Nomatic Travel Backpack vs. Timbuk2 Scheme
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Nomatic Travel Backpack
| Capacity | 20 L |
| Weight | 1.8 kg |
| Dimensions | 47×30×13 cm |
| Airline fit | 93% |
| Price | $330 |
Feature by feature
| Nomatic Travel Backpack | Feature | Timbuk2 Scheme |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 1 | Opening | 1 |
| back | Passport | side |
| Y | Passthrough | Y |
| Carry | ||
| hideable | Backpack | hideable |
| N | Hip Belt | N |
| Y | Sternum Strap | removable |
| Inside | ||
| 15in | Laptop | 15in |
| 4 | Main Compartments | 6 |
| N | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 2, side | Water Bottle Holder | N |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| Waterproof tarpaulin | |
Key differences between the Nomatic Travel Backpack and Timbuk2 Scheme
- Passport pocket: Back on the Nomatic Travel Backpack; Side on the Timbuk2 Scheme.
- Sternum strap: Yes on the Nomatic Travel Backpack; Removable on the Timbuk2 Scheme.
- Main compartments: 4 on the Nomatic Travel Backpack; 6 on the Timbuk2 Scheme.
- Water bottle pockets: 2, side on the Nomatic Travel Backpack; No on the Timbuk2 Scheme.
Both have: luggage passthrough, backpack straps, laptop sleeve, water resistant.
Which airlines take each bag as a carry-on
We checked both bags against the carry-on size limits of 189 airlines. 175 accept both. 0 accept only the Nomatic Travel Backpack, and 5 accept only the Timbuk2 Scheme.
Only the Timbuk2 Scheme fits
Air Tahiti, American Eagle, easyJet, Gulf Air, Ravn Alaska.
Nomatic Travel Backpack vs. Timbuk2 Scheme: which should you pack?
The Timbuk2 Scheme carries 1L more than the Nomatic Travel Backpack (20L vs. 21L), while the Timbuk2 Scheme is the lighter pack at 1.2kg (vs. 1.8kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Timbuk2 Scheme fits 95% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the Timbuk2 Scheme; if you want to travel lighter, the Timbuk2 Scheme is the better call.