Salomon Trailblazer 20 vs. Matador ReFraction
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Salomon Trailblazer 20
| Capacity | 20 L |
| Weight | 0.4 kg |
| Dimensions | 48×26×10 cm |
| Airline fit | 93% |
| Price | $75 |
Feature by feature
| Salomon Trailblazer 20 | Feature | Matador ReFraction |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 0 | Opening | 0 |
| top | Passport | top |
| N | Passthrough | Y |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| Y | Hip Belt | N |
| 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 | |
| 100% Polyamide | Recycled nylon, Bluesign® approved |
Matador ReFraction
| Capacity | 16 L |
| Weight | 0.2 kg |
| Dimensions | 43×25×19 cm |
| Airline fit | 96% |
| Price | $60 |
Key differences between the Salomon Trailblazer 20 and Matador ReFraction
- Luggage passthrough: No on the Salomon Trailblazer 20; Yes on the Matador ReFraction.
- Hip belt: Yes on the Salomon Trailblazer 20; No on the Matador ReFraction.
- Sternum strap: Yes on the Salomon Trailblazer 20; Removable on the Matador ReFraction.
Both have: passport pocket, backpack straps, 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. 176 accept both. 0 accept only the Salomon Trailblazer 20, and 5 accept only the Matador ReFraction.
Only the Matador ReFraction fits
Air Tahiti, American Eagle, easyJet, Gulf Air, Ravn Alaska.
Salomon Trailblazer 20 vs. Matador ReFraction: which should you pack?
The Salomon Trailblazer 20 carries 4L more than the Matador ReFraction (20L vs. 16L), while the Matador ReFraction is the lighter pack at 0.2kg (vs. 0.4kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Matador ReFraction fits 96% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the Salomon Trailblazer 20; if you want to travel lighter, the Matador ReFraction is the better call.