If there’s something that Peak Design is known for beyond its line of photography accessories and bags, it’s record-breaking Kickstarter campaigns – and the brand’s latest has already surpassed half a million dollars for a modular L-bracket dubbed the Peak Design Field Bracket.

Peak Design’s crowdfunding approach has been an overwhelmingly successful one. In 2019, the company broke the Kickstarter record at the time for the most money raised with more than $12 million for the Travel Tripod. That record no longer stands, but last year, Peak Design raised even more for the Roller Pro at over $13 million.

The Peak Design Field Bracket’s half million may seem like pocket change compared to the brand’s record-breaking launches, but the campaign has already surpassed more than ten times the original goal on a campaign that only launched last week – and the pledges start at $125 compared to $415 for the Roller Pro.

On the surface, the Peak Design Field Bracket is an L-Mount bracket, a longstanding simple camera accessory that allows creators to quickly switch from horizontal to vertical when using a tripod.

But the Field Bracket uses a modular design that aims to offer more than quick horizontal and vertical shots. The base plate hides a Peak-Design-made Bluetooth tracker, aiming to ward off lost or stolen gear by putting a tracker directly on the camera instead of inside a camera bag.

Peak Design isn’t the first to try to hide a Bluetooth tracker directly on the camera, but Peak Design made its own tracker instead of using an existing tracker like an AirTag or Tile (though it still works with both Apple Find My and Google Find Hub). Beyond tracking, the tag powers left-behind alerts.

The design makes the tracker look like just part of the bracket, Peak Design says, and while the vertical piece of the L-bracket can be removed without tools, the base plate uses a tooled installation in order to prevent thieves from easily removing the tracker.

The L-bracket uses a modular design that also allows users to swap the vertical piece out for a cheese plate, which can be used to add accessories like mics, lights, and external monitors. While cheese plates tend to be more popular for video rigs, I can see photographers using the set-up to attach an action camera for shooting behind-the-scenes footage as well.

The L-bracket also supports a wrist strap and, for the Fujifilm X100Vi and Leica Q3, the L-bracket also gives compact cameras a beefier grip.

Unlike Peak Design’s popular bags and straps, the L-bracket is camera-specific, which means the accessory has to be matched up with a compatible camera – a list that so far includes several Sony, Canon and Nikon models, as well as two Fujifilms and two Leicas.

The Field Bracket is Peak Design’s 17th Kickstarter campaign. The crowdfunding closes August 21. A retail launch is planned for March 2027. The Kickstarter has the bracket for a 17 percent discount from the expected retail price at $125 (about £93 / AU$179 / CA$175.

You may also like

Take a look at the best l-brackets or the best travel tripods.

One of the best manufacturers of camera bags and accessories, along with the likes of Manfrotto and Tenba, Peak Design started life in a similar way, with a man on a mission. In this case, it was Peter Dering, who toured the world back in 2010 with a large camera kit and a disappointing way of carting it around. He promptly quit his job, designed his own way of carrying a camera, launched it on Kickstarter and hasn’t looked back. Peak Design has gone from strength to strength in the following years, following the same crowdfunding principles, so they can create products on their own terms with no interference from investors.

With a diverse product range, Peak Design makes and sells camera bags and straps, general travel luggage, outdoor gear, phone cases, wallets and even mounting systems for attaching gadgets to cars and motorcycles. Then there are tripods, including the groundbreaking Peak Design Travel Tripod (Aluminum) and Peak Design Travel Tripod (Carbon Fiber). I’ve recently been particularly impressed with the new and improved Peak Design Pro Tripod range.

Getting back to camera straps, one of the best on the market is the Peak Design Slide Lite, to which my colleague awarded a perfect 5/5 rating in his review. I personally wasn’t so completely won over, as I found the large overlapping loops of wide strap and chunky buckles a bit of a hindrance. There’s no such problem with the more minimalist Peak Design Form Rope, which is available as a basic ‘Neck’ version and three alternative lengths of Crossbody options, all of them aiming to be among the best camera straps on the market.

Peak Design Form Rope: Specifications

Peak Design Form Rope: Price

The Peak Design Form Rope comes in three alternative Crossbody – Short, Standard and Long Crossbody editions, all of them listing at $50 / £45 / AU$100. That might sound a bit on the pricey side for a camera strap, but each edition is actually a comprehensive kit of parts. The more basic Form Rope Neck edition costs a little less at £45 / £40 / AU$90. For further price comparison, the popular Peak Design Slide Lite is more costly at around $70 / £60 / AU$135.

Peak Design Form Rope: Design & Handling

How do you like to wear your camera? Going back to basics, the whole concept of ‘wearing’ a camera might seem strange to the uninitiated, but most photographers that I know wear their cameras around their necks. Indeed, a neck strap is generally included in the box of bits when you buy a camera, although just like with ‘kit lenses’, they’re not always of the best quality and generally lack any innovative extras or clever design flourishes.

I’m also not a fan of own-brand camera straps that have the make and model emblazoned in large print along them, which I often think loosely translates as ‘mug me right now’. The Peak Design Form Rope is very much the opposite, which it kind of needs to be if it’s going to tempt you to upgrade from your basic ‘free’ camera strap.

The picture on the front of the retail box shown above tells it like it is – it’s a crossbody camera strap. But there’s more. Flip the box around and you get visual pointers to alternative ways that you can wear your camera using the Form Rope and its accessories. The most basic ‘Neck’ edition comes in one length of strap (78.5cm / 30.9in) with two anchors, a microfiber pouch and two oval split rings. The Crossbody editions come in short (103.5cm / 40.75in), standard (118.5cm / 46.65in) and long (134cm / 52.75in) editions. In each case, the ‘rope’ itself is 10mm / 0.39in in diameter.

Each of the three editions of the Crossbody Form Rope doubles up on anchors, so you get four rather than the two that are supplied with the Neck edition. The extras enable you to make the most of how you attach the rope to your camera and other accessories, and how you wear them. One thing that’s held in common is the rope itself, and it’s not just any old rope. Instead of rough and ready rope that can feel quite abrasive, the specialist basket-woven, nylon/poly rope was specifically designed to combine the strength, padding and stretch needed for a comfortable camera-carrying experience.

Color options include black, ocean, and kelp. I went for the last of these, and I like the way that the colorway extends to the anchors as well as the rope. The anchors themselves are made from glass-reinforced nylon and are the latest V5 edition of Peak Design’s low-profile design of quick-release connectors. Not only quick and easy to connect to the rope, the anchors each have a mighty individual payload rating of 90+kg / 200+lb. The attachment cord might look like a weak link, but it’s really not, and I like the three-layer design so that in the unlikely event of the cord getting damaged or worn, there are clearly visible yellow and red warning signs.

I had no problem threading the anchor cords through the attachment rings on my cameras, but some camera bodies and other accessories might have eyelets that are simply too small to accommodate the cord. That potential problem is neatly solved by each of the kits including a pair of split rings with specially shaped covers and a little tool for making it easy to attach the split rings to your camera’s eyelets.

Most cameras have ‘proper’ strap attachment rings, so it’s simply a case of threading the cord through, looping it over the anchor, and you’re ready to roll. I really like the quick-release system. The circular anchors are very secure but quick and easy to remove from the rope, with a press-and-slide mechanism. The system has been widely adopted by many manufacturers, because it simply works and works simply.

The only occasional criticism that I’ve heard is that if you’re using them with the strap removed, for example on a tripod in a stiff breeze, the anchors can knock against the side of the camera and the noise can be recorded by the camera’s microphone when you’re shooting video. I’ve not encountered that particular problem myself.

Again, I like that the color scheme is maintained between the rope and the anchors, so the whole kit looks entirely consistent. The image below shows how the connection looks when the rope is attached to an anchor. As I’ve mentioned, the quick-release action is simply a case of pressing the circular anchor downwards and sliding it towards the center of the receptacle.

Whether with or without split rings, you don’t actually have to attach anchors to your camera’s strap rings or eyelets at all. Another option is to attach an anchor to the tripod socket on the base of the camera. A screw-in plate and additional anchor are supplied for just this purpose, as shown below. It also gives a useful extra option if you want to use one rope with two different cameras.

The screw-in plate can also be used on other accessories that have a standard 1/4in threaded socket, as well as lenses that have the same kind of mounting thread on a tripod mounting collar. For a secure connection, the screw has a hex head, and there’s a companion hex key that’s also provided as part of the kit.

Peak Design Form Rope: Performance

One of my concerns about the Peak Design Form Rope was that it would be uncomfortable to wear with heavier camera and lens combinations, at least compared with relatively wide flat straps. I needn’t have worried, however, as I found the specially woven rope wonderfully comfy, even with heavy loads. Speaking of which, the rope is very lightweight, ranging from 42.5g / 1.5oz to 68g / 2.4oz depending on length, yet has a huge payload rating of 82kg / 180lb (90+kg / 200+lb for the anchors).

You’re somewhat spoilt for choice when it comes to how to wear your camera, but I started with my Crossbody – Standard kit by wearing it as a basic neck strap. I found that the length of the rope was ideal for this, and that the camera rested at the same height that I normally set when using an adjustable strap.

Taking my cue from the product name, I next tried the Crossbody – Standard edition by wearing it messenger-style, across my body. Again, the length was spot on for my preferences. If you’re not of the same opinion, short and long versions are also available.

Another option is to secure the rope to a single anchor on one side of your camera, and use another of the four supplied anchors in the accessory loop that’s fixed around the rope. I say ‘fixed', but it’s perfectly sized so that you can easily move it along the rope to adjust the overall length, without it sliding up and down of its own accord. You could also use the loop separately, for attaching other accessories via one of the additional supplied anchors.

A twist on the attachment method shown above is to leave the camera’s strap rings out of the equation altogether and to use the tripod mounting socket as the sole attachment point, as shown below. This can also work well with telephoto lenses that have a 1/4in threaded socket on a tripod mounting collar, and a variety of other accessories.

Peak Design Form Rope: Verdict

I’m a fussy customer when it comes to camera straps, and the ones that are supplied with cameras rarely satisfy my cravings. I usually go for fairly wide, flat straps with a bit of padding, so that they’re comfortable for long periods of time, for example when I’m shooting weddings, sporting events, wildlife, or just pounding city streets. My initial concern was that the Peak Design Form Rope would be relatively uncomfortable and tend to cut into my neck or shoulder, but I actually found it to be as comfortable and practical as it is stylish, and I do think it’s very stylish.

Plus points are that the Crossbody editions can be worn in a whole variety of ways, around the neck, over the shoulder, or crossbody, complete with an equally generous range of attachment options for your camera and/or other accessories. The quick-release anchors work blissfully well, and all the components of the kit are robust and durable yet beautifully finished, in an attractive range of color options. Sure, it’s relatively expensive for a camera strap, but your camera is worth it, and so are you.

Alternatives

The camera L-bracket is a longstanding accessory that allows photographers to quickly swap from horizontal to vertical shots on a tripod – but photo accessory brand favorite Peak Design is bringing the standard accessory into 2026 – and making it a bit less boring. The Peak Design Field Bracket is a modular L-mount bracket that goes beyond fast tripod orientation swaps by allowing creators to customize their rig with anything from lights to a camera tracker.

The Field Bracket starts with a camera-specific baseplate that needs to be matched to the right camera body in order to hug the camera body. While the base plate is specific to each camera model, it has a latch that allows it to connect to the more universal Field Latch, creating the traditional L-shape. The upright portion of the L can also be adjusted to allow access to the camera’s ports at the side.

But perhaps what’s more unusual about the Field Bracket is that the design is modular, allowing creators to customize their camera setup. The upright bracket can be swapped with a Cheese Plate instead, which has multiple mounting points and a cold shoe to attach lights, mics, and other accessories.

Another option is the new Beacon Finder Tag, which puts a Bluetooth tracker inside an Acra-compatible camera plate that fits most tripods. Peak Design says this is a discrete way to attach a tracker to a camera itself, rather than leaving a tracker in a camera bag.

The modular system also supports a hand strap. Peak Design says the design is meant to allow photographers to continue to use a variety of accessories, including access to side ports.

“The best camera accessories disappear into your workflow until you need them. That idea shaped every decision we made with Field Bracket,” said Peter Dering, Peak Design’s Founder and CEO. “Instead of asking photographers to permanently attach functionality they only use some of the time, we built a system that can transform in seconds while remaining just as rigid and dependable as a traditional L-bracket.”

The Peak Design Field Bracket is the brand’s 17th Kickstarter campaign, which opened on July 21. The crowdfunding comes with an early pre-order discount before the system launches in retail stores. The Field Bracket is expected to list for $149.95 (about £112 / AU$214 / CA$211), with the modular pieces beginning at $39.95 (about £30 / AU$57 / CA$56).

The system launches with plates designed to custom fit with several cameras, including several full-frame Sony models and most Canon EOS R5 and R6 series bodies (excluding the R6 V). For Nikon, the bracket fits with the Nikon Z5 II, Z6 II and III and Z7 II cameras as well as the Z8. The system will also support the Fujifilm X100VI and X-T5 as well as the Leica Q3.

You may also like

Take a look at the best L-mount brackets or the best tripods.

Think Peak Design and you’re probably thinking photo bags and backpacks, and those clever Peak Design Slide camera straps with their quick-release mechanisms. However, the company also makes general travel luggage, outdoor gear, phone cases, wallets, and even gadget mounts for cars and motorcycles. The California-based outfit was founded in 2010 with a mission to ‘build happy and meaningful lives for the people that work there', and, hopefully, some of that meaningful happiness will spill over to people who buy their products.

Fast-forward to 2020, and the company launched its first and so far only tripod, in the somewhat revolutionary shape of a very distinctive travel tripod. We’ve reviewed it very favorably in both of its Peak Design Travel Tripod (Aluminum) and Peak Design Travel Tripod (Carbon Fiber) editions. The company designed and launched its first tripod off the back of a crowdfunding campaign, which is its go-to business method, and the result is undeniably one of the best travel tripods on the market.

The new Peak Design Pro Tripods inherit the innovative design and features of the original Travel Tripod and build them into a (mostly) full-sized range of kits. As such, the new models are available in Pro, Pro Lite, and Pro Tall versions, each of them aiming to be among the best tripods for photography, as well as being among the best carbon fiber tripods. As you’ve probably guessed, though, the Pro Lite is relatively lightweight and downsized, compared with the other two more full-sized sticks.

Peak Design Pro Tripod: Specifications

Peak Design Pro Tripod: Price

Full-sized, heavy-duty, carbon fiber tripod kits that are also reasonably lightweight and fold down small for the journey don’t come cheap. One of my all-time favorites is the 3 Legged Winston Pro 2.0 kit, complete with AirHed Pro Ball Head, which will set you back around $500 / £400 / AU$750. Then there’s the somewhat legendary Manfrotto MT055CXPRO3 Carbon Fiber Tripod (legs only) for around $500 / £399 / AU$850, but it’s also available in kit options with various heads.

In that context, the Peak Design Pro Tripod kit looks pretty pricey at $900 / £800 / AU$1,500, whereas the Pro Tall is understandably even more expensive at $1,000 / £900 / AU$1,700, as there’s simply more of it, and the least expensive Pro Lite is still very dear at $800 / £700 / AU$1,400. On the face of it, none of these three tripods looks like they’re going to win any ‘Great Value’ awards, but considering the innovative, no-compromise designs, they could still be very well worth the money.

Peak Design Pro Tripod: Design & Handling

After decades of being a keen photographer, it’s very rare that a tripod walks into my studio and really grabs my attention. The Peak Design Travel Tripod did exactly that a few years ago, with sufficient wow-factor to make me actually open my mouth and say ‘wow’. Looking as super-skinny as a catwalk model, the tripod was designed with oval-profile legs that wrap around a triangular center column.

The net result is that the tripod is incredibly slim when folded, while also avoiding the time-consuming chore that you get with the vast majority of travel tripods. That’s because with the Peak Design and its integral head, you don’t need to fully extend the center column and swing the legs up to achieve a compact stowage size. All of these design facets in regard to the legs, center column, and head are inherited by the next-gen ‘Pro’ tripod range.

One notable difference is that the Pro tripods have four sections in each leg rather than five, which makes setup and takedown quicker and easier, as there are fewer leg section clamps to contend with. The leg sections themselves are made from the good stuff. Like anything else, carbon fiber isn’t all created equal, but this tripod is constructed from premium-grade 3k weave, 2x2 twill carbon fiber, along with CNC-machined and anodized 6061-T6 recycled aluminum for the ball head, hub, load hook and leg locks, rather than using any die-cast parts.

As with most tripods great and small nowadays, it’s not just the height of the legs that you can adjust, but also the angle from vertical. True to form, the Pro has three lockable leg angles when unfolded for use. The wider angles enable greater stability and resistance to the tripod toppling over when it’s set to a short operating height. Multiple angles also make it easier to work on uneven terrain and around obstacles.

The ball head is equally innovative as the tripod legs, and a crafty bit of design in its own right. The compact, integrated design helps to keep stowage size to a minimum, but it’s nevertheless full of clever tricks. A twist-action lock at the base of the head allows for super-fast release and locking of the ball and socket clamp. The only slight downside is that you have to raise the center column slightly to enable anything more than a slight range of tilting movement of the ball head, and to enable shooting at extreme angles and vertically upwards or downwards, as well as for swapping from landscape to portrait orientation shooting, unless you’re using an L-bracket.

While the ball head has a good range of adjustment if you raise the center column a smidge, there’s also a full 360-degree of independent lateral rotation, thanks to a separate panning lock. The panning mechanism has a marked scale and a lovely fluid feel, making the head well-suited to shooting video as well as stills.

One particularly nice touch is the bubble level. It protrudes from the outer circumference of the camera platform and also acts as the lock/release catch for the Arca-Swiss type quick-release plate. And to avoid any expensive accidents if you inadvertently knock the bubble assembly, there’s also a sliding safety lock with marked open and closed positions.

The QR plate itself is a fairly small, square affair, but you can use other plates if you feel the need. My only complaint about the supplied plate is that it can’t be fastened to your camera without the use of a hex key, but at least one is supplied with the tripod, as pictured below. If you'd prefer a more 'hands-on', tool-free QR plate, the Peak Design Field Plate is available as an optional extra.

There’s more trickery down below. A weight hook is featured at the bottom of the center column and, unlike those that need endless twisting on a thread to fit or remove them, this one secures or releases with a spring-loaded lock and a one-third twist.

What’s more, with the weight-hook removed, the dual-sized hex wrench tool that’s stowed inside the center column pops halfway out by a further spring-loaded mechanism, while the use of magnets stops it from falling all the way out unless you actually tug on it. If my memory serves me rightly (and I’m pretty sure it does), the Peak Design Travel Tripod comes with an additional Mobile Phone Mount, but you can buy that separately for use with the Pro, at a cost of around $20 / £20 / AU$55.

Moving further down, right to the bottom of the tripod, sturdy rubber pads are the footwear of choice. Made from non-slip TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane), they’re extremely durable and work well on most surfaces. For very soft or loose ground, you might be better off with metal spikes, and these are available as an optional extra, costing around $50 / £45 / AU$80.

Finishing with a flourish, the tripod kit is all wrapped up in a very nicely tailored and padded soft case with a single zippered opening and an adjustable shoulder strap.

Peak Design Pro Tripod: Performance

Peak Design points out that it developed the Pro range of tripods in collaboration with the renowned photographer and filmmaker, Jimmy Chin. It also says that they’re based on the groundbreaking architecture of Peak Design’s original Travel Tripod, but scaled up to offer significantly greater stiffness and maximum operating height. I’d say these comments are bang on and that, as I’d expect from a tripod co-developed by a photographer and filmmaker, it works well as a hybrid stick for both photography and videography. That’s mostly thanks to its clever head, which enables fluid panning as well as quick and easy ball and socket adjustments.

I’d also agree that one of the most crucial aspects of the Pro tripods is that you can shoot from a higher maximum height, as I found the Travel Tripod quite restrictive in this regard. Even so, the maximum height of the Pro tripod isn’t exactly towering at 168.4cm / 66.3 inches.

Being quite tall and liking to keep my shooting options as open as possible, I went for the Pro Tall version of the tripod, which extends to a more impressive 197.4cm / 77.7 inches.

The Pro Lite edition is certainly smaller and more lightweight for the journey, but only rises to a maximum height of 162.5cm / 64.0 inches, and has a lower payload rating of 15.9kg / 35lb, compared with the 18.1kg / 40lb of its heftier siblings.

It’s not just height that I’m interested in. I also like to shoot from really low angles sometimes, for creative effect. In time-honored tradition, the Pro tripods enable you to remove and invert the center column, thus shooting out from between two of the legs with the camera inverted, right down to ground level. That’s all well and good, provided that you don’t mind shooting with your camera upside down, which definitely isn’t preferable for videography.

A more convenient but more long-winded approach to ultra-low-level shooting is that you can tilt the ball head through 90 degrees, loosen a screw, and remove all but the very top of the center column. This enables you to shoot from as little as 15.9cm / 6.3in, 17.3cm / 6.8in, or 15.8cm / 6.2in above ground level, with the Pro, Pro Tall, and Pro Lite versions of the tripod, respectively.

Those specializing in videography rather than stills photography might like to go a little further with filmmaking features. Catering to these needs, Peak Design offers a Leveling Base for an additional $120 / £110 / AU$220. This enables you to level the head even if the tripod legs aren’t precisely leveled, so that your horizon doesn’t go on the slant when you start panning. And if you want to add a fluid tilt action to the head’s existing fluid pan abilities, there’s an optional Tilt Mod for $150 / £135 / AU$300.

Peak Design Pro Tripod: Verdict

I’ve tried many and varied Peak Design products, and they always give me a real feel-good factor. The company makes bold claims regarding the design, features, build quality, and performance of its Peak Design Pro Tripod range. I love it when products live up to and even surpass their billing, and that’s my experience of the Pro Tall tripod kit that I tested and immediately fell for.

