News: Just played with a Nomatic Backback 20-24L ($209)

I realize that this may be an unfair tease for those interested in this pack: I do not have this pack to review at the moment.

I am writing about this pack because one of my close friends took delivery of the Nomatic Backpack (left one) in December of 2017 and I just saw her packing it up when we were leaving a meeting.  I hope to review it soon if she can do without it for 2 hours.

As I said, the one to the left is the Nomatic Backpack while the one to the right is the Nomatic Travel Pack.  Both are the same size (20L) when in their "compact" state, but can expand to 24L and 30L, respectively, when expansion zippers are unzipped.

First Impressions

Look/Feel:

The bag is sleek and professional looking for sure. It would look right in the front seat of a BMW 528, but might look out of place in VW Bug.  This is definitely not a form over function bag, however.  It is designed for access, usability, and comfort.  Clearly the materials and workmanship are pro-level. The bag itself has a heft and density that oozes quality. It also is a structured bag that will sit on its own whether filled or empty.

Usability:

I asked MB how much the bag fits her needs (she is a teacher on a large campus).  She loves the organization of the pack.  MB admitted that the zippers were stiff at first, but that they are breaking in and getting smoother.  (All the zippers are water resistant YKKs.)  If you know the bag, then you know that it comes with three interchangeable inserts ("panels") that "Velcro" onto the back wall of the bag.  There is a "clothing/shoes" insert that is simply a loose top loading bag that can serve as a packing cube of sorts, there is a "paper" insert that allows you to organize your to organize your files and thin notebooks, and there is a "tech" insert that allows you to pack your laptop accessories (charger, dongles, etc).  This tech insert is the one the MB primarily uses.  She indicated that she never uses the travel insert.  Additionally, there is a hidden pocket that is on the suspension panel - MB claims that she never uses this, too.

Size:

It is a small pack - much smaller than it appears in the photos.  Of course, Nomatic does not claim otherwise.  As indicated above, it is listed as a 20 L bag that can expand to 24 L - a bit below what I consider ideal in a crossover daypack (28 L).  MB did admit that is can be a bit hard to dig into the bottom of the main compartment since there is not a lot of room to "fish around" for that quarter you need to pay the meter.

I will try to dig a bit deeper and perhaps get a chance to fill it and fly it for myself.