STM Prime vs. Matador Freefly16
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
STM Prime
| Capacity | 15 L |
| Weight | 0.7 kg |
| Dimensions | 42×26×13 cm |
| Airline fit | 96% |
| Price | $80 |
Feature by feature
| STM Prime | 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 |
| Y | Sternum Strap | removable |
| Inside | ||
| 13in | 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 | |
| Polyester | 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 STM Prime and Matador Freefly16
- Compression straps: No on the STM Prime; 2 on the Matador Freefly16.
- Sternum strap: Yes on the STM Prime; Removable on the Matador Freefly16.
- Laptop sleeve: 13in on the STM Prime; No on the Matador Freefly16.
Both have: 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. 5 accept only the STM Prime, and 0 accept only the Matador Freefly16.
Only the STM Prime fits
Air Tahiti, American Eagle, easyJet, Gulf Air, Ravn Alaska.
STM Prime vs. Matador Freefly16: which should you pack?
The Matador Freefly16 carries 1L more than the STM Prime (15L vs. 16L), while the Matador Freefly16 is the lighter pack at 0.2kg (vs. 0.7kg). For carry-on flexibility, the STM Prime fits 96% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the Matador Freefly16; if you want to travel lighter, the Matador Freefly16 is the better call.