Nomatic Navigator Carry On Review (Tested in 2023)

If you’re looking for a new roller bag and wondering if the Nomatic Navigator Carry On 37L is the right fit, then I’m here to help with this detailed hands-on Nomatic Navigator review.

The Nomatic brand is known for high-quality, durable bags that are built to last and provide peak functionality. So, when I got my hands on the Nomatic Navigator 37L Carry On, I was more than intrigued. 

After testing it out, I have to say that the Nomatic Navigator is indeed one of the sleekest and most well-thought-out carry on luggage bags on the market. But of course, this carry on isn’t for everyone, and it comes at a premium price point. In this Navigator Carry On review, I’ll dive into exactly who I think this bag is made for, run through the specs and features, and help you decide if you should take the plunge yourself.

Let’s dive in!

Disclosure: Travel Lemming is an independent reader-supported blog. You can support us by purchasing via the affiliate links on this page, which may earn us commissions. The manufacturer provided a product sample for this review. Thank you!

Nomatic Navigator Carry On 37L Review Quick Summary

It’s no marketing ploy, the Nomatic Navigator Carry On 37L really is one of the most functional and luxurious small roller bags on the market. 

A part of Nomatic’s more extensive Navigator series, this 37L travel bag packs 4-5 days worth of clothes. It also features a laptop compartment, an RFID-safe pocket, 7L expandability, zippered internal compartments, a compression strap, a 3-stage aluminum handle, and tamper-resistant zippers.

Of course, the luxury of this bag comes at a significant price tag; one that may not be suitable for travelers on a budget. I’m confident that the durability and functionality make this piece a legitimate long-term investment (in that, you won’t have to buy another carry-on for many many years), but the price is a major consideration.

Additionally, the laptop compartment is a great feature for business travelers or those who like to take their electronics with them. But if you regularly prefer to leave your laptop behind, then this bag might not be the best choice.

Prefer a backpack to a suitcase? Check out Abigail’s review of the Nomatic Navigator backpack.

Pros of Nomatic Navigator Carry On 37L

• Roomy front pouch for a laptop and other business materials
• Expandable by up to 7L
• Durable water-resistant materials
• Interior zipper pockets & larger compartments
• Four external grab handles
• Tamper-resistant zippers
• RFID-safe pocket
• 3-stage aluminum handle

Cons of Nomatic Navigator Carry On 37L

• Hefty price tag
• Only two roller wheels
• Bottom stopper gets scuffed easily

Nomatic Navigator Carry On 37L is best for:

• Business travelers requiring a laptop compartment & RFID safe pocket
• Those who prioritize durability and longevity
• Frequent fliers
• Organization buffs

Nomatic Navigator Carry On 37L might not be a fit for:

• Budget travelers
• Those who don’t travel with a laptop or other business materials
• People who only travel occasionally

Nomatic Navigator Carry On 37L Full Review

Now that we’ve gone through the summary, let’s get into the details of the Navigator Carry On 37L. It has some great features like a roomy laptop compartment, zipper pockets, a compression strap, expansion zippers, and an RFID safe pocket. Plus, it’s made with durable water-resistant materials. Let’s break it down:

Features

Durable Water-Resistant Materials

One of the best features of the Navigator Carry On 37L is that it’s made with durable water-resistant materials. Rain or shine, boats or planes, jungle or mountains – the Navigator will keep your things safe through all life’s adventures.

Specifically, the shell of this bag is made with 100% Makrolon polycarbonate shell, which truly is top of the line and one of the best materials. However, while the main compartment of the bag is hardshell, it should be noted that the laptop compartment is not, although it does have padding. There is ABS material between the laptop compartment and the main compartment.

👉 Did you know? Polycarbonate and ABS are the two most popular kinds of hardshell luggage materials on the market. While ABS is cheaper, Polycarbonate tends to be lighter and of higher quality.

Expandability

Sometimes, we all need a little extra room in our carry-on bags – whether we went a little crazy with the souvenirs or just had to bring that extra pair of shoes. 

The Navigator Carry On 37L was made for this inevitability and has up to 7L expansion – meaning it can expand up to 44L total. This is essential if you’re a chronic over-packer like yours truly.

Tech Organization Compartment

As someone who regularly travels with a laptop, pens, chargers, and notebooks, having a separate tech organization compartment is something that I specifically look for in a carry-on bag. The Navigator Carry On 37L does this beautifully. 

Not only does this area have a 17” laptop pocket, but it also has 5 more individual pockets, two of which are zippered. Not to mention, you can fit a ton into the main area of this compartment itself. It’s excellent at keeping gear organized.

This area may not be hardshell like the rest of the bag, but it’s well-padded and just as waterproof as the rest of the bag (yes, I checked).

