Matador Freefly16 vs. Fjallraven Kanken 16L
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Matador Freefly16
| Capacity | 16 L |
| Weight | 0.2 kg |
| Dimensions | 48×25×15 cm |
| Airline fit | 93% |
| Price | $80 |
Feature by feature
| Matador Freefly16 | Feature | Fjallraven Kanken 16L |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| 2 | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 0 | Opening | 1 |
| Passport | front | |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| N | Hip Belt | N |
| removable | Sternum Strap | N |
| 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 | |
| 70D Robic nylon with UHMWPE ripstop, PFAS free | Vinylon F: 100% vinylal |
Fjallraven Kanken 16L
| Capacity | 16 L |
| Weight | 0.3 kg |
| Dimensions | 36×28×12 cm |
| Airline fit | 99% |
| Price | $90 |
Key differences between the Matador Freefly16 and Fjallraven Kanken 16L
- Compression straps: 2 on the Matador Freefly16; No on the Fjallraven Kanken 16L.
- Opening: Other on the Matador Freefly16; Clamshell on the Fjallraven Kanken 16L.
- Sternum strap: Removable on the Matador Freefly16; No on the Fjallraven Kanken 16L.
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. 0 accept only the Matador Freefly16, and 11 accept only the Fjallraven Kanken 16L.
Only the Fjallraven Kanken 16L fits
Air Tahiti, American Eagle, easyJet, Gulf Air, LC Perú, Lion Air Group, Ravn Alaska, Spring Airlines, VivaColombia, Volaris, Wizz Air.
Matador Freefly16 vs. Fjallraven Kanken 16L: which should you pack?
The Matador Freefly16 carries the same capacity as the Fjallraven Kanken 16L (16L vs. 16L), while the Matador Freefly16 is the lighter pack at 0.2kg (vs. 0.3kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Fjallraven Kanken 16L fits 99% 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.