The Ultimate Backpack for Digital Nomad Life: Why This Carry On Backpack Changed How I Travel in 2025

I’ve been traveling the world pretty much full-time for the past six years, and for the last two, I’ve been working on the road as well. I wouldn’t exactly call myself a “digital nomad”—I just happen to work while I travel. But for the past two years, I’ve been lugging my laptop and all my work gear with me everywhere.

In that time, I’ve gone through a few different backpacks—from a budget Forclaz to an Osprey Porter 46L. They worked fine when I was just backpacking, but once I started working more on the road, I realized I needed something better. Something that could actually protect my laptop, keep my gear organized, and not feel like I was hauling a camping pack through every airport.

That’s where the Nomatic Travel Pack comes in. It’s supposed to be the backpack for digital nomads, and after using it full-time in Asia for over a month, I can see why. In this guide, I’ll break down everything you need to know—how it holds up as a carry-on, how well it stores my laptop and other essentials, and all the little features that make it my new go-to travel bag.

Why I Bought This Backpack

Like I mentioned earlier, I spent way too long backpacking as a digital nomad with a bag that just wasn’t made for it. Every time I needed my laptop, I had to basically unpack half my stuff just to reach it. It barely fit under the seat in front of me, wasn’t waterproof, had zero anti-theft features—just a whole bunch of little annoyances that added up over time.

Over Christmas last year, I was venting about it to my sister, and she just went, “Why don’t you get the Nomatic Travel Bag?” Like that was common knowledge. I had no clue what she was talking about, but since she travels a lot for work, she had already upgraded to a proper digital nomad backpack. The second she showed it to me, I knew—that’s the one.

Fast forward a few months, I was getting ready to leave the States again for an open-ended trip through South East Asia and Sri Lanka, so I finally ordered my new digital nomad backpack. When it arrived, I was immediately impressed. The packaging, the way everything was presented—it just felt high-quality. Not that it really matters, but still, it’s a nice touch. The real win, though, was how sturdy and durable it felt. This was the first time I actually trusted a bag to keep my laptop safe.

Quick side note—I don’t travel with just a backpack. I always have a small carry-on suitcase too. Been doing it this way for six years, and it works perfectly. My backpack counts as my personal item, my suitcase is my carry-on, and I’ve never had an issue with airlines. Usually, the backpack goes under the seat, the wheeled suitcase in the overhead, but if there’s space, both fit up top.

Key Features of This Travel Backpack for Digital Nomad Life

• Carry-on compliant – Fits in the overhead compartment, works as a personal item, and also fits under an airplane seat.
• Travel Backpack Dimensions – Carry-on size with 30L: 6″D x 12″W x 18.5″H.
• Expandable capacity – Adjusts from 20L to 30L depending on your needs
• Padded laptop sleeve – Safe storage for laptops and tech gear, easy airport security access
• Always-accessible laptop compartment – Can reach your laptop even when fully packed
• Spacious main compartment – Expandable storage space, perfect for packing cubes and camera gear
• Multiple compartments – Quick-access pockets, hidden pockets for valuables, and a shoe compartment
• Anti-theft option – Lockable zippers (you’ll need your own padlock)
• Padded shoulder straps & hip belt – Adjustable straps for comfort, removable hip belt with waterproof pockets
• Durable & waterproof – Made from ballistic nylon, fully water-resistant (rain cover can be purchased separately). The whole backpack is vegan, by the way.
• Magnetic water bottle holders – Holds large water bottles securely on the side
• Briefcase mode – Can be carried like a duffle bag or attached to a wheeled suitcase
• Sunglasses case included – Comes with a free protective sunglasses case

Make sure to check out my Digital Nomad Backpack List! It’s packed with useful advice and must-have gear for your next adventure.

The Nomatic Travel Pack 20L

Design & Build

For me as a digital nomad, functionality is everything. That’s pretty much all I care about. But if a backpack also looks cool? Well, that’s a bonus. And you can tell the people at Nomatic really put some thought into this one. The design is sleek, light weight, minimalist, and just looks great. I got mine in black, but they also have it in navy blue and olive green, both of which look solid too.

One of the biggest perks is the Expandability. Right now, I’m on a longer trip, so my wheeled suitcase holds most of my clothes, and I use this as my laptop bag with all my tech gear and daily essentials. But since it expands from 20L to 30L, I could totally use it as my only travel backpack for weekend trips or even longer if I pack light. It has tons of storage space, including room for packing cubes, a shoe compartment, and a spot for toiletries, making it a fantastic carry on travel backpack.

As for the materials, I’m impressed too. I’ve been using it every day for over a month—on planes, buses, boats, from hotels to hostels—and the ballistic nylon is super durable while still looking premium. It’s also lightweight, which is a big plus if you’re trying to meet carry-on luggage requirements or just don’t want to lug around something heavy all day.

Organization and Features

This backpack is like a Tetris master when it comes to fitting everything in the right place. I’m not usually one to care too much about extra compartments, but with this Nomatic backpack, I’ve actually started using them all because they just make sense.

