NOMATIC Backpack
The NOMATIC Backpack is great for everyday uses. It can fit a lot of gear and is great for organization because it had numerous pockets for organization. It is versatile and can be used with different uses. It does have a slightly higher price point than other backpacks in the same category.
- DESIGN
- EASE OF USE
- PRICE
The NOMATIC Backpack is ideal for your everyday carry items and can even work for overnight trips.
I’ve always been the type of person who takes care of their belongings. A few years back, when I started migrating to pro-level photography gear, I realized that I also needed pro-level bags to keep that gear safe.
Over the years, I’ve used some of the best camera bags available and about a year ago, I had the pleasure of reviewing the Peter McKinnon Camera Bag Collection by NOMATIC. This set of bags was like nothing else I had ever tried. It was designed with the photographer in mind at every turn and because NOMATIC was the designer, the collection was made with the best possible quality materials available.
Ever since then, NOMATIC has been on my radar and I was recently treated to the NOMATIC Backpack, which is intended as an everyday carry item. Not long ago I had to make a quick weekend trip to Nashville, I knew it would only be for one or two days so I felt like I could pack pretty light. I was looking forward to getting out of my town for a few days and, as it turns out, the NOMATIC Backpack was the perfect little bag to make my trip simple.
ABOUT NOMATIC
NOMATIC was launched as a company in 2014 by cousins, Jon Richards and Jacob Durham, with a wallet that was backed by a crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter. That campaign raised more than $171,000 (the original goal was $10,000) and more than 6,000 people backed it. To date, NOMATIC has raised over $13M through crowdfunding projects.
NOMATIC’s goal as a company is to provide products that inspire confidence for life on the move. The company operates with these three vision areas – quality, function, and versatility.
DETAILS
The NOMATIC Backpack is meant for everyday use. It is made to last with water-resistant material (tarpaulin) and YKK zippers. The backpack is designed to be slim but expandable to hold what you need when you need it. It has a volume of 20L that expands up to 24L.
The strap system allows users to carry the bag as a backpack or as a briefcase – depending on their preference. In addition to the main compartment, the backpack features magnetic water bottle pockets, RFID-safe storage, and hidden pockets.
MAIN FEATURES
- RFID Safe Pocket
- Magnetic Water Bottle Pocket
- Hidden Pocket
- Retractable Key Leash
- Roller Bag Sleeve Top Access Pocket
- Cord Pass Through
- Innovative Strap System
SPECS
- Weight: 4 lbs
- Capacity: 20L – 24L (expanded)
- Outer Dimensions: 19″ H x 13″ W x 5.75 – 7.75″ D (expanded)
- Laptop Compartment: 15.5″ x 11.5″ x 1.5″
- Tablet Compartment: 12.5″ x 9.5″ x .5″
PRICING & AVAILABILITY
The NOMATIC Backpack is priced at $279.99 and is available at nomatic.com and is currently listed as “pre-order (ships early July)”. We believe this is because the bag is on backorder (as of early May). The backpack can also be purchased from Amazon. The product is covered by NOMATIC’s lifetime warranty and payments can be made using Afterpay.
USER EXPERIENCE
The NOMATIC Backpack arrived in a black box that is standard for NOMATIC products. When you open the box, you will find the bag resting inside a plastic zippered pouch. There are, of course, a variety of silica gel packets to keep the bag fresh while it’s in storage and after it has shipped. Since it is a bag, there is no assembly required or setup of the backpack. NOMATIC does include a keyring and a hard shell sunglasses case that takes up a bit of space, but is removable if you don’t want to use it.
As I mentioned above, I did end up using this backpack on a quick trip to Nashville recently. While I don’t travel a lot, I do take frequent day trips to cities that are within a 2-3 hour drive of where I live. I always end up taking my laptop, iPad, various accessories, and a change of clothes just in case I have to stay overnight somewhere.
In my opinion, this is a great use for the NOMATIC Backpack. It can be great as a daily-drvier bag, but it really excels as a compact travel pack, too. The backpack can work as a carry-on. Even when it is in its expanded size the dimensions are below the maximum size of a carry-on (22” L x 14” W x 9” H). The backpack is fairly lightweight (4lbs empty) for the high-quality backpack that it is. Many other backpacks in this same class and price-point are around the same weight and it is still comfortable to carry.
The NOMATIC Backpack is tough. Granted, it’s not meant to be for hiking or anything of that nature, but it can take daily abuse. The material is designed to withstand abrasions and is tear-resistant. I’m a big fan of the materials used to make these bags – its the same as the Peter McKinnon collection and that has proven to be sturdy and well-worth the investment because they are built to last. So is this backpack. It can weather the elements, but I do want to point out that while the bag is water-resistant it’s not waterproof. If you are caught in a heavy downpour or if the bag is submerged, then your belongings will likely get damp.
The NOMATIC Backpack is comfortable to wear and even with it packed with my daily essentials (laptop, tablet, notebook, cables/other tech gear, some clothes, a book, etc.) it didn’t feel awkward to carry. Yes, it did feel heavier, but the padded straps and back, keep everything well-balanced. I felt that air circulated well on my back and I was able to adjust the length of the straps to my preferred length. I also appreciate that there is a sternum strap included. There is no waist strap, but since this is designed to be a compact everyday carry bag and not really meant for hiking or super heavy gear, I think it’s appropriate that strap was left out.
One design feature I’m not sold on is the ‘briefcase handle’. I like that the handle is included because it makes it easy to pick up or slide out of different storage areas (especially on an airplane). I do think that it’s a little odd that the feature is sold as a breifcase handle though. Even though the design of the bag is sleek enough to be in a professional setting, it still looks like a backpack – even with the back straps tucked away. This is in no way a dealbreaker, but something I wanted to point out nonetheless.
CONCLUSION
When it comes to quality NOMATIC is just that. I love how they make their bags. I buy Apple products because I know what I will get and I would buy NOMATIC for the same reason. If you need a bag that can handle everyday life while looking great NOMATIC is the brand you want to give your business to and the standard Backpack is a great EDC companion.
