---
url: "https://onebag.travel/compare/3la3efqguy/stm-prime/rrd96z4gxh/matador-refraction/"
title: "STM Prime vs Matador ReFraction - One Bag Travel"
description: "STM Prime vs Matador ReFraction: capacity, weight, dimensions and how many airlines accept each as a carry-on, side by side."
source: "https://onebag.travel/compare/3la3efqguy/stm-prime/rrd96z4gxh/matador-refraction/"
---
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2.  [Carry-On Travel Backpacks](https://onebag.travel/carryons/)
3.  STM Prime vs. Matador ReFraction

# STM Prime vs. Matador ReFraction

Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.

## [STM Prime](https://onebag.travel/carryon/3la3efqguy/stm-prime/)

![Front facing view of the STM Prime](https://res.cloudinary.com/obt/image/upload/c_fill,w_400/v1601123578/carryons/stmprime_yfxzkc.webp)

<table class="table table-sm cmp-spec mt-2"><tbody><tr><td>Capacity</td><td>15 L</td></tr><tr><td>Weight</td><td>0.7 kg</td></tr><tr><td>Dimensions</td><td>42×26×13 cm</td></tr><tr><td>Airline fit</td><td>96%</td></tr><tr><td>Price</td><td>$80</td></tr></tbody></table>

## 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 |

<table class="cmp-material"><tbody><tr><td colspan="2">Material</td></tr><tr><td>Polyester</td><td>Recycled nylon, Bluesign® approved</td></tr></tbody></table>

## [Matador ReFraction](https://onebag.travel/carryon/rrd96z4gxh/matador-refraction/)

by [Matador](https://onebag.travel/carryons/?brands=Matador)

![Front facing view of the Matador ReFraction](https://res.cloudinary.com/obt/image/upload/c_fill,w_400/v1788990384/carryons/matador-refraction-rrd96z4gxh.webp)

<table class="table table-sm cmp-spec mt-2"><tbody><tr><td>Capacity</td><td>16 L</td></tr><tr><td>Weight</td><td>0.2 kg</td></tr><tr><td>Dimensions</td><td>43×25×19 cm</td></tr><tr><td>Airline fit</td><td>96%</td></tr><tr><td>Price</td><td>$60</td></tr></tbody></table>

## 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.