First off, the laptop compartment is a game-changer. It’s padded, super easy to access—even when the bag is fully packed—and fits my 15” MacBook perfectly. No more digging through everything just to grab my laptop at airport security or a coffee shop. There’s also an RFID pocket for passports and cards, which is nice for extra security, plus some hidden pockets that are great for cash or anything you don’t want easily accessible.

The clamshell opening is something I wasn’t sure about at first, but I actually love it now. It makes packing way easier, especially when using packing cubes. Instead of shoving everything in from the top like a traditional laptop bag, you can open it like a suitcase and see everything at once. Makes organizing so much faster.

Then the backpack features magnetic water bottle holders—and yes, plural, because there are two. At first, I thought this was just a gimmick, but they actually hold large water bottles really well and snap back into place when empty, so they don’t stick out awkwardly like on other backpacks. Small detail, but it just makes the bag look cleaner.

Overall, the storage is insanely well thought out. I can fit all my tech gear, camera gear, chargers, and toiletries without feeling like I’m cramming stuff in. Everything has a place, and for once, I actually know where all my stuff is without having to empty the entire bag to find it.

Comfort and Carry

If there’s one thing I’ve learned after hauling this backpack through the Philippines for the past month—on planes, ferries, wooden boats, scooters, and everything in between—it’s that comfort really matters. And honestly? The Nomatic Travel Pack holds up.

The padded shoulder straps are solid. They don’t dig in, even when the bag is packed to the max, and the back panel has just enough cushioning to keep it comfortable without feeling bulky. I’ve carried this for hours through airports and city streets, and it’s never felt like a burden. The hip belt (which has waterproof pockets, by the way) helps distribute weight well, but honestly, I only use it when the bag is really full.

One of the best parts? The suitcase handle pass-through. At airports, I just slide it onto my carry-on handle and forget about it. It’s super convenient, especially when you’re rushing through terminals.

Overall, it’s one of the most comfortable backpacks I’ve used. Even when I was sweating under the tropical sun or getting hit with unexpected rain, it never felt like a hassle to carry.

💡If you need something smaller, check out my anti theft purse travel bag—absolute game changer!

Waterproof Material

This backpack’s weather-resistant materials actually work. I found out the hard way when I was on a ferry in the Philippines, and out of nowhere, the rain just dumped on us. No cover, no warning—just me and my bag getting absolutely soaked. I was sure my laptop and camera gear were done for.

But when I got to my hotel and checked, everything inside was completely dry. The ballistic nylon exterior repelled water like a champ, and the sealed zippers didn’t let a single drop through. I wouldn’t throw it in a river or anything, but for random tropical downpours and unexpected boat rides? This thing holds up.

Anti-Theft Features

I wouldn’t say I’m paranoid about theft, but when you’re carrying your entire work setup—like your laptop, hard drives, camera gear, and passport—you kind of have to be. Thankfully, this backpack has a few solid anti-theft features that make me feel a lot better when I’m working from a crowded coffee shop or throwing it in an overhead compartment on a bus.

First, there are hidden pockets in the back panel, which are perfect for cash, cards, or anything you don’t want easily snatched. The RFID-blocking pocket is also a nice touch for protecting cards and passports from skimming. And while the zippers don’t have built-in locks, they are lockable, so you can add a small padlock for extra security. I always carry a small padlock anyway for hostel lockers in case I decide to stay in a hostel.

I mostly appreciate these features when I’m on packed ferries, trains, or walking through busy markets. Just knowing my stuff is a little harder to get into makes a difference.

Light Weight but Durable

One of the first things I noticed when I got this backpack was how insanely lightweight it is. Even when it’s empty, it barely weighs anything, which is a huge plus when you’re constantly on the move. Over the past month, I’ve been lugging it through airports, on scooters, ferries, and boats, and it never felt like a burden. Despite being light, it doesn’t feel flimsy at all—the durable materials give it a solid, high-quality feel. Perfect for when you need to pack light but still want a bag that can handle some serious travel.

The Laptop Compartment

This is hands down one of my favorite things about this backpack. The dedicated laptop compartment is separately accessible, meaning I don’t have to dig through my entire bag just to grab my laptop—super useful at airport security or when setting up at a coffee shop. It’s also well-padded, so I never worry about my laptop getting banged up, even when I’m on a bumpy ferry or squeezing it under an airplane seat. Plus, it fits my laptop perfectly, with extra space for a tablet or notebook. Simple, smart, and exactly what I needed.

What I Love About the Nomatic Travel Bag (Pros)

Highlights:

• Carry-on dimensions
• Lightweight
• Separately accessible laptop compartment
• Waterproof and durable materials
• Super cool design
• Shoulder Straps + Extra Hip Straps
• Digital Nomad Backpack Size

The number one thing I noticed when using this digital nomad backpack is how much sense everything makes. You can tell the team at Nomatic really thought this through—these are people who’ve been in the same situation as me, juggling work and travel, and they know exactly what a digital nomad needs from a carry-on backpack. Every compartment and pocket is in the right spot and fits exactly what you’d expect—sunglasses, chargers, power banks, laptop, tablet, passport, phone—there’s a place for everything. And that’s rare, considering most bags and backpacks you find in stores are either made for hiking or general travel, not work and travel combined.

