compartment and the packing cubes that were made specially for it or fantastic.
The only issue is whether 40L is enough for you – personally I find the Monarc is good for weekend breaks, city breaks, stag do’s and even trips of up to 1 week if I pack lightly.
Kuhl Eskape 50L
The KUHL Eskape is a versatile and durable duffel bag that was designed for outdoor travel, and everyday use. Like the Peak Design and the Monarc Settra it can also work as a backpack although it does not have a hip belt.
The Eskape has several internal and external pockets, including a zippered mesh pocket inside the lid, a side pocket with a water-resistant zipper, and a front pocket with a key clip and organizational compartments. At 50 litres, you can probably fit enough gear for a few weeks of travel if you pack carefully.
Another shout-out has to go to the Osprey Transporter Wheeled Duffel if you’re looking for a hybrid bag.
| Name | Capacity | Weight | Dimensions | Price ($) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Peak Design Duffelpack | 65L | 3.9 lb | 26 x 17 x 13 in. | $219.95 |
| Osprey Porter 46 | 46L | 3.263 lbs. | 21.5 x 14 x 9 in. | $185.00 |
| Monarc Settra | 40L | 4.5 lbs | 24 x 13 x 11 in. | $175.00 |
| Kuhl Eskape | 50L | – | 25 x 14 x 11 in | $299.00 |
Final Thoughts On The Peak Design Duffelpack
The Peak Design travel duffelpack is one of the best duffel backpack hybrids that I have come across. It is sleek, stylish, very functional and feels hard wearing. I love the simplicity of its packing system and the ease of access. The pack is also very comfortable to wear as a backpack. The 65 litre version that I have, fits enough gear for a month or more of travel.
All in, its a great piece of travel gear and is fairly priced. If you are not sure about it, then check out the Osprey Porter, the Monarc Settra or the Kulh Eskaoe instead.
If you like the company but you’re not too sure on this specific pack, then have a look at our detailed review of Peak Design’s best gear.
Did you find our Peak Design Duffelpack review helpful? Have you tried the pack for yourself? Let me know what you think in the comments below.
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