Highlights for me are that the design neatly cuts out any wasted space, the specially profiled legs snugly wrapping around the center column for incredibly slimline stowage. The integral head also helps to keep packing size to a minimum, so everything’s neat and tidy. Better still, the tripod has super-fast setup and take-down times, apart from its fiddly tool-driven quick-release plate. Best of all, the kit gives rock-solid support for stills and video shooting, with a nice fluid panning feel for the latter, and remains really steady and stable even at its maximum height with all of the leg sections and center column fully extended.

The only catch, as far as I’m concerned, is the price. It’s a very expensive tripod by any standards, but I feel that Peak Design has really gone the extra mile with its no-compromise design and build, making the Pro range of tripods well worth the money.

Alternatives

I once went through a phase where I needed a wagon to drag my photography props along on a shoot – but once I’ve tasted the freedom of a minimalist gear kit, it’s hard to go back. Camera bags are beginning to jump on the minimalist trend too, skipping the plethora of pockets for a sleek and streamlined look. The Peak Design Travel Backpack 20L is one of those bags.

The exterior of the Peak Design Travel Backpack is all clean lines and simplicity – and the 20L is even more so than the earlier 30L and 45L options. Inside, the bag is minimalist as well, meant to carry a mirrorless and a few small lenses with a medium (or Smedium) camera cube.

The bag’s minimalist design isn’t just about looks – there’s little to get caught on tucking the bag under a seat, and the bag’s size was perfect for my more petite frame. But there were two features that were a bit too minimal for me to make it my go-to camera bag.

Peak Design Travel Backpack 20L: Specs

Peak Design Travel Backpack 20L: Price

I tested the 20L version of the Peak Design Travel Backpack, but the company also has 30L and 45L variants of the bag, which are not only larger but have slightly different pockets and features.

The 20L backpack sells for about $200 / £170 / AU$390 / CA$280 for the bag on its own.

But, like Peak Designs' other backpacks, the system needs a camera cube to carry photo and video gear. The Smedium camera cube sells for about $70 / £60 / AU$150 / CA$95, and the Medium for about $100 / £85 / AU$190 / CA$140, which adds to the cost of the bag.

That’s certainly not cheap, but it does make it one of Peak Design’s more affordable backpacks.

Peak Design Travel Backpack 20L: Design

My first impression of the Peak Design Travel Backpack 20L is just how sleek and minimalist the bag is. The backpack has very few protrusions on the outside, creating a slim and streamlined look.

Those clean lines aren’t just for looks. With fewer pockets and protrusions, there’s not much of the bag sticking out to get caught while trying to tuck it under an airplane seat or in another compact spot.

The bag’s main compartment unzips from the back panel in a clamshell style opening. This makes the main compartment easy to access. The bag will fit a Smedium or medium camera cube here and still have a bit of extra packing space at the top of the bag.

Those camera cubes have a divider system that’s both rigid and smart. Some of the divers have a built-in shelf – this is key for making sure that small pancake lenses don’t have too much space to bounce around. Using a “shelf” I could tuck a pancake and a GoPro in the same small lens slot.

There’s an exterior zipper that expands the bag’s main compartment a bit – which is required in order to fit a camera cube inside.

On the flip side of the back opening, there’s a laptop sleeve, and an extra small pocket, the right size for a handful of batteries and filters. The laptop sleeve is roomy for such a compact bag, fitting a 16-inch MacBook Pro, but this does make the back panel rigid, so it doesn’t mold as well to my back and isn’t quite as comfortable.

There’s a small secondary zipper at the top of the bag. This pocket extends down through maybe a third of the bag’s height and can fit smaller items like a wallet, sunglasses, and keys.

At first glance, there’s no obvious water bottle pocket on the bag. But that’s because the bag uses a hidden interior water bottle pocket that keeps the bottle upright on the inside of the bag.

On the one hand, this hidden water bottle pocket is great because the traditional mesh stretchy side pockets often catch on things, like when sliding the bag underneath a seat.

But I found the hidden water bottle pocket too minimalist for two key reasons. One, the pocket only fits smaller bottles and won’t fit, say, a travel coffee mug with a handle on it or a Stanley-style cup with a straw. I also had to turn the camera cube to get a water bottle to fit.

But the bigger problem is that while the exterior fabric is waterproof, the interior lining of the water bottle pocket is not. The thin fabric made me nervous while packing a bottle inside, so I decided to intentionally leave a water bottle cap a little too loose, and the water did, in fact, end up in the main compartment where camera gear is stashed. Peak Design’s camera cubes are water-resistant, but that would mean keeping the cube zipped rather than open for fast access.

The interior water bottle pocket won’t fit a full-height tripod, but Peak Design still included a tripod carry option on this bag. Included straps will attach a tripod to the bag. The straps are a bit fiddly to get on, but once gravity is helping keep the straps tight, my tripod didn’t budge.

The exterior fabric is, however, water-resistant, including weather-sealed zippers. The nylon shell feels very sturdy and gives the bag a classic look. But, the feel of the material is a little rougher than other Peak Design bags that I’ve tried – like the Travel 2-in-1 – and that texture tends to attract pet hair and dirt more than other nylon bags that I’ve tried.

The straps on the Travel 20L are a little narrower than Peak Design’s larger bags, but I have a more petite frame, and I thought this design fit quite well. The straps also have a good amount of padding and are well-shaped, with a removable chest strap to keep them in place.

The bag was very comfortable to wear for several hours with smaller items tucked inside. The bag is comfortable with a mirrorless camera, a few small lenses, and a flash tucked inside. Fully packing the bag out with a laptop and tripod latched on, the weight is a bit much – it’ll be fine for short periods, but I wouldn’t hike with it all day with that much gear inside – it’s best for minimal gear setups.

Along with the straps, there’s also a thick grab handle at the top and a luggage trolley pass-through at the back.

While the Peak Design Travel 20L carries the same name as the brand’s previously launched Travel Backpack 30L and 45L bags, the smaller bag takes an even more minimalist approach. There’s no secondary side access to the main compartment, the water bottle pocket has moved to the inside, and there’s no waist belt on the smaller bag.

Peak Design Travel Backpack: Verdict

The Peak Design Travel Backpack 20L is both wonderfully and frustratingly minimalist at the same time. I loved the sleek look of the bag, the streamlined pockets, and the fact that there’s nothing for the bag to really catch on.

The bag is also pretty comfortable to carry a mirrorless camera and a few smaller lenses with. As a petite person, I often feel a bit swallowed by larger camera packs, so the compact size of this bag was a good fit for me personally.

However, I think the internal water bottle pocket at least should have used a waterproof material to avoid disastrous leaks. I also didn’t like the fabric – it tended to attract pet hair and dirt more than other nylon bags.

Overall, that mix meant I liked the bag, but didn’t quite love it. It’s great for a minimalist bag and particularly well-suited for petite frames and short trips. But, I wouldn’t put a water bottle in it, nor overload it with both camera gear, a laptop, and a tripod.

Peak Design Travel Backpack: Alternatives

You may also like...

Take a look at the best camera backpacks or the best camera bags tested by our experts.

When I travel, I’m always torn over how to pack – do I grab the carry-on that I can fit the most in to avoid a checked bag, or a smaller bag that won’t make my shoulders ache while I’m out exploring? The decision is why the Peak Design Travel Backpack 2-in-1 caught my eye – it’s an oversized bag with plenty of space – and a separate smaller pack that quickly zips off the front.

As the name suggests, this backpack isn’t one but two bags. Used together, the bag still slides in under most airlines' carry-on bag dimensions. The larger main pack can also be used without the front pack, and when traveling light is warranted, the front pack zips off for a minimalist carry – and, yes, it still has straps.

I spent some time with the new Peak Design Travel Backpack 2-in-1 to see just how versatile the bag is for traveling photographers and videographers.

Peak Design Travel Backpack 2-in-1: Specifications

Peak Design Travel Backpack 2-in-1: Price

The Peak Design Travel Backpack 2-in-1 retails for $399 / £349 / AU$779 / CA$559.

The backpack on its own doesn’t accommodate camera gear – a camera cube is needed, which is typically sold separately. I used the Large Cube (about $120 / £99 / AU$240 / CA$170), which takes up the entire main compartment of the backpack, but it is also compatible with the Medium ($90 / £85 / AU$190 / CA$140) if you want more space for non-photo gear.

Peak Design Travel Backpack 2-in-1: Design & Performance

The Peak Design Travel Backpack 2-in-1 is two backpacks that can be used together to carry up to 40L. The main pack can also be used on its own to carry up to 34L, and the daypack on its own can carry up to 16L (yes, separately they fit a bit more, due to stretching and the need to tuck away those straps).

Because the bags are designed to be used both together and separately, several features are repeated on both bags. Both can accommodate up to a 16-inch laptop, both have two water-bottle-small-tripod-sized pockets on each side, and both have chest straps. Features like grab handles, luggage pass-throughs, exterior attachment clips, and external front pockets are also repeated across both bags.

The daypack and main pack both have comfortable straps, but there are a handful of notable differences between the two. As the straps that will handle both the main pack and both packs zipped together, the main bag’s straps are thicker and more shapely. These straps are also magnetic, so they hang the bag nicely when not in use.

The main pack has a padded waist belt that the smaller daypack lacks. It’s well-padded, comfortable, and even manages to fit in another small pocket. (But don’t worry, waist-strap haters, the belt can be tucked between the bag and the back padding when not in use. I legitimately didn’t even realize it was there until I did some in-depth exploring.)

The bags zipped together fit quite a bit of weight in them – I wouldn’t want to carry any bag that fits that much gear all day long. But the bag’s straps are well-shaped and well-padded – and the waist-belt helps quite a bit in distributing that weight. I think the bag is comfortable considering how much weight I put into it – but I’m also glad there’s a luggage pass-through for long airport hauls.

The daypack’s straps aren’t quite as wide, the chest strap is thinner, and there’s no waist belt. But the daypack isn’t built for heavy gear, and I found the straps more than sufficient for what can fit inside. I used the smaller pack on a beach day trip, holding a change of clothes, a Kindle, and a GoPro, and even my freshly sunburnt shoulders didn’t complain.

While I managed to slip a GoPro into the daypack – and a compact camera would also do just fine – the smaller daypack isn’t made for camera gear. Mirrorless cameras, lenses, DSLRs, and drones are relegated to the largest compartment in the main pack.

I used the bag with a large camera cube in the main pack, and I fitted in two mirrorless bodies, two telephoto lenses, three primes, one pancake lens, and a flash. The bag is fairly deep, but some of the dividers can collapse to create a shelf – this was key for storing the pancake lens, as it would have bounced around in the bag too much had this feature not existed.

It’s a versatile and rigid divider system. The only thing that seemed odd is that with the Large camera cube, there’s an extra inch of space at the top between the main bag and the cube. The bag comes with clips, though, so the camera cube will stay in place even with the extra space.

Also on the inside, on the rear panel, against the back, is the laptop sleeve, along with one smaller interior pocket that’s a good size for filters and batteries. I did wish the bag had a dedicated interior pocket for SD cards – a classic symptom of a bag that can be a camera bag but can also be a standard backpack.

Gear access to that main compartment is entirely through the campshell zip that opens the back panel. There’s no side zip access like some Peak Design bags. I didn’t mind, as I rarely use the side zips anyway and loved having four (FOUR!) water bottle pockets. I could carry water, coffee, a small tripod, and an umbrella if I really wanted to.

The daypack uses the more classic top zip access rather than the rear panel access – which makes sense, as this allows both bags to remain accessible when zipped together. The only pocket I couldn’t access when zipped together is the small front pocket on the main pack.

Detaching and reattaching the two packs is simple – the zipper lines up easily to restore the bag to its full 40L capacity.

The bag’s exterior uses a weather-resistant fabric that’s a type of recycled nylon, but feels thicker and more luxurious than the nylon on cheap packs. Most of the zippers are also sealed – the zip between the two packs is not, but with both bags water-resistant, the only thing that risks getting damp are the straps on the day pack.

The zippers also have a built-in loop that can be latched around each other – this makes the bag more challenging to open quickly, which helps deter pickpockets in crowds. And there’s an AirTag pocket that’s so well hidden, it took me a while to actually find it.

Peak Design Travel Backpack 2-in-1: Verdict

Peak Design’s take on the modular backpack is well thought out, creating a two-bag system that helps traveling creators customize their bag to match their day. The main pack fits large camera kits (or smaller ones with a medium or small camera cube), while the day pack isn’t designed for camera gear, but makes a quick and lightweight grab bag for essentials.

I loved how much space and how many pockets the system has. I’m always irritated when I have to choose between packing a tripod or packing a water bottle, but there are four side pockets on this bag. Similarly, there are two laptop sleeves (plus a tablet fits as well).

But the biggest plus was that the shoulder straps and waist packs are so well designed that carrying all that weight is well-balanced.

My complaints about the bag are minor. There’s a small gap between the main compartment and the large camera cube that’s too small to fit much but big enough to be mildly irritating. And, I wish the bag had a dedicated pocket for memory cards.

I do have one complaint that isn’t quite so minor, though: the price. The bag retails for $399 / £349 / AU$779 / CA$559, but photographers will also need to pair it with a camera cube, which means this is every bit a $500+ camera bag. The versatility comes with a higher price tag than Peak Design’s less versatile bags.

Peak Design Travel Backpack 2-in-1: Alternatives

I’ve long puzzled over how to pack the most in a carry-on bag while still having a comfortable bag to use once I arrive there. Peak Design’s Travel 2-in-1 does an excellent job at this while staying in backpack form. I haven’t found a camera bag that’s two backpacks in one that works as well, but there are a few different types of bags that have more packing versatility than standard packs.

You may also like...

Explore with the best camera backpacks or the best camera bags for travel.

When I travel, I’m usually forced to choose between a big pack that will let me pack the carry-on maximum, or a smaller bag that won’t weigh me down while exploring. But accessory brand Peak Design has an unusual solution: a modular, two-in-one backpack.

After the success of the Peak Design Roller Pro carry-on suitcase, the brand is back on Kickstarter, but this time with four new bags for the Travel series. That list includes two backpacks – the unusual 2-in-one as well as the brand’s most compact travel backpack yet – along with a duffle bag and crossbody.

A travel backpack that converts to a day pack

The Peak Design Travel 2-in-1 backpack is a 34L base backpack and a 16L zip-off day pack. The bags can be worn together for the most capacity (40L), or either of the two modular sections can be worn on their own.

The largest 34L main backpack is compatible with Peak Design’s Large Camera Cube, though camera compatibility isn’t noted with the smaller day pack portion. The main backpack can also accommodate a laptop and tablet (and the day pack also has a single laptop sleeve). The primary pack also has a front pocket that can be used when the two bags aren’t attached.

The modular bags are made with weatherproof nylon, including a waterproof bottom. The backpack straps can be removed for storage, including a removable hip belt. Luggage pass-throughs are also part of both bags.

Peak Design's most compact travel backpack yet

Peak Design is also launching its smallest travel backpack yet – the Travel Backpack 20L. This bag borrows the minimalist look of the Peak Design 45L Travel Pack, but is small enough to be a personal item when flying.

The interior of the bag can fit one “Smedium” camera cube, while the bag can also fit up to a 16-inch MacBook Pro. A compact tripod can be latched to the bottom of the bag, while there’s also a hidden AirTag pocket and tucked-away water bottle pocket.

A re-imagined duffle bag

Peak Design is also reimagining the duffel bag with a stand-up bag that also folds flat when not in use. The Peak Design Travel Weekender 25L can fit a number of the brand’s packing cubes – including a “Smedium” camera cube, as well as laptops up to 16 inches and a 32oz water bottle.

The duffle is designed to stand up on its own, with an interior organized with an assortment of pockets and dividers. The bag is constructed from weather-resistant recycled Versa Shell, along with weatherproof zippers.

A new crossbody for compact cameras

Finally, the brand is also taking inspiration from its Tech Pouch to craft a cross-body bag. The Peak Design Travel Crossbody is a 3L bag with origami pockets. The small bag is made for essentials like keys and wallet, and, yes, it also fits a small compact camera.

All four bags are launching on Kickstarter – making it the brand’s 16th such campaign. All crowdfunding campaigns carry some risk, but working with a well-established company negates some of that risk. The company expects the bags to be available through traditional retail channels and Peak Design’s webstore beginning on June 2.

The Travel Backpack 2-in-1 is expected to retail for about $400 (which is about £300 / AU$569 / CA$548). Both the new 20L Travel Backpack and Travel Weekender duffle retail for about $200 (which is around £150 / AU$285 / CA$274).

You may also like

Browse the best camera backpacks or the best camera bags.

When Apple launched a cross-body phone strap last fall, the internet was divided over wearing rather than pocketing our phones. But I had just one question: Does the strap come off easily? The answer was no – which is why when the brand behind popular quick-release camera straps announced a new strap geared for smartphones, my interest was instantly piqued.

The Peak Design Mobile Crossbody Multi-Strap is a strap geared specifically for carrying a smartphone – though it can also be used for compact cameras as well as other small accessories like earbuds, keys, or a wallet. It isn’t designed for larger cameras, like mirrorless.

Like Peak Design’s camera straps, the Mobile Crossbody uses a quick-release system, so smartphones can quickly be added to the strap for storage and photo taking and removed to, you know, actually make a phone call. The Micro Anchors are a bit different from the brand’s camera straps, but are similarly designed to stay on the phone and quickly attach to the metal carabiner on the strap.

Peak Design says the strap is compatible with a majority of smartphone cases – if a case doesn’t have a strap attachment point, there’s a strap adapter that works with any third-party cases that have a fully enclosed USB-C port slot. Naturally, it’s also compatible with most Peak Design’s cases as well, though not with the Peak Design iPhone 17 Air case.

The strap itself is a rope-style made from basket-woven nylon and has a quick-adjust design to alter the length.

The Mobile Crossbody Multi-strap comes with four anchors to carry multiple items on the strap, but Peak Design also launched a standard Mobile Crossbody with two anchors, as well as a wrist strap version.

The Mobile Crossbody Multi-Strap retails for about $60, while the standard sells for $50 and the wrist strap for $30. International pricing and availability are not yet available, but that translates roughly to £44 / AU$85 / CA$82 for the Multi-Strap.

The Multi-Strap is already available on Amazon US along with the standard strap and mobile wrist cuff.

You may also like

Browse the best camera straps or the best smartphone photography grips.

Photography gear is growing increasingly complex, but sometimes I stumble across a piece of minimalist gear that does everything that it should and nothing that it shouldn’t. The Peak Design Form is one of those things. The Peak Design Form leather camera strap is both simpler and more luxurious than the brand’s previous – but popular – camera straps.

I tried the leather version of the new Peak Design Form – there’s also a rope-style strap. The Form ditches the adjustable length of the Peak Design Slide and Slide Lite for a minimalist design that requires ordering the correct size.

But what the Form trades in flexibility, it gains in luxury – where the Slide uses a seatbelt-like nylon, the Form uses full-grain bovine leather for a more classic look that patinas with time. I tried the new Peak Design Form leather camera strap – and it’s a lesson in simple luxury.

Peak Design Form: Price & Availability

The Peak Design Form retails for about $80 / £70 / AU$160 / CA$110. That puts the minimalist leather strap on a similar price point as the nylon but adjustable Peak Design Slide.

It costs significantly more than some of the generic leather options available online on eBay and Etsy. However, here you’re relying on the quality craftsmanship that Peak Design is renowned for, which is backed up by a lifetime warranty for repairs or replacements should the strap fail (although this doesn't extend to what is attached to the strap, so make sure you have some good camera insurance). The Form feels like a long-term investment rather than something disposable.

Peak Design Form: Specifications

Peak Design Form: Design

The Peak Design Form is made of more upscale materials than the brand’s popular Slide and Slide Lite straps, but the Form also takes on a simpler design. Where Peak Design’s Slide offers length adjustment, the Form is a minimalist take on a modern camera strap.

The Form’s minimalist design means the only hardware on the strap is the quick Anchor Link attachments and a small metal loop that can be used to wear the strap without a camera. Like other Peak Design Straps, the Form uses the quick-release system. Adding the strap and taking it off is simply a matter of sliding the anchor into place, once the matching anchors are looped through the camera.

Like with other Peak Design Straps, the anchors can slide through the traditional camera strap attachment points. Or, one loop can be added to the tripod mount, which is designed for crossbody wear. As with earlier anchors, the anchors are designed with colored thread inside, so spotting yellow or red instead of black indicates the anchor is getting worn and needs to be replaced.

Besides the anchor, there’s a small aluminum piece on the strap. This can be used to add another anchor and use the strap with point-and-shoots that only have one place to attach an anchor to. Or, you can use this accessory loop to wear the strap cross-body when the camera isn’t attached. Essentially, it’s a quick hack for storing the strap on your body when you remove the camera.

The minimal hardware gives the Form a clean, uncluttered look that shows off the leather, which is full-grain bovine and available in three colors. The leather is meant to patina with age, and it’s also soft and flexible, and doesn’t chafe against my neck.

My only slight criticism here is that I wish here that Peak Design had also thought to include a vegan leather alternative for those who love the style of the Form Leather but prefer to avoid animal-derived products. There is the Form Rope, but I don’t really consider the rope-strap style a direct alternative to this slim leather strap.

The trade-off for that minimal look is that there is no way to adjust the length of the strap, unlike the Slide. Instead, photographers will need to order the size that will work best for them. Use an existing neck camera strap – like the one that came with your camera – or a flexible measuring tape to get a feel for what size to order, depending on your height and build, as well as where you like the camera to sit.

While the Form isn’t one-size-fits-all, it can still be worn in multiple ways. The strap can be worn crossbody, around the neck, or on the shoulder. You can’t make the strap longer when you decide to wear it as a crossbody instead of around your neck.

Peak Design Form: Performance

While the Peak Design Form may be simple in design, I still found it to be comfortable. I was surprised when I first took the strap out of the box, as most leather straps start out a little stiff and need to be broken in a bit. The Form was soft and pliable right out of the box. The underside of the strap was soft against my skin.

Despite being a fixed length, I found the strap still fairly versatile in that it can be worn around the neck or cross-body. I didn’t really miss the length adjustment when going between the neck and cross-body style carries in most scenarios.

