Matador Freefly16 vs. Waymark Dark Sky
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 | Waymark Dark Sky |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| 2 | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 0 | Opening | 0 |
| Passport | N | |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| N | Hip Belt | N |
| removable | Sternum Strap | Y |
| 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 | Recycled RBC350 Ripstop Polyester, RBC600, RBC200 fabrics |
Waymark Dark Sky
| Capacity | 16 L |
| Weight | 0.4 kg |
| Dimensions | 41×27×14 cm |
| Airline fit | 96% |
| Price | $115 |
Key differences between the Matador Freefly16 and Waymark Dark Sky
- Compression straps: 2 on the Matador Freefly16; No on the Waymark Dark Sky.
- Sternum strap: Removable on the Matador Freefly16; Yes on the Waymark Dark Sky.
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 5 accept only the Waymark Dark Sky.
Only the Waymark Dark Sky fits
Air Tahiti, American Eagle, easyJet, Gulf Air, Ravn Alaska.
Matador Freefly16 vs. Waymark Dark Sky: which should you pack?
The Matador Freefly16 carries the same capacity as the Waymark Dark Sky (16L vs. 16L), while the Matador Freefly16 is the lighter pack at 0.2kg (vs. 0.4kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Waymark Dark Sky 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.