Matador ReFraction Packable Backpack Review
The new line is up with some updated design features as well as fabrics. Let’s see if it’s worth putting on your list.
Matador Refraction Backpack Review Introduction
Matador is back at it again - pumping out new and improved packables to help Onebaggers (or anyone) cut down on bulk in their setup. This shouldn’t surprise anyone, it’s what Matador buttered its bread with when it was coming up in the game. I say coming up, because even if you personally might not be well versed on Matador, they have grown into a brand that’s very well known in the travel community. And - well respected, too. Their product line has expanded with that growth but always with the same ethos: making convenient, functional versions of the things a lot of people need while keeping your kit small. Who doesn’t want that?
Though their new collab with Carryology got more press, they quietly released an updated lineup for their packables - the ReFraction line. Included in the line is a backpack, duffel, and mini-sling/hip pack. The selling point here is that they are designed to go anywhere you yourself go. So not specifically hiking (they have a line for that) or not specifically for a city (they also have a line for that, though I wouldn’t be surprised if this replaces it). Just an “all-arounder” kind of collection. Which I think is a good thing, and I’ll explain why later. Today’s focus is on the backpack.
This is my review of the Matador ReFraction packable backpack. I took this with me on an 8 day trip from NYC to Italy to test it in the real world. I’ll reference back to the On-Grid packable throughout the review too, as this makes some improvements on that bag that are worth noting. Note that Matador has also released a Duffel version and a Sling version. We’ll link to our duffel review once it’s complete!
As always for full transparency, Matador was kind enough to send me a pre-production unit to test out due to the timing of my trip. That said, this is not a sponsored review, I received no money from Matador, and they had no input on the content of the review. I do use affiliate links which help to support the site if you decide to use them to make a purchase, but you’re under no obligation to do so and there’s no additional cost to you. Thanks for stopping by!
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Matador ReFraction Packable Backpack Overview
As mentioned, Matador is well known for making packable backpacks and man do they make some good ones (we reviewed their city focused one previously: On-Grid packable backpack review). The ReFraction pack is billed as your general use, all around travel packable. It’s meant to be able to do whatever activity you want, especially when you don’t need all the technical bells and whistles of their outdoor lineup.
This 16L packable is made from recycled materials that meet BlueSign specifications, so you can feel good about the origins of the fabric and the factories that make them. Here’s the tech specs from their site:
Volume: 16 liters
Weight: 7.9oz (225g)
Unpacked Dimensions: 17 x 10 x 7.5in (43 x 25 x 19cm)
Packed Dimensions: 5.5 x 8 x 3in (13 x 20 x 8cm)
Materials
- 100D recycled nylon, PU waterproofing
- 100D Bluesign® span
- YKK® PU coated sealing zippers
- PU coating: Waterproofing
- PFC free DWR coating
Something new for Matador’s packables is that this bag comes in 3 different colors. They are all minimalist and provide a way to break away from the all-black norm. Black, arctic white, and slate blue which is what I have today.
It retails for $60 USD as of June 2023.
ReFraction Backpack Features
For a relatively small bag, this does have quite a few features to mention. Even if the “features” have to do with the construction. But, for a product that’s really pretty simple, they packed a lot into it.
The biggest, obviously, is that this bag packs down into itself. This way, you can stick it in your “onebag” or suitcase while en-route, then take it out when you get there but not be weighed down by a second bag.
On the outside, there are four very usable pockets. One “slash” pocket on top (this doubles as the pocket to stuff the bag into) and three stretchy-mesh pockets. One larger mesh pocket on the front (you could fit a long sleeve layer here but mostly used as regular storage) with a zipper and two side mesh pockets (water bottles or anything you want). I will note this mesh is not the large-gauge hole mesh you might be thinking of but almost non-visible holes. It’s very tight and well made, similar to the mesh Bellroy uses that we all gush about.
The straps themselves are slightly padded, which is rare for a packable. Further, there is a small sternum strap if you need it, and this doubles as a way to give the backpack a luggage-pass through if you use rollers.
The zippers are YKK aquaguard, meaning they are PU covered for water resistance. Further, the top zippers both have security loops meant to make it harder to get into the pack without you knowing.
The Good
I’ve come to expect quality and well made gear from Matador so I’ll mention that but don’t need to get into it. Quality and design is never an issue with this company and always a “Good” in my book. Their materials and their coatings are awesome. That said, let’s talk about those colors!
Love them. I like the option of having something other than black, and the colors they chose are muted and futuristic. We’re not talking Cotopaxi here (to be clear I love Cotopaxi colorways but they are not for everyone). The slate blue that I have is just fantastic and I really, really love it. Do note that with arctic white, while absolute fire, you will need to work to keep it from showing signs of use on the road!