Beyond that, there are a few standout features that have been genuinely useful and tick all the boxes of my Digital Nomad Requirements. The water-resistant / waterproof material is a lifesaver—especially when I get caught in the rain (which happens way too often in Southeast Asia). I also love how airport-friendly it is. The separate laptop compartment makes security checks a breeze, and it fits perfectly as a small backpack under the seat, in the overhead compartment, or clipped onto my wheeled suitcase.

And finally—the design. It’s sleek, lightweight, and just looks high-quality. Way better than most other backpacks I’ve tried.

What I Think Could Be Better About the Digital Nomad Backpack (Cons)

As much as I love this digital nomad backpack, there are a few things that could be improved. First off, the price—it’s definitely on the higher end. That said, I do think it’s worth it for what you get, but it’s still something to consider if you’re on a budget.

Then there’s the limited color options. I got mine in black, which looks super sleek, but if you’re someone who likes more variety, you’re basically stuck choosing between black, navy blue, or olive green. Not a dealbreaker, but a few more choices wouldn’t hurt.

And finally, no built-in lock for the zippers. The backpack does have anti-theft features, like hidden pockets and lockable zippers, but you need to buy your own padlock if you actually want to secure them. Again, not a huge issue, but for the price, it would’ve been nice if they included one.

Who Should Buy This Digital Nomad Backpack?

Honestly, if you’re only traveling once in a while for a weekend and just need to bring your laptop, I’d say go for something more affordable—this backpack is probably overkill for that. It’s not that it wouldn’t work, but at this price point, it’s just not worth it unless you’re using it regularly.

But if you’re a digital nomad, freelancer, photographer, or someone who travels a lot for work, this backpack makes total sense. Think of it like a high-quality office chair or a standing desk—it’s designed to make your life easier and more comfortable if you use it daily or weekly. As a digital nomad, I’m constantly moving my work equipment—from hotels to coworking spaces or even between countries—so having a durable, well-organized, and protective backpack is a game changer. If you’re in a similar situation, I’d say this backpack is 100% worth it.

Final Verdict About the Backpack for Digital Nomad Travellers: Should You Buy It?

If you’ve made it this far, you can probably tell—I’m a huge fan. There’s a ton of competition when it comes to laptop backpacks for digital nomads, with options like the Tortuga Setout Laptop Backpack or the Aer Travel Pack series. I haven’t tried them all, but after doing my research, I went with the Nomatic Travel Pack Model 20L/30L—and I couldn’t be happier.

If you’re a digital nomad or someone who’ll actually use this backpack regularly—on airplanes, at coworking spaces, moving your work gear from place to place—then I think the high price point is justified. It’s designed for people like us, and it does the job perfectly.

Right now, I’m writing this review from a coworking space in Siargao, Philippines, and after a few weeks of full-time travel, this backpack has been everything I needed. Two thumbs up, put it on your digital nomad packing list. (Here is my packing list for Jordan) Hope this review helped you figure out if it’s the right fit for you! I think it is one of the best backpacks for Digital Nomads!

FAQs About the Best Backpack for Digital Nomad Travellers

What is the advantage of a Digital Nomad Travel Backpack?

A good digital nomad backpack is designed for people who work and travel. Unlike regular backpacks, it has a dedicated laptop compartment, multiple compartments for organization, and is carry-on compliant. It’s built for convenience, security, and comfort—whether you’re hopping on a plane, working in a café, or commuting to a coworking space.

What to pack as a digital nomad?

It depends on your setup, but generally: a laptop, charger, power bank, travel adapters, noise-canceling headphones, a reusable water bottle, some clothes, and toiletries. Packing cubes help keep everything organized, and having a small day bag is also useful for short trips.

What is the best backpack for digital nomads?

For me, it’s the Nomatic Travel Pack. It’s built for digital nomads—laptop-friendly, expandable, weather-resistant, and packed with smart storage. I’ve been using it full-time in Asia, and it’s been perfect for flights, coworking spaces, and daily travel. Other great options are the Tortuga Travel Pack, Peak Design Travel Backpack, and Aer Travel Pack, but Nomatic stands out for its design and functionality.

Is 30 too old to be a digital nomad?

Absolutely not. There’s no age limit on being a digital nomad. I’ve met people in their 20s, 30s, 40s, and even 50s living the nomad life. If you have remote work and the desire to travel, you’re good to go.

Can you travel with only a carry-on backpack?

Yes, but it depends on your travel style. If you pack light and stick to the essentials, a 30L expandable travel backpack can be enough. I personally travel with this backpack plus a small wheeled suitcase, but plenty of digital nomads manage with just one bag.

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