Nomatic Navigator Backpack 15L Review (Worth the price?)
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- Опубліковано 6 лип 2024
- Nomatic Navigator backpack 15L // Overall pros and cons // Who this pack is perfect for // Who this pack is NOT perfect for // Where to get the best price, and more!
🎒 Get this pack: go.nomadsnation.com/navigator...
🔥 Check out my bag on Kickstarter! 👉🏼 www.kickstarter.com/projects/...
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00:00 - Intro
0:29 - Gist
1:26 - Front
4:30 - Middle
8:57 - Back
13:41 - Pros & Cons
14:42 - Is it for you?
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Nomatic is perhaps best known for focusing on the digital Nomad/business person. The Navigator 15 liter is no different. This pack is designed for everyday carry- to go from home to the office. It sports a proper laptop compartment, a hard shell exterior, an excellent expansion feature, and plenty of pockets to keep you organized.
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Get the Nomatic Navigator 15L backpack if…
✅ You love organization, especially for tech gear.
✅ You are looking for a business/ work everyday carry.
✅ You like thinner bags.
Updated link - Get this pack: go.nomadsnation.com/navigator...
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DO NOT get the Nomatic Navigator backpack 15 L if…
❌ You are on a budget. There are cheaper alternatives which do the same job. Check the link below... 👇🏼
🎒 Aer Day pack 2 / Tech pack 2
✍🏼 Designed for the same purpose
👉🏼 Watch our review: bit.ly/30ooYSr
👉🏼 Check the Aer Tech Pack 2: go.nomadsnation.com/aer-tech-...
👉🏼 Check the Aer Day pack 2: go.nomadsnation.com/aer-day-p...
❌ Wish that it was a little bit bigger. Nomatic has a larger pack with more organization, that is also perfect for everyday carry. The link to that review is below.… 👇🏼
🎒 Nomatic Travel Pack
✍🏼 20 -30 liters, prefect or EDC and short trips
👉🏼 Watch our review: bit.ly/3Dmj82U
👉🏼 Check the best price: go.nomadsnation.com/nomatic-t...
❌ You want something with a more lively style. We get it - matte black is a designer's hammer. The pack below has more color options and a sweet style to match… 👇🏼
🎒 Bellroy Melbourne backpack
✍🏼 Business backpack with an Australian vibe
👉🏼 Watch our review: bit.ly/3FiU4dD
👉🏼 Check the best price: go.nomadsnation.com/melbourne...
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Specs/Features/Summary
Get this pack: go.nomadsnation.com/navigator...
• Capacity: 15 to 20 liters
• Weight: 2.7 lbs / 1.2kg
• Laptop Compartment: 14" x 10.25"
• Outer Dimensions: 19" H x 12" W x 5.5" D
• Junior ballistic nylon
• One hidden pocket
• Hard shell design
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Looking to have YOUR backpack reviewed? Contact Aaron at Aaron@nomadsnation.com
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Affiliate Disclosure: We hope you enjoyed our Nomatic Navigator Backpack 15L review! To support our channel, we use affiliate links in our content. Clicking on these links and making a purchase helps us keep creating great videos (at no extra cost to you!)
Free Gear Disclosure: We often receive free gear for our reviews, but this does not influence our opinions. We always provide honest reviews-if a product isn't up to par, we'll tell you. - Навчання та стиль
Do you want to help me build a game-changing backpack? 👉🏼 nomadsnation.com/building-a-backpack
I love your “this might/might not be the bag for you” portion of your reviews-super helpful. Thanks for all the thorough, entertaining reviews. Much appreciated.
Super impressed with the quality of your reviews. Can't wait to see you blow up someday!
Thanks so much Lucas!!! We are still young but growing fast thanks to support like this :))
I had this backpack for 3ys now and still loving it. Perfect build, compact, organised, very good aesthetics, light weight and very ergonomics!
