Tortuga Packable Backpack vs. Matador Freefly16
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Tortuga Packable Backpack
| Capacity | 19 L |
| Weight | 0.3 kg |
| Dimensions | 46×26×16 cm |
| Airline fit | 95% |
| Price | $80 |
Feature by feature
| Tortuga Packable Backpack | Feature | Matador Freefly16 |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | 2 |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 0 | Opening | 0 |
| top | Passport | |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| N | Hip Belt | N |
| removable | 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 |
| N | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 70D ripstop nylon | 70D Robic nylon with UHMWPE ripstop, PFAS free |
Matador Freefly16
| Capacity | 16 L |
| Weight | 0.2 kg |
| Dimensions | 48×25×15 cm |
| Airline fit | 93% |
| Price | $80 |
Key differences between the Tortuga Packable Backpack and Matador Freefly16
- Compression straps: No on the Tortuga Packable Backpack; 2 on the Matador Freefly16.
- Water resistant: No on the Tortuga Packable Backpack; Yes on the Matador Freefly16.
Both have: backpack straps, sternum strap, water bottle pockets.
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. 3 accept only the Tortuga Packable Backpack, and 0 accept only the Matador Freefly16.
Only the Tortuga Packable Backpack fits
American Eagle, easyJet, Ravn Alaska.
Tortuga Packable Backpack vs. Matador Freefly16: which should you pack?
The Tortuga Packable Backpack carries 3L more than the Matador Freefly16 (19L vs. 16L), while the Matador Freefly16 is the lighter pack at 0.2kg (vs. 0.3kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Tortuga Packable Backpack fits 95% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the Tortuga Packable Backpack; if you want to travel lighter, the Matador Freefly16 is the better call.