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18L Personal Item Travel Pack

$159
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This item ships free in the US

This item ships free in the US

Better by Design Guarantee™

Better by Design Guarantee™

Fast order processing

Fast order processing

30-day returns

30-day returns

Big bag features, personal item size — The 18L Personal Item Travel Pack is a game changer for short trips and light packers. Fully featured, thoughtfully designed, and purpose-built to fly for free.

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18 liter capacity | Personal item compliant*
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Purpose-built and fully-featured for travel
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Dual Access Architecture™ — top-loading + full clamshell access
  • 18 liter capacity | Personal item compliant*
  • Cushioned, breathable back panel, shoulder straps
  • Dual Access Architecture™  —  top loading + full clamshell access
  • Weatherproof — waterproof fabric + sealing zippers
  • External access admin pocket with layered organization + key tether
  • Padded, external access laptop sleeve with false bottom — fits laptops up to 16in
  • Stowable, see-through internal baffle + internal organization pockets
  • High-vis interior
  • Reflective paracord in center seam for night visibility
  • External water bottle pocket
  • RFID-blocking hidden Smuggler’s Pocket™
  • Dedicated location tracker pocket
  • Easy-adjust sternum strap with custom hardware (removable)
  • Custom strap hardware optimized for use with Speed Stash accessory (not included)
  • Rolling luggage handle pass-through
  • Grab handles on top, sides, front, and back
  • DuraGlide™ sealing external zippers — Smooth. Strong. Long-lasting. Co-engineered by Matador® and Zoom®.
  • Anti-theft zipper security loops on all external pockets — theft deterrent + lockable
  • YKK® zippers on internal pockets
  • Recycled materials that meet Bluesign® criteria
  • Finished with Matador®’s signature Switchback Stitch™ — a mark of quality and authenticity

Drip Kits™ require installation. Learn how to install your Drip Kit™ here.

* “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: 1lb 13oz (823g)
Dimensions: 15.7 x 11.8 x 5.9in (40 x 30 x 15cm)

Materials
- 420D Bluesign® recycled nylon, PFAS free
- #8 and #5 DuraGlide™ sealing zippers (exterior)
- #5 YKK® zippers (interior)

Drip Kit Includes
- Shock cord
- Zipper pulls
- Cordlock
- Install tool

The 18L Personal Item Travel Pack 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.

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Built for This

The 18L Personal Item Travel Pack is the first of its kind.  All the organization of a full-size travel pack—sized to slip under the seat.

Even on budget airlines, it flies free — no gate checks, no surprise fees. Just a wearable travel hack that pays for itself over the course of a few flights.

see you out there

For the ones who pack smart, move fast, and expect their gear to keep up.

  • Is the 18L Personal Item Travel Pack 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.

    Does it open like a full-size travel pack?
    Yes. The pack can be accessed from the top during the day or opened fully in a clamshell layout for packing and unpacking.

    Do the backpack straps stow?
    No. The shoulder straps do not stow. The pack is designed to stay with the traveler as a personal item rather than be checked.

    Does it include a luggage pass-through?
    Yes. The rear luggage pass-through slides over the handle of rolling luggage.

    Does it have a laptop compartment?
    Yes. The pack includes a padded laptop compartment with a false bottom that keeps the computer elevated from the base of the bag. Refer to the laptop compatibility details on this page for exact fit.

    How large is the water-bottle pocket?
    The external bottle pocket works best with narrow and medium-width travel bottles. Very large or wide bottles may fit tightly due to the pack’s personal-item size.

    Can the internal divider be moved out of the way?
    Yes. The internal divider can be rolled and secured to create a more open layout for everyday carry.

    How long is the warranty?
    The 18L Personal Item Travel Pack 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 Personal Item Backpack is a compact travel backpack designed for short trips, light packers, and airline travel with an underseat bag. Its 18-liter capacity is sized to meet personal-item requirements on most flights, although allowances vary by airline. Dual Access Architecture™ combines convenient top loading with a full clamshell opening, allowing travelers to reach essentials quickly or open the pack like luggage for organized packing.

    A padded external-access sleeve holds laptops up to 16 inches, while the layered admin pocket, see-through internal baffle, high-visibility lining, water bottle pocket, and hidden location-tracker pocket keep travel gear organized. The RFID-blocking Smuggler’s Pocket™ conceals passports or cards, and lockable zipper security loops add theft deterrence. Waterproof 420D recycled nylon and DuraGlide™ sealing exterior zippers help protect contents in wet conditions. Cushioned, breathable shoulder straps and a padded back panel support comfortable carrying, while a luggage handle pass-through makes the pack easy to pair with rolling luggage. It is a practical choice for travelers who want the access, organization, and laptop storage of a larger travel pack in a personal-item format.