The complain I have is the zipper’s paint. The black paint worn off in my 2nd year. Despite that the backpack still looks pretty great, the zipper’s paint did not last as long as the backpack itself. Overall, everything else are still functional after 3ys. Highly recommended! 👍👍
Hell yea! Glad it’s worked out so well for you 💪🏾
One of the best review i have seen just for backpack, really nice work
Thanks so much Rahul!
I've had this backpack for about a year.
The pros: very nice build quality and perfect for my minimalist style for school. I don't know why everyone rips into the zippers, but I guess there's a world of zipper enthusiast I'm not aware of. I love that the laptop compartment is separate from the main compartment. And the +6L expansion has come in handy when I'm suddenly left with something unexpected from class.
The cons: I wish the main compartment opened up fully and admittedly it's maybe just a tad smaller than I'd like.
I was looking at the Nomatic Backpack 20 to 24L which has WAY more storage, opens up fully, and has a nice external cup holder. But it also has an interior laptop compartment and a bunch of complaints from other purchasers. The interior laptop compartment might be a pro for you, and the Nomatic Travel 20 to 40L is pretty much identical except for a larger expansion and an external laptop pocket.
Agreed that the main compartment not opening up fully can be a bit of a bitch
I gotta say as a motorcyclist, this bag looks like it would be awesome. The hard shell will allow for more aero dynamics and the tall and thin aesthetic is just perfect
Great call!
Just want to pop in and say that 2 years later this is till very useful and is helping people make the right decision. Thank you for the effort!
Glad it was helpful!
Tahnk you for your review!! Verry in to details and just bought one using the link in the description and the code.Happy with the purchase!!
Glad I could help! Please let us know what you think about the bag after testing for a few weeks :)
Thanks for the review. May need to check Nomatic's own walkthrough video of this pack again but I'm pretty sure it had a dangle stopper.
I like the design of this pack but I'm more excited about the sling bag from this series.
Glad to help! We've also reviewed the 6L sling already, and the 1L sling will be published soon. Be sure to sub so you know when it goes live :)
Nice breakdown bud! I have their travel pack that I feel has all these features and more bc it can double as a weekend bag. I’m pumped to see your 32L Travel backpack review for Nomatic, literally no in depth reviews for that one on the internets.
Thanks Joshua! We've already shot the 32L review, it should be live in a few weeks, be sure to subscribe so you know once it goes live :)
Worth the wait. Good review.
Thanks so much!
Great video. Thanks for that !
Thanks so much for the comment! Glad you liked it!
The pocket inside the pocket is for your passport. As a heavy business traveller I must say an accesible yet not I'm-gonna-loose-missplace-my-passport pocket is a very welcomed feature in your pack. Cheers.
Thanks for that Juan!
Thank you very much. This is very helpful.😊
Glad it was helpful!
Hi! where I can buy this bag in Hong Kong?
Man I was going to suggest the Errant as another budget bag, but the price had gone up since I've gotten mine (post Kickstarter but a while ago). Here's an idea for future videos, maybe vote to pick a bag to pack out, or look at hacks for bags (i use the little tuck away hole on my errant that is used to hide the water bottle strap to store a packable tote), you could also look at bags that have modular pieces or different packing cubes. I'm always looking at ways to extend what I have. Great video as always gentlemen!
Great to hear from you Jeff - and great recommendation! We are going to start doing stuff like this (hopefully) this summer after we clear through our current pile of backpacks to review. Thanks for the support!
Thanks for your review. Is there any chance to get this bag in Europe?
Thanks Karl! Unfortunately I know nomatic is having a trademark issue in Europe. You’d have to use some sort of freight forwarder to make that happen. Let us know if you decide to get it!
thx for your review it was super helpful and made my mind to buy it. you are right zips are not the best the life time warranty cover it
Glad we could help!
LOL, okay, I agree about the lack of dangler stoppers.
Yea, it kinda put me in a bit of a rage 😂
I'm looking for a bag that has good organization to store my physical therapy equipment on the go. That being a briefcase (filled with suction cups), kinesiology tape, emolient, tools, sports rub (hot and cold). Do you think this'd be a good option?
