How to Choose Daypacks
Bend, Oregon
Matador Beast 28 Technical Pack
$150.00
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Move fast on technical trails with a day's worth of gear. The Matador Beast 28 pack is lightweight and packable, and the flexible frame suspension system provides support while moving with you.
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- EVA foam-padded mesh back, shoulder straps and hipbelt add breathable comfort
- Flexible spring steel frame moves with you
- Removable hipbelt and adjustable sternum strap keep the backpack close to your body
- Built from Robic® high-tenacity nylon fabric and reinforced with a UTS coating for weatherproofing and durability
- Waterproof UTS coating adds up to 30% strength compared to traditional polyurethane coatings
- Dual main compartment with half clamshell main zipper
- 2 internal pockets with a key loop secure small items
- Hydration-compatible design features an internal sleeve for a reservoir (not included) and 2 oversize water bottle pockets
- External gear loops accommodate the tools you need for your objective
- Hypalonâ„¢ reinforced daisy chain provides additional external storage
- YKK® zippers and hardware throughout
- For compact transport, the Beast 28 compresses into the included travel stuff sack
Imported.
View all Matador Daypacks| Best Use | Hiking |
|---|---|
| Bag Style | Backpack |
| Frame Type | Internal Frame |
| Ultralight | Yes |
| Gear Capacity (L) | 28 liters |
| Gear Capacity (cu. in.) | 1,708 cubic inches |
| Weight | 1 lb. 8 oz. |
| Fits Torso Length (in.) | 17-22.5 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 | 3 + main compartment |
| Hipbelt | Yes |
| Hipbelt Pockets | Yes |
| Raincover Included | No |
| Reservoir Compatible | Yes |
| Dimensions | Unpacked dimensions: 11 x 22 x 7 in.; packed dimensions: 9 x 9 x 3.5 in. |
| Packable | Yes |
| Gender | Unisex |
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CliftHanger92
Received free product
Enterprise, Al
Great light weekend pack!
3 years ago
This pack is a probably my new favorite pack. The main compartment is spacious and opens wide for easy access. It even has a little zipper pocket inside the main for smaller important items (keys, wallet, phone, etc.) On the front is a smaller pocket that runs the full length and width of the bag but not as deep as the main. It also has an inside zipper pocket for items. On the outside of the main are great attachment points and tool loop. I really like the bungee attachments for the tools. The bag has two deep mesh pockets on the side, perfect for your favorite name brand 32 oz water bottle.The waist belt has a small pocket on both sides, which is probably one of my favorite feature. Perfect for trail snacks or a gps. The frame is a flexible wire style which allows it to be folded and put into a handy storage bag that’s included. The back padding is nice and is great for warm weather as it allows for breathability and air flow. My only wish the frame was more rigid but over all a fantastic bag.
Age:25–34
Yes , I recommend this product
tiger60067
Received free product
Denver, CO
Lightweight and versatile pack
3 years ago
I have used this pack for several hikes so far and it's been a perfect size for day hikes. This pack does not sag when it is not full, so if it's summertime and you're maybe only carrying a light layer + water + snacks, this pack will still fit well. If it's wintertime and you need to stuff one or two thicker layers inside, this pack will also handle that, and it has two main compartments so you can put some food and gear such as microspikes in the second compartment. The main compartment closest to your back has a water reservoir compartment, as well as a smaller side zippered compartment for small snacks or keys. The second compartment is slightly smaller but goes most of the way down the depth of the pack, good for snacks and smaller gear. The outside of the pack has a series of hoops on both sides, which can be used to clip hats/dog water bowls/other gear. The hip strap is removable, and also contains a small mesh pocket on each side (2 total) which I use for chapstick and a small snack. It's comfortable when strapped and clipped across your hip. My only complaint about this pack, but also a feature, is the depth of the mesh water bottle holders on the side of the pack - they are deep enough to hold a taller water bottle, but the bottles may be difficult to remove without taking the pack off since you have to reach pretty far up to grab the top of the bottle. It requires a bit of shoulder/arm flexibility :)
Age:35–44
Yes , I recommend this product
MatthewB
Fairfax, VA
Spacious light/minimal and comfortable backpack
2 years ago
This is an incredibly lightweight and minimal and packable backpack that holds a lot and is really comfortable even when fully loaded. I used this as a travel backpack, and found it to fit very well under the seat of the airplane, carried a substantial amount of stuff both on the plane and on the trail, and was comfortable, even when loaded down. The only real negative for my use was the lack of a padded laptop sleeve (my 15" Macbook fits perfectly fine in the main compartment, but there's absolutely NO padding - you could easily fit a sleeve on the laptop and still put it in the bag). I added shock cord to the gear loops, and was able to stash my jacket on the outside. The side pouches hold a full 1L platypus water bag on each side. The secondary compartment is full-length and holds a massive amount as well as the main compartment. The zipper opens up fully on one side, meaning you can easily reach to the bottom of the bag, even if it's fully packed. I'm incredibly happy with this bag.
Age:35–44
Yes , I recommend this product
Dbuckz
Received free product
Minneapolis, MN
Wonderful lightweight pack
3 years ago
This is a great pack. I am 6foot 1inch tall and I love the fit for this backpack, and packs down to such a small size it can be easily stashed away about anywhere. The only thing about this bag that leaves me wanting more is the way the mesh storage bag works, it is a little bit tricky to get the pack into the bag and cinch it down. The mesh bag opens/closes on the widest face rather than the top so it takes a little bit of effort to get the pack put away, which is not a deal breaker by any means. The ability to remove the waist band is a big plus, and the straps all stay put once they've been adjusted. Water storage is nicely sized for my 3L bladder, and the extra zippered pockets for phone, keys, etc... are really nice. I haven't had an opportunity to test it in rain yet, but melting snow doesn't seep into the bag at all so the waterproofing seems to be great.
