Matador 18L Waterproof Packable Backpack Review
A packable, waterproof backpack for travel and everyday use
October 25th, 2026
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Our verdict
The Matador 18L Waterproof Packable Backpack is a packable, waterproof pack for travel and everyday use, offering a compact, convenient carry for essentials like layers, a wallet, water bottles, and paperbacks.
It works best when you want to travel light and leave all the heavy gear back at base camp or in the hotel room. It is also a great backup option because it is lightweight—around 10 oz—when empty and packs into its own pocket. We carried it in our larger daypack and in our checked luggage, using it on a fishing trip in Redmond, Oregon, while hiking in Australia, and on day trips in Colorado.
This pack has a large external zippered pocket that is as long as the bag itself. Inside the front pocket is a smaller zippered pocket that the bag packs into. The outside one can be used to carry small items like gloves, scarf, hat, and sunscreen, while the inside one can fit keys, wallet, and a phone. The roll-top main compartment also has a zippered area to keep larger items like swimsuits, a towel, or a light jacket. It offers a comfortable carry even though it lacks back padding, and the roll-top closure, sealed seams, and waterproof zippers keep the pack weatherproof. It has two external water bottle pockets and also has an adjustable sternum strap that can fit different torso sizes.
The biggest limitation is that this pack is not structured and has no separate organization pockets in the main compartment for smaller items like sunscreen, headlamps, or keys. It’s designed for travelers who want a lightweight, waterproof stuff-sack style bag, rather than a structured daypack.
We recommend the Matador 18L Waterproof Packable Backpack for someone who wants a small daypack that’s waterproof to use for short excursions or day trips, and can pack away when not in use. It is not suitable as a primary daypack for long travel days or an overnight trip.
Matador 18L Waterproof Packable Backpack
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Matador 18L Waterproof packable backpack specifications
Price: $95
Capacity: 18L
Empty weight: 10 oz
Pack dimensions: 18 x 10 x 7.5 in
Packs into own pocket: Yes
Packed size: 5.5 x 4 x 3 in
Fabric: 100D Bluesign recycled nylon, PFAS free, and #5 DuraGlide sealing zippers (exterior)
Water-resistant: Yes
Waterproof: Yes
Laptop sleeve: No
Water bottle pockets: Yes, two external pockets
Sternum strap: Yes, adjustable and removable
Hip belt: No
Padded back panel: No
Shoulder straps: LiteCush straps that are structured, padded, and breathable with two D-rings
Carry-on compliant: Meets carry-on size standards for all major airlines
Best for
Short hikes to use in any weather (especially wet or coastal weather)
Day trips where you don’t need to carry heavy, technical gear
City exploration or sightseeing adventures
Comparison table
| PACKABLE BACKPACK | CAPACITY | WEIGHT | BOTTLE POCKETS | WATER RESIST | CARRY ON | MSRP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Matador 18L Waterproof Packable Backpack | 18 L | 10.0 oz | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | $95 |
| Osprey Daylite | 13 L | 19.8 oz | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | $70 |
| Eagle Creek Packable Backpack | 16 L | 5.7 oz | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | $59 |
| Arc'teryx Heliad 15 | 15 L | 7.1 oz | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | $80 |
What we liked
Packable, waterproof backpack that fits into its own pocket and has a carry handle to clip onto a bigger backpack
Breathable mesh shoulder straps for comfortable carry
Sealing zippers for true waterproof capabilities
Roll top also has a zipper closure for extra protection
What could be better
It is not a structured backpack for carrying rigid things
It doesn't have a padded back panel
No separate organization pockets in the main compartment
How we tested
We tested the Matador 18L Waterproof Backpack for three months that included a fishing trip to Oregon, hiking in Australia, and city explorations in Colorado. It packed down small enough to live inside my suitcase until we needed it and comfortably fit essentials like snacks and extra layers.
We tested how easily it packed and unpacked, size and weight when fully and half loaded, as well as how comfortable it was to carry at different loads. We also tested it with a DSLR camera in a drift boat going over rapids to assess the waterproof quality and how well it protected the contents. After repeated use, we also evaluated the bag’s fabric, roll-top clips, straps, seams, and overall structure for signs of wear and durability.
The bag performed flawlessly in terms of durability and comfort under various loads and also as a waterproof pack. It was easy to open up and pack away when not in use.
We also tested the Matador 18L Waterproof Backpack alongside others in our Best Packable Backpacks guide, directly assessing performance and features.
Performance in the field
Packability
The Matador 18L Waterproof Backpack is a packable backpack that fits into its own pocket, zips shut, and is easy to carry in a larger backpack. It packs down to the size of a paperback novel, and also has a carry loop that clips to a purse or sling.
Deployment and usability
The Matador 18L Waterproof Backpack packs into its own pocket, so it needs to be unpacked before you can use it. We stashed it in our checked suitcase on flights and used it when we reached our destination. The deployment and repacking process is intuitive and just takes a couple of minutes.
Carry comfort
We wore this pack for a few hours during a hiking trip and fishing expedition. The shoulder straps remained comfortable, even when we filled the pack to its 18-liter capacity. Unlike the straps, the back panel is not breathable, so it does get sweaty when hiking or walking in hot climates or over long distances.
Load handling
We tested the Matador 18L Waterproof Backpack carrying different loads with a DSLR camera, lens, and 18 oz water bottles in the side pockets and found the straps to be comfortable. Even at full capacity, the straps did not bunch over. Because this pack doesn’t have a rigid structure, it could fit odd-shaped items like cameras.