I think so, but I would take measurements of your gear and ask Nomatic directly.
Thanks for the review. I am in the market for a hardshell style case that is thin like this one. But I don’t like the cheaper materials for the price
What other alternatives are there instead of this? Do they have a version 2 with better materials?
Check out Peak Design Everyday Zip and Mous Extreme Commuter - we’ve done reviews on both
My laptop measures 10" x 14.5". Does anyone know if this would be able to squeeze into this bag without issue?
Following
Damn this bag is gorgeous. Really sleek and sexy with good organisation, but the price tag is a gut punch lol. Great review as always guys!
Yea dude, she's a beauty for sure. On the pricey side, but hopefully it should last years and years, meaning you'll get a ton of bang for your buck :)
@@Nomads.Nation
Very true! Given their rep and quality products I look forward to owning a Nomatic bag one day l :)
Aaron, on my Nomatic 10L sling, both inside pocket zippers are YKK. Interesting, because the outside zippers are from Zoom? Apparently they are more customizable than YKK (according to Peak Design)
Good to know! Both Zoom and YKK are amazing - can't go wrong with either
wich one is better ? the navigator or the nomatic 14 L backpack (. now in olive color ) ? of course im asking for a every day pack. THANKS
Both are great for their own purposes. I’d recommend just picking on which one you like the look of more
Does the expansion give more room to the main compartment or the laptop compartment?
Main compartment I believe but maybe double check with nomatic as I no longer have the pack
Hi Aaron!
I really like your reviews. Really informative and funny to see. Do you think this 15L version fits to an overnight business trip, max 2 days? I think the 32L is too big since I would also like to use the bag as an EDC.
The travel pack 20/30 L is not as nice as the navigator in my point of view.
Thanks for the great reviews!
Thanks so much Rogerio! 15L is going to be really tight for two days, but it’s completely doable if you pack SUPER light. For me I prefer a 20 liter for a two day trip. Then I can fit my clothes, tech kit, bathroom kit, and miscellaneous gear perfectly. Have you checked out Aer products?
@@Nomads.Nation not really. I’ve been looking at some Peak Design options. Do you have any AER specific bag to recommend?
I really like how the navigator look, but you got my point. I don’t think I can travel that light to fit all in the 15l even with the 6l expansion on.
@@rogerioaugustofonseca6011 oh shit! My bad dude I’m traveling a lot right now and I totally forgot that this bag expands to 21L 😂. I think that 21 litres is VERY doable for 2 day trips. If not, check out the Aer Tech Pack, Bellroy Apex, or anything by Tumi
@@Nomads.Nation No worries! 😅 I will reconsider the Navigator and have a look on the options you gave me. Thanks a lot for taking the time for this chat. I’m really enjoying it. All the success with the backpack project and the channel. I’m excited to see the results!
@@rogerioaugustofonseca6011 my pleasure mate and thanks for the support! I’m always here to help with any questions 💪🏾
Which would you say is better for an edc for work- Aer day pack 2 X-pac or this? I’m having a hard time choosing. Thank you! Your backpack reviews are the best!
Aer for sure. Better value and look imo
@@Nomads.Nation thank you! Aer day pack 2 X-pac or Alpaka Elements Pro X-Pac? I appreciate it!
can't go wrong with either but I'd go with Aer personally@@Beachvibe85
@@Nomads.Nation will do! thank you!
Bruh I swear I can’t buy a backpack unless you’ve reviewed it. Just ordered this one!
Glad you find our reviews helpful John! Be sure to let us know what you think of the pack once you’ve tested it out 💪🏾
I was excited for this pack as an upgrade from 'The Original' Nomatic bag, but they didn't carry over any of the good features! The removal of the hard case for internal glasses storage case was the deal breaker for me. I don't like how they skimp on the materials. For a bag in this price range, it is a no-brainer to have upgrades materials. I appreciate all your reviews. I am currently binge watching every backpack review you've posted. Curious if you ever do any travel footwear or jacket reviews. Those are two other items I am in the market for and need honest, informed, and quality insight.