The only time I really missed the ability to adjust the length was when wearing a bulky winter coat and using the strap cross-body – it wasn’t uncomfortable, but I would have adjusted the length to better fit the bulky coat if I could do so.

Peak Design chose not to put any rubberised or grippy materials on the underside of the neck strap. It certainly makes for a cleaner design, but this means the strap can slide off a single shoulder more easily. But in practice, it did make repositioning the camera quicker and less fussy, and it didn’t bunch up my clothes.

I primarily used the Peak Design Form with my X-T4. I found it comfortable for a mid-weight camera system. The strap is a bit narrower, however, at 3 cm / 1.13 inches at the widest point.

While I found it comfortable with my mirrorless and a mid-length prime, I’d choose something wider for super telephotos and setups on the heavier side. The strap is rated to 45 kgs / 100 pounds of force, but wider straps tend to offer a bit better support. That’s not necessarily a flaw, but rather what the strap is designed for, as even Peak Design recommends the strap for small to mid-sized camera systems.

Peak Design Form: Verdict

The Peak Design Form is an excellent camera strap for minimalists. The leather is both classic and comfortable, without being flashy.

While the Form is less versatile with its fixed length, I still found it comfortable to wear as a neck strap or crossbody. And, with Peak Design’s anchor system, it’s still easy to take the strap on and off.

The Peak Design Form isn’t for maximialists and it isn’t for the heaviest telephoto lenses, but it’s simple, comfortable, and quick. If you go back and forth between wearing a thick parka and regular clothes, you may miss the ability to adjust the length.

While the strap upgrades to a more premium material than popular straps like the Peak Design Slide Lite, it downgrades the hardware for a minimalist design – and that puts the price point right in line with the Slide Lite. I wouldn’t exactly call it cheap, but I was a bit surprised that the leather strap didn’t cost more than the nylon options.

Alternatives

I need a good travel tripod to snap shots of the night sky when I travel – and the Peak Design Travel Tripod is one of my favorite options when I need something that will fit in a carry-on suitcase. My biggest complaint, though, is the price – except for 24 hours only, the tripod is a massive 45 percent off.

The Peak Design Travel Tripod is impressively compact – I took one to New York City this summe,r and it fit right inside my carry-on bag. When I first tried it out, my initial thought was that it was very clearly designed by an engineer (or perhaps a travel photographer) because everything from the leg shape to the head is made to keep the tripod as small as possible.

The Peak Design Travel Tripod aluminum is a fantastic option if you need a tripod that’s as small as possible. With a 20-pound load capacity and a 60-inch maximum height, it’s not for every photographer, but it’s impressively small.

Peak Design recently launched more high-end Pro Travel Tripods, and they are noticeably sturdier, but also noticeably larger. Don’t get me wrong – the original tripod is still strong – but as per usual, larger tripods with fewer leg sections tend to be a bit sturdier.

We gave the Peak Design Travel Tripod (Aluminum) five stars in our review, but one of our biggest complaints was the price. The one-day deal makes the travel tripod a much, much better buy.

You may also like

Browse the best travel tripods or the best cameras for travel.

Peak Design’s trendy camera straps just got an upgrade; the camera accessory company has just launched a new fixed-length strap series that comes in both leather and rope in both neck and wrist sizes. The Peak Design Form is a new minimalist series of camera straps that come in full-grain leather and woven nylon cord options.

Like Peak Design’s popular Slide and Slide Lite, the new Form series uses loop anchors to quickly connect the strap to the camera. But Peak Design redesigned the anchors for a slimmer, minimalist design to match the straps. The company says the new anchors are flatter, faster, and can accommodate up to 90kg / 200 lbs.

The Form series comes in two different materials. Firstly, as the name suggests, Form Rope is a rope-style strap that comes in four lengths plus a wrist strap variant. Peak Design says that it designed its own rope rather than using an existing climbing rope in order to blend strength, comfort and stretch.

The Form Rope comes with an aluminum accessory loop that enables the strap to be worn crossbody and with a single attachment point to the camera – as is common with many compact cameras that lack dual-sided strap anchors. The strap is rated to 82kg / 180 pounds and comes in black, Kelp green and Ocean blue colors.

The Peak Design Form Leather brings full-grain leather to the brand's strap lineup, coming in four neck strap lengths as well as in a wrist strap version. The company says that the full-grain leather is both soft and durable and, as with all real leather products, develops a patina over time. The leather option is available in black, tan or amber colors.

Like the rope strap, the Form Leather has an aluminum accessory loop that allows for use with cameras that have only a single anchor point and can also be used for storing the strap on-body in a cross-body style. The leather strap is rated to hold up up 45kg or about 99 pounds.

While the new straps use an upgraded anchor design that takes inspiration from those on the Slide and Slide Lite, the new rope and leather straps do not have the ability to adjust the length like the company’s straps made from a seatbelt-like nylon. The neck straps instead each come in four different lengths, while both the rope and leather option will also be available in wrist Cuffs.

Along with the new straps, Peak Design has also announced the new Field Plate, a quick-connect tripod plate that works with Peak Design Tripods, anchor straps and the Peak Design Capture V3, as well as most Arca-type tripod heads.

The CNC-machine aluminum plate has a pop-up connection screw that folds flat but allows for mounting on the camera without any tools. The pop-up thumb drive screw pops out with a press, then turns to tighten or loosen.

The Peak Design Form Leather retails for $79.95 in the US for the long, short, and standard sizes – which is the same as the retail price of the Peak Design Slide. The neck strap size retails for $10 less. The Form Rope Strap is priced at $49.95 for long, standard and short sizes and $44.95 for the neck size.

The Peak Design Cuff wrist straps retail for $59.95 for the leather variant and $39.95 for the rope. The new Field Plate sells for $39.95.

International pricing has not yet been announced, but that translates to about £60 / AU$123 / CA$112 for the leather, about £38 / AU$77 / CA$70 for the rope, £45 / AU$92 / CA$84 for the wrist leather, and £30 / AU$61 / CA$56 for the wrist rope and Field Plate.

The straps are available from Peak Design's webstore.

You may also like

Browse the best camera straps, the best camera wrist straps, or read up on the Peak Design Slide Lite.

Camera accessory brand and outdoor apparel brand Sitka are teaming up for a second time – and the collab brings a marsh and waterfowl-inspired pattern to a popular camera strap.

The Peak Design Slide Lite in Sitka Optifade Marsh is a limited edition camera strap that brings the outdoor brand’s marshland camouflage pattern to the existing camera strap. The pattern is a limited edition design – and the last time the two brands collaborated on a strap, the limited edition option sold out quickly.

The collaboration brings the existing Sitka pattern to an existing camera strap – and one that Digital Camera World reviewer Dan Mold gave five stars to. The Peak Design Slide Lite received high marks for its lighter, most budget-friendly take on the brand’s popular camera strap, while keeping the quick-release anchors, multiple ways to wear, and fast length adjustments intact.

The limited edition Sitka Optifade Marsh Slide Lite retails for the same $69.95 list price as the existing color options. (Sitka products ship only to the US and Canada.)

Sitka’s Optifade Marsh pattern comes from the outdoor brand’s high-end lineup of waterfowl hunting gear – a distinction that means the strap won’t stand out when out photographing wildlife. But, the partnership with a hunting brand may also ruffle the feathers (pun intended) of wildlife photographers who are also animal rights activists.

Peak Design and Sitka say the launch is a limited edition, but didn’t specify how many straps in the new pattern would be available. The strap will be available beginning September 23 from Sitka’s website, as well as select retailers.

You may also like

Browse the best camera straps or the best cameras for wildlife photography

Peak Design is launching a collaboration with Fujifilm that brings gear to test and try to one of its retail stores. On Tuesday, August 19, Peak Design launched Field Lab, a community event collaborating with Fujifilm.

The Field Lab brings Fujifilm products to Peak Design’s New York City location, giving photographers the chance to try the gear hands-on and chat with a Fujifilm representative.

But for photographers who already own Fujifilm gear, the event brings free camera and lens cleanings, a service offered exclusively for up to four Fujifilm cameras and lenses per guest.

The Field Lab, which launched on World Photography Day, continues through the end of 2025, but only on specific dates. The Fujifilm touch-and-try is happening every Thursday from 11 am to 7 PM. The free Fujifilm gear cleaning will be held monthly, every third Thursday of the month, where Fujifilm tech inspect and clean gear on site.

Naturally, visitors will also be able to see the latest Peak Design bags, straps and other accessories in person at the store as well.

"We’ve always believed the best gear is the gear you can touch, try, and trust,” Peak Design CEO and founder Peter Dering said. “Partnering with Fujifilm on Field Lab makes this vision even more meaningful and turns the retail experience into a playground where creativity and connection come first.”

The Field Lab is hosted at Peak Design’s New York City retail store at 241 Lafayette St., New York.

You may also like

Browse the best Fujifilm cameras or the best camera straps.

Camera accessory maker Peak Design just gave its best-selling bags and straps a colorful makeover. Peak Design has just launched four new colors, a move that translates into 75 new product options across the brand’s bags, straps, and pouches.

The move adds four new nature-inspired colors across several Peak Design product categories. Kelp is a deep green inspired by natural green tones. Ibis is an accent color inspired by the brightly hued bird of the same name. Ocean is a dark water-inspired blue. Eclipse – which was previously available in Peak Design’s newest products, including the Peak Design Roller and Outdoor backpacks – is a deep, nearly black purple.

According to UK distributor Transcontinenta, the move is Peak Design’s largest color refresh to date and creates 75 new product variants across different series from backpacks to straps. The new colors are available across several different models and sizes in the Everyday Bags series, the Travel Bags series, and packing cubes. The new colorways are also available in Peak Design’s Capture Clip V3, as well as the company’s straps, including the Slide, Slide Lite, Leash, and Cuff.

Transcontinenta notes that the color refresh is the first major update to those popular product lines in more than six years. The colors are designed to help the bags and straps feel more distinctive, the company notes.

Peak Design says the new colors arrive on the same existing lineup, allowing for more personalized color choices with the same features and functions. The newly launched colors also sit at the same retail price as the existing colors in the Peak Design lineup.

You may also like

Browse the best camera bags or the best camera straps.

I recently returned from a few days in Gothenburg, Sweden, where I spent time exploring the city and testing out the OPPO Find X8 Ultra – a camera phone so good that it has dethroned my trusty Fujifilm X100F as my everyday carry. That in itself was surprising, but the real MVP of the trip wasn’t a camera at all, but a bag.

The Peak Design Outdoor Sling (7L) barely left my side. As someone who’s never been a fan of sling-style camera bags, I wasn’t expecting much. However, by the end of the trip, I had been fully converted. It was light, compact, and just big enough to store everything I needed for day trips, from my camera kit and microphone to water and snacks.

What makes the Outdoor Sling so good is how effortlessly it combines function and style. Peak Design is known for this; their bags always strike that sweet spot between practicality and aesthetics. It’s not even strictly a camera bag until you add the X-Small Camera Cube, which I did, and suddenly my gear was perfectly cushioned, neatly organized, and easy to grab when I needed it.

There’s a pocket or compartment for everything. Memory cards, SSDs, a phone, a wallet, a passport, batteries, and even snacks for long walks along the coast. And yet, despite all this storage, it never felt bulky or in the way. The sling strap adjusts quickly and comfortably, and I found myself forgetting I was even carrying it, until I needed something, and then it was easy to access.

One moment that sold me on it came during a sudden Nordic downpour. The ultralight Terra Shell 210D ripstop exterior (made from 100% recycled, Bluesign-approved nylon) shrugged off the rain. Not a drop got through, and the PU coating and weatherproof zippers gave me total peace of mind about my gear inside.

The Outdoor Sling is also built for movement. Whether walking the cobbled streets of Gothenburg or the boardwalks of Fjällbacka, it never swung around or felt awkward. The Cord Hook Stabilizer Cord, designed for cycling and active use, kept everything snug against my body. It’s a detail you don’t think about until you realize how much easier it makes your day.

It’s more than a camera bag, and that’s what I love about it. One day, I packed it with an OPPO Find X8 Ultra, a small tripod, a compact camera, and a few personal essentials. The next day, I used it as a minimal day bag for exploring the city, carrying just my passport, notebook, wallet, and phone. It always looked good, never felt heavy, and never let me down.

For someone who’s always been a camera backpack person, this little camera sling bag was a revelation. It’s made me rethink how I carry my gear, and honestly, I don’t see myself traveling anywhere without it now.

You might also like

Check out our guides to the best camera backpacks and best camera sling bags.

If the wildly successful Kickstarter campaigns are any indication, Peak Design is a popular accessory brand among photographers. But Peak Design’s bags and straps aren’t exactly known for frequent sales. Peak Design isn’t part of the long list of Prime Day photography deals – but I uncovered a hidden coupon that drops the price on some of the brand’s most popular products.

B&H currently has several automatic coupons available across several Peak Design favorites, including slings, backpacks, and camera straps. I can’t find the same deals over on Amazon, which seems to have list prices across those same categories.

If you’ve been eyeing a Peak Design strap, backpack or sling, now may be a great time to snag one at a discount, no Prime subscription required.

You may also like

Before you check out, make sure to look at the best camera bags, the best camera backpacks, or the best camera straps to find the right fit.

Following a Kickstarter campaign, which received pledges totalling €11.5 million (around $13.2m / £9.8m / AU$20.4m), high-end camera bag maker Peak Design has released the Peak Design Roller Pro, an airline-compliant roller bag that has a generous 34-liter capacity (expandable to 39 liters) yet fits in most international overhead bins.

To stash your camera gear, you'll also need an XL Camera Cube, which fits snugly inside the Roller Pro and has customizable compartments to hold a 400mm prime lens, two camera bodies, and an array of additional smaller lenses and accessories. If you don't already have an XL Camera Cube set, the Peak Design Pro Creator Bundle comprises both products.

The Roller Pro case offers front-hinged access to maximize space efficiency, while Peak Design's SlimDrive carbon fibre trolley system provides increased internal volume by eliminating the bulk of traditional roller tubes. The exterior is enveloped in Peak Design’s signature weatherproof Versa Shell fabric, which offers a hybrid hard-soft shell design that strikes a balance between rugged durability and style.

There's a built-in SnapTent laptop sleeve, along with integrated organization features to ensure that your essentials are secure and accessible. The case is closed with reinforced Ultra Zips, and external gear loops secure tripods, jackets, or extra bags using Cord Hook compatibility. It is backed by Peak Design’s sustainability and lifetime guarantee standards.

The Peak Design Roller Pro costs $599.99 / £499.99 / AU$1,099.99, which certainly puts it among the more expensive options that you'll find in our roller bags buying guide – and that's without any internals to hold your camera gear. The Pro Creator Bundle, which also includes an XL Camera Cube set, is $649.99 / £549.99 / AU$1,149.99.

I love lots of dials and controls on my camera, but I prefer my tripods to just support my camera without getting in the way. Which is why when Peak Design reached out to me with not one but three new tripods, I knew I wanted to try them out for myself. The Peak Design Pro Lite, Pro, and Pro Tall tripods, which launched on Kickstarter on June 17, continue the streamlined design of the Travel Tripod but add more stability, higher weight capacity, taller heights, and a newly redesigned ball head.

The original Peak Design Travel Tripod initially grabbed my attention because its unusually shaped legs helped the camera support system pack down quite slim. The new Peak Design Pro series feels just as minimalist and streamlined, but sacrifices some of the portability for the sake of stability.

The Peak Design Pro Lite tripod packs down to the same diameter as the Travel Tripod – but it’s a bit taller. With four leg sections instead of three, even the smallest in the Pro series felt quite a bit sturdier than the Travel tripod, and increased the weight capacity from 20 lbs / 9.1kg to 35 lbs / 15.9 kg.

The Pro and Pro Tall take that even further with larger legs that support up to 40 lbs / 18.1 kg. The Pro tops out at 66.3 inches / 168.4 cm while the aptly named Pro Tall can reach up to 77.7 inches / 197.4 cm. Importantly, the Pro Tall doesn’t reach those heights with more leg sections, just longer leg sections, so the tallest tripod didn’t feel any less stable than the Pro.

Beyond the added stability, all three of the new tripods use the Pro Ball Head. Like on the travel tripod, this ball head is sleek with minimal protrusions. The ball locking mechanism is a ring that wraps around the head itself. But unlike the Travel Tripod, the Pro series has built-in panning and there is a small knob for that, allowing the camera to pan around in a nice smooth motion.

The Pro Ball Head uses a quick-release plate that snaps in and automatically locks when pressed into position. There’s a second locking switch for added security, along with a bubble level and a set of labels for the panning feature.

Like on the Travel Tripod, the center column has a weight hook, which removes for hidden storage. This is where the hex key will hide, which is used to adjust the tension on the flip locks. I’m a bit disappointed that the mobile mount costs extra, not because smartphone photographers need heavy-duty tripods, but because I like having the ability to pull off my mirrorless camera for a quick iPhone video for social media.

Peak Design is also launching a Tilt Mod, which converts the ball head into a pan-and-tilt head with a video handle. The handle removes and snaps on with magnets, so this add-on doesn't take up much room. A Pro Leveling Base will also be available for use with third-party tripod heads.

While I loved the sturdy yet portable design, what I enjoyed most about using the Pro series tripods is that I could focus more on the photos on less on fiddly tripod adjustments. The tripods were easy to set up and quick to adjust with a simple yet smart design. I also appreciated the compact design, packing all three of them to test on a road trip.

I would have liked a rotating center column for flay lays, which this series lacks. And, the price feels a bit steep, starting at $799.99 / £699.99 for the Lite, up to $999.99 / £899.99 for the Pro Tal at retail price, with Kickstarter discounts. But, then again, tripods with high weight capacities and smart designs tend to sit at the higher end of the price range. Otherwise, I had relatively few complaints.

While the Peak Design Pro series is launching on Kickstarter today, the three that I tried were pre-production samples. They felt quite close to completion, but I’m holding off on my final verdict until then. For now, read the full Peak Design Pro tripod early review.

You may also like

Browse the best tripods, or the best tripods for travel.

Peak Design has launched a pair of new bags, and accessories to boot, as part of its Outdoor Collection. The Outdoor Backpack 18L and Outdoor Sling 4L slot into existing product lines with the existing 25L and 45L Outdoor Backpack and 2L and 7L Outdoor Sling. The Outdoor Backpack 18L is a frameless daypack, which the accessories outlet rates for “light adventures, day hikes, commuting, and camera carry.” It’s compatible with Peak Design’s Packing Tools and Camera Cubes, and comprises rugged, eco-friendly materials, said to provide “long-lasting durability and weather resistance”.

The backpack features vest-style shoulder straps designed to distribute the load across the wearer’s torso, and alleviate pressure from the arms and shoulders. And as you’d expect, there’s ample room for the Capture Camera Clip. The bag itself is built around a large rear access panel, which can house a Smedium Camera Cube. On the subject of accessories, the Outdoor Backpack 18L can also accommodate the Peak Design Outdoor Hip Belt, and Peak Design Outdoor Rain Fly.

Stretch pockets designed to accommodate water bottles and tripods are located on each side of the backpack, with Cord Hook carry cords, elastic gear loops, and Cord Rails present to attach external accessories and gear.

The Outdoor Sling 4L features the existing 7L variant’s pocket layout but in a more compact design. It features a padded “drop pocket” with a magnetic closure that can accommodate a phone, an external zip pocket with a key tether, and a trio of internal mesh pockets. Peak Design says the bag’s padded shoulder strap is quick to adjust, easy to remove, reverse, or clip onto something else, and can be used to sling around the shoulder or fit around the waist. Both bags feature Peak Design’s 100% recycled Terra Shell material, which is Bluesign approved and PFAS-free.

As mentioned, Peak Design has also launched a pair of new accessories: the Outdoor Rain Fly and Helmet Carrier. These accessories are designed for use with any Peak Design backpack in its Outdoor, Travel, or Everyday ranges. The former is waterproof and made using 50D recycled ripstop nylon with a 2,000mm hydrostatic coating and taped seams. It packs down into a mesh pouch, which can be externally attached to a backpack for drying and comes in three sizes.

The Helmet Carrier is a “lightweight, durable harness” used to strap a bike, ski or climbing helmet to a Peak Design backpack. It’s made from recycled nylon stretch mesh and elastic cord reinforced with UHMWPE thread, and is said to be “strong and abrasion resistant.” It packs down small to be stowed when not in use and has a bike-light attachment point and reflective safety graphic.

The Outdoor Backpack 18L and Outdoor Sling 4L are both available in black and Eclipse (burgundy) colors, and retail for $189.95 / £169.99 / AU$369.95 and $74.95 / £69.99 / AU$139.95, respectively. The Outdoor Rain Fly retails for $29.95 / £29.99 / AU$64.95 and the Helmet Carrier for $34.95 / £34.99 / AU$79.95.

You might also like...

Check out the best camera backpacks and best camera sling bags. Plus, check out my review of the awesome PGYTech OnePro Focux Backpack.

Peak Design is today launching a new phone case: the GNAR Case. Intended to supplement the brand's existing Everyday Case (already available for various models of iPhone, Pixel and Galaxy phones), the GNAR Case is designed for motorbike and bicycle riders who want additional protection for their phone when it's mounted to handlebars.

Case thickness has been increased from 2.4mm in the Everyday Case to 3.2mm in the GNAR Case, enabling it to withstand a drop from up to 4.5m (15ft), while still maintaining a slim feel. The case is constructed from 100% recycled polycarbonate with a soft microfiber internal liner, plus a rubberized TPU bumper for additional shock protection. This also features a diamond-knurled edge texture to enhance grip, even when you're wearing gloves, while extra-wide anodized aluminium buttons further improve phone usability. Like Peak Design's other phone cases, the GNAR Case incorporates Peak Design's magnetic and mechanical locking 'SlimLink' connection, making it effortlessly easy to securely attach your phone to a handlebar mount, or any other mount in the Peak Design range.

