The Moderne Explorer Backpack vs. Nomatic Mckinnon Camera Pack

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

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

Feature by feature

The Moderne Explorer BackpackFeatureNomatic Mckinnon Camera Pack
Storage
N Compression Y
None Expanded Capacity None
1 Opening 1
Y Passport Y
N Passthrough Y
Carry
Y Backpack Y
N Hip Belt removable
Y Sternum Strap Y
Inside
15in Laptop 15in
1 Main Compartments 1
N Organizer N
Outside
× Hard Shell ×
N Rain-fly N
2 Water Bottle Holder 2
Y Water Resistant Y
Material
PolyesterTarpaulin material

Nomatic Mckinnon Camera Pack

Front facing view of the Nomatic Mckinnon Camera Pack
Capacity35 L
Weight2.6 kg
Dimensions56×35×23 cm
Airline fit46%
Price$400

Key differences between the The Moderne Explorer Backpack and Nomatic Mckinnon Camera Pack

Both have: passport pocket, backpack straps, sternum strap, laptop sleeve, 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. 86 accept both. 85 accept only the The Moderne Explorer Backpack, and 0 accept only the Nomatic Mckinnon Camera Pack.

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, 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.

The Moderne Explorer Backpack vs. Nomatic Mckinnon Camera Pack: which should you pack?

The The Moderne Explorer Backpack carries the same capacity as the Nomatic Mckinnon Camera Pack (35L 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 Mckinnon Camera Pack is the better call.