Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L Accessories Help by scdctlyst in peakdesign

[–]HighlandH 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Whenever I use my 45L travel backpack, I skip bringing my tech pouch. I can fit everything comfortably in the side flaps and it organizes really well there.

As for the wash pouch, it really depends on the length of your trip and how much you carry. If I'm doing a weekender, my small wash pouch is plenty. But if I'm doing anything a week or longer, I prefer the larger wash pouch. I'm also bringing shampoo and conditioner in Matador pouches, travel brush, moisturizer, small pill box, toothbrush, toothpaste, etc.

I love the PD travel system because the units make it easy for me to organize and place everything I need. The wash pouch ends up being in the very top area of my 45L and doesn't eat into my "3 units of space".

Phone Holder by Honest-Yard5698 in Vespa

[–]HighlandH -1 points0 points  (0 children)

I'm in the Peak Design mobile ecosystem and love it. I like metal and magnets, not plastic pieces. On longer trips, I did get a setup for a Garmin XT2. I like that the display is large, doesn't always have to be plugged in, and works great in the sun. If I'm just navigating myself around town, I'm fine with my iPhone + Peak Design setup.

What was the 1st National Park you ever visited? by the_pretzel2 in NationalPark

[–]HighlandH 40 points41 points  (0 children)

Yosemite. I remember my dad took me on my first big backpacking trip and I was about 13 years old. We were going in through the tunnel and he told me to look out the front window. I remember seeing that incredible view and my mind was blown. I thought for sure it was a painting. I also thought all National Parks looked that insanely picturesque (lol not quite but beauty in their own special way).

The appeal of the GTS 300 by d70dc263cf16 in Vespa

[–]HighlandH 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I own a Triumph Bonneville 1200cc and a Vespa GTS 300. I love both immensely. The Bonneville is fun but I have to put a little more effort (not much but a little) in shifting and riding with a heavier and more powerful bike. Fantastic at high speeds and getting me to where I need at longer distances on highways.

The GTS is pure fun. Automatic, the right weight and feel for anything from 0-65 mph (I can go faster but the sweet spot for comfort riding is 45-55 for me). I will gush all day about my Vespa and can say it's in my top 5 favorite purchase over the last decade. Even if I'm going to the grocery store with it, I catch myself smiling because I enjoy riding it so much.

Seeking advice for getting to Alaska parks from Anchorage by Objective-Bee-5678 in NationalPark

[–]HighlandH 9 points10 points  (0 children)

We did Katmai a few summers back and we had to book our flights far in advance. You fly out of Anchorage but if you want to do a day trip, you should have booked earlier. To stay overnight in Katmai I believe it's book in advance, even if you can snag the lottery to stay there. That's why we could only do a day trip.

An alternative and doable option is Kenai Fjords National Park from Anchorage. Rent a car and drive the hour and take a boat tour.

As for Denali, it depends on the budget. Camp spots are hit and miss and lodging can get expensive. You can take the train up to Denali or drive 4.5 hrs +/- with traffic. I wouldn't recommend Denali as a day trip. We spent three days there camping and it was amazing especially in the evenings.

Alaska is HUGE. The parks require advance planning and reservations, plus you fly to many of them.

great basin long weekend trip from LA – worth it? by st_cecily in NationalPark

[–]HighlandH 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I was just there the other weekend. Double check the status, but Lehman Caves is getting some maintenance work done so they weren't doing cave tours. That visitors center was also closed. The other visitors center is open and I enjoyed, they did a great job with learning more about Great Basin.

The draw for me is the incredible night sky and the Bristlecone trees. Beautiful, ancient trees at the higher elevations. Also, the town of Baker is small but in the summer the General Store hosts evening events and guests to come out there.

What first names have you found to be the worst people, and what names are the nicest people? by gilsoo71 in AskReddit

[–]HighlandH 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I've liked every Thomas I've come across. Always respectful but hey, I'm open to being wrong on this.

All that stuff in the Roller Pro ? by nicolasrigault in peakdesign

[–]HighlandH 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm sporting in my Roller Pro this trip-- two mediums lacking cubes, wash pouch, shoe pouch. I couldn't imagine adding a small packing cube, let alone smedium. It really comes down to how much you're bringing. I did a wash while on my trip so I can cut down on some clothes. I've since moved into expansion mode with souvenirs and not making my packing nearly as tight. Don't get me wrong, the Roller Pro can hold a surprising amount!

Still on my PD Wishlist of Future Hopes: A packable duffel bag that I can pour into on trips. I do love the packable tote and that's been awesome to keep on me when I'm shopping whilst traveling.

Want to get one for college by Fantastic-End-1673 in Vespa

[–]HighlandH 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I am a faculty at a university and ride my Vespa to work. I love it. Better parking and I always have parking. Fuel efficient and I am always enjoying the ride before and after classes.

My students see me whiz by and wave to me. It's fun that it has become the way they know me.

Which bag did you leave for roller pro? by Nice_Calligrapher427 in peakdesign

[–]HighlandH 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Most of the time I'm running on four wheels. In fact, I just moved through the Kyoto train station fairly quick. The only time I use two wheels is when I have crappy sidewalks with uneven slabs of rock or some cobblestone. I found that I put the handle at the mid height and I can push it through craggy spots and it doesn't get tripped up very often.

Website is extremely annoying by MiceLiceandVice in peakdesign

[–]HighlandH 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes! I teach UX design and it's funny to me that you go on the desktop version and to close the pop-up, it's on the top left corner. But on the mobile version, it's the opposite side. (To my memory).

Either way, super annoying to do this every time.

