Osprey Skarab 30 vs. Matador Beast28 Packable Backpack
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Feature by feature
| Osprey Skarab 30 | Feature | Matador Beast28 Packable Backpack |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| 4 | Compression | 4 |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 0 | Opening | 1 |
| top | Passport | top |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| removable | Hip Belt | removable |
| Y | Sternum Strap | removable |
| Inside | ||
| N | Laptop | N |
| 2 | Main Compartments | 2 |
| N | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 2, side | Water Bottle Holder | 2, side |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| bluesign® APPROVED, 100% recycled 100Dx210D high-tenacity nylon, DWR treatment made without PFAS | 210D Robic® high tenacity nylon, UTS coated, DWR finish |
Matador Beast28 Packable Backpack
| Capacity | 28 L |
| Weight | 0.7 kg |
| Dimensions | 56×28×18 cm |
| Airline fit | 47% |
| Price | $150 |
Key differences between the Osprey Skarab 30 and Matador Beast28 Packable Backpack
- Opening: Other on the Osprey Skarab 30; Clamshell on the Matador Beast28 Packable Backpack.
- Sternum strap: Yes on the Osprey Skarab 30; Removable on the Matador Beast28 Packable Backpack.
Both have: compression straps, passport pocket, backpack straps, hip belt, water bottle pockets, water resistant.
Which airlines take each bag as a carry-on
We checked both bags against the carry-on size limits of 189 airlines. 51 accept both. 23 accept only the Osprey Skarab 30, and 38 accept only the Matador Beast28 Packable Backpack.
Only the Osprey Skarab 30 fits
Aeroflot, Aerolineas Argentinas, Aeromexico, Air Caraibes, Air France, Air India, Air Mauritius, All Nipon Airways, ANA, Boliviana de Aviacion, Czech Airlines, Gol Linhas Aereas, Iberia, Indigo, Interjet, Iran Air, Japan Airlines, Jet Airways, Kenya Airways, KLM, LATAM , Peach, Sky Airlines.
Only the Matador Beast28 Packable Backpack fits
Air Asia, Air Macau, Air Wisconsin, AirAsiaX, Alaska Airlines, Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Avianca , Bahamasair, Bangkok Airways, Biman Bangladesh, Cambodia Angkor Air, Cathay Pacific, Cayman Airways, Cebu Pacific, China Airlines, CommutAir, Delta Airlines, Dragonair, EVA Air, Garuda Indonesia, Hawaiian Airlines, Hong Kong Airlines, jetBlue Airways, Jetstar Airways, Jetstar Asia, Kulula, Malaysia Airlines, Mango, Qantas Airways, Republic Airways, Skywest, Inc., South African Airways, SriLankan Airlines, Trans States, United Airlines, Vietnam Airlines, Virgin Atlantic.
Osprey Skarab 30 vs. Matador Beast28 Packable Backpack: which should you pack?
The Osprey Skarab 30 carries 2L more than the Matador Beast28 Packable Backpack (30L vs. 28L), while the Matador Beast28 Packable Backpack is the lighter pack at 0.7kg (vs. 0.9kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Matador Beast28 Packable Backpack fits 47% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the Osprey Skarab 30; if you want to travel lighter, the Matador Beast28 Packable Backpack is the better call.