Unearth The Voyage
After months of hauling backpacks through security lines, gate sprints, and overhead bin Tetris, we narrowed down the travel pack battle between Nomatic and Peak Design. Both brands promise smart organization and durability, but which ones actually deliver when you’re racing to catch a connection? We tested eight standout models across dozens of flights to find the bags that make airport chaos feel just a little more manageable.
1. NOMATIC Travel Pack 20L
Organization junkies will fall hard for this bag. With 22 separate pockets, you’ll never dig through chaos looking for your passport or charger again.
The TSA-approved laptop fold-down makes security screening smoother, while the RFID-safe storage keeps your cards protected. Plus, it expands from 20L to 30L when you inevitably buy souvenirs.
The luggage handle pass-through turns this into a mobile office you can wheel around terminals without shoulder strain.
2. NOMATIC Navigator Pack 15L
Smaller doesn’t mean less capable here. This 15L daily carry transforms into a 21L travel companion when needed, fitting laptops up to 16 inches comfortably.
Hidden compartments and RFID-safe pockets keep valuables secure, while tamper-resistant zippers add peace of mind in crowded terminals. The luggage pass-through means you can stack it on your rolling bag effortlessly.
Perfect for quick weekend trips or business travel where you want to move fast without checking bags.
3. NOMATIC Navigator RS Pack 15L
Nomatic stripped down the Navigator to create something lighter without losing function. Built from ripstop fabric, this version weighs less but still expands from 15L to 21L when you need extra space.
The hidden water bottle pocket is genius for staying hydrated without looking like you’re headed to the gym. A fleece-lined quick-access pocket protects your phone or sunglasses from scratches.
The EVA foam back panel makes long terminal walks surprisingly comfortable.
4. NOMATIC Navigator Travel Backpack 32L
When you’re planning a real trip lasting three to five days, this bag steps up. It expands from 32L to 41L, swallowing enough clothes and gear for extended adventures while still meeting TSA carry-on standards.
At 22 by 14 by 9 inches, it’s built for overhead bins rather than cramming under seats. The 17-inch laptop sleeve handles larger work machines without complaint.
Nomatic designed this as their serious travel workhorse, and it shows in every detail.
5. Peak Design Travel Backpack 30L
Peak Design built their 30L around smart access and clean design. The main zip opens wide for easy packing, while magnetic flaps hide shoulder and sternum straps when you need a cleaner profile.
Measuring 20.9 by 13 by 7 inches and weighing just 3.17 pounds, it’s surprisingly light for the capacity. Those stowable straps become clutch if you ever need to check the bag unexpectedly.
It balances travel functionality with everyday usability better than most dedicated travel packs.
6. Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L
Peak’s heavyweight champion expands from 30L all the way to 45L when you need serious carrying capacity. At 22 by 13 by 9.5 inches and 4.52 pounds, it’s built for longer trips without crossing into checked-bag territory.
Dedicated sleeves accommodate both a 15-inch laptop and 10-inch tablet separately, keeping your tech organized and protected. Multiple access points mean you never have to unpack everything to reach one item buried inside.
This bag handles week-long adventures with room to spare.
7. Peak Design Everyday Backpack 20L
Originally designed for photographers, this bag travels better than most dedicated travel packs. Magnetic latches on the top flap let you adjust height from 18.3 to 22.3 inches depending on how much you’re carrying.
Side access panels mean grabbing your laptop or camera doesn’t require digging through everything. Configurable dividers adapt to whatever gear you’re hauling that day.
At 22.24 by 11.81 by 8.24 inches and 3.75 pounds, it’s your daily bag that happens to excel at airports too.
8. Peak Design Everyday Backpack Zip 20L
At just 2.91 pounds without dividers, this might be the lightest serious travel bag we tested. Measuring 18.5 by 11.4 by 6.3 inches, it slides under seats easily while still holding 20L of gear.
The magnetized luggage pass-through is brilliantly simple but game-changing when you’re wheeling a suitcase through crowded terminals. No fumbling with straps or clips, just magnetic snap-on convenience.
Peak Design nailed the details that matter when you’re actually moving through airports under time pressure.
