Matador Freefly16 vs. Patagonia Atom Tote Pack 20L
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 | Patagonia Atom Tote Pack 20L |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| 2 | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 0 | Opening | 0 |
| Passport | front | |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| N | Hip Belt | N |
| removable | Sternum Strap | removable |
| Inside | ||
| N | Laptop | 13in |
| 2 | Main Compartments | 2 |
| N | Organizer | Y |
| 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 | 7.3-oz 400-denier recycled Polyester with DWR Finish |
Patagonia Atom Tote Pack 20L
| Capacity | 20 L |
| Weight | 0.6 kg |
| Dimensions | 41×30×13 cm |
| Airline fit | 95% |
| Price | $90 |
Key differences between the Matador Freefly16 and Patagonia Atom Tote Pack 20L
- Compression straps: 2 on the Matador Freefly16; No on the Patagonia Atom Tote Pack 20L.
- Laptop sleeve: No on the Matador Freefly16; 13in on the Patagonia Atom Tote Pack 20L.
- Built-in organizer: No on the Matador Freefly16; Yes on the Patagonia Atom Tote Pack 20L.
Both have: backpack straps, sternum strap, 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. 175 accept both. 1 accept only the Matador Freefly16, and 5 accept only the Patagonia Atom Tote Pack 20L.
Only the Matador Freefly16 fits
Great Lakes Airlines.
Only the Patagonia Atom Tote Pack 20L fits
Air Tahiti, American Eagle, easyJet, Gulf Air, Ravn Alaska.
Matador Freefly16 vs. Patagonia Atom Tote Pack 20L: which should you pack?
The Patagonia Atom Tote Pack 20L carries 4L more than the Matador Freefly16 (16L vs. 20L), while the Matador Freefly16 is the lighter pack at 0.2kg (vs. 0.6kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Patagonia Atom Tote Pack 20L fits 95% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the Patagonia Atom Tote Pack 20L; if you want to travel lighter, the Matador Freefly16 is the better call.