I initially bought this backpack for an airplane and train travel between France and Canada. I chose it because it seemed solid and to have a lot of practical features (backpack or traditional carrier, lots of pockets, security for harness, very breathable, lots of openings…). So I am going to give my opinion based on what I experienced during this 24h travel with an 8h flight and 6h train.
Honestly, it is pricey but I do not regret it. First, my cat loved it and went inside for chilling at home as I disposed a mat inside to make it cozier (she would not naturally go with the convertible mat). I do think it is missing: a comfiest mat when you use it as a traditional backpack. For the rest, it was super practical! It is extremely sturdy and I had no trouble wearing it with the shoulder strap or as a backpack: it did not crush or move and my cat was really comfy. I do not have pictures of it as a backpack but I used it this way for walks into the airport and train station and it was perfect. Luckily, my cat did not mind to change from lying position to seating position. The only remark I can make is that if you do not have an extra mattress for lying position, you cannot easily change it when you use it both ways for a travel: indeed, you have to get out the cat and it is not practical. That is why I think this extra mat (with extra coziness) is missing and would really be useful. Also, I would have loved adjustable handles on the sides of the bag to pick it up easily without having to wear it as a shoulder bag when it is in « lying position ».
Then, I really appreciate the openings: always easy to pet your cat, feed him or change the sheet. Especially during the flight, I had an easy access to my cat. I was allowed to let the carrier on the seat but I had no trouble putting it on the floor at the front of my seat for the take-off and the landing. During waiting times, I let it open and my cat loved to look around. It felt safe as you can secure your cat inside the carrier with a harness or a leash. Sometimes my cat likes to walk around the carrier: with the Navigator she could explore but not escape thanks to the security feature. Also the zipper clips and the clips inside are a winner feature: top of security especially when you wear you cat in the back. Honestly, I once forgot to zipper clip the front mesh window and my cat escaped at the train station but could not go far as she was secured with the leash inside of the bag. After this I always double checked to zipper clip and had absolutely no escape trouble!
One good thing is that it is waterproof and easy to clean. I had doubt but I hand washed the bag to make sure not to damage it and it is as new! All the dirt was really easy to remove with a sponge thanks to the material inside.
Also, a really good point is the pockets!! It was one of my main criteria for a carrier and I am glad the Navigator could fit every need for this long travel: bottle, food, sheets, collapsible bowls, toys, treats, keys, phone, passport and health record. The several windows allow a good ventilation and your cat to see around. However I think a window cover is missing for the big front opening. Indeed, I would have loved it as a protection for cold weather (wind and rain for instance) and to give my cat more intimacy to sleep or during stressful situations. My pet usually does not mind being seen and curled up at the bottom of the bag where it is opaque when she was bothered. Thus I think that for shy cats a cover at least on this big opening would be perfect.
Finally, the quality is worth it. It is lightweight yet resistant. It is pretty spacious and the material of the mesh windows is impressive. My cat has claws like a dragon and like to put her paws on the mesh nevertheless she did not damage it. It is sturdy because my friend slept on the top of it during the flight and the carrier did not weakened. My cat slept under as nothing was happening so both found their comfort �!
Overall, it is a complete and practical cat carrier that works for long and various trips (plane, train, car, walks…). The minimalist yet stylish design is also appreciable. Enjoy the pictures below!
NB: my cat is pretty large: 4/5kg, 40cm at the shoulder and she was comfortable inside.
==>https://yourcatbackpack.com/products/the-navigator-cat-backpack