The Peak Design GNAR Case is available now for iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max, priced at $59.95. From April 24-27th the case will be included in Peak Design's Make The Switch Sale, during which it'll be offered with a 40% discount.

Peak Design's latest Kickstarter ends at midnight tonight (US time), concluding an astonishing campaign that has accrued over $12.3 million (around £9.3 million / AU$19.3 million) from over 22,000 backers.

It's all in aid of the revolutionary Peak Design Roller Pro Carry-On Luggage, a hybrid camera / travel roller case that's the company's most ambitious product to date.

I've actually been using this case and, as someone who exclusively travels with carry-on luggage, it's an absolute breath of fresh air compared to even the premium roller cases I've owned.

The first, and arguably most important, thing to note about the Roller Pro is the handle. Unlike the flimsy telescoping handles of other bags, which invariably develop so much play that the steering goes all to hell, Peak Design's handles are made of a single piece of carbon fiber.

Obviously this solves the problem of looseness that develops in telescoping handles. But it also means that a valuable amount of space is saved, by replacing them with single thin strips of carbon fiber. So you get a roller with nice sturdy handles that also has extra space inside.

ABOVE: Watch the crowdfunding video

That space is also endlessly more practical, because unlike traditional carry-on rollers – which open look a book, and thus double their surface area, so are impractical for small spaces or most on-location work – the Roller Pro has a vertical drawbridge opening, giving you easier access to the items and space inside.

That space has been designed with Peak Design's Camera Cubes in mind – including the new XL Cube, designed explicitly for the Roller Pro. This means that the case is uniquely appealing to travelers with camera kit, or just camera users who want a roller case for their gear.

And in fact, this has proved to be one of my favorite uses for the Roller Pro –because, between the Camera Cube design and the vertical opening, it basically gives you a portable workstation that's ideal for taking everything you need on a shoot.

The Peak Design Roller Pro will carry a retail price of $599 (around £450 / AU$940) when it goes on sale in July, but can be ordered with an earlybird discount for $425 / £320 / AU$660 – or, if you're happy to wait until fall for delivery, for just $415 / £315 / AU$650.

Make sure to hurry, though, as the campaign ends tonight! Head over to the Roller Pro Kickstarter for more info.

You might also like…

Check out the best camera bags and cases available right now, along with the best camera backpacks.

Peak Design is arguably best known for its line of camera bags, but the accessory brand will soon launch a new wallet. The Peak Design Passport Wallet is a slim wallet that can fit 2-3 passports yet still has a pocketable design.

Peak Design says that the upcoming wallet can fit 2-3 passports, eight cards, and 15 unfolded cash bills, all in a pocketable design that doesn’t necessarily need to pair with one of its bags.

The Passport Wallet isn’t the company’s first wallet, but it aims to build on the success of its mobile phone wallet launched in 2020.

Peak Design says the wallet is constructed with TerraShell Ultra, which is an abrasion-resistant material. A magnetic closure keeps the contents in place, while an RFID-blacking shell is also incorporated into the design.

The wallet is also designed to fit inside the front pockets on the Peak Design Roller Pro carry-on luggage as well as the brand’s Travel Bags. The wallet will launch in three different colors: black sage, and eclipse.

Peak Design plans to launch the Passport Walley individually in September, but the brand is giving those who backed the company’s Roller Pro Kickstarter first dibs. The wallet is launching as part of an add-on for Kickstarter backers for the campaign that ends on April 17. The crowdfunding for the brand’s first rolling luggage reached over $1 million in its first hour and more than $4 million on the first day, now totalling more than $9.8 million, or about £9,833,585 / AU$15,698,316.

In September, Peak Design says the wallet will be available outside of Kickstarter for a $99.95 list price, which is roughly £78 / AU$160.

You may also like

The Peak Design Passport Wallet isn't geared specifically for photography – so you may want to browse the best camera bags instead, or check out the best SD card cases.

Peak Design is a brand that continues to push boundaries with its product design, even in areas of the market you think may have hit the threshold of innovation. The new Roller Pro is a testament to that, ripping up the rule book of conventional luggage design and starting from scratch, resulting in a carry-on that seamlessly blends form, function, and accessibility.

While Peak Design may have revolutionized camera straps and travel tripods, the Roller Pro may be Peak Design's most ambitious product yet, taking years to redesign the roller carry-on from the ground up with entirely custom parts, avoiding the "cookie-cutter nature" of other bags on the market. It utilizes a specially designed soft-shelled outer, combined with hard-sided durability and adaptive features that cater to any adventure; be it for business or creative pursuits like photography and filmmaking.

"Inside almost every roller bag on the market, you’ll find a floppy fabric liner, and under that liner, you’ll find two big honkin’ tubes," said Peak Design Founder & CEO Peter Dering. "A plastic clamshell with big, fat tubes: that’s the easy way to make a roller. We chose the hard way. When we told our factory we wanted to redesign things from the ground up, they told us we were crazy. But, we pushed them and found a better way. The result is a product that is wildly more effective and delightful. Roller Pro has real innovation in it, and I suspect many of its features will become future industry standards".

Above: The Kickstarter video for the Peak Design Roller Pro

Frustrated with subpar offerings that rely on off-the-shelf parts, the Peak Design team aimed to create a case they would want to use. A common complaint about traditional roller bags is poorly constructed handles that waste space and tend to loosen over time. In response, Peak Design has introduced the SlimDrive, a patented carbon fiber handle engineered for maximum strength and minimal footprint, aiming to address these issues.

Most roller bag handles are made from standard telescopic aluminum tubes, which often create large ridges at the bottom of the bag, taking up valuable space. In contrast, the Roller Pro's handle is crafted from single-stage flat carbon fiber tubes, enhancing rigidity and occupying only one-third the space of conventional handles, offering both more volume and improved functionality.

The Roller Pro features a hybrid construction, combining a lightweight shell made from Peak Design's signature VersaShell fabric with the protection of a hard shell case. This design extends to a front pocket for easy access to travel essentials like passports, laptops, and chargers. The main compartment is also expandable, increasing from 34L to 39L to accommodate returning souvenirs.

Another innovative feature, inspired by Peak Design's outdoor bags, is the proprietary Cord Hook Internal Retention System. This system secures contents with adjustable cords that can be tightened for security and retracted when not in use. Additionally, the cord hooks on the exterior of the bag enable the use of Peak Design’s larger ecosystem or support securing tripods.

Not forgetting its roots, the Peak Design Roller Pro not only serves as a well-designed carry-on but can also be transformed into a creative workstation for photographers, videographers, and content creators. Upon the launch of the Roller Pro, Peak Design will introduce a new XL camera cube that fits the bag's entire volume and can hold up to a 400mm lens, providing a convenient travel option for photographers and filmmakers.

Other notable features include an AirTag pocket, a new drawbridge opening mechanism that minimizes the footprint when opening the luggage, and four custom-engineered 60mm wheels.

The Roller Pro also reflects Peak Design's commitment to sustainability, as the fabric shell is made from 100% recycled materials and is Bluesign-approved. Additionally, the entire product is PFAS-free and Climate Label Certified.

The Roller Pro Kickstarter campaign launches today and runs until April 17, 2025, offering backers the opportunity to pre-order with exclusive discounts. The Roller Pro is priced at $599.95 (Approximatley £470 / AU$960), and the new XL Camera Cube at $139.95 (Approximatley £110 / AU$225). Both products are expected to ship to backers in June 2025, with a full release planned for August 2025.

Note: As with all crowdfunding projects, there is no guarantee that the final product will match the early depictions in the campaign – or that the final product will be completed or delivered at all. DCW does not endorse this or any other crowdfunding campaign.

you might also like...

Check out our guides tot he best camera backpacks and the best camera hard cases.

Photography accessory brand Peak Design is launching a new product soon, according to a teaser that offers a close-up glimpse at what the upcoming product might be. In an email to fans and a YouTube video, Peak Design has revealed a close-up of a new product that the company says is “coming soon,” along with a string of travel-themed hints.

The video, shared on February 25, starts with audio that sounds like an airplane along with footage of a set of four wheels hitting and then sliding along the ground. The video is accompanied by the caption “We didn't reinvent the wheel, but we reinvented everything else,” offering another hint at what could be coming to Peak Design’s lineup, in case that close-up wasn’t clear enough.

In an email to fans, the company wrote, “Our most anticipated product launch ever is landing soon, featuring innovations that manufacturers told us weren't doable. Come to find out, they were – but it took years of intense collaboration and ground-up redesign to get there.”

The teaser doesn’t specifically state what is coming, nor when. But the close-up view, travel-themed audio, and mention of “wheels” could be enough to get fans of the brand talking. Peak Design’s current lineup includes bags, straps, tripods and smartphone accessories.

Peak Design has a history of launching products on Kickstarter. According to the brand’s Mission page, it’s how the company’s first product was launched and the brand has been “investor-free since the beginning.”

Peak Design only says that the product is coming “soon,” without noting an exact launch date. The company then points fans to a sign up for an email newsletter to get the launch details delivered to their inbox – whenever that launch might be.

You may also like

Browse the best camera bags, or take a look through the best camera straps.

The photography industry has its fair share of problems with counterfeiting, with the likes of fake batteries and counterfeit lenses popping up on marketplace sites, and of course, fake images being a perennial problem. But now it seems even Peak Design's Capture Clip is being faked, with Peak Design's Tokyo division having spotted counterfeit examples of the Capture V3 on online shopping sites.

The original Capture Clip was Peak Design's first ever product. It was a fresh idea that allowed your camera to clip into a small metal receiver which in turn clamped to a bag strap. It meant you didn't have to use a conventional camera neck/shoulder strap, and it enabled much faster access to your camera than if it was hidden away in a messenger bag. The latest Capture V3 clip refines the original recipe, being smaller, lighter and more ergonomic than ever.

But sadly this highly developed and popular accessory has now attracted the attention of counterfeiters. Peak Design has issued a response to warn consumers, including guidance on how to tell the difference between a real Capture V3 and a fake. In these comparison photos, the product on the left is the fake, and the clip on the right is genuine. As you can see, the counterfeit example is very convincing, but the storage pouch is noticeably different, and the top surface of the clamp wheels on either side of the clip isn't quite the same profile. There are also very subtle differences in the quick release plate, and the stopper that it rests against when inserted into the clip.

But whenever counterfeit products are in circulation, the best defence against receiving a fake is to buy from a reputable store, preferably one with a sound returns policy.

Peak Design's new outdoor range of backpacks, crafted for both photography enthusiasts and adventure seekers, surpassed its Kickstarter targets earlier this year, and the 45L model has recently achieved award-winning recognition from ISPO – Internationale Fachmesse für Sportartikel und Sportmode.

The ISPO Award is regarded as one of the highest honors in the outdoor gear industry, setting the benchmark for quality and cutting-edge design. Products are assessed by a judging panel that evaluates several key criteria, including innovation, sustainability and performance. And this year, Peak Design's Outdoor Backpack 45L has earned the Award, further solidifying the company's reputation as a leader in innovative design.

The ISPO Jury noted, "This is how a modern backpack for outdoor and everyday use should be designed. Thoughtful, modular, and stylish, with practical expansion options for both interior and exterior. Also a big plus: easy access points. At first glance, it may look like an urban backpack, but it truly shines in outdoor use."

The Peak Design Outdoor Backpack 45L is ideal for photographers who love to be outdoors. Whether taking a casual hike, a photography expedition or a short travel trip, the backpack's versatility adapts to your needs while providing comfort, protection, and customizable storage options for camera gear, accessories, and personal items.

You can check out our full review of the bag, but highlights include a new Ultra Cinch system that enables you to quickly open and secure the top hatch providing fast access to your camera gear when you need it most, a Flex Pockets & Cord Hook System that can securely carry a tripod, jacket or water bottle, and a state-of-the-art ergonomic design for even weight distribution based on running vests.

Sustainability is always at the forefront of Peak Design's innovative products, and the Outdoor Range of bags continues to lead by example with eco-friendly features. The Outdoor Backpack 45L is crafted with 100% recycled, weatherproof Terra Shell fabric and is both PFAS-free and BlueSign-approved. On top of this, it is Fair Trade Certified and backed by a lifetime guarantee making it a bag designed with both the environment and the photographer in mind.

"It’s the most technically advanced bag we’ve ever made," said Peak Design Founder and CEO, Peter Dering. "Furthermore, it’s the bag we’ve always wanted to make. We’re a company rooted in outdoor adventure, and the outdoors continues to be our most profound source of product design inspiration. We’re honored to receive this ISPO award, which validates the immense effort and meticulous attention to detail we put into our Outdoor Line."

After a successful Kickstarter campaign, the Outdoor Backpack 45L is available from Peak Design’s website and authorized retailers worldwide. Starting at $249.95 / £329.99 / AU $639.95, it’s a premium choice for serious photographers who demand versatility and performance.

You might also like…

Check out our guides to the best camera backpacks and the best camera sling bags.

It's the tripod everybody has wanted since the day it was announced – and it's just received an impressive discount in the Black Friday camera deals.

The Peak Design Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod has been slashed by nearly $120, making it a tempting £447! The super-compact, lightweight design is like no other tripod I've ever seen before, which is just one of the reasons it earned the top spot in our best travel tripods buying guide. And if the carbon fiber still looks a bit too expensive, there is a discount on the cheaper Peak Design aluminum version too!

It's hard to get that excited over the best tripods but when Peak Design first released their travel tripod we were very impressed. It might have taken four years to design, but the end result is truly a work of genius.

With three flattened legs rather than the standard round ones you find on most tripods for photography, it packs down much smaller than any other travel tripod and can extend to a maximum height of 60 inches.

It might not be the tallest travel tripod ever, but its compact ball head, quick-release legs, and versatile leg configuration enabling you to shoot really close to the ground certainly make up for it.

The carbon fibre version is considerably more expensive than the aluminum version and only 300g lighter but if you're regularly taking it on long hikes or trips abroad that 300 g can make a difference.

It's designed to be used with mirrorless cameras of DSLRs up to 9kg but it also comes with an adapter so that you can use your camera phone with it too. It's as strong and sturdy as any standard tripod I've ever used and despite its compact pack-down size doesn't feel flimsy like some travel tripods.

See our full Peak Design Carbon Fiber Tripod review

Peak Design is a San Francisco-based photography accessory design company and is completely crowdfunded. Its most recent Kickstarter is a love letter for the outdoors and aimed at adventurers, hikers, and campers, aptly named the Peak Design Outdoor range and consists of 25L and 45L Outdoor Backpacks, 2L and 7L Outdoor Slings as well as modular Ultralight Packing Cubes and Camera Cubes to customize your bags and tailor them to you.

For this review I got hold of both the 25L and 45L Outdoor Backpacks, along with various sizes of its modular Camera Cube system, though there’s quite a lot to delve into, so you’ll find a separate in-depth review of the Camera Cubes here.

Peak Design claims its Outdoor backpacks are the company’s "most technically advanced bags ever" and consist of a large internally framed 45L for gear-heavy adventures and a smaller 25L for traveling fast and light. Peak Design proudly claims the Outdoor Backpacks "do things other outdoor bags can’t" and also boasts that its fine level of fit adjustment controls promises maximum comfort with "no bulky padding or gimmicky suspension". Peak Design is so confident in its products that it gives the Outdoor Backpacks a lifetime guarantee, too.

At the time of review, the Kickstarter had just finished, and early backers will have enjoyed a discount of up to 25% on some lines. But with the early bird phase sadly now ended the bags are quite expensive starting at $250 for the 25L Backpack or $400 bundled with Camera Cube SMedium, Small, X-Small, and XX-Small Ultralight Packing Cubes, and a Rain Fly weather shield. For the larger 45L Outdoor Backpack, it's $330, or $520 for a bundle including Camera Cube Large, Small, X-Small, and XX-Small Ultralight Packing Cubes and a Rain Fly weather shield. Shipping is slated to start in January 2025 so early adopters should get theirs around then.

Expensive they may be, but are they worth the investment? I took both of the 25L and 45L backpacks on a landscape trip up to the UK's picturesque Peak District to put both models through their paces.

Specifications

Price: $250 (25L) / $330 (45L)
External dimensions 25L (WxHxD): 48.5x28x15cm (roll-top down)
Internal dimensions 25L (WxHxD): 48x27.5x14.5cm (roll-top down)
External dimensions 25L (WxHxD): 66x28x15cm (roll-top extended)
Internal dimensions 25L (WxHxD): 65.5x27.5x14.5cm (roll-top extended)
External dimensions 45L (WxHxD): 56cm x 31cm x 17cm (roll-top down)
Internal dimensions 45L (WxHxD): 55.5cm x 30.5cm x 16.5cm (roll-top down)
External dimensions 25L (WxHxD): 78x31x17cm (roll-top extended)
Internal dimensions 25L (WxHxD): 77.5x30.5x16.5cm (roll-top extended)
Size options in range: 25L or 45L
Bag type: Backpack
Camera access: Rear
Laptop compartment: 16" or water bladder
Tripod fastener: Yes
Chest / Waist straps: Yes, waist straps only on 45L
Rain-proof cover: Yes
Weight: 1.15Kg or 1.55Kg

Build & Handling

As the name suggests, the 25L and 45L Outdoor Backpacks are both made for big adventures, hikes, and trails in the great outdoors, though there are some key differences between the two.

Let’s start with what the backpacks share in common. Both are available in a choice of three colorways: Black, Burgandy, and White, they’re also made from a 100% recycled weather-proof Terra Shell with 210D ripstop nylon which is PU coated and abrasion resistant.

As a bag designed for the Outdoors, Peak Design has shown it wants to respect the outdoors too. Both backpacks are bluesign approved which means it has been manufactured to strict safety and environmental requirements. It’s also free from PFAS forever chemicals, Fairtrade certified, and has been made with 100% Carbon neutral processes – impressive!

Both have lightning-fast access to the top via its Ultra Cinch for one-handed opening and quick pull closure and expansion for more gear. This reveals the magnetic roll top which can be expanded to add extra space or compact it down depending on your load. This front storage area is also where you can stash a hydration system or a small rain jacket.

Both bags also feature Ultra Zips stitched with an ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene thread which Peak Design claims is weather-proof, abrasion resistant, and cut out for "decades of heavy use".

The shoulder straps on both were inspired by running vests, with dual sternum straps to distribute the load over a bigger surface area and stretchy netted pockets to stash items like a smartphone or sunglasses. They also have built-in capture points to mount a Peak Design Capture Clip to hang your camera off the shoulder strap or hip belt so you have access to your camera without diving into the bag.

Both feature Peak Design’s trademarked Cordhook, an external carry system for cinching items like roll mats and tents to your backpack, too.

The Outdoor Backpacks have a large rear hatch so you can quickly access everything. The bags work on a modular system and you can use a mixture of Peak Design’s Packing Cubes or Camera Cubes, available in a range of different sizes and all made to work perfectly and be interchangeable within the 25L and 45L Outdoor Backpacks. On the inside, both bags have a sleeve to stash a 16” laptop or tablet, or alternatively, a hydration bladder, though we recommend stashing the hydration system on the front of the bag instead so it’s not so close to your camera kit if it should leak.

Both the 25L and 45L feature a comprehensive amount of customization to get the bags set optimal for your figure and both are made to cater for torso lengths around 17-20” and waist sizes of 24-52”.

We’ve covered what the two Outdoor Backpacks share in common, but what’s different? Well, the larger 45L can be folded down as small as 34.5L, while the 25L can be folded down to a very portable 20L, it’s also expectedly lighter at 1.15Kg compared to its 45L bigger brother which tips the scales at 1.55Kg.

The larger size of the 45L version gives it twice the amount of storage with three Peak Design ‘Cube Units’, compared to the 1.4 Cube Units in the 25L bag. This means the Large Camera Cube can be fitted to the 45L, though you don't have to use any Camera Cubes if you're not planning on doing any photography on your journey – you can remove the padded cube insert and stow a tent or sleeping bag!

The largest Camera Cube the 25L version can take is the 'SMedium' – so-called because it's somewhere between Peak Design's Small and Medium cube designs. With the SMedium Camera Cube fitted you can also fit a Small Packing Cube for clothes or toiletries.

The 45L version comes with a waist strap or 'Hip Belt' as Peak Design calls it, and while the 25L model can be used with said waist strap you'll need to purchase it at an additional cost if you wish to use it.

The Hip Belt strap is removable on both models but the 45L version has a trick up its sleeve as the waist straps can be pivoted and folded upwards to tuck them behind the rear padding when not in use.

The hip belt also features a mesh pocket and another slip pocket on the other side for stashing items like snacks, and there’s a mounting point for a Peak Design Capture Clip if you’d like to hang your camera from your waist instead.

I delve into more detail on the Peak Design Camera Cubes here, where you’ll find my full review, but a quick overview they’re a modular camera box system for protecting your kit both in and out of the Outdoor Backpacks. They’re modular, interchangeable, and available in five different sizes: Extra Small, Small, SMedium, Medium, and Large, and can be used in tandem with the Peak Design Packing Cubes (available in Extra Extra Small, Extra Small, and Small sizes) which are better for clothes, gear, and food.

The Packing Cubes also come in either a weatherproof Versa Shell™ or breathable stretch mesh, the latter is better for items like clothes that you want to dry out.

The Camera Cubes also features tuck-away lids so you can remove the padding of the top lid and fold them out of the way and have instant access to your camera kit when you open the Outdoor Backpacks up via their large rear hatch door. They also feature Flexfold Dividers and an insulated weather-proof construction.

Lastly, the larger 45L is internally framed for more rigidity, comes with a hip belt, and has two Flex Pockets™ per side, whereas the 25L has just one per side – these are handy for stashing water bottles or tripods, and the 45L also has a four setting ladder system for strap attachment, whereas the 25L gets just one.

Phew! Now that we've covered all of the various features each Outdoor Backpack has to offer, let's see how they performed in some real-world trekking and hiking scenarios in the great outdoors!

Performance

Both the 25L and 45L Outdoor Backpacks delivered great comfort out on my hike with plenty of perforated foam padding and also large channels grooved into the foam which made it very breathable.

