Peak Design has released a new device to complement its growing Travel Cube product line. For travel and adventure photographers, they could be exactly what we need.
Both new travel duffel bag that I recently reviewed isn’t the only new item from the Peak Design stable. Along with that are new Packing Cubes and a small Tech Bag. These add to their already diverse range of gear for photographers like me.
New ultra-light packing cube
If you don’t know about Packing Cubes, there are many different travel organizers that offer this range. Typically made from 70D Ripstop Nylon, they are designed to help you organize your belongings while traveling. Now, new options are available in a variety of sizes, colors and materials. The latest additions include new Ultralight Packing Cubes organizer bags offering even more choice.
The colors are different, so what? I often hear people groan when a new color range launches, saying it doesn’t make much sense. I disagree. Color coding helps instantly identify devices. For example, I use different colored straps to differentiate my cameras when taking photos. When packing gear, having different colored bags in the bag makes it easier for me to visually identify it in my luggage.
Another useful feature is the ability to attach straps (sold separately or transferred from another PD device) directly to these pockets. So you can use the Packing Cube as a crossbody bag.
These new packing cubes use an all-new proprietary material called Terra Shell™, which Peak Design says is the most environmentally friendly and highest-performing fabric it has ever produced. They have a long and proud history of being truly ethically and environmentally aware, climate neutral and a member of the Planet 1%.
The new Ultralight versions of the Packing Cubes feature a simpler design than the original with just one compartment and one zipper, instead of two each. Furthermore, the mesh version of the two new Ultralight Packing Cubes features a stretchy and breathable clear mesh fabric. That can be useful for packing wet equipment, allowing air to circulate. Being stretchy, it can also incorporate oddly shaped items.
To give an idea of size, in the small 10L Ultralight Mesh Packing Cube I was able to fit both of my OM-1 cameras with lenses included and with plenty of room to spare. The 3L extra small (XS) version will have a camera with a 40-150mm lens attached. I should emphasize that this example is only meant to give an idea of scale; I often use more protective Camera blocks to store and transport my cameras.
Meanwhile, the XXS 1L will consume half a dozen camera batteries.
The netless conventional ultralight packing cubes are made from new 100% PFAS-free recycled Terra Shell™ fabric and protected with weather-resistant UltraZip™.
All of these Packing Cubes are folded into small packages and held in place using elastic tag loops on the zipper.
During use, I found this to be a great way to store ancillary equipment like lens cleaning kits, bean bags, rolls of film, hats and gloves, and a pair of dry socks.
Merchandise bags
PD has also released a new color, Sage, for their zippered packable Tote bag. Made from the same exclusive self-healing Versa Heal™ rip-stop nylon that other Peak Packing Bags and Packing Cubes are crafted from, this 12L bag feels especially sturdy. It has an interior pocket with a pop fastener. The bag folds back into that bag. Weighing only 2.8 oz, this is a handy bag for your travel.
It’s easy to see that this is a wonderfully made bag. Although this is not what it was designed for, I filled it with water and it did not leak. So I can be sure that packing clothes on a mountain expedition will keep them dry.
Small tech bag
The original tech bag was one of the things I didn’t need; it’s a bit large for my needs. Imagine a long zippered wallet with multiple interior pockets, designed to hold memory cards, batteries, filters, cables, cell phones and other miscellaneous items a photographer needs. I can see it being appealing to people who use multiple devices when taking photos, but for me, it’s overkill.
PD has released a miniature version of the same unit. At half the size of the original model, the one-liter Mini Tech Bag will fit in a jacket pocket or the top compartment of a Peak Design Travel Backpack. Its exterior is made from the same heavy-duty recycled and water-resistant nylon and is kept closed with a waterproof zipper. I find that one size is much more convenient.
It has an interior zippered pocket with three storage slots on the outer edge designed to store memory cards. That bag also has enough space for my external hard drive. Next to that, the main compartment is divided into 4 compartments: 2 large compartments and 2 small compartments. One of the large sections will hold my smartphone and the other a power bank, while the small sections fit four camera batteries.
The remaining outer edge of the inside of the bag has three open pockets and a pen holder.
On the outside, two anchor loops are suitable for attaching any of the diverse straps available from Peak Design, along with finger flaps for easy carrying of the bag. One thing I think it could benefit from is the belt loop.
The little tech bag passed my five-minute shower test.
Whether traveling or taking extended photo shoots, this is an extremely useful tool for keeping your accessories together and easy to find. Like I said, I find its size more convenient than the full-sized two-liter version.
Who are these accessories for?
Although the majority of the equipment is designed primarily for photographers, I think people in other fields will also be interested in these devices, especially those who enjoy outdoor adventure activities. Having worked in the outdoor education industry in the past, I wish I had owned some of this equipment when I went exploring by sailboat or canoe. Ultralight packing cubes and Tote Bags would also be a better choice than the nylon drawstring sacks I usually use to pack while hiking.
What I liked and what could be improved next time
What I like about the range
- It’s all very well done and snappy.
- Different color codes to help identify devices.
- Water proof.
- Components, such as belts, will work with other PD devices.
What can be improved next time?
Small tech bags will benefit from having a belt loop.
The price of the device reflects its quality but may not be affordable for some people.
In short
As their name suggests, Peak Design is great at identifying a need and inventing top quality equipment that meets that need. Not every item in this range is suitable for every photographer, but there are photographers, myself included, who will find a lot of the gear useful thanks to its waterproofness and sturdy construction. It.
The full range and their prices are available on the B&H website”