Thanks Caleb! No I have not extended into footwear or jackets yet a but hopefully soon!
Strap keeper on the sternum strap but not the shoulder straps?? 🤨🤔
Is that front hidden zip pocket big enough for a passport? I like that the whole compartment is discrete and the hidden zip pocket isn’t easy to access. Security isn’t supposed to be convenient.
Thanks for the comment Charles! I'm traveling so I don't have the Navigator 15L with me, but I think the compartment will fit a passport. I'd recommend reaching out to Nomatic to double check with them :)
Is there a way to add a dangle stopper?
rubber bands would probably be effective lol
Hi you are a top notch reviewer! I’m torn between this and the 20-30 version.
2 things I am a bit worried about:
1. Weight? Especially compared to the peak design everyday backpack
2. Since the zippers arent YKK, are they still high quality? Do they zip/unzip smoothly?
Thanks Avishay! I think the weight is fine and the zips aren’t the highest quality but they should last the test of time - plus that’s what the warrantee is for!
Looking forward to owning a Nomatic 1 litter backpack. When it comes available again.
Also when I get the money together.
A Nomatic 15 liter Backpack I what I want. When I get the money together and I becomes available again.
We’re about to do a giveaway with the Nomatic 1 liter - stay subscribed to know once the giveaway starts!
Gotta say, I love the little “teeny” hand that randomly shows up to “feel” the texture of the bags…I vote more tiny hands
The tiny hands are a HUGE hit! Haha more tiny hands coming soon!
Do you think i can fit a ipad pro and a 16 inch macbook pro at the back compartment?
I would say yes but I’m not certain - be sure to reach out to Nomatic to double check
I want to know too. Did you reach out to them?
What is your recommendation for the best all-around everyday backpack around the 15 to 20 liter size? I got the Aer City pack I like it don't love it
if you can give me some details on why you don't like it and what you are looking for I can give you a rec or two
Something similar to the city pack but more premium and not as many organizational pockets in the main compartment just on the front admin side of it where I can neatly organize mostly my tech flashlights knives pens battery bank stuff like that...... The top pocket of the Aer dangles in the main compartment and is super annoying. Thanks!
@@Jasondranoff thats a pretty specific request lol, not sure if I have anything for you but some that come to mind are Evergoods CPL24 or maybe Black Ember Forge. The backpack I'm making also sounds like a great fit, but won't be available for a while
Thanks so much for taking the time I should probably make one myself!! Excited to see yours I signed up for your email to see the progress
@@Nomads.Nation I love the black ember Thank you really cool!! I'm going to dig a little deeper on that one.
Hey nice video
Can you review the MOOSE BACKPACK
Thanks Partha! I've never seen this pack before - looks very interesting, I'll add it to our wish list :)
Would my MacBook Pro 17 inch fit?
great question for Nomatic customer support. Please let us know what they say!
So i cant put my 17" ROG laptop in the laptop compartment? I am also pissed about the bag not having dangle stoppers, unforgivable.
Not sure about the laptop - please ask Nomatic and let us know what they say
What are you overall thoughts of this Navigator series vs Nomatic’s original Backpack and Travel Pack?
They are different. I think that the original series gives a lot more bang for your buck in terms of features. The new navigator series seems a tad overpriced imo
@@Nomads.Nation that makes sense, thank you! I have a Nomatic Travel Pack and I prefer the style of that over the Navigator bags. I do wish the Travel Pack was lighter though, it’s a heavy bag
That inner bottle holder, could it fit a foldable umbrella?
I believe so yes
Turns out i couldn't get delivered to China...ended up buying a Tajezzo N12. Looks good in paper, let's see in reality. thanks anyway for the answer, i do not completely give up on that navigator, i'll be travelling soon, i'll take the chance to snatch one.@@Nomads.Nation
@@Nomads.Nation Thanks for the reply, had to give up on that bag tho, can't get it in China, went for a Tajezzo instead. But keeping an eye on your Beetle backpack, i like the idea!
