ReFRACTION Packable Backpack

Matador Refraction for a true packable. My usual combo is a small shoulder/crossbody as a personal item and day touring bag that I wear at the same time as my overhead backpack. Backpacks are better as far as water bottle carry. It’s entirely possible yoo might find me with a 40 liter backpack, a 6.

I assumed you were using the Matador as a packable for day touring. You’re way outside the usual onebag approach and if you need a 60 liter plus a 28, you need to start over with your packing list. Your clothing choices are both heavy and bulky. I usually travel with a sub 40 liter overhead complian

Regarding the day bag, I totally understand your concerns because I had the exact same thoughts. I ended up biting the bullet and getting the ReFraction packable backpack from Matador. It's 65 GBP currently so not cheap at all, but I did get it on a black friday sale for 52 GBP. (I optimistically th

I think Osprey has changed that hardware a couple times. My pre-2025 Farpoint has no brand/mold markings on the buckles on the shoulder straps. I have seen schemes using paracord and small carabiners. The buckles have open sides so you can thread line through them. I find a pack on my front very cum

Matador ReFraction Packable Backpack is my recommendation as the bullet takes a decent amount of space. If you have the space available the bullet is a great option but the Matador is the first true packable that gets great feedback across the board if you don't want to sacrifice the space for a day

Honestly, a 30-liter backpack is enough for that trip. Round it up to 40 if you really want more space – and include a packable day pack (e.g. Matador ReFraction). Staying within carry-on limits is a huge advantage (which 50 liters probably doesn't do).

The Matador ReFraction backpack is really nice for being packable. The straps in particular are really nice for something that packs down so flat/small as long as you don't go overboard with the weight (don't carry 2 1L water bottles or bricks or whatever). It's also small enough that you can just t

Hi. I've run an eyeball quickly down the list, my 2c (not exhaustive): - it's not a bad starting point, but you are correct, it's simply too much stuff. - multiples are too high. eg long pants x 3 and shorts x3. IMHO, 2x would be better. - the wide-brimmed hat is a good recc (Tilley is a good option

Decathlon quality/price ratio is unbeatable lol. Quality may not exactly be the best but prices are so good it makes up for it haha. Good to know mate. Think I may go for the Osprey which I found at a decent price point at 35€. Matador ReFraction seemed to be really great too but priced at 2x that.

It can fold but not as compact as a true packable bag. I did a thumbnail survey of a bunch of day packs and most are under 3/4” (1.9cm) thick and most of the thickness is strap padding and back panel/laptop padding. It’s lumpy to measure the thickness with the tuckable straps and back padding. It it