Adjustable Aluminum Handle

If you’ve had roller bags before, then you know the struggle when it comes to flimsy aluminum handles – so many of them get stuck or break altogether. So when I tell you that the 3 stage aluminum handle on this bag is top-notch, I mean it. 

The Navigator Carry On 37L aluminum handle glides up and down like the pro it is, and rests at heights that most people will find comfortable. The bag also has 4 easy-grab handles, making lifting it into overhead bins a breeze.

📚 Related Reading: 11 Best Backpacks for Travel

Tamper Resistant Zippers

Especially when you’re traveling with tech gear, having zippers that are tamper-resistant and can keep your stuff secure is a great added bonus. The Navigator Carry On 37L doesn’t come with TSA locks, but the YKK zippers are lockable and waterproof.

Multiple Internal Pockets

A bag made to maximize space, the Navigator Carry On 37L has an excellently-designed main compartment. On the right, you’ll find a wide-open space with compression straps, while the left boasts a large zippered mesh compartment and two smaller zipper pockets. This means you can easily pack and keep yourself super organized.

Also, it’s undeniable – the Navigator Carry On 37L is a seriously cool-looking bag both outside and in. 

Double Roller Wheels

Unlike other popular carry-on bags, the Navigator Carry On 37L is a two-wheeled roller bag, as opposed to a 4 wheeled one. To be honest, I don’t find much of a difference between the two, except that you’ll have to drag this Nomatic bag behind you, instead of rolling it parallel to the ground.

The wheels of the Navigator are high-quality and are sure to stand the test of time (and rugged terrain). I will say though that the stopper on the bottom of the bag gets easily scuffed – it’s there to stop the bag from falling over, after all – but may not look as sleek after a few uses.

Technical Specifications 

• Weight: 7.8 lbs (3.5 kg)
• Dimensions: 22″ x 14″ x 9″ (56 cm x 36 cm x 23 cm)
• Material: 100% makrolon polycarbonate shell
• Color Options: Black
• Capacity: 37L to 44L expansion
• Warranty & Guarantee: Lifetime manufacturer warranty against defects in materials and workmanship, additional warranty plans offered for a fee

Nomatic Navigator Carry On 37L Alternatives

If you’ve read this far and still aren’t sure about the Navigator Carry On 37L, then you do have options. At multiple price points and functions, here are some great carry on roller bag alternatives:

Monos Carry On Pro

If you find the minimalist style of Nomatic a little to drab, you might consider the Monos Carry On Pro as an alternative. It’s in a similar price point, but compared to the Nomatic Navigator, is more focus on design. A major selling point of Monos is the variety of unique colors.

Monos isn’t devoid of function though. There is a useful laptop compartment that makes it convenient for shorter trips. See Nate’s full Monos Carry On Pro review for more.

Level8 Road Runner Carry On

The Level8 Road Runner Carry On is a hardshell carry-on that’s perfect for business travelers looking for a lower price point. It’s completely waterproof (as you can see in my photo with it in the snow), features a laptop compartment, 4 multi-directional spinner wheels, and TSA locks.

👉 Check out my comprehensive Level8 Road Runner Carry On review.

Amazon Basics Hardside Spinner Carry On

If you’re looking for a no-fuss carry-on bag and are on a budget, then look no further than the Amazon Basics Hardside Spinner Carry On. This travel bag may not be made with the best materials out there, but it is a 4-wheeled roller bag designed to maximize space, provide easy functionality, and keep your stuff secure.

👉 Read my full Amazon Basics Hardside Spinner Carry On review for more information.

Level8 Textured Carry On

An option with features somewhere between the Amazon Basics and Level8 Road Runner, the Level8 Textured Carry On bag is great if you want a sleek carry-on made with durable materials. It doesn’t have a laptop pouch (which is good if you want to maximize space), but features four double spinner wheels, TSA locks, a polycarbonate shell, and multiple internal compartments.

👉 Check out my Level8 Textured Carry On bag review for more information.

Final Verdict – Is Nomatic Navigator Carry On 37L Worth It? 

Overall, the Nomatic Navigator Carry On 37L is a solid travel bag for business travelers, frequent adventurers, and those who pack carry ons frequently and want a long-term investment piece.

The materials are high-quality, and the organization is top-notch. However, this may not be the best choice for travelers on a budget.

FAQs about Nomatic Navigator Carry On 37L 

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Thanks for reading my review of Nomatic’s Navigator Carry On 37L! This is truly an impeccably-crafted travel bag, and it’ll be a great addition to your luggage pieces.

If you’re also considering a new travel backpack, then browse some of our backpack reviews:

• Backpacker by Salkan travel backpack review
• Nomatic Navigator backpack review
• Osprey Porter travel backpack review
• Tortuga Outbreaker travel backpack review

Happy shopping!