The bags have an internal Polyurethane (PU) coating and the external front face and base of the bag have a hardy Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) coating to make it more resistant to the elements and hard-wearing too its other main ripstop nylon material are both resistant to a shower.

This rugged front face of the backpack was a standout feature for me as it's really hard-wearing so you know you can place your bag down on the ground and not worry about water seeping through to your camera kit, it's also really easy to wipe clean and is part of the Ultra Cinch™ system with this rugged 'Kangaroo flap' extending forward to allow you to stash items like a water bladder or small jacket inside of it if you don't have space in the internal compartment.

There is also the option to store a water bladder or 16" laptop in the hatch door of the internal compartment, though I personally didn't feel comfortable having a large amount of water next to my camera kit, after all accidents can happen.

The side pockets however are a mesh design and whilst great for stowing hiking poles, a large bottle of water, or a tripod, they're not waterproof so my gloves and spare socks got a bit damp from resting the backpack on the ground. Admittedly this was down to user error and I now know for future to keep items like these in the internal roll-top section of the bag to keep them dry.

It’s worth noting that while the rolltop can be unrolled to expand the internal storage space (3L of expansion on the 25L and 10L expansion on the 45L), as you unravel it the bag becomes a little less watertight.

Whilst perfectly fine in a light shower you will want to use the Peak Design Rain Fly if you are caught out in a heavy downpour. It's sold separately, though is included in some bundles. We’d also recommend fully zipping up any internal Camera Cubes you have fitted during inclement weather for an extra barrier of protection for your camera kit.

Speaking of the Camera Cubes and Packing Cubes they are fully modular and can be removed or configured in a wide variety of ways to suit your shooting. While the Camera Cubes are generally best used facing out toward the large rear door hatch, the Packing Cubes designed for clothes, food, or other non-camera items, can be set up to face the rear door or pointing upwards for quick access via the rolltop opening.

One issue I have with the Camera Cubes is that they're not the deepest. You might be tricked into thinking these bags are extremely roomy inside, but they are a bit hampered by the rather poultry depth of just 13.5cm – this is the same on all of the Camera Cube 2 series regardless of size.

On my photography trip to the Peak District, I was joined by another photographer who was using the f-stop Tilopa 50L DuraDiamond which takes an ICU Pro Large. I was quite envious of his roomy internal compartment which had a much deeper 16.5cm insert and happily would take a big filter case for square 100mm NDs and soft or hard graduated filters.

With my stingy storage space though I resorted to stashing my filters outside of the Camera Cube in the rolltop section of the backpack which made it a bit of a faff to get to. This was particularly frustrating on the larger 45L version as access to the top section of the backpack through the rear access hatch with the largest cube inserted was hampered by the metal frame, so you have to open the rear hatch door to get to your camera kit, then close that up and re-enter the bag through the roll-top to get to the filters and then close that all up. Admittedly, this was a problem with my specific setup, and it wouldn't be so much of an issue if you traveled lighter and used smaller screw-in filters, which I think works better for these bags given the constraints of its depth.

The Outdoor 25L and 45L bags are a strong attempt at crossing the line between conventional outdoor hiking backpacks with camera bags and do this with their modular design which you can customize to your heart's content using the Camera Cubes V2 and Packing Cubes in a combination that works for your specific needs or even based around a specific trip.

The new Outdoor Backpacks don’t feature a suspension system as some dedicated hiking backpacks do. However, they have plenty of ways to adjust to your size, plus comfortable shoulder straps, dual sternum straps, and a fold-away Hip Belt on the 45L, (available for the 25L at extra cost).

Beefy padding all the way around the top of the shoulder straps might seem overkill but this was a welcome addition and improves comfort around where the shoulder straps might rub against your neck.

As a Peak Design bag, it’s perhaps unsurprisingly been made to work optimally with proprietary Peak Design accessories. It features several mounting points on the shoulder and waist straps to fit a Peak Design Capture Clip to hang your camera from or stash the low-profile Peak Design Travel Tripod in one of the stretchy side pockets. It’s also been set to work well with the new Peak Design Outdoor 2L or 7L Sling bags which can be connected across the front or rear of the backpacks.

There are hidden cord rails strategically sewn around the edges of the bag which give you plenty of mounting points to tie cords to, for either compressing the bag to give it a tight and compact form or for securing big awkward items like walking poles when mounted in the stretchy side pockets.

Whilst out hiking in the Peak District with the Outdoor Backpacks my photographer friend had the f-stop Tilopa 50L DuraDiamond – a similar modular hiking backpack made for the outdoors. It became evident that the Peak Design Outdoor Backpacks are predominantly made for hikers first and photographers second, whereas, on the f-stop bag, it was the other way around.

This was evident from the f-stop bag having loads of little pockets built into its internal laptop storage pocket, great for stashing accessories such as memory cards, cables, hard drives, batteries, and all the sorts of awkward small items we photographers carry on a shoot. With the Peak Design Outdoor Backpacks, it's sorely missing the smaller pockets so accessories have to be stashed inside of the Camera Cube V2 and you'll need a battery organizer and memory card case to have any hope of keeping these somewhat organized.

The Outdoor Backpacks do however cater more for the outdoor adventurers who need the bag mainly for hiking, trekking, and camping – with all of the various straps and lashing points across them, and if you fancy doing a little photography on your trip you can use one of the inserts, or completely leave the camera kit at home and fit in big items like a tent or sleeping bag on the 45L model.

Verdict

The Peak Design Outdoor Backpacks live up to their name and they're well-suited to hiking, trekking, and camping when you're out in the wild. While both 25L and 45L options come packed with useful features, I get a strong impression that the priority of these bags is for outdoor hiking and trekking, with the photography aspect coming second. This is really seen from the shallow depth of the Camera Cubes and no little storage pockets anywhere on the bags to help you organize camera cables, memory cards, hard drives, cleaning cloths, or other accessories, so the Camera Cube V2's can end up looking messy and poorly organized.

This is not to say the Outdoor Adventure backpacks aren't brilliant bags – they are, and their build quality and materials are nothing short of impressive. But from my testing, I would recommend them to somebody who loves the outdoors and exploring, with a little bit of photography, rather than the other way around.

If your balance is the other way around, with photography the priority first and foremost and hiking coming second then the f-stop Tilopa 50L DuraDiamond will likely have a better balance for you. Both are brilliant large $350-ish bags, but one pivots towards hiking, while the other toward camera kit.

So if you're looking for an outdoor photography backpack that prioritizes hiking, trekking, and camping features then the Peak Design 25L and 45L Outdoor Backpacks will be the choice for you! They're super comfortable to trek with on long journeys and have heaps of customization to make sure you get the perfect fit for your body. Plus, they're made from premium and sustainable materials, in particular, I really loved the Weatherproof Terra Shell front which is rugged and also easy to clean. The Hip Belt and metal frame of the larger 45L model also made it really comfortable to wear whilst hiking.

Alternatives

Peak Design's Camera Cubes V2 aren't a new product but are still used in new bags like the hotly anticipated and recently reviewed Peak Design 25L and 45L Outdoor Backpacks. The cube inserts are modular and are designed to work with many (though not all) of Peak Design's camera bags.

The V2 cubes are a modular camera box system for protecting your kit both in and out of your kit bag. This means they're interchangeable and available in five different sizes: Extra Small, Small, SMedium, Medium, Large, ranging from $49.95 to $109.95 depending on the size you go for.

They can also be used in tandem with Peak Design Packing Cubes (available in Extra Extra Small, Extra Small and Small sizes) which are better for clothes, gear and food – the Packing Cubes also come in either a weatherproof Versa Shell or a breathable stretch mesh, the breathability of the latter is better for items you want to dry out such as clothes.

I got hold of the Peak Design Camera Cubes and put them through their paces in this review, though if you'd like to see how Peak Design's latest 25L and 45L Outdoor Backpacks performed you can also see how they fared here. Peak Design claims its Camera Cubes V2 are the only cube systems on the market that are Fair Trade certified, 100% carbon neutral, and guaranteed for life. Here, I put them through their paces to see if you should part with your cash.

Peak Design Camera Cubes V2 Specifications

Build & Handling

The Peak Design Camera Cubes are available in Extra Small (3.5L), Small (6L), SMedium (10L), Medium (13L), Large (20L) which for the sake of this review we’ll refer to as XS, S, SM, M and L. All are made from weatherproof 100% recycled 160D nylon canvas shell with water-resistant Ultra Zips.

Peak Design uses a ‘Cube Units’ system to let you know what will and won’t fit inside proprietary Peak Design bags such as the 25L and 45L Outdoor Backpacks and Slings. You could of course use the Camera Cubes in other non-Peak Design bags, it's just harder to gauge which cubes will or won't fit without trying them first.

The 45L Outdoor Backpack has three Cube Units, so could fit the Large Camera Cube as well as 1-2 Small Packing Cubes, or alternatively a Medium Camera Cube, 2-3 Small Packing Cubes, and a jacket. Or if you’re focusing more on hiking the 45L can fit a tent, sleeping bag, and a single XS Camera Cube. The setup options feel nearly inexhaustible.

The 25L Outdoor Backpack however has just 1.5 Peak Design Cube Units and this means the SMedium Camera Cube is the largest it can take, plus a single Packing Cube. Alternatively, you could fit it with an XS Camera Cube and one or two Medium Packing Cubes.

Peak Design's 7L Outdoor Sling can be used with the XS Camera Cube, though the smallest 2L Outdoor Sling is too small to fit any of the cubes and is better suited to smaller accessories.

The S, SM, and M Camera Cubes can accommodate a camera with a lens attached measuring up to 29cm in length, though this is expanded to 43cm with the Large module.

FlexFold dividers inside do a good job of protecting your kit and there are plenty of them to give you options when organizing your camera bodies, lenses, and accessories. There’s also a soft pouch inside which comes with the supplied C-clips to hook the Camera Cubes into the 25L and 45L Outdoor Backpacks and stop them from tumbling out the main hatch door when opened.

There's no metal frame but the cubes do have some rather beefy padding and there is also some stiff piping around the edges which helps keep the edges of the cubes nice and straight – it also helps the Camera and Packing Cubes stack together neatly inside of your bag as the corners and edges are really crisp. Of course, they’re made to work best with Peak Design’s proprietary bags and here they can clip into specific anchor hooks made for them, though there’s nothing stopping you from adding a Camera Cube V2 to your existing non-proprietary hiking backpack.

The padding on the Camera Cube lids can be removed entirely, allowing the now empty and malleable lid to be neatly folded away when mounted inside your bag. This is a clever design I was very fond of, and also allows the lid to still be used and zipped shut in a hurry if the heavens open whilst you're out hiking. While Peak Design's Outdoor Backpacks are very water resistant, it’s great to be able to zip the cubes up for an additional layer of protection against the elements when needed.

One feature I really liked was the grab handle which goes all the way around underneath the main zipper and this allows you to get a good hold of the modules to fit them in or pull them out of your bag easily.

It’s also worth noting that in addition to the main zipper opening which grants access to the entire cube internals, the Medium and Large Camera Cubes also feature two side access zippered panels. This is particularly useful on the Medium Camera Cube which can be arranged inside your backpack to face upwards so you can grab your main camera with a lens attached from the rolltop opening if needed. This doesn’t work for the Large though as the side doors are on the two sides which don’t point towards the rolltop opening, though on some bags it makes it possible to grab your camera through a side access port. Our Outdoor 25L and 45L Backpacks on test didn't have a side access feature so we weren't able to test this out.

Performance

The Camera Cube V2's modular design is brilliant for the amount of customization it gives users, though it does mean you’ll need to find a place to stash your extra cubes when they’re not being used, and if you have a lot of them it can quickly clutter a space. I did however enjoy lining a drawer with the cubes in my home office and making this a home for my camera kit when not in use. This helped keep my kit organized and protected from dust and moisture when not in use, but ready to go for the next shoot.

Whilst low-profile enough to stash in a drawer, this is a bit of a drawback as they're only 13.5cm deep internally – so are best suited to smaller mirrorless kits and lenses. Larger DSLRs and optics will struggle to have enough space inside the cubes and a camera with a battery grip just isn't practical.

The Camera Cubes are available in sizes from Extra Small through to Large, while the Packing Cubes are available in three sizes from Extra Extra Small to Small (and also in breathable and non-breathable variations). This means there's a comprehensive range of seemingly never-ending combinations for you to find the perfect setup for your shooting style, though I must admit it's a bit overwhelming.

The Camera Cubes employ Peak Design's abrasion-resistant ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene Ultra Zips and in testing I found them to be very smooth and durable. You can also see the weather-sealing material built into the zippers too which adds some extra protection either in your bag or when stored at home. I put each of the cubes under a shower to evaluate its weather resistance and the exterior 160D nylon canvas material is a recycled nylon Versa Shell and did a great job at repelling water. No moisture seeped through the zips either – impressive!

One feature I was a big fan of was the tuck-away lids which allow the top piece of padding to be removed so it can fold away neatly inside of a bag like the Peak Design 25L or 45L Outdoor Backpack so it doesn't hinder or get in the way of your camera kit. The only issue here is you have to find a suitable place to stash the spare padding when it's set up in this way, this means it clutters up a drawer or space at home for the duration of time your cube is mounted inside your bag. It could also lead to it becoming lost or misplaced.

I really appreciated the strap handles built into just below the zipper on every cube as this makes it much easier to grab and pull out the cubes from your bag. This 360º grab handle goes all the way around the top section and has a seatbelt-style woven nylon webbing which is useful to be able to remove the cube inserts if an airline refuses to let you take your backpack on a flight, as the cubes can be easily removed so that you can board with your expensive camera kit, all whilst protected in its cube insert – the rest of your backpack can be stowed in the hold luggage.

Each corner on the top of the lid also has a small counter pull which you can grab for more purchase when operating the zips which is a clever addition.

When it comes to padding the V2 Camera Cubes employ a high-density EVA foam along with plenty of Flexfold dividers. The padding is decent and does a good job of protecting camera kit, and the cubes come with a range of Flexfold dividers depending on your model, these include an XSmall divider, a Small divider with and without a shelf, and a Medium divider. The Small dividers with a shelf are quite interesting as they add extra storage options and allow for example two small pancake lenses to occupy the same slot within the bag and still be protected (see below). The dividers use Velcro to keep them in place and can be moved around and customized to fit your kit best.

There aren't any pockets or zippered sections for small accessories, but the cubes do come with a single 'floating packet' a mesh material bag that can be Velcroed onto one of the internal sides of the cube. By default this stores the provided C-clips to keep the cubes securely attached to the inside of a Peak Design bag, but there's plenty of room for a few spare batteries or memory cards. This needs to be strategically positioned so that it doesn't clang against your kit though as this pocket is only mesh and not padded. It also doesn't seal shut.

On the outside of the cubes, you'll find hidden loops that can be used to attach a Peak Design strap to either wear or transport your cube and kit to the location without the need for a bag.

Comparing the V2 Camera Cubes to its V1 predecessor they are now 2cm shallower, so it's more of a squeeze to fit your kit and certainly more geared towards smaller mirrorless camera setups. They're also about 10-15% lighter than the V1 models depending on which you go for and have a more rigid design. The XS and SM versions are also entirely brand-new size options in the range.

The Medium and Large V2 Camera Cubes also feature a side access panel for use with Peak Design bags that also have a corresponding side access hatch. The 25L and 45L Outdoor Backpacks don't have this feature so it's no good here, but for bags with this option, it provides another point of entry.

Verdict

So should you buy the second iteration of Camera Cubes by Peak Design? Well, if you own a Peak Design bag that is compatible with the V2 Camera Cubes then it makes sense as you'll get the most out of them – neatly clipping into your Peak Design bag and interchangeable with the other sizes depending on how much kit you need to take on a particular shoot.

They're made from very high-quality materials and offer practically all of the features we'd be looking for in a camera cube design. That said, this iteration is more shallow this time around, so do be aware if you own bulky and awkwardly shaped kit such as big DSLR bodies, battery grips, or larger lenses like a 70-200mm f/2.8 as they're not quite as practical to fit in.

It's great to be able to use the cubes to store your camera kit when not being used on a shoot and the cubes can neatly fit inside a cabinet drawer, ready to be grabbed and installed in your bag for the next outing.

I used the V2 cubes with the Peak Design Outdoor Backpacks and it was really handy being able to swap out the different cube sizes and having the option to choose a smaller cube with less camera kit on those times when I needed to pack more hiking and camping kit instead.

The V2 cubes aren't cheap so my suggestion is to buy at least one camera cube in a bundle with your Peak Design bag, and then add more cubes to your collection once you've worked out which sizes you think might work best for your specific needs as this makes it a bit better value.

It's the tripod everybody has wanted since the day it was announced – and it's just received an impressive discount in the Black Friday camera deals.

The Peak Design Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod has been slashed by £102, making it a tempting £447! The super-compact, lightweight design is like no other tripod I've ever seen before, which is just one of the reasons it earned the top spot in our best travel tripods buying guide. And if the carbon fibre still looks a bit too expensive, there is a discount on the cheaper aluminium version too!

It's hard to get that excited over the best tripods but when Peak Design first released their travel tripod we were very impressed. It might have taken four years to design, but the end result is truly a work of genius.

With three flattened legs rather than the standard round ones you find on most tripods for photography, it packs down much smaller than any other travel tripod and can extend to a maximum height of 60 inches.

It might not be the tallest travel tripod ever, but its compact ball head, quick-release legs, and versatile leg configuration enabling you to shoot really close to the ground certainly make up for it.

The carbon fibre version is considerably more expensive than the aluminum version and only 300g lighter but if you're regularly taking it on long hikes or trips abroad that 300 g can make a difference.

It's designed to be used with mirrorless cameras of DSLRs up to 9kg but it also comes with an adapter so that you can use your camera phone with it too. It's as strong and sturdy as any standard tripod I've ever used and despite its compact pack-down size doesn't feel flimsy like some travel tripods.

See our full Peak Design Carbon Fibre Tripod review

What do you get when you mix Peak Design's industry-leading innovation with Carryology's signature aesthetics? The answer – a capsule of photography essentials with an added bit of flair!

Peak Design is an industry leader in photography carry gear, manufacturing some of the market's best camera backpacks, camera slings, wrist straps, and camera straps, each featuring attention to detail that provides photographers and their equipment with security and convenience.

The 'Peak Design x Carryology Essentials Collab' will feature in the Carryology Essentials Program, a series of product collaborations that Carryology hand-picks to celebrate the best-in-class everyday carry gear. Carryology then infuses these with modern designs and new aesthetics, making it a winning alliance.

Carryology states, "This is where we work with the world’s best brands to deliver ‘best-in-class’ essentials for your pockets and packs. These products are chosen because they’re category leaders – and then they're given our signature Carryology upgrades."

The collaboration will feature a capsule of six of Peak Design's most iconic photography tools including a special edition Slide, Slide Lite, Leash, Cuff, Capture Clip, and Mobile Tripod, featuring new colorways and improved slash-proof materials.

Carryology has infused the products with a sleek modern colorway of black and orange, including its signature Auxikko pattern to the hard goods. The Auxikko pattern was coined from taking inspiration from ancient Japanese Kikkō (hexagonal plates built into Samurai body armor) and auxetics, which are materials engineered to grow strong under stress – celebrating the balance between traditional design and modern technological design.

The collection also introduces new material that adds to Peak Design's already robust products. Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fibers have been incorporated into the edges of the strap webbing providing higher resistance to cutting or slashing which unfortunately is an all too common occurrence in 'on-body theft' (mugging/street crime where the attacker has a knife).

The Peak Design x Carryology Essentials Collab launches on October 29 via Carryology's Essentials Program.

Check out our guides to the best camera straps, tripods for smartphones, and camera backpacks.

Camera bag and accessories maker Peak Design has announced its Outdoor line, a versatile system of ultra-lightweight technical bags designed to adapt to all manner of outdoor activities, whether it's a day hike, extended expedition or photo shoot at a hard-to-reach location.

The range consists of four key products: two different-sized backpacks and a pair of sling bags. The Outdoor Backpack is available in 45-liter and 25-liter capacities and in three colors: Black, Cloud and Eclipse. The matching Outdoor Sling has two-liter and seven-liter versions and is available in Black and Cloud colorways.

Made from eco-friendly recycled materials, these bags are designed for adventurers, hikers, campers and photographers. A modular system allows users to customize bags for their own unique needs, creating packing solutions for clothing, outdoor gear, photography equipment or anything else they need.

Inspired by Peak Design's renowned Travel Bags, the Outdoor range incorporates Peak Design's Camera Cubes, making the bags particularly ideal for photographers. The Camera Cubes fit into the Outdoor Backpack 45L and 25L to provide secure, easily accessible compartments for your gear.

For those who like to travel light, the Peak Design Outdoor Sling 7L fits the Camera Cube X-Small. This provides good protection for carrying a small mirrorless camera with lens, a premium compact or a small drone.

The Outdoor range has come to fruition after a hugely successful Kickstarter campaign raised over $2.5 million from more than 10,000 backers, and will be available from mid-November.

The Peak Design Outdoor Backpack 45L will retail for $329.95/£329.99, the Outdoor Backpack 25L retails for $249.95/£249.99, and the Outdoor Slings, available in 7L and 2L are priced at $89.95/£84.99 and $59.95/£59.99 repectively. Australian pricing is to be confirmed.

Don't miss our guide to the best camera backpacks

Peak Design launches Kickstarter for a new line of bags ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, and as we have come to expect with Peak Design, they are packed with useful features and sleek design touches.

The Peak Design Outdoor Line represents the pinnacle of Peak Design's soft-goods innovation, offering customizable modular organization, superior comfort for every body type, and effortless access to gear for those who crave adventure.

Included in the new Outdoor Line are 2 backpacks and 2 slings – 45L and 25L backpacks and 7L and 2L slings – along with several organization and packing tools for securing clothes, electronics, and of course, cameras and lenses.

All of the bags in the Outdoor Line feature Peak Design's new 'PFAS-free 100% recycled weatherproof Terra Shell exterior fabric, proprietary abrasion-resistant Ultra ZipsTM, and UHMWPE (ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene) cording that is highly slash resistant'. They are also proudly manufactured by Fair Trade-certified factories, an important detail in today's world of fast fashion.