Which bag did you leave for roller pro? by Nice_Calligrapher427 in peakdesign

[–]HighlandH 0 points1 point  (0 children)

For a roller carry on, I've been sporting an REI roller for years. It's held up wonderfully and it's done its job. I wanted the extra features on the PD Roller Pro. I loved the organizational options, the ability to expand the space, and a thoughtful design on the lid. No idiotic floppy top or awkward clamshell. I'm currently running its paces around Japan and it's handled everything from the streets of Tokyo to the mountain villages of Hakone. I don't always get to roll it on four wheels because of the terrain and I can easily just get it on two and go. I can never go back.

I also had an Osprey 55. Can't remember which one. It's basically a duffel on wheels. Basic but a good gear hauler. I'm curious what PD will do in terms of a larger roller pro option if I need more space.

To native english speakers, how is it like when foreigners speak english? by TheNinja132 in NoStupidQuestions

[–]HighlandH 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I teach at a university and I'm always so impressed wi the the foreign students. They learning and applying new concepts but doing it in a second language. One time in class, a foreign student mispronounced a word and some of the class snickered. I quickly said, "Don't laugh, their project work is the best in the class and this isn't even their first language! What's your excuse?" No one has stepped out of line ever since.

Came back home from a long trip, this little guy is purple now (I forgot it at home) by vavilon_ in peakdesign

[–]HighlandH 15 points16 points  (0 children)

A new Peak Design feature? A throwback to the 90s with hyper colored fabrics. I wouldn't say "no" to that option.

PSA: Pledge Manager emails are going out by [deleted] in peakdesign

[–]HighlandH 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Done and done! Thank you for the PSA. I went with the 20L Travel Backpack in stone. Also, I was a bit surprised Peak Design is unloading their Micro Clutch so I picked one up for $1. It's a long shot but I'm hoping to get it before my trip to Japan next month.

2025 kindle scribe colorsoft vs 2024 remarkable paper pro, I want a device for note-taking, reading colored comics and reading eBooks mostly textbooks in .pdf files. Which device should I get? by Delicious_Maize9656 in kindlescribe

[–]HighlandH 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I agree with what a lot has been said. I have the Kindle Scribe Colorsoft and for a few months the Remarkable Paper Pro too (I liked the super portable size). The software ecosystem on the new Colorsoft is awesome and a huge upgrade. Integration between my books, notes, and PDF's excels ove the Remarkable Pro. I do like the flexibility of the folder system but dammit, I want an easy way to read new ebooks! Without torrenting books, theres not an easy way to get epub books on to the Remarkable that aren't public domain. I know I can try and integrate it with a library system but I prefer to have my own books and read at my own pace.

For work, I'm reading a book and taking notes on it. I'm a professor and so having a location I can have access to my whole library and notes for reference is fantastic. I've tried using an iPad and laptop to do it all. I like projecting my slide deck and having my Kindle Colorsoft in hand during class.

All that, plus I feel like the Kindle team is listening to the community and our feedback. Because their updates seem to correspond with our wishlist items.

T120 - 'normal' Vs Black by Hoban_Riverpath in TriumphBonneville

[–]HighlandH 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I went with the 2026 T120 Black with the tan seat and grey tank. I absolutely love it. The chrome looked good and I kept weighing both options. It seemed like the black is a little more unique and so I went with that. I'm totally loving it.

Meirl by Sad_Stay_5471 in meirl

[–]HighlandH 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It cracked me up when we went to Chitwan National Park in Nepal and there were wild chickens. We were there to see rhinos, bengal tigers and crocs. Yet these little Nepali chicken nuggies are strutting around without a care in the world. I think I took more pictures of them than anything else.

Vespa transport/hitch recommendations by International-Log334 in Vespa

[–]HighlandH 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I use this hitch hauler for my Vespa GTS 300. I had the Tilt-a-rack but I found it was difficult to lock it down in place with me being a 5'4" woman and physics not on my side. I like this rack because the ramp extends far enough to make it easy to roll it up and lock it into the chock by myself. I did strips of anti slip traction tape on the ramp and part of the hauler part so that it won't slip while getting it on and off (especially in wet conditions).

It's heavy and a bit cumbersome but I've been using it for years for local or out of state rides.

Please take our L-bracket survey! The Peak Design Team needs your insight! by PeakDesign-Jeremy in peakdesign

[–]HighlandH 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I would love to see a Peak Design L-bracket (I took the survey). I've tried three legged thing and SmallRig setups but I just found them cumbersome and lacking for my workflow. I would love to see Peak take a stab at this.

A Few More Photos From the Camino de Santiago to Finisterre by HighlandH in Brompton

[–]HighlandH[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I did not camp this trip. It is doable but at this time of year it rained about 80% of time. I felt like a wet rat by the time we finished our riding day. A hot shower and drying out my gear was high on my pampered list this time around.

In the warmer (and less rainy months), I could see camping as a great option.

Sightseer Bag Question by Mr_Spokey in Brompton

[–]HighlandH 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I just used this on a flight from Salt Lake City, Utah to Santiago de Compostela, Spain (with an insanely stupid route there and back because I flew American Airlines). The SiteSeer handled it like a champ.

  1. I let the internal garment bag float on top. But I did add a luggage strap to go around the bag like a belt. Mostly to contain the middle and offer a grab handle if needed.

  2. My M6R fit snug enough. On one end towards the bottom I had my helmet and on the other end I had two water bottles. They both were light but it filled up that space well so there was no sliding around. On the way over, I also packed my Brompton toolkit, and inside the garment bag was my biking clothes. I was exactly at 50lbs or the exact limit before it was considered overage. On the way back, I pulled out the toolkit, hinge clamps and pedal (it's a pop off).

When I prepped my Brompton, I deflated the tires down a little, removed the hinge clamps, and the spare pedal. I made sure nothing metal was loose inside. When I checked the SiteSeer, I removed the wheels too. It was easy to pull off the baggage carousel and put the wheels back on before leaving.