Matador Freerain24 backpack (packable)

09/27/2020
Equipment Review | Travel | Hiking

I recently purchased the Matador, Freerain24, waterproof and compact (packable) backpack. It's capacity is 24 liters, has a roll top (ruckpack style), is only 6.6 ounces when folded into its compression pouch, and has rip-stop sealed seams. I have been looking for a compact backpack that I can take it with me when I travel. This can fold down to the size of one's hand. I would like it if the compression case was sturdier and packed it down smaller, however, it does do its job.

The material is sturdy, but thin. Matador markets it as puncture-proof. For now, seeing how I took this out on its maiden voyage on 9.27.20, I cannot yet speak to its level of durability under extreme pressure. However, that notwithstanding, I do greatly appreciate the comfort of the straps. To the touch, they are coarse and to me, resemble something similar in texture and coarseness to a screen door screen. At the time I was using this product, I was wearing a tank top with averaged size thickness of straps. Some of the backpack straps was on my skin, but did not irritate my skin at all, which I like because I often wear tank tops when hiking, camping, or traveling.

In the rucksack style, but with more flexibility due to a thinner, more forgiving material, everything that I was carrying on the first day of use fit perfectly and comfortably in the backpack. The backpack itself only has two compartments: 1) the main body of the backpack and 2) a good sized front pocket that runs vertically almost the entire length of the backpack. In the main section of the backpack, I carried a DVD-sized first aid kit that was about as thick as a pocket sized dictionary and a small bag containing a lighter, pocketknife, and flashlight. In the secondary front pocket, I placed my phone, wallet, a tub of sunscreen, and three averaged sized protein bars. Plenty of room available in each compartment for more items if needed.

Lastly, the back has two compartments for water bottles on either side of the backpack that also have security straps if needed. I really liked this feature because as the water bottles lose their shape due to becoming empty, I can tighten the straps to make sure they do not fall out during the exploration.

Certainly it could very well be a function of the way in which I packed, however, everything sat comfortably in the backpack and was evenly distributed. It felt very light and was not burdensome.

My biggest complaints regarding this is not in functionality, but in the:

lack of finesse specific to the coarse texture of the straps. To be fair, I am sure the material selection was a purposeful design choice to make sure that it can pack down to the desired dimensions as well as also make sure that the straps are also breathable.
thinness of the material and the claim to being puncture proof. Granted, I am not willingly going to test this to prove a point and risk damaging and/or destroying the material to really test the limits, but, with such a claim, I would expect slightly thicker material. For now, I will have to trust in the claim and continue to battle-field test it
gross overpricing of the item. I paid $60 and some change total and that is only because I found a coupon on Honey. Which, by the way, should you too choose to get this item, I would highly recommend checking Honey. Otherwise, the item is $64.99 plus shipping and tax which then raises the price close to $70-$75.

If you are interested in purchasing this item, you can do so here: https://amzn.to/2HHLs7Q

I will update this review as I put more mileage on this bag. For now, I will give this a tentative, thought deserving, 4 out of 5 stars.