Free shipping on US orders over $99
Better by Design Guarantee™
Fast order processing
30-day returns
The 18L Packable Backpack lives for crowded markets, misty jungle walks, and last-minute detours. Lightweight and weatherproof, it shakes off rain, looks dialed anywhere, and disappears into its own pocket until next time.
* “Personal item compliant” bags strictly adhere to the personal item size policy on approximately 80% of flights operated by the largest 50 airlines globally.
Volume: 18 liters
Weight: 9oz (255g)
Dimensions: 18 x 10 x 7.5in (46 x 25 x 19cm)
Materials
- Main body fabric: 100D recycled nylon, PFAS-free, meets bluesign® criteria.
- Water bottle pocket fabric: 70D fabric, PFAS-free, meets bluesign® criteria.
- #5 DuraGlide™ sealing zippers (exterior)
The 18L Packable Backpack is backed by a 2-year warranty and our commitment to durability. If something goes wrong, we’ll repair or replace it — free of charge. We build gear to last. And we stand behind it. Learn more.
18L Packable Backpack
BUILT FOR THIS
Night markets in Hanoi. Jungle hikes in Costa Rica. The 18L Packable Backpack is built to wander.
It’s sized to carry everything you need for a full day. Waterproof fabric + DuraGlide™ sealing zippers shake off rain, and the clean design looks dialed anywhere you land. When the day’s done, it disappears into its own pocket — until the next adventure calls.
see you out there
I searched a long time for a backpack that would fit United Airlines smaller personal item dimensions (17 x 10 x 9") and also fit everything I need plus be comfortable on my small frame. The Matador 18L Packable Backpack is listed as 18" tall but I'm able to leave some space at the top so it will fit the 17" limit for United.
This backpack is very comfortable, though it's true that for a short person (5'0") the daisy chain sternum strap attachment points aren't high enough on the backpack strap. I was able to modify this by attaching it to the wider chain loop that is above those meant for the sternum strap.
I’m really happy with the fabric, the quality of construction, and the color (juniper)! And the lining is a very light gray making it easy to see what’s inside.
Increíble producto
Have not used a backpack in more than a decade because of shoulder issues. But sister bought one and recommended this backpack to use on our 4 weeks trip to China. Have been testing it here at home and so far okay.
Have not used a backpack in more than a decade because of shoulder issues. But sister bought one and recommended this backpack to use on our 4 weeks trip to China. Have been testing it here at home and so far okay.
A lot of details in this bag, is sooo useful, the straps, the zippers, materials, 100% recomended.t9
Great quality bag and can easily be packed along with my one bag as a day pack.
I'm sure this pack is fine for big men but from the video it is clear the shoulder straps are too long for women as it appears to be just hanging off the female model's shoulders in a way that would be seriously stressful on neck and shoulders. Add that to the too-low sternum strap and the over-wide placement of the harness and that's why it would not work well for an average woman to carry much or for very long, never mind the marketing. In general our legs are longer, torsos are shorter, shoulders are narrower, center of gravity is higher, and we have different chest configuration (!) Even though the torso length is not too bad on this one, I really wish Matador would start making their wonderful packs to fit women.
Recently took this bag on a trip to Olympic National Park and was very impressed with the practical functionality and comfort. It’s a great packable day bag and I’d definitely recommend it!
My boyfriend has commandeered this backpack. He says “what more could you want in a travel daypack?”, I reply “I wouldn’t know”. Anyway, he says it’s great: comfy (with the sternum strap), roomy (fits his camera bag, jacket, water bottle, etc.), pockets are where they need to be (likes the top pocket and water bottle side pockets).
I appreciate how small it packs down. I originally bought it for myself for when I travel low cost carriers and can only bring a personal item. This can pack down to fit inside my travel pack. Hopefully I’ll get to use it myself one day, but most likely will need to buy another one when they’re back in stock!
Love this thing for multi pitch routes and fast alpine assaults. Takes up zero space in the approach bag so I always bring it. Super duper light and everything fits everything including my partner's giant approach shoes! Also very comfy to climb with and easy to clip to an anchor. I am astonished by the durability, after several years and numerous pitches dragged through chimneys and rough granite slabs, still no holes! Well done.