The Outdoor Line backpacks offer comprehensive support and comfort by way of a unique harness system. The low-profile system utilizes adjustable shoulder and waist straps to provide superior comfort and fit with significantly less bulk. Peak Design certainly likes to pack its products full of clever design touches and the straps are no different, each constructed with breathable materials, and offering anchor points for attaching accessories, including a dedicated capture clip pocket.

These clever design elements carry on throughout the bag, which draws its design shape inspiration from running vests, for an even and uniform weight distribution over a greater surface area.

The backpacks provide two different forms of access. A giant rear back panel for full visibility of the interior and access to hidden pockets and laptop sleeves, and a magnetically secured and quick-opening roll-top. The roll-top access makes use of a new design feature named Ultra-Cinch, enabling users to quickly and efficiently fasten and decompress the bag.

The storage can be further expanded by the modular nature of the Outdoor Line, enabling extra capacity via its Control Hook carry system – a network of stretchy Flex Pockets that can hold water bottles, tripods, jackets, and more. In addition, the slings can also be attached via the modular system, attaching to the shoulder or hip straps, providing useful chest-mounted storage while hiking on trails.

Each of the Outdoor Line bags is designed to seamlessly integrate with the Peak Design Camera Cubes and Ultralight Packing Cubes, enabling users to completely customize their setup. The backpacks can be constructed to hold all of your photography gear for a day of shooting and then be transformed into a travel bag in the evening.

The packing cubes are the key ingredient in turning the bags into some of the best camera backpacks on the market. They are available in 5 different sizes that each correspond to the size of the bags and additionally the 7L sling. They protect from drops and knocks in addition to the elements and attach securely to the inside of the bags for a more stable and secure fit.

Peak Design Founder and CEO Peter Dering states, “Our very first product—Capture—was a clip that let you carry your camera on your backpack strap while hiking. Since then, Peak Design has been synonymous with ‘outdoor photography.’ Yet we still haven’t created true outdoor bags...until now. The Outdoor Line is not only the culmination of everything we’ve learned as bag designers, it’s also a giant nod to our most loyal and longest-tenured customers.”

These bags are more than just photography bags, they are exceptionally designed bags that can be utilized on a week-long hike through the mountains, or just as efficiently, on the daily commute into the office.

The Kickstarter launches today and runs through October 15, when it will be available to preorder with an early bird discount of 20-25%, and is scheduled for a January 2025 release.

The pricing of the bags is as follows:

Outdoor Backpack 45L: $329.95 / £250 / AU $485
Outdoor Backpack 25L: $249.95 / £190 / AU $370
Outdoor Sling 7L: $89.95 / £70 / AU $13
Outdoor Sling 2L: $59.95 / £45 / AU $90
(UK and Australian pricing converted from the US pricing, ahead of official pricing being confirmed).

You may also be interested in our guides to the best camera backpacks, the best camera slings, and the best wrist straps.

It is no secret that Peak Design has revolutionized the camera strap, with its signature red and black anchor points a staple on most modern photographers' kits. But those familiar with the brand know that colorways have taken a backseat to the design of its products, until now. 

For the first time in many years, Peak Design has released a new color for its range of camera straps, considered among the best camera straps on the market. The Peak Design Coyote Version will be available in the Peak Design Slide, Slide Lite, and Leash shoulder straps, and for the Cuff camera wrist strap – offering a natural color tone that wouldn't look out of place on an Indiana Jones adventure. 

The Peak Design Coyote straps are functionally identical to the other colorways, however in a bid to continue the brand's environmental efforts, the Coyote Leash and Coyote Cuff straps contain 35% recycled nylon. This is the first time Peak Design straps have contained recycled webbing. Like the rest of the colorways, the Coyote Slide and Slide Lite are solution-dyed, a production process that saves on water and energy.

For those unfamiliar with the Peak Design strap range, here is a brief overview of each of the products:

Peak Design Slide

This is the heaviest-duty camera strap on offer from Peak Design and supports all cameras including DSLR and medium format. Although capable of withstanding the heavy load of large cameras and lenses, the strap is sleek and unobtrusive and can be used as a neck strap, over-shoulder strap, or sling. The quick and easy sliding mechanism makes changing the length of the strap extremely fast and efficient.

Peak Design Slide Lite

The Slide Lite is a slimmed-down version of the slide, featuring a thinner strap profile. Although smaller it is still capable of secure carry of the best mirrorless cameras and lenses on the market, and is often preferred due to its compactability. Much like the Slide one side of the strap is smooth and the other gripped, enabling the user to easily switch between carry and action. 

Peak Design Leash

The leash is designed for the minimalist as its thin design makes carrying, wearing, and packing the leash easy. The Leash is ideal for lightweight models such as compact cameras as it adds to the minimal approach and can be easily placed into your pocket. The lack of shoulder pads and bulk make it ideal for use on an everyday carry camera. 

Peak Design Cuff

The cuff is designed for those who prefer the camera/ binoculars secured around the wrist rather than the neck. The secure system prevents camera drops and the camera strap from getting in the way of your viewfinder when taking the shot. Much like the rest of the Peak Design products, the Cuff features a handy feature that allows the loose end of the Cuff to be magnetized to the rest to stop flapping when disconnected from the camera. 

I have owned the Peak Design Slide Lite and Leash for several years, and they have made carrying my camera around daily extremely easy. I use the Slide for my medium format Fujifilm GFX 50S II and the Leash for my Fujifilm X100F, and have never had an issue with the straps. The anchor points supplied with each strap provide security that the equipment is safe and secure, and the grip/non-grip design makes switching between carrying and shooting a breeze. 

Although my straps are still working to their fullest, and fall under the Peak Design lifetime guarantee, the new Coyote colorway is too chic to pass up, so it is now on the shopping list. 

The Coyote colorway is available now for the same price as the existing editions. 
Peak Design Slide - $70 / £60 / AU $110.
Peak Design Slide Lite - $60 / £50 / AU $95.
Peak Design Leash - $45 / £40 / AU $70.
Peak Design Cuff - $35 / £30 / AU $55. 

It's the tripod everybody has wanted since the day it was announced – and it's just received a massive discount in the Black Friday camera deals.

The Peak Design Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod has been slashed by $178, its lowest price ever! The super-compact, lightweight design is like no other tripod I've ever seen before, which is just one of the reasons it earned the top spot in our best travel tripods buying guide. 

It's hard to get that excited over tripods, but when Peak Design first released its travel tripod I was very impressed. It might have taken four years to design, but the end result is truly a work of genius. With three flattened legs rather than the standard round ones you find on most tripods for photography, it packs down much smaller than any other travel tripod and can extend to a maximum height of 60 inches.

It might not be the tallest travel tripod ever but its compact ball head, quick-release legs and versatile leg configuration (enabling you to shoot really close to the ground) certainly make up for it. The carbon fiber version is considerably more expensive than the aluminum version and only 300g lighter, but if you're regularly taking it on long hikes or trips abroad those 300g can make a difference.

It's designed to be used with mirrorless cameras or DSLRs up to 9kg, but it also comes with an adapter so that you can use your camera phone with it. It's as strong and sturdy as any standard tripod I've ever used and, despite its compact pack-down size, doesn't feel flimsy like some travel tripods.

If you regularly shoot on loose dirt, sand, ice or gravel you can buy the Peak Design Spiked Feet separately, which will give your tripod added stability and prevent it moving on these surfaces. You can also buy a Table-top Kit that enables you to remove four sections and attach alternative rubber feet, which cut down on the weight by around 40%. 

Peak Design doesn't usually offer such big discounts, so you should take advantage of the 30% off for Black Friday while you still can. If you can't quite stretch to the carbon fiber, the aluminium version has also been discounted from AU$589.95 to $501.46 at Peak Design – but on this occasion, we reckon splashing out the extra $150 for the carbon fibre version is totally worth it. 

It's the tripod everybody has wanted since the day it was announced – and it's just received a massive discount in the Black Friday camera deals.

The Peak Design Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod has been slashed by $178, its lowest price ever! The super-compact, lightweight design is like no other tripod I've ever seen before, which is just one of the reasons it earned the top spot in our best travel tripods buying guide. 

It's hard to get that excited over tripods, but when Peak Design first released its travel tripod I was very impressed. It might have taken four years to design, but the end result is truly a work of genius. With three flattened legs rather than the standard round ones you find on most tripods for photography, it packs down much smaller than any other travel tripod and can extend to a maximum height of 60 inches.

It might not be the tallest travel tripod ever but its compact ball head, quick-release legs and versatile leg configuration (enabling you to shoot really close to the ground) certainly make up for it. The carbon fiber version is considerably more expensive than the aluminum version and only 300g lighter, but if you're regularly taking it on long hikes or trips abroad those 300g can make a difference.

It's designed to be used with mirrorless cameras or DSLRs up to 9kg, but it also comes with an adapter so that you can use your camera phone with it. It's as strong and sturdy as any standard tripod I've ever used and, despite its compact pack-down size, doesn't feel flimsy like some travel tripods.

If you regularly shoot on loose dirt, sand, ice or gravel you can buy the Peak Design Spiked Feet separately, which will give your tripod added stability and prevent it moving on these surfaces. You can also buy a Table-top Kit that enables you to remove four sections and attach alternative rubber feet, which cut down on the weight by around 40%. 

Peak Design doesn't usually offer such big discounts, so you should take advantage of the 30% off for Black Friday while you still can. If you can't quite stretch to the carbon fiber, the aluminum version has also been discounted from $379.95 to $322.96 – but on this occasion, we reckon splashing out the extra $100 for the carbon fiber version is totally worth it. 

Peak Design has just launched a set of upgraded Camera Cubes with enhanced protection, better organization and more sizes to choose from. The award-winning cubes were first launched in 2018 and have since helped photographers all over the world keep their kit safe and easily accessible while on the move.

For travel photographers, making sure your kit is safe and easily accessible is the number one priority but if it can look stylish too, that's always a bonus. Known for making some of the best camera backpacks and camera bags and cases, Peak Design's Camera Cubes can be used as standalone cases or used alongside its range of travel backpacks. Originally available in three sizes, following customer feedback Peak Design has added two new sizes to the collection including an X-Small ($49.94) and a medium ($64.95).

• Also check out the best camera straps which include Peak Design's stylish and easily adjustable Slide Lite

Camera Cubes are an ultra-protective, easy-access packing solution that gives travel photographers and videographers ultimate control over configuration while taking away the nerves of traveling with an expensive camera kit. Whether you travel with a single mirrorless camera and a couple of lenses or multiple camera bodies, a drone, a flashgun and all the accessories, there is a perfect cube for you. They fit perfectly inside the Peak Design Travel Bags or you can buy them to keep your kit safe in a regular rucksack. 

The new V2 Cubes benefit from an expanded main opening so you can see everything you have and access it easily. Medium and large cubes also feature dual side zips so you can access your kit using the side pockets if you have the 45L Travel Backpack while the smaller cubes have a designated pocket for storing small accessories such as filters, lens caps, SD cards or spare batteries. To ensure these new cubes meet Peak Design’s high standards and sustainability goals, all cubes feature weatherproof #8 Ultra Zips, weatherproof taping on external seams and are made from a recycled, Blue-sign approved 160D nylon canvas shell. 

In 2018, the original Camera Cubes won three Best in Show awards at Outdoor retailer but Peak Design hopes the additional upgrades will make the new editions even more prize-worthy. Peak Design’s Camera Cubes V2 will be available from October 17 directly from the Peak Design website or from camera retailers worldwide.

The Peak Design Micro Clutch is an evolution of the company’s original Clutch camera wrist strap and it’s designed specifically for use with mirrorless cameras. 

There are two versions of the Micro Clutch, the L-Plate and the I-Plate. The ‘L’ refers to the shape of the Micro Clutch’s base plate, it’s not an L-bracket like the 3 Legged Thing Alfie. 

The L-Plate is for cameras with a pronounced hand grip while the I-Plate version is for more flat-fronted cameras. Both Micro Clutches are compatible with the Peak Design Travel Tripod, Capture Clip, and straps.

The Micro Clutch is fiddly to fit first time as the bolt that holds the base plate needs to be screwed in to the right depth in the camera’s tripod bush to allow the plate (with or without the tripod plate) to be aligned and slid into position. The bolt can then be tighten to give a secure grip. 

Helpfully, there’s a tool for tightening and loosening the bolt hidden neatly in the base plate, however, it’s a flat screwdriver type with the blade at 90° to the shaft, which makes it a bit awkward to use.

It’s important that the tool is quick to hand because the base plate also needs to be loosened to access the camera’s battery compartment, and in some cases the memory card slot.

With the base plate mounted, the Hypalon strap can be fixed through the camera’s strap lug. The idea is that your index finger remains free to press the shutter button while your next two fingers slide through the strap to keep the camera safe. It works well but you may need to spend time getting the strap length right.

• Peak Design Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod review
• Peak Design Shell Camera Cover review
• Peak Design Everyday Messenger 13-inch V2
• Peak Design Everyday Backpack 20L review

Peak Design's award-winning Travel Tripod is on sale right now for the very first time! If you've had your eye on one of these durable tripods for a while, then now is the time to strike and bag yourself a deal during this year's Black Friday event, which will conclude on Peak Design's website in just 4 days, so you'd better hurry!

Save up to $97.50 in Peak Design's Black Friday sale on the Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod, priced at only US$552.45 via Amazon, Moment, B&H, and directly from Peak Design. You can also save $27 on the Aluminum Travel Tripod from Peak Design, currently reduced to $322.95 from the same retailers. 

• Take a look at our Peak Design Travel Tripod (Aluminum) and Peak Design Travel Tripod (Carbon Fiber) review to see just how highly we rate them

Perfect for the adventure types, these two Travel Tripods are both built to last with Peak Design's lifetime guarantee, and design cleverness that allows both models to fold down into a neat and compact form, and lightning-fast deployment. 

The two tripods have a lot of similarities, with the same maximum and minimum heights, though the aluminum version is 290g heavier than the carbon fiber version, and about 20% less stiff and without vibration damping.

Some of the best travel tripods and best carbon fiber tripods from other brands might suit you better, but as we said in our review, none offer this high level of performance and build quality – especially at this new discounted price!

If you can handle a little extra bulk and aren't fussed about having the carbon fiber weave pattern, then it may be worth opting for the aluminum model over the carbon fiber to save yourself a few extra dollars.

If you're based in the UK, you can still save money and grab a deal on these Peak Design Travel Tripods. The Carbon Fiber tripod is priced at £403.71 directly from Peak Design's website, and the Aluminum model is only £233.71 from Peak Design. 

• You may also want to check out the best camera accessories, and the best video tripods, as well as the best budget tripods, and the best iPhone tripods.

Something of a wonder material, carbon fiber is used extensively in the construction of racecars and other high-performance vehicles, as well as in most of the best tripods you can buy. Carbon fiber tripods are both stronger and lighter than their aluminum counterparts, which is useful for pretty much any genre of shooting. But ‘better’ usually equates to ‘more expensive’ and carbon tripods are certainly no exception.

Although renowned for being pricey, carbon fiber tripods don’t have to be prohibitively expensive. Many major manufacturers offer carbon options of their tripods that are fairly budget-friendly. Check out some of the big names in the business like Manfrotto, 3 Legged Thing, Benro and Vanguard, and you’ll see a number of carbon fiber tripods that offer premium quality at very good value for money.

So how do you choose? Different carbon fiber tripods offer different features – some can carry more weight than others, while others have clever extra options like the ability to convert to a monopod, or a reversible central column that makes it easy to shoot close-ups down at ground level. It's worth shopping around to find a tripod with all of the features you need, and that you’re not paying for a whole bunch of extras that you’re never going to use. Let’s take a closer look at some of the best options on the market right now.

Best carbon fiber tripods 

Best multi-purpose carbon fiber tripod

Carbon fiber tripods usually fall into one of two categories – big full-height tripods or travel tripods. From 3 Legged Thing’s Pro 2.0 range, the Winston 2.0 is a full-height tripod that reaches a towering 194cm / 76.4” maximum operating height, complete with a super-strong 40g / 88lbs load rating, and that includes its rock-steady AirHed Pro ball head that comes in the complete kit, all wrapped up in a high-quality padded carrying case. And carrying is actually simplified by Winston taking a leaf out of travel tripod design. The legs swing up and surround the extended center column, enabling it to fold down to just 61.2cm / 24” in length.

Naturally, it can sometimes be just as important to be able to shoot from a really low level instead of from up on high. The tripod obliges, as you can remove the center column and attach the head directly to the legs, which splay out to enable a minimum operating height of just 23.1cm / 9.09”.

In many recent tripods, you can remove one leg and attach it to the center column to act as a monopod. The Winston goes one (or two) better in that you can remove all the legs. As well as monopod duty, this enables you to fit optional Vanz dual ball/spiked feet (sold separately as an optional extra) and turn the Winston 2.0 into a sturdy tabletop-tripod. Other footwear is also available, to suit pretty much any kind of terrain.

Read our full 3 Legged Thing Winston 2.0 tripod review

• Back to the top ⤴

Best budget carbon fiber tripod

The Vanguard Vesta TB 204CB is a highly affordable and complete carbon fiber travel tripod kit, and the inclusion of carbon fiber legs and a ball head at this price point is remarkable. Weighing just 0.78kg (1.72lb) and folding down to a compact 37.5cm (14.8 inches), it is ideal for travelers who want to pack it inside a daily bag without it being a burden.

The tripod's design features four-section legs with twist-locks and a reversible center column that can be used for low-level shooting. The included T-46 ball head has a quick-release plate, a single locking knob for pan and tilt, and a separate friction control.

Its main limitation is its modest maximum height of 130cm (51 inches) with the center column extended, and the tripod can feel a little bit wobbly at this full height. But on the whole, the Vanguard Vesta TB 204CB is an attractive and well-made kit that offers exceptional value for money, and makes an excellent choice for budget-conscious photographers on the go.

Read our full Vanguard Vesta TB 204CB review

• Back to the top ⤴

Best travel carbon fiber tripod

Built from carbon fiber and aluminum alloy, the Freewell FW-T1 supports everything from smartphones to medium-format cameras while remaining exceptionally lightweight. Its standout feature is versatility; the quick-release plate cleverly doubles as a phone holder when flipped, allowing creators to switch seamlessly between professional photography and social media content.

One leg can be detached to convert into a monopod, offering flexibility for fast-paced shooting. The tripod also includes a 360° ball head that supports portrait orientation without needing an L-bracket, accessory expansion holes, and a hidden compartment for an AirTag.

The twist-lock legs allow for quick setup with three flexible angle positions (20°, 55°, and 75°), making it adaptable to uneven terrain. The ball head is smooth and precise, though the multiple levers can initially be confusing. While it sits in a mid-range price bracket, the professional build quality and thoughtful engineering make it excellent value for money.

Read our full Freewell FW-T1 review

• Back to the top ⤴

Best premium travel carbon fiber tripod

This is the first tripod Peak Design (best-known for its camera bags) has made – and considering the carbon fiber version is one of the most expensive travel tripods around, it needs to be good. And it is. The low-profile ball head is quite simple but well-made, the overall rigidity is excellent, and it reaches to a good height.

Perhaps the nicest touch is the attention Peak Design has paid to how the tripod folds down. There’s very little ‘dead volume’ between the center column and the legs, so not only is the folded tripod short (just 39cm), it’s also slim enough to go inside a camera bag, while most tripods have to strap to the outside.

There is a much less expensive aluminum version available, with the same design features but slightly less resistance to vibration.

Read our full Peak Design Travel Tripod review

• Back to the top ⤴

Best design

The Benro Cyanbird Carbon Tripod comes as a kit with Benro's FS30 Head, and the pair makes for a great combination that stands out for its innovative design and performance. Unlike many typical travel tripod designs, this forgoes swing-up legs, thus allowing for quicker setup and breakdown, but rather than being completely circular in shape, the legs are made of oval, curved leg sections that wrap around a triangular center column, minimizing its stowed size to a still-very-compact 45.5cm. The supplied FS30 ball head offers similarly innovative design solutions, with the panning section located at the top of the head rather than the base, which makes leveling the tripod for panning particularly easy.

Despite its lightweight construction – tipping the scales at a shade under a kilogram – it offers impressive rigidity and stability, offering solid support for loads up to 4.5kg, even at its maximum height of 150cm, effectively resisting vibrations and ensuring stable shots. While this carbon tripod is priced higher than the hybrid version (which combines carbon fiber and aluminum), its clever design and attention to detail justify the cost, and it's a worthwhile investment for photographers and videographers seeking a compact, lightweight, and high-performing travel tripod.

Read more: Benro Cyanbird Carbon Tripod + FS30 head kit review

• Back to the top ⤴

Best for height range

The Neewer LiteTrip LT38 travel tripod is constructed from high-quality carbon fiber, but rather than traditional circular tubes, the legs have a flattened profile for compact stowage. It features five-section legs and a two-section center column, and offers three locking leg angles, which enable a really versatile range for shooting up high and down low, with a maximum operating height of 155cm and a minimum operating height of 15cm.

Some five-section tripods are a bit on the flimsy side, but not so the LiteTrip LT38, which boasts a substantial 10kg load capacity and effectively minimizes vibrations and unwanted flexing. What's more, the 12 leg-locking levers are quick and easy to operate, enabling quick setup times. All in all, this Neewer tripod makes for an excellent choice, combining a high-end carbon fiber build with a robust and adaptable ball head, delivering outstanding performance.

Read more: Neewer LiteTrip LT38 review

• Back to the top ⤴

Best carbon fiber tripod for video

Built to an exceptional standard, this tripod kit is made with professional-grade video in mind. It’s robust enough to take a specialist cine camera or a pro-level full-frame camera, and gives rock-solid support. In my testing, I was delighted with the ease of setup, with single-twist legs making adjustments a breeze.

