Based in Boulder, Colorado, Matador has set a new standard in lightweight, compact and weatherproof gear with their all-new Advanced Series line. Here’s something you don’t see every day. A duffle that holds 30 liters or 30 pounds of gear, and yet only weighs 5 oz. while fitting into the palm of your hand.
Did I mention it’s weatherproof too? When it comes to packability alongside gear that can withstand harsh elements, some serious masterminds are working at Matador.
Luckily, I was given the opportunity to get my hands on their new Freefly16 / Freefly24 2.0 backpacks and Transit30 2.0 duffle. After putting them all to the test, I wasn’t just satisfied, in reality, I was beyond impressed. The innovation involved is out of this world!
Quick Highlights:
– Waterproof rolltop construction
– 24-liter capacity (FREERAIN24), 30-liter (TRANSIT30), 16-liter (FREEFLY16)
– Ultralight design (6.6oz FREERAIN24), (5oz TRANSIT30), (4.8oz FREERAIN16)
– Weight distributing, breathable Straps
– Detachable rolltop storage bag
– Puncture Resistant
– 30D Cordura Ripstop with sealed seams
– Packs away to fit in the palm of your hand
– Compression straps
– Adjustable Sternum Strap (FREERAIN24)
Matador Advanced Series
Transit30 Duffle Review
Meet the ultimate duffle, perfect for everything from outdoor adventure to trips to the gym, weekend outings and more.
The Transit30 2.0 features a massive 30 liters and can comfortably accommodate up to 30 pounds of gear. Yup, you read that right, this little hand-size compact duffle which weighs a shocking 5 oz can hold 30 pounds of clothes, food, toiletries, and so on. It’s awe-inspiring to take this duffle out of the compression sack and watch it expand out.
Best of all, unlike other duffle bags out there, this one is as waterproof as it gets, featuring CORDURA fabric sealed seams and sealing zippers. You’ll also find nice features like tether points, an external pocket for fast gear access, and snap-together handles for ease of carrying. And speaking of carrying, the Matador Transit30 2.0 duffle is carry-on compatible.
Freefly16 Backpack Review
While the FreeFly16 backpack features the most compact profile and lightest weight amount of the three Adventure Series pieces I field tested, it still offers all of the best technical elements.
For starters, it features a waterproof CORDURA fabric construction alongside sealed seams and sealing zippers. At just 4.8oz you might be surprised also to know that this Matador backpack also comes standard with super deep side stretch pockets, compression straps, tether points, and ultra-breathable shoulder straps. If you’re looking for a daypack without the extra bulk, the Matador FreeFly16 is your best bet.
Freerain24 2.0 Backpack Review
If 16-liters of storage space isn’t enough, perhaps the new 24-liter Matador FreeRain 2.0 backpack will do the trick. As part of the new Adventure Series line it features waterproof CORDURA fabric, sealed seams, sealing zippers, plus a really admirable rolltop main compartment.
Of course, with the larger yet still hand-size compact backpack, you get tether points, breathable weight-distributing shoulder straps, compression straps, and the addition of an adjustable sternum strap.
While this pack may fit in the palm of your hand and weigh a mere 6.6oz, I was surprised by just how much I could fit inside. During a trip out to tour the Royal Gorge, I loaded this up with spare clothes, toiletries, misc gear, food, and snacks, and yet, it still had plenty of space to spare. The lightweight nature, not to mention weatherproof construction, has made this one of my go-to packs over the traditional backpacks of today.
