Nomatic Travel Bag vs Tortuga Travel Backpack

Published May 8, 2023

Written by:

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Ben Beck
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Ben Beck is the director of marketing at Tortuga Backpacks. He is a recovering full-time RVer who traveled all around...

Edited by:

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Jeremy Michael Cohen
Headshot of Jeremy Michael Cohen

Jeremy Michael Cohen is a co-founder of Tortuga. He also works as a screenwriter and director. Aside from travel and...

Tortuga_VS_Nomatic

The Tortuga Promise

At Tortuga, our mission is to make travel easier. Our advice and recommendations are based on years of travel experience. We only recommend products that we use on our own travels.

Are you a frequent traveler who likes to be prepared for any adventure? Whether you’re a digital nomad planning a workcation in Europe or a vacation enthusiast excited to walk the picturesque streets of Italy, having the right gear can make a huge difference to your comfort levels.

The travel backpack you choose should fit everything you need, act as a comfortable carry on, and keep your belongings protected while you’re out on your voyages.

Two popular backpacks you can consider are the Tortuga Travel Backpack 40L and the Nomatic Travel Bag.

Let’s compare these two bags and find out which one suits your travel needs best.  

The Nomatic Travel Bag vs Tortuga Travel Backpack

Tortuga Travel BackpackNomatic Travel Bag
Volume40L40L
ComfortHeight-adjustable suspension systemFixed suspension system limiting fit
Laptop AccessQuick access to fleece lined laptop sleeveHave to open the entire bag to get laptop out
Packing EaseOpens to the side, like a suitcase, for easy packing on a bed or luggage standOpens downward, making it harder to pack
Packing StyleDesigned to maximize flexible packing options that best fit your styleSpecific pockets and compartments dictate how to pack
Tortuga 40L Travel Backpack
4.7

Pack everything you need without checking a bag.

Pros:
  • Carry-on-sized
  • Easy to pack
  • Comfortable to carry
  • Built to last
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Adjust to Your Comfort 

Height-adjustable backpacks are a great way to ensure your carry on bag is optimized to your body’s fit.

The Tortuga Travel Backpack 40L is loaded with adjustable comfort features such as height-adjustable suspension and an adjustable sternum strap. It also has an adjustable hip belt that removes 80% of the weight from your shoulders and transfers it to your hips. 

If you’re unsure about the torso fit, you can check out Tortuga’s Home Try-On Program. Feel free to test the bag and find your perfect fit. If you’re not satisfied, you can return the bag within 30 days of the purchase and claim a full refund.  

Pro Tip: Get a travel backpack with a padded hip belt. A hip belt takes 80% of the backpack’s weight off your shoulders.

Laptop Access 

Having a backpack optimized with a separate electronics compartment makes it easier for travelers to access their devices whenever they need. You also save the trouble of carrying a separate bag for your laptop. 

The Tortuga Travel Backpack 40L is a front-loading backpack with a laptop compartment at its rear for easy access to your electrical items without exposing the rest of what you have packed. It also offers various other pockets for packing your chargers, cables, and even a Kindle device. 

The bag’s laptop compartment fits up to a 16-inch laptop and 9.7′ inch tablet while still providing you enough space to pack other things for your trip. 

Pack With Ease

Frequent travelers often value an easy packing process. You want to know that your things are safe and secure, easy to grab when you want, and not in danger of getting damaged..

Tortuga’s travel backpacks open to the side like a suitcase. Having a backpack open this way means you can quickly access your gear and keep it organized. Travelers are free to pack and repack whenever they want, be it on a bed or luggage stand With a top-loading backpack, you need to go through all your stuff to find what you want.

Tortuga’s Travel Backpack 40L also has the following for better organization:

  • Padded sleeves for your laptop and electronics 
  • Flat front pockets for important travel documents like passports and identification cards
  • Large mesh pockets for organizing your smaller items

The Verdict

When pitting the Tortuga Travel Backpack 40L against the Nomatic Travel Bag, Tortuga shines above Nomatic’s travel bag in important areas for frequent travelers.

The Nomatic backpack comes with a fixed torso length, severely limiting a comfortable fit for different body types. Because the laptop sleeve is built into the back panel, working travelers may struggle to access their electronics without opening the entire bag. 

On the other hand, the Tortuga Travel Backpack offers a versatile and practical set of features to keep frequent travelers comfortable and ready to work on the go with the following features:

  • Padded and lockable compartments for electronics
  • An adjustable suspension system for comfortable carrying
  • Easy access to belongings

The Tortuga Travel Backpack 40L is an excellent option for travelers looking for both multi-functionality and comfort in their travel companion. 

Tortuga 40L Travel Backpack
4.7

Pack everything you need without checking a bag.

Pros:
  • Carry-on-sized
  • Easy to pack
  • Comfortable to carry
  • Built to last
Shop at Tortuga
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Benefits of Buying Tortuga

Here are some of the benefits you can take advantage of with a Tortuga backpack: 

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Ben Beck

Ben Beck is the director of marketing at Tortuga Backpacks. He is a recovering full-time RVer who traveled all around the USA and now lives in Texas.   He also enjoys exploring National Parks, eating tacos, and traveling with the family.

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