Matador Freefly16 vs. Gossamer Gear Vagabond Jet
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 | Gossamer Gear Vagabond Jet |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| 2 | Compression | 2 |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 0 | Opening | 0 |
| Passport | front | |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| N | Hip Belt | N |
| removable | Sternum Strap | Y |
| Inside | ||
| N | Laptop | 16in |
| 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 | 210D Robic nylon |
Gossamer Gear Vagabond Jet
| Capacity | 23 L |
| Weight | 0.7 kg |
| Dimensions | 46×27×15 cm |
| Airline fit | 95% |
| Price | $125 |
Key differences between the Matador Freefly16 and Gossamer Gear Vagabond Jet
- Sternum strap: Removable on the Matador Freefly16; Yes on the Gossamer Gear Vagabond Jet.
- Laptop sleeve: No on the Matador Freefly16; 16in on the Gossamer Gear Vagabond Jet.
Both have: compression straps, 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 3 accept only the Gossamer Gear Vagabond Jet.
Only the Gossamer Gear Vagabond Jet fits
American Eagle, easyJet, Ravn Alaska.
Matador Freefly16 vs. Gossamer Gear Vagabond Jet: which should you pack?
The Gossamer Gear Vagabond Jet carries 7L more than the Matador Freefly16 (16L vs. 23L), while the Matador Freefly16 is the lighter pack at 0.2kg (vs. 0.7kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Gossamer Gear Vagabond Jet fits 95% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the Gossamer Gear Vagabond Jet; if you want to travel lighter, the Matador Freefly16 is the better call.