Product: NOMATIC Travel Pack

Design: 4 / 5
Build Quality: 4.5 / 5
Functionality: 4.5 / 5
Ergonomics: 4 / 5
Durability: ?? / 5

MSRP: $219.00 (USD)
Overall: 4.5 / 5



I have long been looking for the "perfect" travel backpack. I've got to say, This NOMATIC Travel Pack is the closest I've come to finding it. Over the years, I've traveled quite a bit for work and some of my trips require shorter trips within the overall trip, and I really don't want to be lugging my suitcase around for a short jaunt of a few days. so in my extensive search for that perfect backpack, I developed a "want list", as follows:

- Durable
- Fits under airplane seat
- Security Pocket (against back)
- Fits all my electronics
- Fits 2-3 days of clothing
- Roller bag sleeve
- Multiple pockets for easy organisation
- Full Day carry comfort

So imagine my excitement when I saw this backpack listed on Kickstarter. It seemed like this NOMATIC Travel Pack checked all the right boxes. BUT, while it's by far the best one I've seen on the market so far, there are still just a couple of small things that prevents this from being PERFECT.

1. A MUST HAVE for me when traveling, is a security pocket that rests against my back. It's the perfect place to keep all your travel documents (passport, tickets, etc), currency, or any other sensitive items that you'd like to make sure is kept away from sticky fingers. While this NOMATIC Travel Pack does have one, it's a bit on the small side, and difficult to get to. The purpose of the security pocket is to prevent OTHERs from getting a hold of my travel documents, not prevent ME from getting a hold of them.

2. You don't always get a choice of where you're going when you travel for work. Sometimes, it can land you in some dodgy places, so security is essential. While it's GREAT that this backpack does give you a TSA approved combination lock for the zipper, there are quite a few backpacks now that use slashproof/resistant materials. In my humble opinion, that would put this pack over the top.

3. The backpack does wear a little bit square on your back. I just received mine, so I haven't used it for a full day commute, or for traveling yet. I'm sure it will work just fine, but for it to be PERFECT, a bit more of an angle for better weight distribution probably would have been nice.

4. Lastly, and I realise I'm being picky here; the side magnetic bottle pockets. They look fantastic, but there are limitations to their functionality. They don't expand QUITE enough if your water bottle is a little bit thicker. And it would have been nice if there was an option to close one of them, as having side pockets as an option is always nice.

Again, I realise that I'm being very picky here (this site IS called CriticallyCriticalCritic afterall). I love the various different ways that you can organise all of your gear. The addition of the compression pack is brilliant, and overall, while stylistically, it could look sexier, it's still professional looking, and it really doesn't seem like they've cheaped out on bits, which is nice.

Cheers.