tomtoc Navigator-A82 [Review]

The tomtoc Navigator-A82 is a 40L travel laptop backpack for those who need a reliable travel companion without the high price tag. Minimliast, stylish and budget-friend, the Navigator-A82 punches above it's weight class in terms of features. In fact, having spent a few weeks testing it, we are sure that the tomtoc Navigator-A82 is one of the best value travel backpacks available right now.

In this backpack review, we will take a closer look at the tomtoc travel laptop 40L backpack and explore all of the details.

Video Review

The Rundown

What we like

• Dual access to the packing compartment (main opening and through laptop compartment)

• Minimalist design with just enough pockets for organization

• Protective laptop and tablet sleeves

• Affordable price

What we don’t like

• Water bottle pockets can only fit slimmer bottles (does not fit 32oz Nalgene bottle)

• No hip belt for extra support under heavy load. Missed opportunity for tomtoc to offer an add-on hip belt option for those who want one.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 20.5” (H) x 13” (W) x 8.66” (D)

• Capacity: 40L

• Materials: Recycled PET, YKK Woven-In Tough Zippers

• Laptop Sleeve: Up to 17”

• Tablet Sleeve: Up to 14”

Where to buy

Buy on Amazon

Similar Backpacks

Materials and Construction

tomtoc has left us impressed with the overall construction quality of the Navigator-A82. Despite being considered a budget backpack, it doesn't feel cheap. The bag uses a recycled textile made from PET plastic bottles and we were surprised to find that it's equipped with YKK Woven-In Tough zippers that have been as smooth as butter.

Where a lot of budget travel backpacks cut quality is with the internal lining and the shoulder straps. This isn’t the case with the tomtoc Navigator-A82. The internal lining fabric is feels on par with more more expensive travel bags and the shoulder straps are generously padded for comfortable carry under heavier weight.

What fits inside the tomtoc Navigator-A82 40L?

The tomtoc Navigator A82 can be dividing into two major compartments: the main packing compartment and the rear laptop compartment.

The main compartment opens much like a duffel bag for easy packing. Although the tomtoc Navigator A82 has a pretty large capacity, it isn't as roomy as some of the other 40L travel backpacks we have reviewed. With this in mind we still found that the main packing compartment can easily fit 5 days of clothes. Of course your mileage may vary depending on how light of a packer you are (we tend to overpack). Light packers can easily fit up to a week of clothes and toiletries with the right rolling technique.

The Laptop Compartment

The laptop compartment of the A82 has a convenient TSA-friendly lay-flat opening, making it easier to go through airport security checkpoints. Inside, you'll find a spacious padded laptop sleeve that can accommodate a 17-inch laptop, as well as a second tablet sleeve that can also fit a device of up to 14 inches. Can the A82 serve as a dual laptop backpack? Absolutely.

On the opposite side of the laptop sleeves, you'll find a single mesh pocket for accessories. This pocket can comfortably fit chargers, external hard drives, and other smaller tech accessories.

Our favorite feature of this backpack is the ability to access the main compartment from inside of the laptop compartment. This grants you quick access to liquids and other items needed for airport security scanning. It's a unique feature that truly sets the tomtoc A82 apart from other travel packs.

It's important to note that only the laptop compartment has lockable zippers (bring your own TSA lock). Unfortunately, the main compartment zipper lacks this security feature.

Outside Pockets

The tomtoc Navigator-A82 gives you a total 4 outside pockets for easy access to your stuff.

There are two side pockets for water bottles and we found that they could easily fit slim bottles like a 24oz Hydroflask and a 1 liter plastic bottle. However, these pockets were too narrow to fit a larger 32oz Nalgene bottle. The water bottle pockets are held in place by an elastic band to keep the pockets flat when not in use.

Other pockets include a small pocket on the top of the bag that can fit a passport, wallet and sunglasses. This top pocket is semi-hidden to give you a little bit of extra security when traveling. Lastly, we have the front pocket. This is a flat pocket that's a good spot for general small tech storage, mini notebooks and other items you need quick access to.

Size and Comfort (Back Panel and Shoulder Straps)

• tomtoc Navigator A-82 dimensions: 20.5" x 13" x 8.66"

The dimensions of this pack puts it square in carry-on backpack territory. Meaning, it would have to be placed in the overhead compartment on most airplanes. Could you use this backpack as an underseat personal item backpack? Maybe. But at its dimensions of 20.5" x 13" x 8.66" when fully packed, you will go over most airline personal size limits.

This is a soft pack, so it can be compressed as needed. tomtoc has included a flap inside the main compartment that allows you to give the bag some structure. When the flap is down, you can use the side compression straps to adjust the backpack's depth. This size control is a handy feature, especially for shorter trips.

