Kickstarter Highlight :: NOMATIC Backpack and Travel Pack

Crowdfunding is fast becoming the world’s go-to platform for new releases. But do you ever find it hard to cut through the noise and pin down the ones worth your hard-earned? Well, that’s where this new sponsored series comes in. We’re vetting carry Kickstarters for you, digging up the facts, and shedding light on the ones we think are worth a closer look.

This week’s selection: NOMATIC and their NOMATIC Backpack and Travel Pack.

Made history. Now for the second coming. 

Creating the most funded travel bag in Kickstarter history is no mean feat. But the founders of NOMATIC, cousins Jacob Durham and Jon Richards, were able to do just that, with their first NOMATIC Travel Bag raising over $1.7 million in funding.

Though the bag was great for longer trips, Jacob and Jon knew their backers were keen for bags that excelled in everyday use and shorter trips too. So they sought out user insights, asking their backers what features they really valued in a backpack. Then followed a year of development and refinement, and the launch of the NOMATIC Backpack and Travel Pack.

Insight-fueled functionality

Similar in styling, both bags share common features such as a full-perimeter zip that enables a wide opening as well as easy access to the contents from all sides. The weatherproof and self-standing bags can also switch between backpack and briefcase carry modes, allowing you to carry comfortably over longer distances or present a more professional appearance for business use.

With over 20 pockets available, from the concealed valuables pocket and magnetic water bottle pocket, to storage for a notebook, sunglasses, cables and more, you can keep items organized and within easy reach when you need them. Plus cord pass-through holes between all of the compartments means you can easily charge devices on the go.

Fit for purpose 

However, though they share certain elements, each backpack is also tailored to meet its intended function. The NOMATIC Backpack is designed for everyday carry and comes with three interchangeable Velcro panels so you can easily adapt to changing needs. The paper organizer is handy for storing documents or magazines, the tech pocket keeps tech devices and accessories organized, and the third pocket can be used for storing shoes or clothing separately from the rest of the bag’s contents. In addition, the NOMATIC Backpack features a dedicated 15″ laptop compartment, and can also expand from 20L to 24L when you need to carry a little extra.

The NOMATIC Travel Pack on the other hand is intended for trips spanning one to three days (though it can also double as a day bag). Need to squeeze in a last-minute souvenir or pack a few extra items for your trip? No problem. The Travel Pack can expand from 20L to 30L to accommodate a range of loads. The bag features a mesh divider along with an inbuilt shoe or clothing compartment for organization. In addition, the laptop and tablet compartment lays flat for added convenience while navigating through airport security. Fancy a little extra functionality? The Travel Pack also includes a compression packing cube with two compartments for separating clean and dirty clothing.

Looks like another home run!

The NOMATIC Backpack and Travel Pack Kickstarter campaign is well on its way to repeating NOMATIC’s initial success, having far surpassed its funding goal with over $700,000 raised so far. There’s still plenty of time to add one or both of the bags to your carry quiver though, as the campaign ends on 1 July 2017.

Note: this is a sponsored series, but only the best candidates are given this feature placement.

Above are the facts, but there’s always a little risk when backing a crowdfunder, so keep that in mind before you decide to back/purchase.