Durability
After repeated use over several months, the Matador 18L Waterproof Packable Backpack showed no signs of wear, abrasion, or fraying. The zippers were also reliable after repeated opening and closing, and the shoulder straps did not fray or snap.
Water resistance
We tested the Matador 18L Waterproof Packable Backpack in light rain and in a boat going over rapids to see how well it protects the contents in real-world use. In both cases, the inside of the bag was completely dry.
Organization and pockets
We tested the Matador 18L Waterproof Packable Backpack with items that are typically used for hiking and fishing, like water bottles, a sun hoody, caps, sunscreen, and snacks. The front zippered pockets store a phone, wallet, snacks, and keys. Extra layers or speciality gear like cameras fit into the main zippered pocket.
Sustainability
The Matador 18L Waterproof Packable Backpack uses recycled materials that meet bluesign criteria. Matador says it purchases credits to help fund carbon projects in connection with shipping from its manufacturers to its U.S. distribution network. Their Boulder, Colorado headquarters is powered by Green-e certified WindSource renewable wind energy.
Features
It is made with bluesign-approved recycled materials and is finished with Matador’s signature Switchback Stitch, a style of seam stitching as a visual sign of brand authenticity
It packs into its own pocket
It has straps that are structured, padded, breathable, and packable
It has an 18-liter capacity and is personal item compliant for air travel
It is weatherproof as it is made with waterproof fabric and sealing zippers
It has adjustable and removable sternum strap
It has side compression straps with adjustable buckles
It has two D-rings on the shoulder straps to connect smaller items with a carabiner
It has two external access zipper pockets
It has dual external water bottle pockets
The sealing external zippers are made with DuraGlide (and co-engineered by Matador and Zoom)
The main compartment has a roll top as well as a zippered closure
Similar packable backpacks
Matador 18L Waterproof vs. Osprey Daylite
MSRP: $70
Capacity: 13 L
Weight: 19.8 oz
Water resistant: Yes
Bottle pockets: Yes
The Osprey Daylite is a structured daypack with a ventilated back panel, padded shoulder straps, and plenty of organizational pockets, whereas the Matador 18L Waterproof Packable Backpack is an unstructured bag with two external pockets and packs into one of them.
Choose the Matador 18L Waterproof Packable Backpack if you want a bag that will be used for short day hikes from camp or as a lightweight backup bag for travel. Choose the Osprey Daylite if you value comfort, durability, and pockets in a structured travel daypack.
Learn more in our in-depth review of the Osprey Daylite packable backpack.
Osprey Daylite
Matador 18L Waterproof vs. Eagle Creek Packable Backpack
MSRP: $59
Capacity: 16 L
Weight: 5.7 oz
Water resistant: Yes
Bottle pockets: Yes
Both the Eagle Creek Packable Backpack and the Matador 18L Waterproof are unstructured bags that pack away for convenient carry or stash in a suitcase or larger backpack.
Choose the Eagle Creek Packable Backpack if you want a bag for carrying essentials during day trips or short hikes, as it has two stretch side pockets and an external zippered pocket. The Matador is a waterproof bag with sealed zippers, so it can be used for travel or use as a summit pack.
Learn more in our in-depth review of the Eagle Creek Packable Backpack.
Eagle Creek Packable Backpack
Matador 18L Waterproof vs. Arc’teryx Heliad 15
MSRP: $80
Capacity: 15L
Weight: 7.1 oz
Water resistant: Yes
Bottle pockets: No
The Arc’teryx Heliad 15 packable backpack and the Matador 18 L Packable Backpack are both unstructured bags that pack small and work as a backup bag or summit sack. The Matador has a capacity of 18 liters, whereas the Arc’teryx Heliad Packable Backpack has a capacity of 15 liters.
Choose the Arc’teryx Heliad 15 for light travel and short day trips, and choose the Matador Waterproof Packable Backpack for shorter travel days where you need a bit more load-carrying capacity and external water bottle pockets.
Arc’teryx Heliad 15
Should you buy the Matador 18L Waterproof packable backpack?
Buy if:
You prioritize an unstructured backpack
You want a sternum strap
You want sealed zippers for waterproof protection
Skip if:
You want a backpack that is structured
You want a ventilated backpanel
You want more load-carrying capacity for travel
Where to buy the Matador 18L Waterproof packable backpack
The Matador 18L packable backpack is popular, so you have options when it comes to retailers. Here are some of the pros of the retailers.
REI
Pros: 100% satisfaction policy for 1 year and 10% Member Reward for members (on eligible full-price purchases).
Matador
Pros: You can sometimes find more options when purchasing directly from the manufacturer. Sometimes, purchasing directly from the manufacturer can make it easier if you need to make a warranty return due to a defect.
Advice on where to buy
In general for gear, we recommend purchasing from a place with easy or free returns, like REI.
Why you should trust us / About the author
The author, Karthika Gupta, is an adventure travel writer with over 25 years of adventure travel experience. She has hiked on all seven continents and loved every minute of it. She has even completed Highlander UAE and Fjallraven Chile, along with hundreds of miles in the Indian Himalayas. She covers outdoor gear, small-group adventure travel, and hiking/camping trends for national and international publications, blending real experience with practical advice. Her work is grounded in miles hiked, boots tested, and a belief that everyone belongs in the outdoors regardless of gear and experience—you don’t need to overpack or overcomplicate to have a meaningful adventure.
You can find more of her work on her Treeline Review author page.
You can find more of her adventures on her Instagram @karthikagupta or her website.