As for comfort, tomtoc has done a great job with their shoulder straps. They are thick, very well-padded, and comfortable even when carrying a heavy load. The back panel is decent enough, with tomtoc providing four cushioned mesh panels for both comfort and breathability. However, it's worth noting that there is a quality difference between the back panel of the Navigator-A82 and more expensive travel packs.

For additional support, tomtoc has included an adjustable chest strap but unfortunately there is no hip belt. If there is one major con about this backpack, it's the lack of a hip belt.

Final Thoughts

Buy on Amazon

The tomtoc 40L travel backpack strikes a nice balance between good quality and affordability, making it one of the best minimalist backpacks available at this price range. Not only is it constructed with durable materials but the spacious compartments for clothing and tech gives you everything you need for shorter leisure and business trips without the overwhleming array of pockets and compartments that plague other travel packs.

The TSA-friendly laptop compartment is the star of the show. This lay-flat compartment will make aiport security a breeze thanks to its two padded sleeves and easy access to the main packing compartment. This feature alone puts the tomtoc Navigator-A82 above its competition.

---

---

Everyman Hideout 5-Way Commuter

It’s a backpack, messanger bag, sling crossbody bag, briefcase and a clutch.

It’s a daily laptop backpack, weekend travel pack and a work to gym backpack.

The Everyman Hideout 5-Way Commuter Pack lets you decide what you want to carry and how you want to carry it.

The versatile packing compartment includes velcro-backed packing cubes that can be used for both travel and organizing daily carry. This compartment also includes compression straps for easy packing of bulky clothing and gear. Remove the packing cubes and compression straps altogether and you have an open main compartment that you can use just like a regular top loading backpack.

A second laptop compartment operates as your mobile office. Felted wool laptop and tablet sleeves keep your tech safe from scratches while additional pockets can accommodate a pen, chargers and flat documents.

The Everyman Hideout 5-Way Commuter Pack is one of the most versatile backpacks we have come across to date. We appreciate its slim and minimalist footprint that minimizes unsightly bulk when worn and keeps you looking your best. The rugged ballistic nylon exterior and water resistant zippers gives Hideout Commuter an attractive black-on-black colorway that makes the bag look as good as it functions.

What we like

• Handsome minimalist design that would look great at both the office and at the airport.

• Super fast and easy to switch between modes of carry

• Includes packing cubes

• Removable packing cubes and compression straps allows for versatile use of the packing compartment

What we don’t like

• Slim 18L packing compartment limits what you can pack to 1 or 2 nights of travel.

• No water bottle pockets

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 18” (H) x 12” (W) x 6” (D)

• Capacity: 18L

• Materials: 1680 PU lined Ballistic Nylon, water resistant zippers, felted wool

• Laptop Sleeve: Up to 15”

• Tablet Sleeve: Up to 12.9”

Where to buy

Similar Backpacks

---

Nomatic Travel Pack

The Nomatic Travel Pack is a great option for anyone who wants a smaller weekender backpack for short trips. At a 30 liter max capacity, it’s the perfect size for one or two nights away. Features like a TSA-friendly laptop compartment and roller bag sleeve make it ideal for airport carry.

Nomatic also does a great job with its generous pocket and compartment placement. Not only do you have essential pockets like an RFID safe pocket and a top pocket for sunglasses or a wallet, but you also have a generous front compartment with tons of organizers for smaller items. It’s a great way to keep you organized no matter how busy your travels.

What we like

• Lifetime warranty

• Lots of pockets and great organization options for smaller items.

• Can be carried as a backpack or briefcase.

• Awesome magnetic water bottle pocket keeps the bag’s profile clean and professional when not in use.

What we don’t like

• It’s heavy - at over 4 lbs the backpack gets heavy quick when filled to capacity.

• Great as a travel bag but impractical to use as a daily backpack. It’s a bit too bulky and heavy (see above) to use as a work backpack.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 18.5” H x 12” W x 9.5" D

• Weight: 4.16 lbs

• Volume: 20-30L (expandable)

• Materials:  Polyester with PVC coated water resistant fabric on the front

• Laptop Compartment: Up to 17”

Where to buy

Similar Backpacks

---

Shieldon Travel Carry-On Backpack

Shieldon offer a feature-packed yet affordable travel bag with their Travel Carry-On Backpack.

For those who travel with lots of tech, Shieldon makes plenty room for items like a laptop, tablet and accessories. The backpack features a generous 17” laptop compartment plus an entire front organizer pocket for easy-access to small items like external hard drives or a keyboard.

