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.
LiteCush™ straps — structured, padded, breathable, and packable
Adjustable sternum strap (removable)
Side compression straps with buckle
Reflective paracord in center seam for night visibility
High-vis interior
Two external access zipper pockets
Dual external water bottle pockets
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
Recycled materials that meet Bluesign® criteria
Finished with Matador®’s signature Switchback Stitch™ — a mark of quality and authenticity
* “Personal item compliant” bags strictly adhere to the personal item size policy on approximately 80% of flights operated by the largest 50 airlines globally.
Tech Specs + Materials
Volume: 18 liters Weight: 9oz (255g) Dimensions: 18 x 10 x 7.5in (46 x 25 x 19cm)
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.
LiteCush™ straps — structured, padded, breathable, and packable
High-vis interior
Compression straps with buckle
DuraGlide™ sealing zippers
Anti-theft zipper security loops
SEE YOU OUT THERE
FAQ
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.
You’re Backed by Our 60-Day Ironclad Guarantee
Try it for 60 days. If it’s not right for you, send it back.
We stand behind our gear. If you’re not happy with your purchase, just return the full package within 60 days and we’ll issue a full refund—no fuss, no forms, no hoops to jump through.
What Happens After You Order
You’ll get an instant order confirmation email with your receipt.
We’ll pack your order the next working day and send you a tracking number once it’s on the way.
From the moment you order to the moment it reaches your hands, we’re here to keep you updated and supported.
When will I receive my gear?
Singapore: Delivered to your doorstep in 4–6 working days.
International: Arrive within 10–14 working days.
Returns and warranty
Every product comes with a 1 to 3-year replacement warranty (depending on the item).
If anything isn’t working right, just let us know. We’ll make it right.
FREE Gift with Purchase: Limited Edition Ember Shard Whistle
Spend $99 or more today, and we'll automatically include a limited-edition Glow-in-the-Dark Ember Shard Whistle when packing your order.
Charge it quickly under sunlight or your flashlight, and enjoy its subtle glow throughout the night—perfect for marking gear, emergency kits, or attaching to your bag.
Limited quantities. These will be swapped (at our discretion) to other gift items if shards are unavailable.
Customer Reviews
Overall rating: 5.0 / 5 from 14 reviews.
Perfect Personal Item Bag. 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.
Very Good Packable. 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!
I think I’ll need to order another one…. 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!
Go to mulit pitch/day hike bag. 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.
Perfect For Our Needs. 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!
My day bag buddy. 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.
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!
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.
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!
