Nomatic Navigator Collapsible Backpack vs. Waterfield Bolt
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Nomatic Navigator Collapsible Backpack
| Capacity | 17 L |
| Weight | 0.4 kg |
| Dimensions | 48×27×15 cm |
| Airline fit | 93% |
| Price | $100 |
Feature by feature
| Nomatic Navigator Collapsible Backpack | Feature | Waterfield Bolt |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | N |
| 20L | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 4 | Opening | 4 |
| top | Passport | front |
| Y | Passthrough | Y |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| N | Hip Belt | N |
| removable | Sternum Strap | N |
| Inside | ||
| 16in | Laptop | 15in |
| 2 | Main Compartments | 3 |
| N | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 2, side | Water Bottle Holder | 2, side |
| N | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| Wear- and water-resistant nylon | Durable waxed canvas OR 1050 Denier Ballistic nylon |
Waterfield Bolt
| Capacity | 17 L |
| Weight | 1.5 kg |
| Dimensions | 41×32×13 cm |
| Airline fit | 95% |
| Price | $370 |
Key differences between the Nomatic Navigator Collapsible Backpack and Waterfield Bolt
- Passport pocket: Top on the Nomatic Navigator Collapsible Backpack; Front on the Waterfield Bolt.
- Sternum strap: Removable on the Nomatic Navigator Collapsible Backpack; No on the Waterfield Bolt.
- Laptop sleeve: 16in on the Nomatic Navigator Collapsible Backpack; 15in on the Waterfield Bolt.
- Main compartments: 2 on the Nomatic Navigator Collapsible Backpack; 3 on the Waterfield Bolt.
- Water resistant: No on the Nomatic Navigator Collapsible Backpack; Yes on the Waterfield Bolt.
Both have: luggage passthrough, backpack straps, 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. 174 accept both. 2 accept only the Nomatic Navigator Collapsible Backpack, and 5 accept only the Waterfield Bolt.
Only the Nomatic Navigator Collapsible Backpack fits
Air Niugini, Great Lakes Airlines.
Only the Waterfield Bolt fits
Air Tahiti, American Eagle, easyJet, Gulf Air, Ravn Alaska.
Nomatic Navigator Collapsible Backpack vs. Waterfield Bolt: which should you pack?
The Nomatic Navigator Collapsible Backpack carries the same capacity as the Waterfield Bolt (17L vs. 17L), while the Nomatic Navigator Collapsible Backpack is the lighter pack at 0.4kg (vs. 1.5kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Waterfield Bolt fits 95% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the Nomatic Navigator Collapsible Backpack; if you want to travel lighter, the Nomatic Navigator Collapsible Backpack is the better call.