The main compartment is expandable from 23 liters to 38 liters which allows you to turn this carry-on backpack into a daily backpack by just compressing the main compartment zipper.

To get a hands-on look check out our Shieldon Travel Carry-On Backpack review.

What we like

• Expandable main compartment - use as a daybag or travel backpack.

• Includes a heavy plastic toiletries pocket to keep things like bottles of shampoo or body wash away from the rest of your stuff.

• Really affordable - Shieldon does a great job at adding features usually only found in more expensive carry on bags.

What we don’t like

• Internal mesh pockets feel a little cheap and it’s questionable if they will hold up over time.

• Only the front panel is made out of coated water resistant material.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 17.7” H x 11.5 W" x 6.3" D

• Weight: 12.8 oz.

• Volume: 23-38L (expandable)

• Materials:  Polyester with PVC coated water resistant fabric on the front

• Laptop Compartment: Up to 17”

Where to buy

Buy on Amazon

Similar Backpacks

---

eBags Professional Weekender Backpack

The eBags Professional Weekender is a larger travel version of the everyday eBags Professional Slim. Changes to the design include a larger carrying capacity, more organizer pockets and a Travel Sentry approved laptop compartment that is TSA-friendly.

The bag is considered a convertible thanks to its stowable shoulder straps that can be tucked away as needed. Size-wise, the eBags Professional Weekender is small enough to fit in overhead storage bins on smaller domestic airlines.

What we like

• Tons of useful organizers and pockets. Great for organizing work, tech and personal items.

• Has a TSA-friendly laptop compartment and a separate pocket for a tablet.

• Perfect for extra large laptops - can fit a laptop up to 18-inches.

What we don’t like

• The bag is not versatile - its size and weight keeps it strictly a travel bag. As a daypack or daily carry bag, it’s simply too bulky and heavy.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 21” H x 14” W x 8” D

• Capacity: 31.9L

• Weight: 3lbs 7oz

• Materials: 840D & 900D Twisted Polyester

• Laptop Compartment: Up to 18”

Where to buy

Buy on Amazon

Similar Backpacks

---

eBags Professional Flight Laptop Backpack

Whether you need a reliable carry-on backpack for vacations or a professional looking bag for business trips, the eBags Professional Flight laptop backpack is the perfect balance of form and function for those on the move.

At almost 29 liter capacity, the eBags Professional Flight backpack is large enough to carry one or two changes of clothes, work items and your tech while still being small enough to be used as a personal item or carry-on on many airlines.

What we like

• Lots of smaller pockets and organizers for personal, work or tech items.

• Small enough to be used as a personal item or carry-on on many airlines.

• Top headphone pocket comes in handy when the backpack is stored under an airplane seat. Things like headphones and snacks can be accessed without having to pull the bag out from under the seat.

What we don’t like

• Zippers aren’t as smooth as other eBags backpacks like the Professional Weekender and Professional Slim Laptop Backpack.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 17.5” H x 12.75” W x 8” D

• Capacity: 28.8L

• Weight: 3lbs

• Materials: 840D Twisted Polyester

• Laptop Compartment: Up to 15.6”

Where to buy

Buy on Amazon

Similar Backpacks

---

Dakine Network II Backpack

The Dakine Network II is a thoughtfully designed laptop backpack that allows you to bring your work wherever you roam thanks to its TSA-friendly laptop compartment, document sleeve and roomy main compartment.

What makes the Network II stand out from other laptop backpacks is its focus on organizing accessories. Inside the backpack you’ll find pockets for headphones, cords and power bricks. In addition to the TSA-friendly laptop compartment there is also an additional fleece-lined tablet sleeve on the front of the backpack for easy access while on the move.

What we like

• Tons of organizer pockets for your tech and personal items. If you needs lots of compartments, then this backpack is for you.

• Backpack materials feels quality and rugged enough for daily use.

• Dedicated front tablet pocket is perfect for anyone looking for a tablet backpack.

What we don’t like

• Shoulder straps are on the thin side and can get uncomfortable when fully loaded.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 19” H x 13” W x 9” D

• Capacity: 31L

• Materials: 600D Polyester

• Weight: 1 lbs 8 oz

• Laptop Compartment: Up to 15”

Where to buy

Buy on Amazon

Similar Backpacks

---

Incase EO Travel Backpack

The Incase EO travel backpack scores a slam dunk with technology enthusiasts who need a weekend backpack with an emphasis on laptop and tech carry. While the main compartment comfortably fits 1 or 2 days worth of clothes and personal items, the dedicated laptop compartment allows you to safely carry your laptop and tablet. The front of the backpack is filled with pockets, compartments and organizers for everything from power banks, cables, chargers and more.

