There’s any number of camera backpacks available that will do a fine job of carrying and protecting your kit. But what caught my attention about the Peak Design Travel Backpack 2-in-1 40L is that it provides something a bit different. It’s a multi-purpose travel backpack that, when used with the firm’s Camera Cubes, provides a rugged, secure means of transporting your kit.

　　Peak Design Travel Backpack 2-in-1 at a glance: $399.95 / £349.99 backpack only $519.99 / £449.98 Photo Bundle 2-part backpack: 34L base pack + 16L daypack 55.5 x 33 x 21cm external Holds 16in laptop and 13in tablet Interchangeable camera cubes Three colours: Black, Sage or Stone peakdesign.com That ‘2-in-1’ in the name alludes to the fact that this is actually a pair of backpacks, a 34L Base Pack and a 16L Day Pack. These can either be used either individually, or zipped together to form a larger bag. (Come to think of it, shouldnt that be 3-in-1?)

　　Both packpacks feature stretchy external side pockets, hidden AirTag holders, and internal pockets for 16in laptops. The base pack can carry a 13in tablet, too. The base pack opens by unzipping its entire back panel, while the daypack is accessed from the top.

　　The Large Camera Cube that comes with the Photo Bundle occupies the entirety of the base pack, and can be clipped in place so it won’t fall out. It’ll hold one or two camera bodies plus five or six lenses, including large telephotos. Alternatively, you could use a smaller camera cube and fill the remaining space with other items. I tested the backpack mainly with the Medium Camera Cube.

　　It’s important to note that there’s no way of accessing your camera without opening the back panel, and the camera cube can be zipped shut, too. That’s great for keeping your kit secure while you’re travelling. However, the flipside is that you can’t easily use this bag to shoot from while on the move, as there’s no side or top access. The daypack section isn’t really designed for carrying a camera, either – it’s too slim and there’s no padding.

　　Peak Design Travel Backpack 2-in-1 key features: Airtag pockets: Both bags include hidden Airtag pockets to help keep track of your possessions Bundles: You can buy the bag either on its own, in a Photo Bundle with a PD Large Camera Cube, or a Tech Bundle with a Tech Pouch and Wash Pouch Handles: There are handles on the back and all four sides to aid handling while travelling Stretchy side pockets: These will hold such things as a water bottle, umbrella, or on the main bag only, a tripod In use Like all Peak Design products, the 2-in-1 Travel Backpack is beautifully made from high quality materials, with lots of neat touches. The zips are all waterproof, and the Base Pack has an array of loops for carrying items externally, via a supplied pair of straps. There’s a good array of pockets for organising small personal items, too. 

　　Its harness is especially well designed, with a belt that can be removed when you don’t need it, and shoulder straps that clip magnetically to the back, so they don’t flap around. Alternatively, both can be tucked away neatly into the back panel. I found the bag surprisingly comfortable even when packed full, at which point it can easily weigh 14kg.

　　I used the Peak Design 2-in-1 Travel Backpack to transport a load of camera and computer kit for a trip to Iceland, and then used a separate shoulder bag for shooting on a daily basis. Using a PD Medium Camera Cube, I was able to carry six X-mount lenses for my Fujifilm X-T5 (in a mixture of fast primes and zooms), plus a couple of small Godox flash units and a whole load of filters and other accessories.

　　In the unpadded top section, I carried various other bits and pieces, including chargers and Bluetooth speakers in their own protective case. Overall, I found this approach worked really well. It allowed me to take more camera kit with me than I’d ever want to carry around all at once. This in turn gave me plenty of flexibility to choose exactly what I wanted to carry on any given day.

　　I also found the daypack more useful than I expected. For example, I used it to carry the essentials for a one-night hotel stay when I didn’t want to open my suitcase. I also found it handy as a laptop bag, with plenty of space for accessories such as a mouse, charger, and external drives. Alternatively, you could use it to carry day-trip essentials such as a coat and water bottle, while carrying your camera separately.

　　Do be aware, though, that when used together, the bags can get distinctly large and heavy. Peak Design quotes a combined thickness of 21cm, but with both sections filled right up, that can easily balloon to 30cm. This has knock-on implications for flying: while the Base Pack should happily fit within the size constraints for overhead lockers, the Day Pack may well need to be carried separately under-seat.

　　Peak Design Travel Backpack 2-in-1 Our Verdict The Peak Design Travel Backpack 2-in-1 is a top-quality bag that stands out for the extra versatility – not to mention capacity – of its two-part design. Don’t buy it if you need quick access to your camera when walking around, though, as there are much better options for this from both Peak Design and other makers. However, it’s a great option for safely and securely transporting a large amount of camera kit.

　　Peak Design Travel Backpack 2-in-1 40L Sage

　　Peak Design Travel Backpack 2-in-1 40L Black

　　Peak Design Travel Backpack 2-in-1 40L Stone