How to Choose Daypacks

Move fast on technical trails with the Matador Beast 18 pack. It's lightweight and packable, and the flexible frame suspension system provides support while moving with you.
Imported.
View all Matador DaypacksBest Use | Hiking |
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Bag Style | Backpack |
Frame Type | Internal Frame |
Gear Capacity (L) | 18 liters |
Gear Capacity (cu. in.) | 1,098 cubic inches |
Weight | 1 lb. 5 oz. |
Fits Torso Length (in.) | 16-21 inches |
Fits Waist/Hips | 25-48 inches |
Material(s) | 210-denier Robic high-tenacity nylon/EVA foam |
Frame Material | Spring steel |
Pack Access | Half clamshell |
Number of Exterior Pockets | 1 + main compartment |
Hipbelt | Yes |
Raincover Included | No |
Reservoir Compatible | Yes |
Dimensions | Unpacked dimensions: 10 x 20 x 6.5 in.; packed dimensions: 9 x 9 x 3.5 in. |
Packable | Yes |
Gender | Unisex |
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Overall this pack is very well designed and relatively light weight. The asymmetrical zipper on the main compartment allows for full access without the risk of gear spilling out. The smaller compartment has a depth of nearly the whole pack and has a smaller integrated pouch for smaller items like a wallet, phone, headlamp, etc. The pack is hydration bladder capable, however lacks a pass through for the drinking straw. The pack easily can hold both a softshell and rain protection, and has enough space for one change of clothes. On the back of the pack there are several gear loops. Another interesting feature of the pack is that it can be twist folded in half and stuffed in the small mesh sack that comes with the pack. The side pouches can easily facilitate trekking poles and will fit a standard 32oz. Nalgene bottle. It is really difficult to fit the bottle back into the pouch while the bag is on your back, which is disappointing. The only other feature I was surprised was not incorporated in this pack is a whistle in the chest strap clip, which this bag lacks. Overall, this pack is a nice addition and very well crafted and designed with many small thoughtful features.
This backpack is a great size for hiking and contains lots of features and pockets for organization. Starting on the outside, the fabric is a tough material with ventilation on the back and straps. There are standard gear loops and the side mesh pockets are big enough for a nalgene, but a tight fit. The main compartment is spacious for food/clothing and contains a pouch for a water bladder. One feature I didnt expect was a metal frame that helps with packing and putting the pack on. The backpack also folds into a small included pouch. I found this difficult to figure out and did not find it necessary, however I am sure one could find the trick to folding it. I would definitely recommend this backpack!
Compact, lightweight, roomy, and comfortable/easy to adjust. What more do you want in a daypack? Water bottle pockets: check. Inner pocket to hold your keys/wallet: check. For those who like packing bladders: check.Sturdy fabric: check. Adjustable hip belt: check. Easy to strap your poles to when you don't need them AND they don't slap your backside: check. Should have bought this sooner.
I've been looking for a nice light 'day' pack in between my Kathmandu running vest and heavy Gregory overnight pack. I haven't used this for a technical climb yet but I've used it for a winter hike and as a casual overnight bag and here are my impressions: As a casual overnight/weekend bag: Obviously a bit overkill but it fits several changes of poorly packed clothes, toiletries, various charging blocks and cables and a switch carrying case no problem. As a day pack: I used this on a cold snowy day and packed for the worst - I had a large Alpha AR shell, a lightish weight synthetic puffy jacket, bulky winter glove shells, some snacks, pair of glasses, a few odds and ends, and some shoe traction. For water, I hooked up my 2L Gregory bladder. I didn't pack very well, but the pack felt light and comfortable on my back as I moved around. The straps, while not heavily padded worked fine - and I required minimal adjustment for it to sit right. It handled some light snow precip just fine as well.
This backpack is probably one of the best out there in terms of ultralight, packable, tehcnical daypacks. If you're looking for something more casual, then the Sea to Summit Ultra Sil pack or even the Cotopaxi Luzon might be more suited towards your needs. But if you need a packable summit pack that you can use on long backpacking trips or even a lightweight pack for a short overnighter then the Beast 18 is perfect. This pack is certainly a bit more expensive than comparable daypacks but for that premium you get truly rugged (no tears, scratches anything after a hard rock scramble and bushwhacking hike) materials and a waterproof coating that can resist light rain for a short amount of time. 18L may seem small but definitely enough space to pack a rain or lightly insulated jacket, 2L hydration bladder, snacks and more. Finally it definitely packs down smaller than the summit pack I used before, and one I would compare this most to (Eddie Bauer Bacon Pack). Definitely an upgrade and looking forward to using this for many years to come.
Honestly one of the best daypacks out there, period, not to mention how packable it is. After a year of hiking and traveling this bag still looks great, has held up to lots of abuse, and I find myself continuously pleasantly surprised by the features and layout even a year later. The front pocket is fantastic, love that it's separate and enclosed. Great to keeping things separate like dirty items/flip flops/etc. The little stash pocket fits a lot more than it seems like it would, and I like that they put it inside the front pocket for a little extra security. I will say it is a little pricey for what you get when compared to other daypacks of the same price range, but the trade off of being able to pack it in the water bladder sleeve/laptop compartment of a larger travel bag is worth the price especially if you get it on sale like I did. Game changer for carry-on travel.
This bag performs well for many uses. It worked well as a cross country ski bag and kept things dry as well as having enough room to fit a load of groceries for the week. The only drawback is how it's loaded. The bag has more space near the shoulders and led to a top heavy feeling when fully packed.
Well-made day pack for inbounds resort skiing. Pleasantly surprised with a fit and finish up this bag water repellency is good for a day of skiing with snow. Big enough to hold snacks as well as a few light layering pieces. Bag seems very well-made, and with quality hardware. Enjoyed using it. Pocket organization is good, the off centered zippers make finding what I need easy and I wish more bags were layed out like this.
Fantastic little backpack that easily fits into a bigger pack. Lays flat or twists into a little ball. The material is high quality and durable. My 13” MacBook Air fits into the hydration sleeve with half an inch to spare. Not sure you could fit a bigger laptop without distorting the shape of the pack. Extremely lightweight with an actual frame. I’m not sure there’s a better packable daypack on the market right now.
I wanted to love this bag so badly; it seemed like a great fit for what I wanted. Unfortunately, it doesn't work for me. I have a 16.5 inch torso length, but I have a very swayed back. The bottom of the frame digs into my tail bone area, so I'm not entirely sure how it's advertised as working for a 16 inch torso length.. maybe it's just due to my anatomy? Disappointed and returning, unfortunately. It seems great quality, though.