Packing cubes and camera inserts are pretty straight forward when it comes to their use, but for the anxious packing enthusiast who obsesses over making sure everything is in its place, using these packing tools reveals some hidden benefits.
At first glance, packing cubes and camera cubes seem to only have the physical advantage of having dedicated compartments for different things – the camera cube is for things that require lots of padding and internal dividers, and the packing cube is for personal items like clothes and other travel essentials. However, as I was packing for this trip, I realized that such a simple tool has clear benefits that can make your trip more comfortable and your photography adventures more enjoyable.
Packing for a weekend photography trip
Last month, Peak Design expanded their line of travel bags and packing tools, just in time for a quick weekend photography trip. I’ve been using the V2 Camera Cube (specifically the Large and Small/Medium) for almost a year now, but this was the first time I’ve traveled with a packing cube and a dedicated pouch for everything I was bringing. I packed all my camera gear in the same bag: 3+ days worth of clothes, other travel essentials, and even an extra pocket camera for personal content and any tripod reviews I might be shooting. It all fit in the Travel Duffel 50L, but somehow there was room and, more importantly, it didn’t feel like I was throwing everything into a big bag.
The Travel Duffels come in two new sizes: 50L, which is halfway between the existing sizes but still fits within most airline carry-on size limits, and 80L, which will likely hold more than a week’s worth of clothes and personal travel items. These duffels use the same weather-resistant fabric as the previous duffel bag sizes. The new Ultralight Packing Cubes come in two variations and additional sizes. For the same price, you can choose between the regular weather-resistant fabric, which maintains a consistent shape, or the expandable mesh fabric, which allows for a bit more expansion if you need to pack a few extra layers of clothing.
The small packing cubes are big enough to fit around 8 shirts, maybe a few more on longer trips. The XS packing cubes are also perfect for socks, underwear and light footwear, while the XXS packing cubes are perfect for toiletries and other essentials. I have to admit that they don’t look the prettiest because of the shape they are in when not fully packed, but what’s even better is that they can all be stored in one of the packing cubes when not in use, washed when needed and kept safe in your travel bag.
Both types have a durable zipper and loops on either side so they can be attached to other bags from the outside or carried separately on a strap. Midway through the trip, I discovered the mesh type could double as a laundry bag, wicking moisture away from my wet clothes after three days of photographing ocean views.
Along with the new ultralight packing cubes comes the new smaller size Peak Design Tech Pouch, with half the capacity of the original and a simpler, more minimalist design.
Personally, I use the original Tech Pouch as a filter bag because the internal compartment fits my H&Y K-series filters and Revoring Swift holders better than other dedicated filter bags. The smaller Tech Pouch is perfect for storing a DJI Osmo Pocket 3, battery attachment, and a DJI mic 2 with charging case set.
Unexpected benefits
Whenever I travel for photography, I always bring a lot of luggage, often too much. Recently, I decided to downsize my belongings to make my travels more comfortable, especially when I have to walk or trek long distances to reach my destination. However, even if I only have a camera body and 2-3 lenses, with all the other essentials, I find myself anxiously packing and barely sleeping because I feel the urge to repeatedly check if I have everything I need.
Apparently, using dedicated containers for different purposes is a great way to give yourself confidence that no matter what the container is being used for, once you’ve zipped it up already, you’re ready to go. When you close the camera cube, you know you have your gear, like batteries and cards; when you close the tech pouch, you know you have your other accessories; when you close the packing cube, you know you have all the clothing you’ll need for the trip. I’d like to believe that this has allowed me to get significantly more sleep before the trip, make me more focused during my photography adventures, and overall, make me more mindful of the whole experience.
What I Like
Large capacity travel duffel Two fabric options and modular packing cube functionality All sizes have attachment points for mounting or carrying straps All made from recycled materials and carbon neutral
What could be improved?
The travel bag does not come with a dedicated rain cover (although the fabric used is quite rain and dust resistant)
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