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Finding the perfect travel bag is… honestly a whole harder than it really oughta be.
The truth is, no single travel bag is perfect for everybody on every occasion. It really comes down to how you travel. Are you a throw-it-all-in-and-go kind of person? Or a hyper-organised minimalist? Or maybe you’re someone who travels for both work and play and needs something that fits both vibes.
Enter the Gomatic Travel Duffel (aka Nomatic in the US). This 40L hybrid duffel-backpack has been buzzing around the one-bag travel community for a year now. But does it live up to the hype in 2025? Or is it just another overdesigned, overpriced piece of luggage?
Let’s get into it and find out.
The Broke Backpacker is supported by you. Clicking through our links may earn us a small affiliate commission, and that's what allows us to keep producing free content 🙂 Learn more.
The Gomatic Travel Duffel at a Glance
- Volume: 40L
- Weight: 1.9kg (4.2lbs)
- Dimensions: 23cm x 33cm x 51cm
- Materials: Water-resistant tarpaulin & durable zippers
- Carry styles: Backpack straps + removable shoulder duffel strap
- Price: £219 (at time of writing)
This is a hybrid travel bag designed to be both a duffel bag and a backpack. The backpack straps are neatly tucked away when not in use, and a removable duffel strap lets you sling it over one shoulder like Django.
Its design is very much aimed at the urban traveler — someone who wants functionality without looking like they’re off to hike across the Andes.
At 40L, it’s carry-on compliant with most airlines and spacious enough to carry a week’s worth of gear – even longer if you can pack light. But unlike traditional duffels, the Gomatic is blessed with some clever compartments, sleeves, and organisational touches.
Key Features and Performance Breakdown
Aesthetics and Material
If bags could wear suits, the Gomatic would be in tailored black. Its look is sleek, minimalist, and very much designed for the modern, urban traveler. There are no bright colors, no weird logos — just clean lines and a stealthy aesthetic that works whether you’re heading to a co-working space or jumping on a plane.
The materials are also premium. The exterior is a water-resistant tarpaulin, which feels robust but flexible. It shrugs off light rain without drama and feels tough enough to handle overhead bins, train luggage racks, and being shoved under hostel beds. Zippers are high-quality and weather-resistant — a nice touch that shows attention to detail.
If you run your hands over this pack you can feel the quality instantly.
Storage Capacity and Organization
What Does 40L Actually Mean?
In real-world terms, 40L fits roughly 5–7 days of clothing, plus a laptop, toiletries, and accessories. Light packers could stretch it to ten days or even more. If you’re someone who tends to bring “just in case” items though… you’ll probably fill it comfortably for a week.
The Layout
The Gomatic isn’t a wide-open duffel where everything ends up in a pile. Instead, it uses a clamshell-style opening, like a suitcase. This is a huge plus in my view — you open it flat and have access to both sides.
One side is a large open compartment — perfect for packing cubes (seriously, use packing cubes with this bag — without them, things get chaotic fast). The other side has zipped mesh compartments for shoes, tech, or toiletries.
On the exterior and interior, there are quick-access pockets, a secure RFID-blocking pocket, a padded laptop sleeve (fits up to 16”), and spots for smaller items like chargers, sunglasses, or a passport.
Is it perfectly organised? Not quite. The main space is still duffel-like at its core, meaning you might want to use Packing cubes to avoid a jumbled mess. But it offers much better packing and organisation options than your standard duffel could ever dream off.
Size, Weight and Fit
- Dimensions: 23cm x 33cm x 51cm
- Weight: 1.9kg (4.2lbs)
OK so this duffel backpacking hybrid is not ultra-light, but considering the materials and structure, it’s not really heavy either. It feels solid without being a massive burden. Also bear in mind that it’s not designed to be used as a hiking pack that you will be carrying for hours on end across mixed terrains.
Does it fit as carry-on? Yes. It fits in overhead bins on all major airlines and, depending on how full it is, could even go under the seat on some.
It’s compact enough for trains, buses, and taxis but roomy enough to avoid ever feeling limited.
Carry and Comfort
The hybrid carry system is the star of the show here. You can wear it as a backpack — the straps are decently padded and tuck away when not in use — or sling it over your shoulder with the duffel strap.
- As a backpack: Comfortable for walking around airports, train stations, or short urban commutes. The padding isn’t as plush as a hiking backpack but works fine for urban travel.
- As a duffel: Feels sleek, stylish, and less cumbersome in tight spaces. The strap detaches when not needed, which is a nice touch.
Long periods of walking? Backpack mode wins. Quick hops through the airport or to your hotel? Duffel mode feels clean and sharp.
Price and Value
Price: £219
Let’s be real: £219 isn’t cheap. You’re paying for design, materials, and a brand that positions itself in the premium travel space.
- You can absolutely get a cheap Amazon duffel for £40, but it won’t look as clean, won’t have the organisational features, and more than likely won’t survive two years of regular use.
- On the high end, something like the Peak Design Travel Duffel 35L runs around £170–£200, or the Aer Travel Duffel 2 at around £150. Both are excellent but don’t convert to backpack mode as cleanly as the Gomatic.
Is it overpriced? Not really — you get excellent build quality, thoughtful design, and versatility. Will it last? Yes. The materials and craftsmanship suggest this bag will survive years of trips.
Look at it as an investment.
Best Uses For The Gomatic Duffel
While I am very impressed by the Gomatic Duffel Backpack, it has to be said that this really isn’t a bag for everyone — but it does shines in the right use case.
Perfect for:
- Weekend trips
- City breaks
- Business travel
- One-week carry-on holidays
- Digital nomads who value organisation and sleek design
Not ideal for:
- Backpacking across Southeast Asia
- Hiking, camping, or outdoor travel
- Trips where you’re walking with it for hours daily
If your travel style is urban, light, and efficient —then it’s a fantastic, cracking choice. But if you’re living out of your bag for months or hitting the mountains, maybe look at a real travel backpack instead. We have plenty of reviews and recommendations on this site.
Final Thoughts on the Gomatic Travel Duffel
Is the Gomatic Travel Duffel perfect? No. But it gets a hell of a lot right.
It’s a bag that looks sharp, performs well, and hits that sweet spot between form and function. The hybrid duffel-backpack design is genuinely useful. Organisation is thoughtful, the materials feel premium, and it transitions smoothly from business trips to weekend getaways.
Buy Us a Coffee!
A couple of you lovely readers suggested we set up a tip jar for direct support as an alternative to booking through our links, since we’ve decided to keep the site ad-free. So here it is!
You can now buy The Broke Backpacker a coffee. If you like and use our content to plan your trips, it’s a much appreciated way to show appreciation 🙂
