Navigator Travel Backpack 32L

I have had the Nomatic Navigator 32l travel backpack for over a year now and it has been through a lot and is still holding up strong. I have used it for camping, commuting and daily use and I haven’t had any problems, it still looks almost new, everything still works as new. The only problem I had is that it sometimes leaks through a little bit in heavy rain through the zippers, but most things still stay dry even in heavy rain. It’s super comfortable, it feels lighter than it actually is and the organization options it has are super cool.

It definitely is too big for daily use and I would recommend a smaller nomatic backpack for daily use.

Nomatic backpacks, specifically the Navigator travel backpack 32l are premium option and are priced as such, but if you want a good premium backpack I would recommend Nomatic backpacks.

I’ve put this bag through six trips to Asia and roughly 96 hours in the air so far, and overall I’m seriously impressed. The build quality, materials, organization, and overall function are on another level compared to most travel backpacks I’ve owned. Everything feels premium and thoughtfully designed. The storage layout works great for tech, travel gear, and quick airport access. You can tell this bag was designed by people who travel often.

The laptop protection and organization are especially good. The bag keeps its shape well, feels durable, and still looks clean after heavy use. Comfortable to carry even during long travel days.

I do have two criticisms.

First, the bag is slightly too tall when paired with a rolling carry on. If your roller bag has an extended handle, the backpack handle and roller handle do not line up naturally, so the carry setup feels awkward at times.

Second, the luggage pass through strap on the back is too tight. I understand the intention, but on several roller handles I could barely fit it over the extension handle at all.

Outside of those two things, this is one of the best travel backpacks I’ve used. If you travel often and want something durable, organized, and premium feeling, this bag stands out fast.

I bought this for a trip to Switzerland last week, and with the idea of using it for 4 day trips to Colorado for hiking here and there as I do. After taking it with me all over Switzerland, Im conflicted. It is slightly heavy, but Im picky due to ultralight packing packs. The weight distribution is impeccable, and it never became actually uncomfortable. It is bulky to carry as a day pack, but not enough to be embarrassing. It is built well which adds to peace of mind but also bulk. Im trying to understand how I can use this for CO trips. I dont think Id ever take it hiking. Too heavy. So what is it's happy place? Probably a 3-4 day jet set where youre not doing anything technical, and you arent wearing it 100% of the time. Maybe a friend's bday away where you have a base camp and venture out for sightseeing once or twice. Or maybe a CO trip if you can fit a Camelback in it for the flight. Just be aware of the airline restrictions for carry on weight if flying economy. Overall, I like it. My 2 points of contention:

- The tension straps need a way to secure the excess. They are soft thankfully, but theyre flapping everywhere.

- It was too easy to knock the (buckle?) strap tension holder thing on the shoulder strap when removing the pack for access while out and about. Small peeve, but with any weight if you knock that you lose a lot of strap which makes the bag feel like a weight on your shoulder and it annoys.