The head supplied in this kit is a work of art, with beautifully smooth pan and tilt, and adjustable drag to choose the degree of friction you want. This isn’t a cheap kit, but the fluid filming experience it delivers easily justifies the cost.

Read our full Manfrotto 635 Fast Single Leg Carbon & 504X head review

• Back to the top ⤴

Best easy-setup carbon fiber tripod

The carbon fiber version of Manfrotto's 055 tripod, the Manfrotto MT055CXPRO3 is designed to marry superior stability with smooth operation. Its redesigned center column can pivot 90 degrees easily, with redesigned ‘one-finger’ operation that makes the whole enterprise easier than ever to set up. Its legs are secured by new Quick Power Locks that provide 50% more rigidity compared to its predecessor, and each leg can be positioned independently.

A bubble level has been set into the top of the center column, rotating freely around it so you can always position it somewhere you can see it. This allows you to get your horizons straighter than straight. What's more, the Easy Link connector at the top supports the attachment of additional accessories like video monitors or extra lights, further expanding the tripod's utility for a broad swathe of users.

Read our full Manfrotto MT055CXPRO3 review

• Back to the top ⤴

Best tough carbon fiber tripod

Benro Rhino tripods are designed to be as sturdy and hefty as their name implies. This model, the catchily named FRHN34CVX30, is able to support a whopping 20kg of camera kit, making it more than equipped for even the most extravagant of photo or video setups.

It's all down to the build, which uses braided carbon fiber tubing to keep the weight down without compromising on strength. The tripod packs away pleasingly small, with reverse-folding legs that flip up to surround the head when they're not being used. It's also easy to attach an extra accessory arm for a smartphone or video monitor, further expanding your shooting options.

This tripod also comes bundled with one of Benro's VX ball heads, which have been specifically designed to complement the Rhino range. In real terms, this means that they are also strong and lightweight, but there are a few extra features as well, such as the redesigned quick-release plate with a safety catch to prevent calamity resulting from accidentally releasing the camera. All in all, it adds up to an impressive, high-quality setup for pretty much any camera user.

Read our full Benro Rhino FRHN34CVX30 review

• Back to the top ⤴

Most versatile carbon fiber tripod

With so many knobs, this doesn’t look at first glance like an easy tripod to use, but it’s actually pretty intuitive to set up – and it gets better from there.

This is a tripod that ticks all the boxes. It can take a heavy load (up to 25kg), it’s tall and proved to be extremely sturdy during our testing, and all for a reasonable price. You can pivot the center column when you want to shoot low, perhaps for macro.

If compact storage is important to you, other tripods reach similar heights but fold down much smaller. But if you want a tripod that can cope with virtually any shooting situation, this is a strong choice.

Read our full Vanguard VEO 3+ 303CBS review

• Back to the top ⤴

Aluminum vs Carbon Fiber

Aluminum tripods are created from an aluminum alloy, and while it's not the strongest metal available, it is relatively strong for its weight. It also has the benefit of being fairly malleable, meaning that if you manage to damage it via impact, it will more likely become bent rather than completely broken, and therefore still be usable.

Carbon fiber is a composite material in which strings of carbon atoms are set in a plastic resin, and have a very high strength-to-weight ratio, meaning that tripods made from the material are much lighter to carry. However, while tougher than aluminum, if it suffers from a sudden impact, its greater rigidity means it’s prone to cracking or shattering – in cold weather or when dropped onto a hard surface. So carbon fiber tripods need to be used with more care than aluminum ones.

Carbon fiber tripods are touted as stronger and lighter than their metallic counterparts. When we refer to tripod ‘strength’, we’re essentially talking about stiffness – resistance to compression when a load is placed on top. Stiffness is measured in gigapascals (GPa), and aluminum scores 69 compared to around 181 for carbon fiber. So, for the same diameter tripod leg, carbon fiber is much stronger, and because the material is less dense, it’s far lighter, too (although you should note there are different grades of carbon fiber).

Metal is a better thermal conductor than carbon fiber, which is bad news in cold weather, as aluminum tripods will be incredibly cold to the touch – too cold to handle without gloves. Carbon fiber tripods are warmer to the touch, which landscape photographers will appreciate. Many aluminum tripods have a foam covering on the top section of one leg, but this further adds to the bulk, and you’ll still need gloves to set up the tripod.

How to choose

Although all tripods have three legs, there are lots of features to differentiate between different models. These are some of the key features to consider when picking the right one for you:

Maximum height
A tripod that can at least reach up to your own head height is useful – but it can make the tripod bigger and heavier, so you may need to compromise on this.

Minimum height
How low can you go when photographing a subject? Some tripods allow their legs to stretch out sideways, or to reverse the column so the head is suspended between the legs, to get you close to the ground. This is particularly useful, say, when photographing flowers.

Folded size
The size of the tripod when folded is important for travel. Some tripod legs have more sections than others, to help keep the tripod compact when not in use. Some have swing-up legs, so the feet encircle the head.

Heads
Some tripods are sold with a head, and others are not, to allow you to choose the legs and head separately. Most tripod kits are sold with a ball head.

Leg section clamps
Twist-action locking clamps are generally more popular for loosening and locking the leg sections, but the Manfrotto 055 uses equally effective flip locks.

Monopod option
With some tripods, you can unscrew one leg and use it with the center column as a monopod.

Pivot facility
Some tripods have a center column that pivots to allow you to have the camera pointing straight down to the ground – useful for flat-lay photography, and more.

How we test tripods

When we test carbon fiber tripods for review, we take note of the manufacturers' specifications for payload, working height, and folded length, and carry out our own subjective assessment of rigidity, stability, ease of use, and design to see how the tripod measures up. Over the years, we've tested many, many tripods, either for standalone reviews, for group tests, or while working on tutorial or how-to articles, so by now we know exactly what we're looking for and which features count most.

Read more about how we test and review on Digital Camera World

• Back to the top ⤴

I like to travel light, whether I’m walking city streets, trekking across the countryside, or jetting off to the other side of the world. Conventional full-sized tripods tend to be big, heavy, and unwieldy – so I often leave mine at home, making it completely useless. By contrast, the best travel tripods literally take a load off. They’re made to be compact and lightweight, but in the past, they’ve often been notorious for being flimsy, relatively unstable, and too small to offer a useful operating height. The new breed of travel tripod tempts me with the promise of giving me the best of both worlds.

Many modern travel tripods have legs that swing upwards for storage, so that the head is encircled by the feet. This typically reduces the folded height by as much as 4in / 10cm. Some also include as many as five sections in each leg, and a two-section extending center column, reducing the folded height even further, while still enabling reasonably lofty shooting. I find they take longer to set up and fold away, but it’s a trade I’m willing to make for smaller stowage.

These are the best of the best travel tripods, but if you're on a limited budget, you might also want to check out our guide to the best budget tripods, many of which are also travel tripods. I've linked each mini-review to our full reviews so you can get even more in-depth info on the models you're most interested in.

My recommendations of the best travel tripods

Best tripod overall

The Peak Design Travel Tripod may be the first tripod that Peak Design has made, but it's hands-down one of the best travel tripods that I've ever used! While I tried the carbon fiber model, there is an aluminum version that has all the same design features, with a little more weight and less vibration resistance, but is a massive 40% cheaper. A couple of the other tripods here will go higher, but the Peak Design will still go to eye level for an average-height person, and it packs down to just 39cm in length.

I like that it's designed to cut out the dead space between the legs and the column when packed, which means it's not just short when folded but very slim too – I can put this inside my camera bag or cabin bag instead of just strapping it to the outside. The low-profile ball head is simple but brilliant. There's a phone holder hidden inside the center column, and best of all for me, the tripod feels seriously rigid.

Read more: Peak Design Travel Tripod review

• Back to the top ⤴

Best for versatility

The Manfrotto Befree Advanced AS is a great travel tripod compromise: it’s sturdy but lightweight, folds down nice and small, and the clever head takes just about anything I can throw at it.

The included Befree Advanced 494 Center Ball Head is super quick and easy to work with, but fully featured, with independent adjustments for the main ball lock/release, plus an adjustable friction damper and a panning lock. Below the head is Manfrotto’s ‘Easy Link’ socket, which is ideal for mounting an LED video lamp, microphone, or other accessories.

You can have the Manfrotto Befree Advanced AS is an aluminum or carbon construction, but I reckon the aluminum option is the best value. It still weighs just 1.51kg / 3.3lb, making the complete kit impressively lightweight for an aluminum setup. What's more, you can also have this tripod with either twist clamps for the leg sections or lever locks, depending on your personal preference. The 9kg load capacity is also generous, and despite the tripod's low weight, it still feels reasonably sturdy, even at its full 150cm stretch.

Read more: Manfrotto Befree Advanced AS review

• Back to the top ⤴

Best alloy tripod

I find that all of the Punks tripods from 3 Legged Thing are very travel-friendly, but the Corey 2.0 is the smallest and easiest to pack for the journey. It has the usual swing-up legs to save stowage space, this time with five sections in each, plus a two-section head, enabling a decent maximum operating height but a very small stowage size.

Don’t be put off that this one’s not a carbon fiber tripod. It’s actually made from aerospace-grade magnesium alloy, and the upshot is that it’s still lightweight yet very strong, with a hefty 14kg maximum load rating.

It ticks another two boxes on my wish list by easily converting to a monopod and enabling ultra-low-level shooting, with the option of attaching the ball head directly to the canopy (leaving the center column out of the equation). All three legs are removable, and Vanz footwear (sold separately) transforms the Corey 2.0 into a stylish tabletop tripod.

Read more: 3 Legged Thing Punks Corey 2.0 review

• Back to the top ⤴

Best tripod for features

Built from carbon fiber and aluminum alloy, the Freewell FW-T1 supports everything from smartphones to medium-format cameras while remaining exceptionally lightweight. Its standout feature is versatility; the quick-release plate cleverly doubles as a phone holder when flipped, allowing creators to switch seamlessly between professional photography and social media content.

One leg can be detached to convert into a monopod, offering flexibility for fast-paced shooting. The tripod also includes a 360° ball head that supports portrait orientation without needing an L-bracket, accessory expansion holes, and a hidden compartment for an AirTag.

The twist-lock legs allow for quick setup with three flexible angle positions (20°, 55°, and 75°), making it adaptable to uneven terrain. The ball head is smooth and precise, though the multiple levers can initially be confusing. While it sits in a mid-range price bracket, the professional build quality and thoughtful engineering make it excellent value for money.

Read more: Freewell FW-T1 review

• Back to the top ⤴

Best for height range

The Neewer LiteTrip LT38 travel tripod is constructed from high-quality carbon fiber, but rather than traditional circular tubes, the legs have a flattened profile for compact stowage. It features five-section legs and a two-section center column, and offers three locking leg angles, which enable a really versatile range for shooting up high and down low, with a maximum operating height of 155cm and a minimum operating height of 15cm.

Some five-section tripods are a bit on the flimsy side, but not so the LiteTrip LT38, which boasts a substantial 10kg load capacity and effectively minimizes vibrations and unwanted flexing. What's more, the 12 leg-locking levers are quick and easy to operate, enabling quick setup times. All in all, this Neewer tripod makes for an excellent choice, combining a high-end carbon fiber build with a robust and adaptable ball head, delivering outstanding performance.

Read more: Neewer LiteTrip LT38 review

• Back to the top ⤴

Best design

The Benro Cyanbird Carbon Tripod comes as a kit with Benro's FS30 Head, and the pair makes for a great combination that stands out for its innovative design and performance. Unlike many typical travel tripod designs, this forgoes swing-up legs, thus allowing for quicker setup and breakdown, but rather than being completely circular in shape, the legs are made of oval, curved leg sections that wrap around a triangular center column, minimizing its stowed size to a still-very-compact 45.5cm. The supplied FS30 ball head offers similarly innovative design solutions, with the panning section located at the top of the head rather than the base, which makes leveling the tripod for panning particularly easy.

Despite its lightweight construction – tipping the scales at a shade under a kilogram – it offers impressive rigidity and stability, offering solid support for loads up to 4.5kg, even at its maximum height of 150cm, effectively resisting vibrations and ensuring stable shots. While this carbon tripod is priced higher than the hybrid version (which combines carbon fiber and aluminum), its clever design and attention to detail justify the cost, and it's a worthwhile investment for photographers and videographers seeking a compact, lightweight, and high-performing travel tripod.

Read more: Benro Cyanbird Carbon Tripod + FS30 head kit review

• Back to the top ⤴

Best lightweight tripod

With five sections in each swing-up leg and a two-section center column, this Vanguard folds down to just over a foot long yet gives a reasonable maximum operating height. I find it can easily fit into my daily bag or backpack. It’s also very lightweight, although, as expected, the alternative aluminum version is a little heavier. The bottom leg sections are quite spindly, with a diameter of just 11mm, but stability is pretty good even at full stretch.

As well as giving a typically quick and easy change to monopod configuration, the Vanguard is more unusual in coming complete with a smartphone adapter. I like that it works well as a monopod and even a selfie stick, so I only need to take one support for the journey rather than two or three.

Read more: Vanguard VEO 3GO 235CB review

• Back to the top ⤴

Best for sturdiness

The 3 Legged Thing Leo 2.0 is no ordinary tripod. It folds down to just 35cm in length but opens out to offer a maximum height of 146cm and a huge payload capacity of 30kg. That far exceeds the weight of any of my camera and lens combinations, but the net result is great rigidity.

I like that it has a detachable monopod leg that can also be used as a microphone or camera boom, a Tri-Mount system for adding accessories, and an innovative two-section center column. That helps it to fold down really small yet reach a decent maximum operating height. You can buy the legs on their own, but I’d get the complete kit with 3 Legged Thing’s new and improved AirHed Pro Lever ball head.

The Leo 2 is not the lightest travel tripod you can get, and not the cheapest, but its ratio of folded length to maximum height, combined with its all-around versatility, makes it one of the best.

Read more: 3 Legged Thing Leo 2.0 + AirHead Pro Review

• Back to the top ⤴

Best with 3-way head

The Manfrotto Befree 3-Way Live Advanced is a lightweight photographer’s travel tripod paired with a three-way head. Although ball heads have become hugely popular, I actually prefer a 3-way head for the likes of architectural and close-up shooting, where precise adjustments can be critical. The 3-way fluid head in this case uses a hydraulic damping system to make it easy for smooth, fluid camera movements, so I find it also works well for shooting video.

The tripod, meanwhile, provides a good balance between capacity, weight, and price. It’ll take 6kg of kit and only weighs 2kg itself. I’ve tested lighter and stronger tripods, but they tended to be more pricey than this one.

It’s not as tall as some of the other tripods in this guide, and doesn’t fold down particularly small, the latter not helped by having a 3-way rather than ball head. But, for the vast majority of purposes, this is an impressive all-around package and merits serious consideration for any traveling photographer or videographer.

Read more: Manfrotto Befree 3-Way Live Advanced tripod review

• Back to the top ⤴

Best compact tripod

A plus point for me when space is at a premium is that the Benro Rhino 05C VX20 (also called the Rhino Zero Series VX20) is the smallest in a group of four recently launched Rhino travel tripods. Compactness doesn’t equate to flimsiness, though, and I’ve found that it’s remarkably rigid and robust for such a compact tripod. Another nice touch is that Benro’s companion VX ball heads have a secondary pan axis just under the camera plate. It’s great for taking sequences of panned shots to stitch into a panorama, and shooting video, as the panning axis remains on the level without the need to meticulously level the legs as well as the head.

I find that travel tripods have limitations, including a lower maximum working height and longer ‘unfolding’ time, but this goes with the territory, and I can’t criticize the Rhino for that. Sure enough, this Benro doesn't extend to a particularly tall height, and outright rigidity can feel a little compromised if I fully extend all of the leg sections and both of the center column sections. When it’s not at full stretch, though, I find this Benro is as rigid as much bigger and heavier tripods.

Read more: Benro Rhino 05C VX20 review

• Back to the top ⤴

How to choose the best travel tripod

It’s good to be choosy when picking your perfect travel tripod for your needs and budget. Here are a few things to bear in mind…

• Back to the top ⤴

How we test travel tripods

We measure the maximum operating height of each tripod and its folded height for carrying, complete with the head attached. We also measure the combined weight of each set of tripod legs and head, using electronic scales, and measure the diameter of all leg sections, from the widest to the thinnest, using digital calipers.

We check the ease of use, smoothness, and precision of all available adjustments in each set of tripod legs and heads. This ranges from adjusting leg sections and pivot facilities (where available), to the locking mechanisms of the head, as well as independent pan and friction damping adjustments, where fitted.

To check overall stability, we shoot with a range of camera bodies fitted with wide-angle, standard, telephoto, and macro lenses. We look for good resistance to flexing and vibrations throughout the whole range of operating heights, including the tallest available settings, with the legs and center column fully extended.

Find out more about how we test and review on Digital Camera World

• Back to the top ⤴

Today's prices compared

Peak Design make two versions of the Travel Tripod, one made from carbon fibre (£599/$649.95) and the other, reviewed here, from aluminum. Aside from the pattern of the carbon fibre weave, the two tripods look identical and have the same maximum and minimum heights, but at 1.56kg, the aluminum version is 290g heavier than the carbon fibre version (see our separate review of the Peak Design Travel Tripod Carbon Fiber).

The Travel Tripod has 5-section legs that enable it to pack down to 39.1cm, but its narrow diameter of less than 8cm is what really impresses. Rather than round, the leg tubes are shaped to fit closely together around the centre column to reduce the packed diameter. 

With the legs fully extended and the centre column at its longest point, the tripod is 152.4cm high. Dropping the centre column but keeping the legs at full length gives a height of 130.2cm. At the other end of the scale, the main section of the centre column can be removed to reduce the height to 14cm, or the column can be reversed for super-low shooting.

Peak Design has used a very unusual design for the tripod's head as the ball is visible at the top of the centre column beneath the pivoting top section with the release plate clamp. When the tripod is collapsed fully, the ball is surrounded by the top of the legs and the three struts that mount the clamp onto it slot neatly between the legs. This means that the centre column must be extended a little before the head can be moved.

Peak design supplies the tripod with a dual hex key tool and a stretchy bag. Also, if you remove the hook at the bottom of the centre column, you'll find a phone holder that can take the place of the Arca-Swiss quick release plate in the clamp.

Specifications

Material: Aluminum 

Folded length: 39.1cm

Maximum height: 152.4cm

No. leg sections: 5

Weight: 1.56Kg

Maximum load: 9.1Kg

Build and handling

Because of the unusual shape of the legs and the novel head design, the Peak Design Travel Tripod looks quite different from other tripods, but it feels great, and the aluminum legs are robust.

The legs have clip locks, and it's easy to flip open all four locks on a leg with one movement. This, plus the fact that the legs don't flip over the head and centre column for storage, means the tripod can be ready for use in a matter of seconds. 

The centre column is locked and unlocked using the small knob between the tops of two of the legs. Once the column has been extended a little, the tripod head can be angled for shooting. A knurled ring above the head ball locks and unlocks the head's movement, and just above it there's a lock for the quick release plate. 

Peak Design has used the same Arca-Swiss compatible quick release plate as it uses for its clips. This requires a hex key to mount it on a camera, and the supplied tool comes in handy. However, this tool slips quite easily out of its plastic holder on one of the legs, especially if the tripod is inverted for any reason.

Many backpacks have a side pocket for carrying a water bottle, and the Peak Design Travel Tripod slips neatly in. Alternatively, there are mounting points on the tripod and its bag for Peak Design's Anchor Loops for attaching one of the company's straps. 

Performance

Peak Design spent four years developing the Travel tripod, and it was clearly time very well spent because it's an excellent tripod. It can bear a maximum payload of 9.1Kg, and I've captured sharp long-exposure images using it to support a full-frame mirrorless camera with a 70-200mm f/2.8 lens. It's even delivered sharp long-exposure results with a medium format camera.

The only weak point I've encountered is the quick release plate mount on the camera. If the camera is in landscape orientation, it's fine, but if the camera or lens is very heavy and you're shooting in portrait orientation, it's hard to tighten the plate on sufficiently to avoid it slipping. 

In terms of performance, it's difficult to discern a difference between the aluminum and carbon fibre versions of the tripod. However, even when the tripod is added to a backpack full of camera gear, it is possible to tell the difference in weight between the two models.

Verdict

With around $270 difference in price between the carbon fiber and aluminum versions of the Peak Design Travel tripod, the aluminum tripod makes a desirable alternative to its more expensive sibling. The difference in weight, 290g, is noticeable, but it's only about the same as a bottle of water. If you're going to walk long distances, then the carbon fiber version may be more attractive, but many photographers will be happy to accept the extra weight for the cost-saving.

Whichever model you opt for, the Peak design Travel Tripod is an impressively well-designed and well-made tripod. It's small and light enough to be taken on most photographic expeditions, and it's ready for use in seconds.

• The best tripod
• The best travel tripod
• The best video tripod
• The best travel camera
• The best monopod
• The best camera bag for travel

UPDATE: Ricoh Japan and Ricoh Europe have now also suspended shipments heading to Russia following the unethical invasion of Ukraine. 

In a post published on the Ricoh News section of the website, Ricoh Europe said, "The violence and speed with which the humanitarian crisis is unfolding across Ukraine and the surrounding area is deeply distressing. Our thoughts are with every person impacted by this deeply shattering conflict"

Like several other major brands,  Ricoh has not only suspended shipments of all its devices to Russia but the Ricoh Group and Ricoh Europe have also made a donation to the Red Cross to help relief efforts. 

ORIGINAL STORY (13 Mar 2022): The latest wave of technology brands to impose sanctions on Russia include Sony, Panasonic, Peak Design and Fujifilm. 

Apple was one of the first major corporations to stop the sale of its products and services, including Apple Pay, and since then lots of massive companies including Canon and Adobe have followed suit.

But why impose these sanctions when they affect innocent Russian citizens, many of whom don’t want the war? The hope is that if enough companies stop operations, the economic and societal impact on Russia will be so immense Putin will be pressured to stop the invasion of Ukraine.