And returned the Tajezzo N12 cordura right away... one ykk zip where it makes no sense, the one exposed to elements isn't waterproof and the quicky pocket is on the wrong side of the bag...
Is there a bag like this that's a messenger? Similar in size and whatnot?
Check out Peak Design Everyday Messenger
@@Nomads.Nation that seemed a bit chonky on the bottom. i really like having my bag everywhere i go, so i'm trying to keep it slim enough to be very flexible. i'll have to check it out some more...
@@seanivrymusic that’s going to be the problem - you want a slim sling but you want it to be 15L which is huge for a sling. That’ll be really tough. Maybe check out the Nomatic Messenger
@@Nomads.Nation I don't need it to be 15l. But just reasonably spaced. I have an stm trust 13" that I love but it's very fat. If it were a 15" size and thinner it would be much more compact overall. They have a 15" model but it's just bigger all around. And if you go with a typical 15" messenger they are either all fat or slim but lack any organization. I had found a nice one from a Swedish company or something a while back but for the life of me I can't find it again. It has a soft orange interior was slim, but had great organization... bah.
I basically want a very small edc bag with space for a few pouches and electronics with the ability to carry my 14" mbp when needed... for reference, I have a tom bihn pilot which I love - I think its 13 liters - but it offers zero laptop protection and if I add a cache or sleeve it takes up almost the whole main compartment, and I don't want to deal with a cache if possible. But size wise its pretty great... I could even probably do a few liters less if it is designed well enough that I don't need pouches.
The alpaka elements tech messenger looks awesome, but it claims 7L. Thats half the pilot, but it has a laptop section so.... not sure if that would be a bit too small or just right...
@@seanivrymusic good luck dude, let us know what you end up getting!
It seems that they updated the pack with an external water bottle holder.
...it kinda hurts that it costs almost 300 euros in my country 😢
I really like its design and overall functionality.
good to know, I'll check it out!
Hi, can i put legion 7 laptop there?
Not sure. I’d reach out to Nomatic to ask them :)
@@Nomads.Nation thank u so much
UDATE: I just took my 15L Navigator on its first international trip and I’m happy to report it was a success! I had never used a sternum strap before and boy are those useful! I loved the one on this one. I could also tell people were looking curiously at it 😏 My cousin I was travelling with got interested for it business-like look, as he’d like to replace the baggy-sloppy looking one he has. He was less interested when I told him the price though 😂 the key is Black Friday people! Patience pays off! END OF UPDATE
I just purchased this (at Black Friday price, couldn’t resist)and its given me the best impression at first sight.
1. Quality materials, well built ❤ this feels premium indeed
2. I also had no idea zippers had brands 😂 so as long as they’re durable I suppose I’ll be fine with the ones presented here.
3. This back pack has a lot of well thought details. I don’t think you mention in the video that the three single zippered pockets, i.e. the hidden water, the side quick access and the soft-lined glasses/phone pocket, have those little security loops to introduce the zipper pull and make those a bit more inaccessible to light fingered people. They may be hidden inside the mentioned pockets.
4. Mine doesn’t present any ‘waviness’ near the reflective bars. It looks perfect. Maybe you got a prototype for review.
5. However, I DO see the indentation you mention. I read that you can shape it with a pillow and a blow dryer. Haven’t tried it though 😂
glad to hear you like the bag so far!!
Does it stand on their own?
kindof.... but not as well as the Nomatic Backpack
yeah you're absolutely right. At this price range they have to have better materials from reputable third party partners. non of their in house or oem parts are proven.
It's my biggest gripe with Nomatic as a whole - aside from that they make great stuff
Just purchased one. They've made a change in the water bottle compartment. Now the bottle sits on the outside of the bag.
is it the zip solution where you can pull the mesh out?
@@Nomads.Nation correct. I can post a video of it if you like.
