Matador Freefly 16: Ultralight Daypack Review

Matador Freefly 16 | Review

The Matador Freefly 16 is a superb ultralight daypack with quality construction and just the right features. At 16 liters, it has the ideal capacity and comfort for hiking, running errands, or traveling. And it can pack small enough and light enough to carry in your pocket.

But with lots of competition, why is this pack our favorite in this category? In this review, I explain how the Matador Freefly 16 separates itself from the rest.

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{2022 Update: This backpack has since been updated, some specs and features have changed}

I wanted this pack primarily to bring along on backpacking trips as an ultralight daypack.  After a long day of backpacking, it’s nice to be able to shed the big pack and use a daypack for short adventures away from your campsite.

However, most true daypacks are too heavy to justify carrying as a secondary pack.  But coming in at only 4.8 ounces, the Freefly 16 is lightweight enough to carry along for any adventure. In the interest of weight savings, most ultralight daypacks will sacrifice some features. But the Matador Freefly 16 doesn’t skimp on features. I bring it along on backpacking trips because its perfect for lightweight and nimble exploring once I’ve made camp.

Or it’s also great for bringing in your suitcase when you travel, or when you want to bring an extra layer to a concert or event.

The pack is made with waterproof 30D Cordura ripstop-nylon with internally sealed seams.  The main compartment and front pocket are finished with high-quality water-resistant zippers.  Plus, I love how deep the front zipper pocket is so you don’t have to be stingy about what you put in there.  There’s plenty of room for my phone, snacks, sunscreen, and other essentials. And the side pockets are big enough to easily fit a standard Nalgene bottle.

The pack is not equipped for use with hydration bladders, but that’s not to say that you can’t just carry a bladder inside the bag.  I will sometimes use a carabiner clipped to the top handle of the bag to secure my hydration bladder and just poke the tube out the top of the zippers.

The mesh shoulder straps are very wide and comfortable, which is nice because there is no hip belt or sternum strap. There are buckled straps on both sides that double as cinch straps and also a way to attach gear to the outside of the pack.

It comes with a stuff sack for storing the entire backpack in a small pouch that can fit in your hand. This makes the Matador Freefly 16 perfect for bringing with you anywhere.

Specs: Matador Freefly 16

Capacity: 16 liters

Weight: 4.8 oz (4.4 oz without stuff sack)

Material: 30D waterproof Cordura

Features: Side pockets, front pocket, cinch straps

Pros

• Lightweight (4.8oz)
• Packs down small
• Water resistant
• Deep side pockets
• Deep front pocket
• Comfortable shoulder straps
• Sleek look

Cons

• No hip belt
• No sternum strap
• No structure
• Not hydration bladder ready

How it Stacks Up Against The Competition

The two main competitors of this bag are the REI Flash 18 and the Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Daypack.

For starters, neither of these packs have side pockets or a front pocket. Thus, leaving you no choice but to mix all your gear in the same compartment.

The Sea to Summit Daypack is the lightest of the bunch, at 2.5oz, but has cut out almost all features to achieve such a low weight.  With only a main compartment, shoulder straps, and a short daisy chain, it’s perhaps a little too minimal to be functional. 

The REI Flash 18 has the most features of all, but at 10oz weighs over twice as much as the Freefly 16.  So for bringing along on backpacking trips, it’s hard for me to justify the weight.

Conclusion

I love the way the Matador Freefly 16 strikes a perfect balance between ultralight construction and crucial features. It looks sleek because it fits snug against my back.  The waterproof ripstop nylon protects my gear from the elements and it has incredible durability for its weight.  The Matador Freefly 16 is such a thoughtfully constructed ultralight pack. It’s designed with just enough features to comfortably use as a daypack, without sacrificing the goal of being ultralight.

It’s my go-to pack for bringing along on backpacking trips. Once I make camp, it’s the perfect little exploring companion. It’s also my favorite daypack to bring for travel and flights when I’m trying to pack light.

For a complete list of everything we bring along on backpacking trips check out:

The Ultimate Backpacking Checklist