I like that they’ve made this out of durable materials that you can take outside, but you don’t need to focus on the outdoors with it. For many travelers, they could be in multiple environments on the same trip. A day at the beach. A day hike up a mountain or to a hidden temple. Spending the day walking around the city to the coffee shops and the sites/museums. This won’t feel out of place in any of those scenarios. Nice.
Most importantly in a bag like this, the comfort level is high. It’s hard to strike a balance between packable and still being substantial. I think Matador succeeded here. In fact, while I loved the On-Grid and it was my go to for every trip before I tested this one, I think the ReFraction has slightly improved on this front. The straps are a BIT better and feel even more like a real backpack. They nailed that, the comfort from the straps is great.
On the technical front, having water resistant zippers is a nice step up on the main compartment vs. the On-Grid. Also in general, I feel like the zippers are a little bit stronger on the ReFraction backpack, so that’s nice to see as well.
I don’t use a sternum strap, especially on bags this size, but I’m going to say I like that it’s there. It’s nice to be able to use it as a luggage pass through, but more so I think this is a good inclusion for bikers. It can help to stabilize the pack for them. It’s also removable if that’s not you. Good job, Matador.
Shape and overall size is also great on this one. I found I never ran into a problem not being able to fit what I needed (I was packing my Sony s7 IV in it and a jacket too). I also think it looks great while wearing it.
Some Macros For Us Fabric Nerds. Nylon then mesh.
The Bad
They updated the grab handle on this one from the older bag, and I have to say I like the old one better. It was SUPER comfortable to hold. Let’s be clear, there’s no functional shortcomings of the grab handle on the ReFraction backpack, and it probably saves weight, but I liked the wide feel/material better previously.
There’s also no laptop sleeve here. I’m going to go on record that I don’t really think this should be a driving factor of buying a packable bag. If you’re carrying around a laptop in ANY packable, get a sleeve. Matador even has a great one (Matador Laptop Baselayer Review). But no packable is going to protect your laptop, it’s simply a bag to hold it in. Still, stability wise inside the pack, it would be nice to have kept that if we’re talking “all around'' uses.
That’s all I got, here.
Improvement Requests For The ReFraction Packable Backpack
Just one, as I can personally live without the laptop sleeve for the reasons I mentioned already.
Would love to see the wider, nylon grab handle come back on future versions!
Matador ReFraction vs On-Grid
Just a quick few pictures here to show you the difference. From a size standpoint, their footprints are pretty much the same. Packed they are probably TECHNICALLY the same “size” in volume. But, the On-Grid is a little bit more “squat” and the ReFraction is a bit more elongated. That means it’s thinner. I like the shape of the ReFraction better when packed.
As mentioned earlier, the padding on the straps and the zippers as well are improved on the ReFraction, in my opinion. Take a look for yourself here. In the final shot I threw in the In and Out, an outdoors/approach backpack that I also own. (Mystery Ranch In and Out review). I threw in some fit shots here, too, wearing it in Italy.
Final Thoughts On My Matador ReFraction Backpack Review
Matador hasn’t rested on its laurels, that’s for sure. They’ve got a really robust lineup of not only packable travel accessories, but peas to the accessories’ carrots in the packable backpack line up. (I have no idea if that reference even lands, maybe I should have made a Coachella reference? I’ll review with the AW editors for going forward). The ReFraction is a fantastic addition to the group.
The packability is not unique in this new lineup, but of course this one nails that.
What IS unique however are the improved straps, and the colors. I really like the colors.
From a usage standpoint this bag has everything you need and on my trip to Italy it served me well. Everything has a really nice handfeel and the improved zippers also add to how it feels from a quality perspective.
I won’t lie, the new blue is another major reason I will reach for this one more. But I think that’s the important thing to note here - I will be reaching for this pack to use as my packable on my trips going forward. I might grab the black one if I’m going somewhere dirty, but otherwise the ReFraction packable backpack is the current “next man up” in my collection (perhaps until Matador unseats this champion. Challenge accepted, folks?). Doesn’t that speak to this company’s designers though? Each iteration is actually improving on the experience rather than just bloating the product line.
Normally I recommend whether or not you should put these items on your list to consider so you can make your own evaluations. I’d feel comfortable on the ReFraction, however, to say go ahead and put it at the top of your list. I think you’ll be very happy with it for the majority of general travel or everyday use cases.
As always with the indy brands, I’d suggest buying directly through their website for best service.
Wander more and Wander smarter, everyone.
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