STM Prime vs. Matador ReFraction
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 ReFraction |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 0 | Opening | 0 |
| top | Passport | top |
| N | Passthrough | Y |
| 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 | 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 STM Prime and Matador ReFraction
- Luggage passthrough: No on the STM Prime; Yes on the Matador ReFraction.
- Sternum strap: Yes on the STM Prime; Removable on the Matador ReFraction.
- Laptop sleeve: 13in on the STM Prime; No 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. 181 accept both. Every airline that takes one takes the other.
STM Prime vs. Matador ReFraction: which should you pack?
The Matador ReFraction carries 1L more than the STM Prime (15L vs. 16L), while the Matador ReFraction 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 ReFraction; if you want to travel lighter, the Matador ReFraction is the better call.