Nomatic Navigator Travel Backpack vs. The Moderne Explorer Backpack

Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.

Nomatic Navigator Travel Backpack

Front facing view of the Nomatic Navigator Travel Backpack
Capacity32 L
Weight2.4 kg
Dimensions56×36×23 cm
Airline fit45%
Price$400

Feature by feature

Nomatic Navigator Travel BackpackFeatureThe Moderne Explorer Backpack
Storage
N Compression N
41L Expanded Capacity None
1 Opening 1
Y Passport Y
N Passthrough N
Carry
Y Backpack Y
removable Hip Belt N
removable Sternum Strap Y
Inside
17in Laptop 15in
1 Main Compartments 1
Y Organizer N
Outside
× Hard Shell ×
N Rain-fly N
2 Water Bottle Holder 2
Y Water Resistant Y
Material
820D Ballistic NylonPolyester

The Moderne Explorer Backpack

Front facing view of the The Moderne Explorer Backpack
Capacity35 L
Weight0 kg
Dimensions47×35×20 cm
Airline fit90%
Price$149

Key differences between the Nomatic Navigator Travel Backpack and The Moderne Explorer Backpack

Both have: passport pocket, backpack straps, water bottle pockets, water resistant.

Which airlines take each bag as a carry-on

We checked both bags against the carry-on size limits of 189 airlines. 85 accept both. 0 accept only the Nomatic Navigator Travel Backpack, and 86 accept only the The Moderne Explorer Backpack.

Only the The Moderne Explorer Backpack fits

Aer Lingus, Aeroflot, Aerolineas Argentinas, Aeromexico, Air Baltic, Air Canada, Air Caraibes, Air China, Air France, Air India, Air Malta, Air Mauritius, Air Serbia, Air Seychelles, All Nipon Airways, ANA, Asiana Airlines, ATA Airlines, Austrian, Azerbaijan Airlines, Belavia, Blue Air, Boliviana de Aviacion, Brussels Airlines, Bulgaria Air, Caribbean Airlines, China Eastern, Croatia Air, Czech Airlines, Emirates Airlines, Enter Air, Ethiopian Airlines, Etihad Airways, Eurowings, Fiji Airways, Flair Air, flybe, Gol Linhas Aereas, Iberia, Icelandair, Indigo, InselAir, Interjet, Iran Air, Japan Airlines, Jet Airways, Juneyao Airlines, Kenya Airways, KLM, LATAM , Liat Airlines, LOT Polish, Lufthansa, Luxair, Mahan Air, Meridiana Fly, Mesa Airlines, Nordwind Airlines, Norwegian, Oman Air, Pakistan International, Peach, Porter Airlines, Qatar Airways, Royal Brunei Airlines, Royal Jordanian, Ryanair, S7, SAS Scandinavian, Scoot, Shandong Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, Sky Airlines, Sun Express, Swiss Int'l Air Lines, TAP Air Portugal, TAROM, Tianjin Airlines (A320 & E190), Tiger Airways, TUI, Turkish Airlines, Ukraine International, VIM Airlines (Closed), Volotea, WestJet, Xiamen.

Nomatic Navigator Travel Backpack vs. The Moderne Explorer Backpack: which should you pack?

The The Moderne Explorer Backpack carries 3L more than the Nomatic Navigator Travel Backpack (32L vs. 35L), and the two are closely matched on weight. For carry-on flexibility, the The Moderne Explorer Backpack fits 90% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the The Moderne Explorer Backpack; if you want to travel lighter, the Nomatic Navigator Travel Backpack is the better call.