Amazing quality for a foldable backpack
We needed a backpack for sightseeing from cruise ships. It must be small but not too small. It must hold a couple of light weight jackets, a water bottle, and a battery large enough to charge 2 iPhones. Lastly the backpack must have decent straps that do not cut into my shoulders. This backpack checks all of the boxes. It is perfect for our needs.
I received it in 6 days in Europe. It was folded but not packed. When packing u should be careful to fill the corners of the pocket. Best quality materials. You can feel it. Enjoy!
When I first got this, I will say I had such a hard time trying to pack it into itself. Once I figured it out, though, it was much easier the second time. It truly is a full 18L backpack with organization, padded straps, a water bottle pocket, and lightweight material that completely packs down into the palm of your hand. There have been so many times I wished I could just pull out a bigger bag for the day, and this is it.
This backpack is very compact and takes up very little space. It's perfect to toss into your suitcase and pull out and use during your day trip adventures. It is comfortable, lightweight, and durable. Not to mention, looks super fashionable!
The 18L Packable Backpack immediately stood out to me with its clean, minimalist design and beautiful Juniper colorway. I love how lightweight and packable it is while still looking like a fully featured everyday backpack. It feels like the perfect companion for travel days, hikes, and exploring new places when I want to pack light without sacrificing functionality.
The perfect packable bag. I travel a lot by plane and have a pack that I can carry-on but not take up too much of my luggage space when I arrive is super important to me. This does that job perfectly. Packs down small. Made from high quality material. All the compartments I would hope to have in a backpack! Couldn’t be happier
We packed the 18L Packable Backpack for our month-long West Coast road trip, and we're so glad we did! It packs down incredibly small, so it barely took up any space in the car, but we ended up using it for everything from grocery runs to short hikes and beach days. It's lightweight, comfortable, and one of those bags you're always happy to have with you!
Does the 18L Packable Backpack pack into its own pocket?
Yes. The backpack folds into its own integrated pocket for compact transport and storage.
Is it personal-item compliant?
Yes. The pack is designed to meet the published personal-item size limits on approximately 80% of flights operated by the world’s largest airlines. Airline policies vary and can change, so confirm the requirements for the airline before traveling.
Is the backpack waterproof?
The pack is weatherproof. Waterproof fabric and DuraGlide™ sealing external zippers help shed rain, but the seams and openings are not designed for submersion. For a fully waterproof main compartment, choose the 18L Waterproof Packable Backpack.
Are the shoulder straps padded?
Yes. LiteCush™ shoulder straps provide structured, breathable padding while remaining packable.
Does it have water-bottle pockets?
Yes. The pack includes two external bottle pockets.
Does it have a laptop sleeve?
No. The pack does not include a dedicated padded laptop sleeve. Use a separate protective sleeve when carrying a laptop inside the main compartment.
Are the zippers lockable?
The external pockets include zipper-security loops that provide added theft deterrence and can be used with a small compatible lock. Locks are sold separately.
How long is the warranty?
The 18L Packable Backpack is covered by Matador’s two-year warranty against defects in materials and workmanship. Visit the Better By Design Guarantee page for full details.
Warning: This product can expose you to chemicals including DMF which is known to the State of California to cause cancer. For more information go to P65Warnings.ca.gov
The Matador® 18L Packable Backpack is a stowable travel daypack designed for travelers who need capable storage at their destination without committing space to a conventional backpack in transit. Its 18-liter capacity accommodates everyday essentials for sightseeing, day trips, crowded markets, and light outdoor excursions, while the entire bag packs into its own pocket when not in use. It is also sized to meet personal-item requirements on most flights, although limits vary by airline.
Waterproof 100D recycled nylon and DuraGlide™ sealing exterior zippers help protect the contents from rain and changing weather. Structured LiteCush™ shoulder straps combine padding and breathability with a packable construction, providing more support than basic unstructured stuff packs. Dual bottle pockets, two exterior zippered pockets, a high-visibility interior, removable sternum strap, and side compression straps keep daily gear accessible and stable. Security loops on the exterior zippers add theft deterrence and can be locked. This pack is well suited to travelers seeking a compact secondary backpack with practical organization, weather protection, and more considered carry comfort.
