As explained in my 2025 Gear Post, I was testing a number of new pieces of kit during a 5-week trip in Europe that rolled into an additional 2-week jaunt through Colorado and New Mexico. Now that I’m back, I thought I’d post a really quick update. 

Per usual, prices quoted will be suggested retail.

If you recall, after long extolling my love of the Peak Design 45L Travel Backpack ($300), I acquired a Minaal Carry-on 3.0 ($350) quite cheaply and decided to take it for a spin this summer. Alas, while it didn’t perform terribly across Europe, I ended up re-packing into the Peak Design before heading to the Rocky Mountains. 

Before I go into why I switched, I want to emphasize that Minaal did a lot to open up the one-bag market, and the Minaal 3.0 is a terrific improvement on the Minaal 1.0 that I used for many years. They’re doing great stuff as a company, and I still love the fact that their bag is lighter than the Peak Design and has a better sternum strap.

So why did I switch?

The main thing was ease of packing. I shot three documentaries across the British Isles this trip, and for close to three weeks I was never in the same lodging twice. Re-packing the Minaal every morning really illuminated this difference between the bags. 

One reason the Peak Design is easier to pack is its structure, which is a key reason it weighs more, of course. Having extensively used both in the field I’ve decided I’ll accept (fractional) weight gain in order to get (substantial) ease-of-packing gain. 

It’s not just the structure that makes the Peak Design easier to pack, though. It also has better zippers. They slide smoother than the Minaal and, rather importantly, are less prone to zipper pull loss. It took me a week to lose two zipper pulls off the Minaal. I’m a couple years into the Peak Design and haven’t lost one.

The compression straps on the Minaal, though much improved from the 1.0 version, are also an annoyance. They’re a nifty idea, but they’re seemingly always in the way. I really think the bag would be better off without them.

Perhaps most important of all, I really appreciated the fact that the Peak Design can haul more gear, either via its expansion joints or its ability to strap things on externally. I’d never use those features for a standard packing set-up, but it’s sure nice to be able to pack something extra you might pick up on the fly — like carrying someone else’s jacket for a spell. 

Again, the Minaal isn’t bad by any means! Like the Knack that I’ve also utilized, it’s a really good bag. I’ve just found that the Peak Design works best for me. 

Talking about my much-traveled leather satchel, I wrote in my gear post “I’ve never had a problem with it.”

Famous last words, apparently, as one of my strap sliders snapped in Scotland. The satchel is still usable for now, but I’m very much on the hunt for its replacement. One possibility is the Peak Design Everyday Sling 6L ($129) — I’m just a huge fan of their work, obviously — but I remain unsure. 

Honestly, I’ve kicked around ideas of making my own small bag. No one seems to have nailed the ideal convertible satchel that I want. 

I hiked up mountains, clambered over castles, waded through marsh, did some rock climbing, and covered miles and miles of urban pavement … and the Ecco Biom 2.1 X Mountain ($195) shoes and Teva Original Universal Sandals ($60) didn’t fail me once. I’m very pleased with both.

Kühl’s Konfidant Air Pants ($100) were worn from scorching hot cityscapes in Barcelona to the wet winds of the Welsh wilds, and day after day they performed perfectly. Same goes for the Kühl Korruptr Boxer Briefs ($30). This trip solidified Kühl as a brand I trust, and I’ll be on the lookout for more of their gear.

My Free Fly Reverb Shorts ($70) did what they needed to do, but not so magnificently that I’m not eyeing better hybrid short replacements. Kühl makes some that might work. 

Alas, my Free Fly Breeze Pants ($100) were a complete fail. I wanted something I could lounge in, but their breathability was subpar. I’m on the hunt for a replacement. 

The Wrangler ATG Mix-Material Long-sleeve Shirts ($45) were terrific in terms of comfort and style. When members of the crew were sweating through t-shirts, I was doing just fine. That said, the only complaint with these comes from my producer: the microphone I wear for filming apparently picks up noise from the shirt. Kühl makes an Airspeed Long-sleeve Shirt ($99) that might be quieter than the Wrangler while being equally comfortable and flexible. Hoping I can try it out.

My Eddie Bauer Packable Rainfoil ($110) wet through in Wales. Not fully unexpected given its age, the amount of abuse I’ve put it through, and the fact that it was on clearance when I got it years ago. Kühl’s The One Shell ($329) looks amazing, but for that price it had best be perfect! I foresee a lot of research in my future. 

The Scottevest Fleece was overkill. It’s still a good jacket — the convertible design is incredible — but it was just too thick and bulky for this kind of trip. It’ll be replaced with something. (Maybe something from Kühl? Haha)

Add it all up, and there will be a few changes to my kit by the time my Gear Post 2026 goes online. Can’t wait to see what comes next!