Age:35–44
Yes , I recommend this product
ntula
San Francisco/Bangkok
great pack but it really is not that much bigger
9 months ago
This is a great pack but it really is not that much bigger than the Beast18, which i already had so i had to return it. In fact it only holds just a tad bit more: basically if what you have in a Beast18 is snug, then it will fit more easily in this one. My advice is to just get Beast28 over the Beast18 unless you are under 5'4", then the Beast28 might be too long as the Beast18 is 2 inches shorter, which really does not add a lot to the capacity... I regret not getting the Beast28 to begin with, but alas, i do not need 2 packs that are nearly identical... except you could carry an extra rolled up tshirt and a protein bar in the 28
Yes , I recommend this product
Zknight64
Received free product
Long Beach,NY
Probably one of the best lightweight backpacks out
3 years ago
First thing I thought when I received this backpack was WOW crazy light. It really is. And surprisingly it has a decent support structure considering that. The pocket design seems well thought out. Not much on the way of frills. The waist strap is quite comfortable but as a larger fella I would prefer a longer stretch of padding on it. The waist band and back of the pack have a nice honeycomb to keep you cool. I have not been able to test that quality as It is winter. One really nice feature is the main zipper. Its a 3/4 zipper. On the left side of the bag it opens halfway but on the right, it originates almost at the bottom. Allowing you to access deeper gear quicker.
Age:35–44
Yes , I recommend this product
Jay
Boston, MA
Really great pack
11 months ago
I used this pack to walk 300 miles of the Camino de Santiago this past spring and it performed like a champ. Lightweight, agile, and durable - it barely looks used after all that walking. I added some paracord to the side lashings to add some extra storage for wet clothes, shoes etc., which made it even more versatile. My first Matador pack, won't be my last.
Age:45–54
Oli88
Received free product
Brooklyn, NY
Great ultralight pack for day hikes!
3 years ago
I was pretty excited to try out this pack! For me, ultralight gear has been a recent discovery. I’ve had my go-to backpacking gear for years now, and the extra weight I carry has always been a nagging thought, but not something to act on. However, as I recently switched out smaller items for ultralight versions, the thought of actually switching my pack became a reality. So, here are my thoughts on my first ultralight pack! I got this pack just in time for a trip out to Arizona. I actually used it as my personal item on the flight. While it fit under the seat just fine, I wouldn’t recommend it if you plan on taking any fragile items. I had my iPad and camera in the bag, and with zero padding, I was worried the whole time. Every bump felt like it would shatter my screen. It’s not really designed for this. But, once I got on the trail, it was fantastic! I had it loaded with food, water, binoculars, a camera (in a padded case), extra clothes, and it still had room for more. The size was just right for an all day hike and I could probably push it for an overnight. I really didn’t notice it on my back. No rubbing, no strain, just a lot of sweat in the Tucson heat. The built in flexible frame was sturdy, and helped the pack keep it’s shape on or off my back. The waist supports seemed a little small and a bit of a waste. I didn’t really use it. I’d probably remove it next time, and I am glad you can do this! Access to each pocket was easy, and with the main compartment zip running the full length of one side, I had no problem pulling out gear from the bottom. Overall the materials used seemed like they’d stand up to some decent abuse. There was a few loose threads, as if the pack wasn’t cleaned up after manufacturing. Not a big deal, but aesthetically it didn’t look great. The pack is very easy to fold up and store when not in use, and the provided bag is a nice touch, if a little small in my opinion. It fits, but it feels like it might burst out. All in all, I am very happy to have this pack for longer day hikes. I think it will be my go to from now on. I have a few other Matador products, and all have done me well so far.
Age:35–44
Yes , I recommend this product
Tangygoodness
Received free product
Phoenix Arizona
Surprisingly flexible
3 years ago
I really like how much this backpack flexes with me when I'm climbing. It's not meant to carry a lot of weight but even when it's mostly full it's not rigid. Also took it with me to Mexico as a daypack and it's definitely not very water resistant and I found it could use maybe one more pocket or just a larger zipper pocket for my phone and wallet. Overall great lightweight backpack that I'll only take when I need to conserve weight
Age:25–34
Yes , I recommend this product
Peter W
Great first experience with this brand
2 days ago
I was looking for a lightweight hiking backpack for my wife when I came across this one a few months ago. She went with something else, but I couldn't help getting this one for myself. I picked it up as a day pack for travel, and I'm generally really happy with it. First, it's super lightweight with some good pocket options. I was easily able to get all my items for the plane into it with some extra room. It did well on our rainy days; it's not waterproof, but it kept everything inside dry and then dried quickly. On super rainy days, a dry sack(s) may be worth it, but you might not always need it. My only two criticisms of this pack are that it is tapered on the inside. I carry a large iPad when traveling, and the narrowing at the bottom made it a little bit tricky. Also, larger water bottles will push into the interior space; you need to pack in the right order or be prepared to repack if your water bottle is too large, as it will reduce some of your interior space. I really like the waist and chest belt but wish the waist had strap loops like the chest and side straps to keep the adjustment straps from flapping around and keeping things more neat. I look forward to more adventures with this bag.
Yes , I recommend this product
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