This trip, a most-durable daypack 1

I’m heading out again — and this time it’s with a new daypack. This time, the Matador Beast28 Packable Technical Backpack is coming with me as my loyal companion.

Since 2014, I’ve been using a thin, light fabric, 7.2 oz ChicoBag daypack as my second bag. Often it was supplemented by a lightweight sling-style bag which carried food or misc stuff. The daypack surprised me in its durability and I loved it but wasn’t built to hold so much and at times I stressed it out. (I’ve also seen signs that ChicoBag’s quality has gone downhill.)

This time I want something stronger.
A daypack/backpack that can work as a serious pack.
A backpack I can even fit everything into if I go hiking for a week or two.
(England’s lands, Israel’s Sea to Sea hike…)
A backpack that would easily fit the things I need to take onto a plane.
(Last time I flew, my daypack was 12.12lbs but very stuffed and not meant to handle that load.)

With the Matador Beast28, I hope to never require a 3rd bag!

I can stuff off the food for my bus or train ride, carry the spices and other significant food I may carry from one location to the next instead of putting that stuff into a cross-body sling bag that makes my neck hurt.

I can drop my handbag in so that’s not across my neck either.

I’ve been using this backpack for a few months now and look forward to having it with me as I hit a few continents.

Matador Beast28 Packable Technical Backpack Specs

• 20 inch tall x 13 inch x 10 inch (50.8 x 33 cm)
• 20 oz (.52 kg) — maybe including the compression case.
• Water-resistant: 500D PU-coated Ripstop Nylon, coated on the inside
• 28-liter capacity
• 35 Lbs carry
• Adjustable external pocket with compression straps that also provide added security
• Waist and sternum straps
• Lid pocket and front stash pocket for organization
• Two side pockets
• Pocket underneath that can also be used for storage
• Gear loops and daisy chains for attaching additional gear
• Accommodates most water bladders & includes hose routing features
• Light, breathable lumbar padding
• Color: Dark grey with a slate blue undertone
• $89.99

Here is Matador’s own diagram about the Beast28’s features. You can click it to see it larger, or, better,  see it on the backpack’s page so you’re sure to have the latest info.

Matador Beast28 Packable Technical Backpack

Note: There are other versions of the Beast so be sure to check them all out at MatadorUp.com.

An Important Part of Packing for Travel

This pack is 28 liters compared to my previous 15-liter bag. It’s nearly double the capacity and it can handle that extra stuff without a question.

BUT… that does not mean I am going to fill it!

If I need a winter coat for a while, ok. When there’s food in transit, ok. But this bag is for alleviating the weight of my Eagle Creek Expanse Hauler Duffel and enabling me to carry maybe 55 liters of things instead of just 50.

It’s for taking some things with me for the day or a hike.

It’s not for adding 28 more liters of weight to my life. 

Other Matador Daypack Options

Either of these would actually work well as a supplemental daypack/airline personal bag.

Matador FreeRain24

• 24L Capacity
• 30 Lbs carry
• 5.5 ounces

Matador DayLite16

• 16L Capacity
• 20 Lbs carry
• 4.1 ounces
• 17×11.5×6 inches