This Innovative Brand Took Over Travel Bags. Now It’s Taking Aim at Outdoor Packs

Loaded with unique features, Peak Design’s new Outdoor Line looks just as revolutionary as its earlier crowdfunded ventures. Here’s what jumps out.

By Steve Mazzucchi

Published September 4, 2024

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Updated September 4, 2024

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Some brands seem to feel the need to fill up every product category in their space with stuff. Others only wade into a new area when they feel they have something meaningful, innovative and different to add.

While we find the Sling compelling, we’re especially impressed with the Backpack’s qualities, some of which we have rarely or never seen on other packs.

Having spent years covering and testing bags and phone mounts from the brand, we can definitively declare that Peak Design falls squarely into the latter category.

The latest crowd-funded venture from the San Francisco-based outfit, The Outdoor Line, has hit Kickstarter — and it is yet another compelling piece of evidence to geek out over.

The Outdoor Line by Peak Design

Starts at $48

One pack to rule them all

As it is wont to do, Peak Design has clearly put a lot of thought into the two products spearheading its inaugural foray into more adventurous gear: The Outdoor Backpack (available in 45L and 25L sizes) and The Outdoor Sling (7L and 2L sizes).

To tackle rugged situations, these two offerings have a few materials in common: Peak’s new PFAS-free 100% recycled weatherproof Terra Shell exterior fabric, abrasion-resistant Ultra Zips and slash-resistant UHMWPE (ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene) cording.

Beyond those bona fide ingredients, while we find the Sling compelling, we’re especially impressed with the Backpack’s qualities, some of which we have rarely or never seen on other packs.

Distinguishing features

Without further ado, here are four elements of the backpack that have us unreasonably stoked — including one that incorporates the Sling.

1. The stowable hip belt

Many backpacks offer hip belts that are removable, which is nice, but this one takes it up a notch by neatly stowing away when not in use. That means you don’t have to make a decision about whether to bring the hip belt with you when heading out. Instead, you can change your mind on the fly and modify the pack in moments.

2. Ultra Cinch access

peak-design-ultra-cinch — Ultra Cinch makes accessing, securing and even expanding the top of your pack easier than ever.

Dissatisfied with existing drawstring and rolltop pack options, the brand designed its own system, called Ultra Cinch. The beauty of it is that both opening and closing can be done with one hand, and the setup also expands smoothly to hold additional gear. (We have yet to actually try it out, but based on past experience with Peak Design products, we are fairly confident it’s a step in the right direction.)

3. The Cordhook external carry system

peak-design-blank-canvas — Rather than daisy chains or PALS, Cordhook employs a discrete system of cords, cinchers and other attachment points to become a blank canvas for stowing your gear.

Look, we appreciate packs with MOLLE-Compatible PALS — Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment / Pouch Attachment Ladder System, for the uninitiated) — as much as anyone. But they carry a “tactical” aesthetic that isn’t for everyone. Meanwhile, Peak’s Cordhook approach uses a system of cords, cinchers and clever attachment points that is discreet AF when not in use and super handy when you need it, as indicated by the photos above. Peak Design says it turns your pack into a “blank canvas” for loading up gear. We like that.

4. The chest mount-ability of the Sling

peak-design-chest-mount — Both Slings can convert to a chest-mounted pouch to keep your gear or camera within easy reach.

Another factor Peak Design always seems to consider is the ecosystem in which all its products co-exist. Toward that end, these new bags are designed to integrate the brand’s excellent Camera Cubes and Ultralight Packing Cubes. Going even further, however, they can also interact with each other. Like having some gear or your camera always within easy reach? Simply remove the straps from either Sling and mount it to the straps of either Backpack for fast access to sunscreen, snacks and documenting memorable moments on the go.