Why Choose Nomatic
Nomatic started in 2014 when cousins Jon Richards and Jacob Durham launched a minimalist wallet on Kickstarter. That wallet campaign was just the start — Nomatic's later travel bag campaigns went on to raise millions on Kickstarter and Indiegogo — and the design principle behind it hasn't changed: build systems that remove friction from daily life. The result is a lineup of backpacks and bags where every pocket, strap and zipper has a job — and where a single pack can carry you from the office to a week abroad.
Expandable Capacity, One Bag
The Nomatic Travel Pack expands from 20L to 30L (or 14L to 21L on the smaller size), and the Everyday Backpack grows 20% from 20L to 24L. Zip it down for a compact daily carry, unzip the expansion panel for a long weekend. It's the reason so many travellers replace two or three bags with one Nomatic backpack.
Organization You Can Actually Find
The 20L Travel Pack has 22 pockets. The Everyday Backpack has over 20. That includes a TSA-ready fold-down laptop compartment for laptops up to 16", a dedicated tablet sleeve, RFID-safe pockets for cards and passports, magnetic water bottle pockets that disappear when empty, a hidden security pocket, and a luggage handle pass-through for stacking on a roller bag. Everything has a home, so nothing ends up at the bottom of the bag.
Built From Serious Materials
Nomatic bags are made from durable, water-resistant tarpaulin — a nylon and polyester blend — with reinforced stitching, YKK zippers and weather-resistant zips on exterior pockets. Construction is 100% vegan, with no leather anywhere in the lineup. It's gear built to be checked, crammed under seats and hauled through rain without complaint.
Convertible, Carry-Any-Way Designs
The Everyday Backpack converts from a backpack to a briefcase with a patented strap system. The 40L Travel Bag switches between duffel and backpack carry and includes a shoe compartment and a custom laundry bag for dirty clothes. The Navigator Slings wear crossbody or as a waist pack, with a strap on the 6L that adjusts from 30" to 60".
Backed by a Real Warranty
Nomatic's Life Well Lived Warranty covers bags, backpacks, luggage, slings and camera gear for five years from the date of purchase, protecting against manufacturing defects like zipper failures, seam separation and hardware breakage under normal use. Apparel, wallets and accessories are covered for one year.
Buying Nomatic in Canada
Nomatic gear can be hard to find in Canadian stores, and ordering direct from the US often means duties, brokerage fees and slow cross-border shipping. U.N. Luggage stocks Nomatic in Canada with Canadian pricing in CAD, fast domestic shipping and no surprise border charges. We've been outfitting travellers from our Winnipeg store at 175 McDermot Avenue for decades, and every Nomatic order is backed by our satisfaction guarantee.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nomatic
Is a Nomatic backpack carry-on approved in Canada?
Yes, in most cases. The Nomatic Travel Pack 20L measures 18.5" × 12" × 6" unexpanded, comfortably within Air Canada's 21.5" × 15.5" × 9" carry-on limit. Fully expanded to 30L its depth grows to 9.5", so on a full flight with strict sizer enforcement you may be asked to compress it. The Navigator Slings fit easily within personal item limits (17" × 13" × 6"); the 14L Travel Pack is close to personal-item size and fits under most seats, though at 17.5" tall it's marginally over Air Canada's stated 17" limit, so check before you fly. The 40L Travel Bag at 21" × 14" × 9" fits standard carry-on dimensions. Always check your specific airline and fare class before you fly.
What's the difference between the Nomatic Travel Pack and the Everyday Backpack?
The Travel Pack is built for trips: it opens flat with a full-perimeter zipper like a suitcase, expands from 20L to 30L, and has 22 pockets including packing-focused compartments. The Everyday Backpack is built for the commute: it expands 20L to 24L, converts from a backpack to a briefcase with a patented strap system, and prioritizes quick access to tech and work gear. If you're flying regularly, choose the Travel Pack. If you're going office-to-gym-to-home, choose the Everyday Backpack.
Which Nomatic size should I buy — 14L or 20L?
Go with the 14L (expands to 21L) if you mostly carry a 15" laptop, a few essentials and want something that slides under an airline seat as a personal item. Go with the 20L (expands to 30L) if you carry a 16" laptop, travel for two to four days at a time, or want the option to pack clothing. The 20L weighs 4.1 lbs empty versus 3.5 lbs for the 14L, so the smaller pack is also noticeably lighter on your back.
What does the Nomatic warranty cover?
Nomatic's Life Well Lived Warranty covers bags, backpacks, luggage, slings and camera gear for five years from purchase, and apparel, wallets and accessories for one year. It protects against manufacturing defects that stop the product from working as designed — zipper failures, seam or structural failures, hardware breakage under normal use. It doesn't cover cosmetic wear like scratches, fading and scuffs, damage from overpacking or misuse, airline or carrier mishandling, or products bought secondhand. Return shipping is covered in year one; after that a flat inbound fee applies.
Are Nomatic bags waterproof?
Nomatic bags are water-resistant, not fully waterproof. The tarpaulin shell (a nylon and polyester blend) and the weather-resistant zippers on exterior pockets will shrug off rain, snow and spills, which covers most Canadian weather. For extended downpours or watersports, use a rain cover or pack electronics in a dry bag.
Do Nomatic backpacks fit a 16-inch laptop?
Yes. The Travel Pack 20L-30L and the Everyday Backpack 20L-24L both fit laptops up to 16" (roughly 14" × 10" × 1.5") in a TSA-ready, fold-down compartment, plus a separate tablet sleeve. The smaller 14L versions fit laptops up to 15". The Navigator Sling 6L is tablet-only, fitting up to an 11" iPad Pro.
How do I clean a Nomatic backpack?
Spot clean with a damp cloth, mild soap and cold water, then air dry fully before storing. Don't put a Nomatic bag in the washing machine or dryer — heat and agitation can damage the tarpaulin coating, the water-resistant zippers and the structural foam. For interior messes, empty every pocket, vacuum out debris, then wipe down. Avoid bleach, solvents and prolonged direct sunlight.