@@MrMLK is it the same in the Nomatic Navigator Lite? We just reviewed it - ua-cam.com/video/adZMVx3RI1g/v-deo.html
@@Nomads.Nation it is. I actually like it better. I rarely use a water bottle, so while I agree this solution doesn't match the smooth look, it also doesn't take up space on the inside. If I pick up a bottle at the airport, I can put it on the outside and not worry about taking up space.
On the rare occasions I do carry an insulated water bottle, I can still put it in the bag if I want.
@@MrMLK for sure! I agree, if you don't carry a water bottle too often this is a better solution
Liked the video. The Nomatic Navigator backpack.. not so much. Ty~
Lol it’s a good pack but not for everyone. Thanks for the kind words!
Still would of gotten my Aer slim pack but this would have been a serious contender
Thanks for the comment Daniel - and totally agree - out of the two Aer wins... but only slightly.
how about this: amzn.to/3xW9UYN
Good quaility, low cost value
Cheers!
Nice review. Price? HKD1,990/- I will give it a miss.
Thank you! Yea it ain’t cheap that’s for sure
This bag is almost perfect, it should have had a way to hide the straps so you can use it in briefcase mode.
Thanks for the comment Christian, and I 100% agree - that would take this bag to the next level!
Not buying this until it gets the "dangle stoppers" on the bottom straps
agreed. its just not acceptable imo
@@Nomads.Nation Thanks for pointing it out! Their marketing cleverly hides that
@@FR-yt5ik it really does. It's not the end of the world for some people... but it's annoying af to me haha
I sewed them on mine, lol. Just need a little elastic.
12:31 100% proof this guy's reviews are legit.
😂 I went a bit crazy on that one, but I’m very passionate about dangle 😂
@@Nomads.Nation You raving about the aesthetics and excellent features of this backpack but then spicing it up by mocking them when it's well deserved (no dangle stop on a backpack anything over $150, much less $250 is a crime) is proof your reviews are honest and they're not paying you to only talk about the Pros 😂
@@roseforeuropa much appreciated dude! Honesty is the name of the game - I want to build a solid reputation and an engaged community, not scam people into buying crap bags. ❤
No water bottle pocket. Nexxxtt
Edit: weird water bottle pocket. Not surd about it.
I'm personally a big fan of it, but it's def not for everyone
how about this:amzn.to/3f8491B
I bought this because of the look, but it’s so difficult to use- and the internal water bottle holder is full stupid-if you use it-you legit limit what you can put into it…ie don’t think about filers or anything in that 8.5”/11” office stuff. And it has no strap holders so it just dangles. I hate this so much! I think it’s a flop for nomatic who usually thinks through everything
Sorry to hear about your experience ! And I agree, I don't think it's Nomatic's most funcational backpack
I think its way overpriced and agree that nomatic could have used better quality materials. The Aer appears to be a better option.
If you are looking for value, then yes I agree, Aer gives you more bang for your buck
Nomatic bags have nice practical designs but like the video mentioned for that price range buyers deserve better material used for the bag. In summary it's a overpriced bag
Many ppl think this and I think there’s a lot of truth to it - especially for the Navigator series
Nomatic products are way overpriced in my opinion and I'm not a cheap guy.
I am also not a cheap guy and I agree that compared to other backpack companies nomatic has a tendency to overcharge. But having said that they have a cult-like following so it seems to be working for some ppl!
@@Nomads.Nation That's for sure! A few years back Nomatic was the go-to backpack for the tech enthusiasts or the UA-camrs made it seem like it 😂 Another brand that is in the same category is Tumi, their price are insane!
@@francoisberkinjr5088 yea they are both ‘luxury’ brands. I’ve always wanted to get my hands on a Tumi pack to see if they are worth it. Hopefully soon!
@@Nomads.Nation I've seen them but the brand doesn't appeal to me. As much as I love quality products I'm also brand driven. I'm also a sucker for "tactical" type everything 😉
It's so fuggin ugly, lol. Why is everything nomatic designed by some amateur?
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder! Some ppl like the vibe, I don’t hate it personally
Subjective. I actually dig the design.
@@TheDZHEX 😎