I’ve used a lot of backpacks over the years, some promising everything and delivering little, others surprising me with clever design. But few bags have sparked as many questions as the Nomatic Travel Pack. It’s sleek, built like a tank, and loaded with features. And yes, it comes with a premium price tag.
I’ve been using the Nomatic Travel Pack for over a year now, through airports, remote work trips, city hops, and even as a daily office bag. After putting it through real-world travel, I can finally answer the question I get asked most:
Is the Nomatic Travel Pack worth the money?
Short answer: If you’re a tech-heavy traveler who thrives on structure, protection, and smart design, yes, it absolutely is. But it’s not for everyone.
Let me walk you through why.
What Is the Nomatic Travel Pack Designed For?
This backpack isn’t for hiking trails or stuffing sleeping bags. It’s built for people like me, travelers who need to carry laptops, cables, hard drives, chargers, documents, and maybe a change of clothes or two.
The Nomatic Travel Pack was clearly made with digital nomads, business travelers, and organized professionals in mind. It’s one of the few bags I’ve used that genuinely functions as both a daily carry and a weekend travel bag, without compromising on either role.
It’s structured, secure, and professional-looking. You could walk into a meeting with this or board a red-eye flight, and it wouldn’t feel out of place in either setting.
What Are the Key Features of the Nomatic Travel Pack?
I’ll be honest: this pack is a feature powerhouse. Every element feels intentional. Here’s what stands out most in daily use.
Materials and Build
From the moment I unpacked it, I could tell this wasn’t a typical backpack. The exterior is made of a tarpaulin-coated ballistic nylon, it’s thick, almost rubberized, and shrugs off rain and dirt like nothing.
Zippers are YKK waterproof and lockable, which is something I genuinely rely on when moving through airports or crowded stations. The aluminum handles and magnetic clasps add to that premium feel.
I’ve beaten this bag up over the past year, and it still looks new. Not many bags can say that.
Expandability and Size
- Starts at 20L, perfect for daily carry
- Expands to 30L, ideal for 2–3 day trips
- Dimensions: 18.5” x 12” x 5–7.5”
- Weight: 4.1 lbs (1.86 kg)
That expandability is the real game-changer here. I keep it in 20L mode for workdays, then unzip it to 30L when I’m off for a weekend. I’ve even packed it out for 4-day trips with a laptop, toiletries, sneakers, and multiple outfits.
How Does the Organization Hold Up in Daily Use?
Nomatic nailed the layout. If you’re someone who likes knowing exactly where everything is, this bag was made for you.
- Laptop sleeve: Suspended, padded, and fits my 16” MacBook Pro snugly
- Tablet sleeve: Right in front, felt-lined, perfect for my iPad
- Main compartment: Opens like a suitcase with mesh zippered sections
- Front admin panel: For cords, pens, batteries, drives, everything has a spot
- Magnetic water bottle pockets: Stay flat when unused, genius design
- Hidden RFID pocket: Tucked behind the back panel for passport and wallet
The way this bag handles electronics is what sold me. I’ve never had to dig around or worry about protection. When you’re packing $3K+ worth of gear, that matters.
How Comfortable Is It on the Move?
I’ll be honest, comfort is the one area where this pack gets a little divisive.
The Carry System
- Shoulder straps: Well-padded, but stiff until broken in
- Back panel: Structured, with airflow channels
- Sternum strap: Helps distribute weight well
- Hip belt: Sold separately (I didn’t find it necessary for 30L loads)
Here’s my take: it’s not a plush hiking bag, and it doesn’t try to be. The structure actually helps with weight distribution, especially when fully packed. It hugs the body in a stable way, and I’ve worn it for hours at a time without back pain.
But if you’re after that ultra-soft, cushiony feel, this isn’t that.
Pros and Cons from a Year of Real Use
What I Loved
- Materials are top-tier, rain, scrapes, dirt, it handles it all
- Expandable design, seamlessly shifts between workday and weekend
- Incredible organization, zero clutter, everything in its place
- Professional look, clean enough for offices and business travel
- Tech-safe compartments, my laptop has never been more secure
What I Didn’t Love
- Price is steep, no denying it, this isn’t a budget bag
- Zippers are stiff at first, they soften up over time
- Rigid shell, great for structure, but less flexible than soft packs
- No built-in hip belt, it’s an add-on, which feels like a miss
The bottom line: this bag delivers on almost everything it promises, but you’re paying for it.
How Does It Compare to Other High-End Travel Packs?
I’ve tested it against the Aer Travel Pack 3 and Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L, two of its closest competitors.
| Feature | Nomatic Travel Pack | Aer Travel Pack 3 | Peak Design 45L |
| Capacity | 20–30L | 35L (fixed) | 35–45L (expandable) |
| Tech Storage | Best-in-class | Great | Good |
| Build Quality | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent |
| Comfort | Structured/stiff | Balanced | Soft/modular |
| Price (2025) | $299 | $249 | $299 |
| Best For | Digital nomads, EDC | Urban travel | Photographers, mixed travel |
If you’re carrying a camera and clothes, go Peak Design. If you want a more comfortable daypack feel, go Aer.
But if your daily setup includes tech gear, documents, and tight schedules, Nomatic is hard to beat.
So, Is It Worth the Premium Price?
After a year of hauling it through airports, metros, co-working spaces, and cafés, I can say this confidently:
Yes, it’s worth it, if you’re the right type of user.
If you need a bag that:
- Protects expensive gear
- Keeps you organized without extra pouches
- Looks good in a meeting or airport lounge
- Transforms from office to travel mode in seconds
Then you’ll appreciate what this pack offers. It’s one of the few backpacks that feels like it was built for real-world, modern mobility.
What Are Real Users Saying?
I’m not the only one impressed. Across Reddit, YouTube, and Amazon, the reviews echo many of my experiences.
Common praise:
- “Perfect for tech-heavy business trips”
- “My workspace is now in a backpack”
- “Built like premium luggage, not a normal backpack”
Most common complaints:
- “It’s heavier than expected”
- “Zippers were tight out of the box”
- “Stiff when underpacked”
If you’re someone who likes flexibility, you might find it rigid. But if you value structure and protection, it’s spot on.
Where to Buy It
You’ll find the Nomatic Travel Pack at:
- Nomatic.com – often bundles with tech organizers or accessories
- Amazon – usually full retail price
- Huckberry – sometimes runs seasonal deals
Tip: sales are rare. If you’re waiting for a 30% discount, you might be waiting forever.
Should You Buy the Nomatic Travel Pack?
If your lifestyle blends travel, work, and tech, and you want one bag that does it all without compromise, yes, you should absolutely consider the Nomatic Travel Pack.
It’s not perfect, and it’s not for everyone. But for me, and many others, it’s become an essential part of travel life.
It protects what matters. It keeps me organized. It looks professional. And most of all, it just works.
FAQS
Is the Nomatic Travel Pack waterproof?
It’s highly water-resistant. I’ve walked through rainstorms in Lisbon and Tokyo with no wet gear. I wouldn’t submerge it, but for real-world use, it’s solid.
Can you bring it as a carry-on?
Yes. I’ve taken it on Ryanair, Delta, United, and Turkish Airlines. No issues as a carry-on in either 20L or 30L mode.
Does it come with a hip belt?
No, it’s sold separately. I haven’t needed it personally, but if you regularly max it out, it’s a worthwhile add-on.
Is it good for one-bag travel?
For short trips, absolutely. I’ve packed for 3- to 4-day city hops with clothes, laptop, toiletries, and accessories, no problem.