What we like

• Attractive minimalist design.

• TSA checkpoint friendly laptop compartment that lays flat.

• Great materials and construction. Looks and feels high quality.

What we don’t like

• No padded tablet sleeve

• No side water bottle pockets

• Laptop compartment and front pockets take up storage space which means the main compartment holds less than you think.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 21.5” H x 15” W x 5” D

• Capacity: 24L

• Weight: 3 lbs

• Laptop Compartment: Up to 17”

Where to buy

Similar Backpacks

---

Everki Titan Backpack

The first thing you’ll notice about the Everki Titan is its size. At 40 liters, the Titan is large enough to carry all of your daily or travel essentials without fear of running out of pockets or compartments. The bag itself is split into 3 main areas; the TSA-friendly laptop compartment, a main compartment and a front organizer compartment for smaller items. Add in tons of other pockets, organizers and hidden compartment and you have a monster of a backpack that’s perfect for busy commuters or travelers.

What we like

• TSA checkpoint friendly laptop compartment that lays flat.

• XL laptop compartment - Most backpacks can only fit laptops up to 15-inches while the Everki Titan has room for laptops up to 18.4 inches.

• Lots and lots of pockets and organizers for small items.

What we don’t like

• This backpack is huge yet the main compartment is lacking. It’s not roomy enough to pack multiple days of clothes or larger items.

• No trolley luggage pass through which is a huge con for us since this backpack can really heavy when full.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 21.25” H x 15” W x 8.26” D

• Capacity: 40L

• Weight: 4.32 lbs

• Laptop Compartment: Up to 18.4”

Where to buy

Similar Backpacks

---

Tumi Ursula T-Pass Backpack

Tumi offers a true women’s business travel backpack with their Tumi Voyageur Ursula T-Pass backpack. This backpack is perfect for anyone who loves the look and functionality of the Tumi Voyageur Carson but want better travel features such as a TSA friendly laptop compartment, a roomier main compartment and larger pockets.

What we like

• Perfect size for frequent travels who want to bring 1-2 days of essentials.

• TSA checkpoint friendly T-Pass laptop compartment that lays flat.

• Exceptional materials and construction. Looks and feels high quality.

What we don’t like

• No side water bottle pockets. Zip side pockets aren’t stretchy and limit the size water bottles it can hold.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 16.5” H x 12.75” W x 7.25” D

• Material: Nylon with leather accents

• Weight: 2.65lbs

• Laptop Compartment: Up to 15”

Where to buy

Buy on Amazon

Similar Backpacks

---

Tumi T-Pass Business Class Brief Pack

Tumi offers a true business travel backpack with their Tumi T-Pass Business Class Brief Pack. This backpack is perfect for frequent travelers looking for a backpack companion that can hold anything from important business files to a couple of days worth of clothing.

The “T-Pass” function of this backpack allows your laptop to be stored in a separate compartment that lies flat for an easier time at airport security checkpoints. The bag itself is professional and sleek allowing it to be carried to the office or to important business meetings without feeling out of place.

What we like

• Large cavernous main compartment can hold anything from business files and binders to clothing and shoes.

• TSA checkpoint friendly T-Pass laptop compartment that lays flat.

• Exceptional materials and construction. Looks and feels high quality.

What we don’t like

• It’s expensive! Can be hard justifying the price tag.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 16.5” H x 12” W x 8” D

• Material: Nylon with leather accents

• Weight: 3.95lbs

• Laptop Compartment: Up to 15”

Where to buy

Buy on Amazon

Similar Backpacks

---

Everki Atlas Backpack

The Everki Atlas was made for professionals who need a daily commuter bag or a reliable backpack for travel. At 32 liters, the Atlas is large enough to carry extra clothes, books, files and more in its generous main compartment. Travelers will enjoy the TSA-friendly laptop compartment that opens flat and allow for storage of multiple laptop or tablet devices.

What we like

• Organization galore! The Atlas is jammed packed with compartments, pockets, and organizers.

• TSA checkpoint friendly laptop compartment that lays flat.

• Large laptop compartment - Most backpacks can only fit laptops up to 15-inches while the Everki Atlas has room for laptops up to 17.3 inches.

What we don’t like

• It’s a heavy backpack. The bag already weighs 4 lbs when empty and becomes a monster when full.

• Stitching and seams aren’t the best. At the $100+ price point we expect better.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 18.9” H x 9” W x 13.38” D

• Capacity: 32L

• Weight: 4 lbs

• Laptop Compartment: Up to 17.3”

Where to buy

Buy on Amazon

Similar Backpacks

---