Away Active Convertible 25L vs. Nomatic Travel Backpack
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Away Active Convertible 25L
| Capacity | 25 L |
| Weight | 1.1 kg |
| Dimensions | 43×33×19 cm |
| Airline fit | 95% |
| Price | $180 |
Feature by feature
| Away Active Convertible 25L | Feature | Nomatic Travel Backpack |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| 4 | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 1 | Opening | 1 |
| back | Passport | back |
| Y | Passthrough | Y |
| Carry | ||
| hideable | Backpack | hideable |
| N | Hip Belt | N |
| N | Sternum Strap | Y |
| Inside | ||
| 13in | Laptop | 15in |
| 4 | Main Compartments | 4 |
| N | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 1, side | Water Bottle Holder | 2, side |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 100% recycled polyester | Waterproof tarpaulin |
Nomatic Travel Backpack
| Capacity | 20 L |
| Weight | 1.8 kg |
| Dimensions | 47×30×13 cm |
| Airline fit | 93% |
| Price | $330 |
Key differences between the Away Active Convertible 25L and Nomatic Travel Backpack
- Compression straps: 4 on the Away Active Convertible 25L; No on the Nomatic Travel Backpack.
- Sternum strap: No on the Away Active Convertible 25L; Yes on the Nomatic Travel Backpack.
- Laptop sleeve: 13in on the Away Active Convertible 25L; 15in on the Nomatic Travel Backpack.
- Water bottle pockets: 1, side on the Away Active Convertible 25L; 2, side on the Nomatic Travel Backpack.
Both have: passport pocket, luggage passthrough, backpack straps, water resistant.
Which airlines take each bag as a carry-on
We checked both bags against the carry-on size limits of 189 airlines. 174 accept both. 5 accept only the Away Active Convertible 25L, and 1 accept only the Nomatic Travel Backpack.
Only the Away Active Convertible 25L fits
Air Tahiti, American Eagle, easyJet, Gulf Air, Ravn Alaska.
Only the Nomatic Travel Backpack fits
Air Niugini.
Away Active Convertible 25L vs. Nomatic Travel Backpack: which should you pack?
The Away Active Convertible 25L carries 5L more than the Nomatic Travel Backpack (25L vs. 20L), while the Away Active Convertible 25L is the lighter pack at 1.1kg (vs. 1.8kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Away Active Convertible 25L fits 95% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the Away Active Convertible 25L; if you want to travel lighter, the Away Active Convertible 25L is the better call.