Tortuga Packable Backpack vs. Nomatic Navigator Collapsible Backpack
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Tortuga Packable Backpack
| Capacity | 19 L |
| Weight | 0.3 kg |
| Dimensions | 46×26×16 cm |
| Airline fit | 95% |
| Price | $80 |
Feature by feature
| Tortuga Packable Backpack | Feature | Nomatic Navigator Collapsible Backpack |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | 20L |
| 0 | Opening | 4 |
| top | Passport | top |
| N | Passthrough | Y |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| N | Hip Belt | N |
| removable | Sternum Strap | removable |
| Inside | ||
| N | Laptop | 16in |
| 2 | Main Compartments | 2 |
| N | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 2, side | Water Bottle Holder | 2, side |
| N | Water Resistant | N |
| Material | |
| 70D ripstop nylon | Wear- and water-resistant nylon |
Nomatic Navigator Collapsible Backpack
| Capacity | 17 L |
| Weight | 0.4 kg |
| Dimensions | 48×27×15 cm |
| Airline fit | 93% |
| Price | $100 |
Key differences between the Tortuga Packable Backpack and Nomatic Navigator Collapsible Backpack
- Opening: Other on the Tortuga Packable Backpack; Top zip on the Nomatic Navigator Collapsible Backpack.
- Luggage passthrough: No on the Tortuga Packable Backpack; Yes on the Nomatic Navigator Collapsible Backpack.
- Laptop sleeve: No on the Tortuga Packable Backpack; 16in on the Nomatic Navigator Collapsible Backpack.
Both have: passport pocket, backpack straps, sternum strap, water bottle pockets.
Which airlines take each bag as a carry-on
We checked both bags against the carry-on size limits of 189 airlines. 176 accept both. 3 accept only the Tortuga Packable Backpack, and 0 accept only the Nomatic Navigator Collapsible Backpack.
Only the Tortuga Packable Backpack fits
American Eagle, easyJet, Ravn Alaska.
Tortuga Packable Backpack vs. Nomatic Navigator Collapsible Backpack: which should you pack?
The Tortuga Packable Backpack carries 2L more than the Nomatic Navigator Collapsible Backpack (19L vs. 17L), while the Tortuga Packable Backpack is the lighter pack at 0.3kg (vs. 0.4kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Tortuga Packable Backpack fits 95% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the Tortuga Packable Backpack; if you want to travel lighter, the Tortuga Packable Backpack is the better call.