KS Ultralight KS27 vs. Matador ReFraction
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
KS Ultralight KS27
| Capacity | 27 L |
| Weight | 0.3 kg |
| Dimensions | 55×28×16 cm |
| Airline fit | 87% |
| Price | $130 |
Feature by feature
| KS Ultralight KS27 | Feature | Matador ReFraction |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| 2 | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 0 | Opening | 0 |
| top | Passport | top |
| N | Passthrough | Y |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| removable | Hip Belt | N |
| removable | Sternum Strap | removable |
| 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 | |
| X-pac VX 07 YKK "waterproof zip" | Recycled nylon, Bluesign® approved |
Matador ReFraction
| Capacity | 16 L |
| Weight | 0.2 kg |
| Dimensions | 43×25×19 cm |
| Airline fit | 96% |
| Price | $60 |
Key differences between the KS Ultralight KS27 and Matador ReFraction
- Compression straps: 2 on the KS Ultralight KS27; No on the Matador ReFraction.
- Luggage passthrough: No on the KS Ultralight KS27; Yes on the Matador ReFraction.
- Hip belt: Removable on the KS Ultralight KS27; No on the Matador ReFraction.
Both have: passport pocket, 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. 164 accept both. 0 accept only the KS Ultralight KS27, and 17 accept only the Matador ReFraction.
Only the Matador ReFraction fits
Air Niugini, Air Tahiti, American Eagle, Belavia, easyJet, Etihad Airways, Gulf Air, Liat Airlines, Oman Air, Qatar Airways, Ravn Alaska, Regional Express, Royal Jordanian, Scoot, Tiger Airways, Virgin Australia, WestJet.
KS Ultralight KS27 vs. Matador ReFraction: which should you pack?
The KS Ultralight KS27 carries 11L more than the Matador ReFraction (27L vs. 16L), while the Matador ReFraction is the lighter pack at 0.2kg (vs. 0.3kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Matador ReFraction fits 96% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the KS Ultralight KS27; if you want to travel lighter, the Matador ReFraction is the better call.