If you’ve been keeping tabs on our Instagram lately, you’ve probably noticed a variety of backdrops—from familiar spots around Oregon to destinations across the country. Even with a slightly scaled-back travel schedule, my work still keeps me moving. On average, I’m in the Willamette Valley weekly, across the state 6–8 times a year, and jumping coasts a few times, too. Add in some family adventures to the beach, Central Oregon, and neighboring states, and, well… packing has become something of a lifestyle.
And for me, packing always includes my running gear—whether or not it makes sense to bring it. The itch to “runsplore” is real, and if there’s a trail, beach, or city route to check out, I’m lacing up.
That’s why the travel gear I use has to be as versatile as my trips are. Enter: Peak Design.
Peak Design: Now More Colorful
Peak Design has been building a name for itself over the past 15 years with functional, beautifully designed travel gear—from compact carry solutions to large travel packs. Earlier this year, we got to test out one of their newer items, and it did not disappoint.
However, one bit of user feedback stood out: the color palette. Sure, the blacks, grays, and earth tones are sleek and timeless—but some of us want a little more pop in our packs.
That feedback must’ve landed, because on August 12, Peak Design rolled out four new colorways:
The silhouettes and functionality of the bags remain unchanged (thankfully), but the updated hues bring a fresh vibe for those looking to stand out—without shouting.
We had the chance to test a few of these updated classics on a recent trip to the Hawaiian Islands, and let’s just say: we didn’t pack light.
Here’s what we tested:
- Travel Backpack 45L in Ocean
- Everyday Backpack in Kelp
- Packable Tote in Ocean
- Packing Cube in Ibis
- Field Pouch in Brown
- Wash Pouch in Eclipse
The Gear:
Travel Backpack 45L
This is the flagship for long-haul trips. It’s roomy, opens clamshell-style for easy organization, and has top/front/rear/side access points—so you’re never fishing around blindly. There’s space for clothes, running shoes, and a laptop, plus tons of internal organization. It’s a one-bag solution for extended travel, and it recently handled 10 days in Hawaii without breaking a sweat.
Everyday Backpack
This smaller backpack looks clean and modern, and the fold-over magnetic flap keeps it secure but easy to access. It’s got side water bottle holders, internal dividers, and cinch straps for added storage. Whether you’re headed to a coffee shop in town or hitting a casual trail, this thing fits right in.
Packable Tote
This might’ve been the biggest surprise hit. It folds down to about the size of a deck of cards, yet expands to carry a full day’s beach haul (without the sand) thanks to the zip closure and sand-resistant. It’s just plain convenient.
Field Pouch
This is a pretty clever 2-in-1 item. We initially used it as a packing cube inside our main bag—perfect for organizing smaller essentials. But thanks to the included strap, it easily converts into a sling bag for lighter outings. On a recent trip to Hawaii, it served both purposes well: helping with packing organization and acting as the perfect grab-and-go option for our Pearl Harbor tour, where a full backpack would have been too much.
Packing Cube & Wash Pouch
Let’s be honest—packing cubes are a revelation. I don’t even know how I used to travel without them. The Peak Design cube separates clean and dirty clothes with dual compartments.
The Wash Pouch is waterproof, hangs easily in any bathroom, and kept all my toiletries from leaking out mid-flight. Both items are now essentials in my bag, whether I’m camping, hotel hopping, or hitting up a race weekend.
The New Colors:
The refreshed color options are honestly a perfect balance. They’re vibrant enough to make your bag easy to spot at baggage claim, but subtle enough not to scream for attention. The Ocean blue is my personal favorite.
And let’s face it—if you’re going to be hauling gear all over the country (or just over to Bend), it might as well look good while doing it.
Final Thoughts:
This new color lineup from Peak Design checks all the boxes: durability, versatility, and now a little personality too. Whether you’re packing for work, family, or chasing miles in new places, this gear is built to keep up. And trust me—once you pack with intention (and a good cube system), you’ll never go back.