Already Russian citizens are feeling the effects of these sanctions, some more severely than others. Following the suspension of Apple Pay and Google Pay, people have been seen queuing for hours at ATMs and cashpoints to withdraw their money. Everyday life is becoming increasingly harder, and many have even fled the country to escape international isolation. 

Now Sony, Peak Design and Fujifilm are pulling their operations from Russia. Nikon has also issued a press release stating that it has suspended shipments heading for Russia and will continue donating to humanitarian organizations. Despite having no factories in Russia, Panasonic has suspended all business transactions due to the economic and logistical challenges it faced.

Similarly, Sony hasn’t got any factories in Russia but had banned the sale of its products across all streams including audio, visual and imaging systems. It has also said it will donate a total of $2 million to United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the UN Refugee Agency and the international NGO and Save the Children. Sony has also said it will match any donations made by employees for humanitarian aid in Ukraine. 

Fujifilm also announced that not only would it be withdrawing sales from Russia, it would also donate $2 million to humanitarian efforts. A further $1 million will be given to UNHCR and UNICEF and its medical sector is donating $1 million of equipment including portable x-ray systems and ultrasound devices.

The CEO of Peak Design informed its customers that the company would be implementing three initiatives to support Ukraine. Firstly it's stopping all sales in Russia; secondly, any bags returned in Europe will be donated to refugees arriving in Poland; and third, photojournalists in need of equipment will have free access to Peak Design kit, though getting it to them may be a logistical issue. 

It’s expected more brands will jump on the sanction bandwagon, too, making “normal” life in Russia even harder. None of these brands want to make it more difficult for Russian citizens, but there is little else they can do other than ban the sale of products in hope that these measures will pressure Putin to withdraw. 

Read more:

Watching the war unfold on webcams in Kyiv, Ukraine
Apple ban sales and services in Russia
Best iPhone for photography
Best Sony cameras
Best Nikon cameras
Best Panasonic cameras

Some great photos can be taken in bad weather, but how do you keep your gear safe? Most cameras can take a splash or two, but there are two things you must always avoid; driving rain and seawater. Cue the Peak Design Shell Cover, an attempt at creating a waterproof jacket for DSLR and mirrorless cameras and, crucially, any long lenses you might want to attach to them.

Why can’t you just use a plastic bag? You can, but try not to. Although it’s sometimes a good idea to have a plastic bag nearby to quickly stow a camera during a downpour, they can tear easily and become useless. Worse, the wind can take them and deposit them in the sea/river/stuck to the branches of a tree. That’s why plastic covers are banned in some locations, such as on expedition cruise ships in Antarctica.

Can the Peak Design Shell Cover improve over a plastic bag without being just another over-engineered accessory you don’t need? We took it out with a variety of cameras and lenses to find out how it performs in the real world.

Key features

It’s designed to protect cameras and lenses from water, snow dust and slight knocks, but how can a cover cater for all kinds of cameras and lenses? It can’t, which is why the Peak Design Shell Cover comes in three sizes; small, medium and large.

The small is meant for mirrorless cameras, the medium size is primarily for crop-sensor DSLRs and the large is for full-frame and flagship pro-level DLRs. There’s some overlap. For example, the Sony A7 ii with the Sony 70-200 FE lens requires the medium size, as do full-frame DSLRs with lenses up to 24-70 mm) so use the sizing guide provided to help you decide, though the size of the lens you use is almost irrelevant, according to Peak Design. 

Prices start from $39.95/£29.95/AU$84, so it’s not a huge investment, though that’s obviously way more than a plastic bag.

Loosely L-shaped, the product itself is lightweight and, rather ingeniously, packs-up into a tiny mesh bag stitched to its own lining. There are two openings. The front opening sits around the lens, of course, and has a slight overhanging peak to keep the rain off. It’s tensioned using a cinch cord. At the back there’s a bigger opening that fits over the rear, but it’s designed to curl over the entire back of a camera and be tensioned, again with a cinch cord.

It works particularly well with Peak Design’s Capture Clip system, which keeps a camera easily accessible by securely attaching it to a backpack strap, belt or bag (it uses an Arca tripod-compatible plate that also works with the brand’s Peak Design Travel Tripod.) You can also feed through a camera strap on each side, thanks to a couple of flaps in the corners. 

Performance

The Peak Design Shell Camera Covers are made to be snug. The fabric used has quite a bit of stretch in it and fits over and around some surprisingly varied setups. We tried the large size with a Canon M6 Mk II mirrorless camera sporting a 400mm lens and it fitted well, as it did for a Canon EOS 6D full-frame DSLR fitted with the same lens. Used on that lens the Peak Design Shell Camera Cover had to be more or less stretched as far as it would go. It provided a snug though relaxed fit, though when used with smaller lenses you can just ruck it up a little.

Either way it’s not easy to manually extend or withdraw a zoom lens while the Peak Design Shell Cover is in place. Nor, sadly, is it easy to use your camera while it’s wearing this cover. It’s designed to protect your camera during downpours, not to make it easy to carry on shooting in the rain. You can lift-up the cover at the back to access the controls, but that defeats the object. Still, it works well as a lens cover, and if you’re using a long telephoto in wet conditions or while at sea where splashes are a possibility, that’s worth something.

When it does get soaked the fabric used is tough stuff, repelling most of it and drying-off quickly. It’s an impressively durable fabric and we like the way it packs-up into a small pouch for storing in a camera backpack during clear weather.

We weren’t too fussed about the slots for threading through a camera strap. Although threading a camera strap through the slots works well if you want to use a shoulder strap, it’s a bit of a faff to re-thread everything (unless, of course, you use quick-release Peak Design Anchor Links).

Verdict

Easy to use, durable and with some nice design flourishes the Peak Design Shell Cover adds peace of mind during downpours, but it doesn’t help much if you want to carry on taking photographs in the rain. That said, it works well as a lens cover and protector in drizzle. In the dry and when traveling. 

Read more
Best rain covers for cameras
Best underwater housings for cameras and phones
Best camera pouches and holsters
Best camera bags

Peak Design, a company renowned for producing some of the best camera bags, has launched a new range of camera phone cases, mounts and accessories. 'Mobile' by Peak Design is the result of the company's 10th Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign and is based around a technology Peak Design calls SlimLink. This hybrid magnetic/mechanical attachment system has been designed to be both ultra-thin and also super-strong, while also being effortlessly easy and quick to use.

The system is designed around Peak Design's Everyday Case. This slim phone case is made from nylon canvas fabric and surrounded by a 360-degree shock-absorbing TPU bumper. The case is available for iPhone 11, 12 and the new iPhone 13 models, as well as the Samsung Galaxy S21, and is compatible with MagSafe wireless charging. If you're using a different phone, Peak Design also offers an adhesive-backed Universal Adapter designed to work with nearly any hard or non-textured third-party phone case.

But it's the compatible accessories which really bring the Mobile system to life. Mounts for cars, bicycles, motorcycles, home/office, two mobile wallets, and accessories for photographers and filmmakers are available, with each accessory developed by a team of engineers reportedly over the course of 3 years. Many of these accessories also work directly with MagSafe phones and 3rd-party cases. All accessories are built from premium materials, guaranteed for life, and are 100% carbon neutral.

The Mobile ecosystem

Once you've got either an Everyday Case, Everyday Loop Case, or a Universal Adapter, you can then attach your phone to any of the following Mobile-compatible accessories.

Mobile Tripod ($79.95 / £59.22 / AU$111.88)

A precision-machined tripod for your phone, the Mobile Tripod gives your phone a stable base for photo/video creation and video calls. With a footprint barely larger than a credit card, it slips easily into your pocket.

Creator Kit ($49.95 / £29.59 / AU$55.90)

The Peak Design Creator Kit contains a locking phone mount and a set of adapters that let you connect it to 4 other mounting/connection systems: Arca tripod heads, GoPro mounts, 1/4”-20 mounts, and the Peak Design Capture Camera Clip.

Wireless Charging Stand ($79.95 / £59.22 / AU$111.88)

The Wireless Charging Stand is made out of precision-machined anodized aluminium and adjusts with a tuned friction hinge to find your optimal viewing angle. Powerful magnets keep your phone secure yet easily accessible.

Wall Mount ($24.95 / £18.48 / AU$34.91)

Instantly and securely mount your phone to any wall, mirror, tile, or flat surface. Use it to help you read recipes in the kitchen, podcasts in the bathroom, or video calls in the workshop.

Slim Wallet ($49.95 / £37.00 / AU$69.90)

The Slim Wallet and Stand Wallet use a unique fabric patterning and construction to securely hold 7 cards and deploy them on-demand for easy access. Precision-tuned magnets keep the wallet securely mounted to your phone for streamlined daily carrying.

Stand Wallet ($59.95 / £44.40 / AU$83.89)

The Stand Wallet has an additional low-profile friction hinge built-in to its construction, providing an on-demand stand for watching videos or calling friends.

Car Mount ($44.95 / £33.29 / AU$62.90)

Ultra-strong magnets keep your phone secure even during the most spirited driving, while the mount itself attaches to the dashboard via secure adhesive. The mount itself is constructed from machined aluminium.

Car Mount with wireless charging ($79.95 / £59.22 / AU$111.88)

The standard Car Mount, but with an added USB-C connection providing wireless charging to your phone.

Out-Front Bike Mount ($69.95 / £51.81 / AU$97.88)

This mount uses both magnets and a mechanical lock to rigidly mount your phone to your bike’s handlebars.

Universal Bar Mount ($49.95 / £37.00 / AU$69.90)

Designed for a wide variety of mounting setups, the Universal Bar Mount securely holds your phone on the handlebars, stem, or frame of any bike, scooter, stroller, motorcycle, or golf cart.

Motorcycle Bar Mount ($99.95 / £74.03 / AU$139.86)

A versatile motorcycle phone mount that securely installs on a wide variety of handlebars with an articulating arm that adjusts for the optimal viewing angle.

Motorcycle Stem Mount ($99.95 / £74.03 / AU$139.86)

Keep your phone rigidly mounted and easily viewable via the low-profile Motorcycle Stem Mount, optimized for sport and street motorcycles with clip-on style handlebars.

Peak Design's Everyday cases and Mobile accessories are available to pre-order now from Adorama in the US, and from Wex Photo Video in the UK. Peak Design also ships worldwide and you can pre-order now directly from the maker as well.

Read more:

• The best camera phones right now
• Best iPhone 11 cases
• Best iPhone 7 cases
• Best iPhone 8 cases
• Best iPhone XS cases
• Best iPhone 8 Plus cases
• Best Google Pixel 3 cases
• Best Huawei P20 Pro cases
• Best OnePlus 6T phone cases
• Best add-on lenses for iPhone and Android phones
• The best burner phones
• The best TikTok lights 
• Best camera for TikTok
• Best microphones for iPhone
• The best selfie sticks
• The best iPhone tripods

Peak Design's two new strap colors are Midnight (blue) and Earthy Sage (green) and have been introduced across its range of straps from the largest, Slide, through Slide Light, Leash and its Cuff wrist strap.

Peak Design already makes its straps in both black and ash gray, but now it's added two more options for photographers who like to see the world in color rather than black and white (or black and gray).

The company says it's also tweaked the design of its straps, with "new silicone grips, upgraded webbing, and lower profile strap/hardware transitions. Anchor connectors have been updated to be smaller, faster, and more secure."

Peak Design straps: key features

Peak Design's Anchor Links are a key feature of its straps. They are short tethers which loop quickly but securely through the camera eyelets and then clip into the ends of the strap itself. This makes it much easier to attach and remove straps, and you can either leave the Anchor Links attached to the camera for future use or remove them.

The Peak Design straps also include sliding aluminium buckle mechanisms for changing the strap length quickly, for example when switching from carrying a camera over your shoulder to a cross-body sling style.

The largest strap, the Slide, is designed for heavier cameras, with a Slide Lite version which folds away smaller for storage and carrying. The Leash is a slimmer, smaller strap ideal for lighter camera gear, while the Cuff is a wrist strap with a sliding buckle for tightening around your wrist for extra security.

Read more:

• Best camera straps
• Best camera wrist straps
• Best binocular harnesses
• Best camera holsters
• Best camera bags

Peak Design, renowned for its innovative and high quality camera bags, has introduced the second incarnation of its Peak Design Field Pouch. The Field Pouch V2 is an ultra-compact camera pouch designed to carry daily essentials like your phone, a notebook, keys, spare batteries or a couple of filters - ideal for summer weather when you’d rather not store such items in a coat.

A compact camera like a Sony RX100 VII or a small mirrorless body with an attached pancake lens could fit inside, while a larger camera can be mounted to the outside of the Field Pouch V2 via Peak Design’s Capture Clip quick release camera clip attachment (sold separately).

The bag features two clip mounting points, along with an improved pocket layout over the original Field Pouch. All fabrics are recycled, including the soft felt internal lining and waterproof 400D exterior nylon. A clever roll top flap opening enables quick access to your kit, plus it also allows the bag to expand to up to double its minimum volume so you can choose to carry more gear or alternatively eliminate unused space.

Inside, 8 stretch pockets, zip pockets and stretchy cords keep smaller items in place and organised. An included strap enables you to carry the bag on your shoulder or as a sling, but the Field Pouch V2 is also designed to be used as a secondary bag within a larger backpack so you can organize smaller items and stop them rattling around, potentially damaging a camera or lenses.

The Field Pouch V2 comes with the reassurance of a “no-hassle, no-rhetoric” lifetime guarantee and is available in a choice of three colors: midnight blue, charcoal and black. The Field Pouch V2 is available to pre-order now from B&H in US priced at $44.95. UK buyers can find the bag for £42 at Park Cameras. Aussies can pick up the Field Pouch V2 direct from Peak Design for AU$60.13 a pop.

Read more:

• The best camera pouches and holster bags
• The best camera backpacks
• The best camera sling bags
• The best messenger bags for photographers
• The best luxury leather and canvas camera bags
• Hard cases for cameras
• The best roller bags for your camera
• What are the differences between the PASM exposure modes on your camera?
• National Camera Day

The Peak Design Everyday Backpack 20L is also available in a larger 30L size, and looks like a smart, urban bag rather than a camera backpack per se. Peak Design’s Everyday is a backpack aimed at photographers that want options but not more camera bags. 

You’ve got a camera backpack for urban shoots, another that takes your landscape photography set-up and maybe even a third for taking on a plane. Cue the Peak Design Everyday Backpack 20L, an effort to create a backpack with a modular interior that can be used just as easily for various photography needs and for tech gear as it can be for commuting, a day out, a shopping trip or even as a gym bag. 

Specifications

Weight empty: 2kg
Dimensions: 46x30x17cm
Materials (exterior): 400D double poly-coated DWR-impregnated nylon canvas
Materials (interior): microfleece nylon-lined
Waterproofing: 900D waterproof liner in base
Dividers: Peak Design FlexFold
Holds: DSLR/mirrorless camera, up to lenses, 15-inch laptop & 12.9-inch tablet

Key features

What makes the Peak Design Everyday Backpack 20L a standout are U-shaped zippers on both sides, which is pretty rare on a camera backpack. That makes it an instant must-try for left-handers. Both lids’ interior has a zipped pocket and a pocket that closes magnetically, while their exteriors host longer pockets complete with built-in securing straps. They’re ideal for holding a tripod, an umbrella or a water bottle. 

There’s a lid on the top that can be used for extracting from the top part of the bag. There’s a small magnetically-closed pocket inside, though the key feature here is a tough magnetic lash on the exterior that can be closed in four positions. It’s ideal for creating 8-litres more capacity in the top, which proved useful when stowing a jacket when hiking. 

The magnetic theme continues for the Everyday Backpack 20L’s shoulder straps, which gently fix to the bag itself when not in use. That helps keep everything neat. There’s another pocket on the front of the Everyday Backpack 20L that houses a couple of cord-hook straps fit for holding a jacket or a sleeping bag. You could even lash a small drone on the front. 

Quality and usability

The Peak Design Everyday Backpack 20L has a lot of high-end hardware and endless versatility. We liked being able to use it as a (reasonably well-disguised) camera bag one day and as a grocery backpack the next without having to do much aside from remove those FlexFold dividers. However, as a camera backpack, it does have limitations. The FlexFold dividers are not especially padded so don’t often the kind of protection you might want for your lenses. 

We were slightly disappointed by the shoulder straps, which were only comfortable for a few hours and didn’t work well on a long hike. Despite the bag’s overall neatness the adjustment straps that alter the tightness of those shoulder straps dangle and get mucky very quickly. There’s also a sternum strap that proved essential in our review; it’s endlessly adjustable and moveable, but frequently fell off. If you’re going to consider using the Everyday Backpack 20L on longer hikes then seriously consider adding Peak Design’s optional Everyday Hip Belt. 

Take it out in wet conditions and your gear will stay dry. However, the bag’s toughened waterproof bottom doesn’t work if you over-fill the bag. Sure, you can set it down on the wet ground, but the bag is curved, so it falls over too easily. Better would be to have a completely waterproof front so it could be set down in the wet. And wiped-clean later.  

Verdict

Aimed at photographers with mirrorless and smaller DSLR kits that want options, the Everyday Backpack 20L fulfils its brief while always appearing to be more about hardware quality than comfort. Yes, it’s great to be able to access equipment from both sides, and the FlexFold dividers are a fine idea. But it all seems a little fussy. The upshot is that you have to spend significant time with the Everyday Backpack 20L before you’ll truly know how to set it up for your gear. 

Ideal for urban adventuring whether that be photography, commuting, fetching groceries air going to the gym, the Everyday Backpack 20L is efficient, fussy and fun to use for short periods. 

Read more:
• Choosing the best camera bag

Types of bags
• Best messenger/shoulder bags
• Best camera backpacks
• Best camera sling bags
• Best camera holsters/pouches
• Best roller camera bags
• Best hard cases for camera kit
• Best leather camera bags
• Best laptop backpacks

Modern phones are so good at photography and video that you’ll probably want to use them EVERYWHERE. And now, with Peak Design’s ultra-clever magnetic mounting system, you probably can.

It’s based around the company’s SlimLink mounting system, which we’re told has been in development for four years. It’s a slim, square attachment mechanism just 2.4mm thick that’s built into Peak Design’s Everyday Case, which will be available for a iPhone and Samsung devices, but there is also a slim Universal Adaptor which can attach to practically any phone or hard non-textured case via its own adhesive pad. 

The SlimLink system has a square inner mounting slot/recess backed by magnets, and the Peak Design mounts have corresponding square panels which snap into this slot via powerful magnets. Some mounts, like the bike mount, will have an additional spring loaded physical lock for extra security.

We’ve tried early pre-production samples, and the magnets are extremely powerful and once in place the phone mounts feel rock-solid. The mini-tripod is mini-masterpiece of design and engineering, folding flat to a shape no longer or wider than a credit card.

The square mounting design of the SlimLink system means you can attach the mount with the phone either horizontal or vertical.

What about iPhone 12 MagSafe?

Phone fans will be aware that the just-launched iPhone 12 has its own magnetic mounting system. That sounds like it could be bad news for a company that’s just launched its own magnetic mounting system, but Peak Design says the timing is perfect and it’s aiming for cross-compatibility between its own system and Apple’s MagSafe.

Peak Design says its own soft-locking mounts and accessories  including the Tripod, Wallet, Charging Stand, Wall Mount and Car Mounts, will work with Apple MagSafe phones and cases.

You will also be able to charge your iPhone 12 in a Peak Design Everyday Case on an Apple MagSafe charger and other Apple MagSafe accessories, like the Apple wallet, will attach to the Peak Design case.

What are the mounts and when can you get them?

There’s good news and bad news. The good news is that the mounts will include the mini-tripod, bicycle mount, motorcycle mount (steering stem), car (dash) mount, wall mount, tilting desk mount and wallet.

The bad news is that although the products are announced now, Peak Design is not expecting to start shipping them via the Peak Design website or retailers until Spring 2020.

We also have no word yet on pricing – from previous Peak Design products we would expect premium pricing based on the quality of the manufacture, but affordable nonetheless.

Peak Design’s aim is to make your phone available for a whole range of uses and a constant companion not just in your pocket but available to record all your travels and adventures, which does make the Mobile by Peak Design system sound a lot more interesting than just another phone case.

Read more:

• Best iPhone for photography
• Best phone cases
• Best iPhone 11 cases
• Best iPhone supports
• Best smartphone gimbals

Peak Design makes some of the most stylish backpacks and camera bags around – so we got very excited when we spied this 24-hour Labor Day deal from New York megastore B&H Photo. It is offering the Peak Design Everyday 20-litre backpack for just $139.95 – a massive $120 saving on the recommended retail price.

The charcoal-colored backpack is a fantastic choice for photographers and students, offering plenty of space for your kit. The 20L Everyday was designed to hold a full frame DSLR camera with three or four lenses. A dedicated laptop sleeve holds a 15-inch MacBook Pro laptop and 11" tablet. Three FlexFold touch fastening dividers can be configured to create cubbies and pass-throughs to protect a variety of camera and lens combinations among other types of gear. 

Peak Design's MagLatch system allows you to expand your bag if you find yourself carrying extra gear. Dual exterior side pockets and a compression strap can keep a tripod, umbrella, or water bottle  attached to your backpack.

• Other Labor Day sale deals

A top zippered pocket provides quick access to your phone, keys, and small items that you need to retrieve often. Sub-divided interior pockets provide additional organization allowing you to separate your cables, batteries, and other small accessories, eliminating time spent digging around for a specific item. Adjustable backpack straps and an adjustable sternum strap keep your backpack firmly and comfortably in place when worn on your back. A top grab handle and side briefcase style strap provide alternative carrying methods. For long-distance traveling, a pass-through luggage strap allows you to position your bag securely on your rolling suitcase. The Everyday Backpack is made of durable Kodra fabric with a weatherproof coating.

More buying guides

• The best camera backpacks
• The best camera sling bags
• The best messenger bags for photographers
• The best luxury leather and canvas camera bags
• Hard cases for cameras
• The best roller bags for your camera
• The 50 best camera accessories
• The best flashguns
• The 10 best travel cameras
• The best cheap cameras
• The best travel tripods