5.11 Rush 12 vs. Matador Freerain22 Waterproof Packable Backpack
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Feature by feature
| 5.11 Rush 12 | Feature | Matador Freerain22 Waterproof Packable Backpack |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| 2 | Compression | 2 |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 1 | Opening | 2 |
| top | Passport | front |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| removable | Hip Belt | removable |
| removable | Sternum Strap | removable |
| Inside | ||
| N | Laptop | N |
| 4 | Main Compartments | 2 |
| N | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| N | Water Bottle Holder | 2, side |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| Water-resistant 1050D nylon | 70D Robic® nylon with UHMWPE ripstop, PFAS free |
Matador Freerain22 Waterproof Packable Backpack
| Capacity | 22 L |
| Weight | 0.3 kg |
| Dimensions | 50×27×18 cm |
| Airline fit | 92% |
| Price | $100 |
Key differences between the 5.11 Rush 12 and Matador Freerain22 Waterproof Packable Backpack
- Opening: Clamshell on the 5.11 Rush 12; Rolltop on the Matador Freerain22 Waterproof Packable Backpack.
- Passport pocket: Top on the 5.11 Rush 12; Front on the Matador Freerain22 Waterproof Packable Backpack.
- Main compartments: 4 on the 5.11 Rush 12; 2 on the Matador Freerain22 Waterproof Packable Backpack.
- Water bottle pockets: No on the 5.11 Rush 12; 2, side on the Matador Freerain22 Waterproof Packable Backpack.
Both have: compression straps, backpack straps, hip belt, sternum strap, water resistant.
Which airlines take each bag as a carry-on
We checked both bags against the carry-on size limits of 189 airlines. 174 accept both. 5 accept only the 5.11 Rush 12, and 0 accept only the Matador Freerain22 Waterproof Packable Backpack.
Only the 5.11 Rush 12 fits
American Eagle, easyJet, Ravn Alaska, Regional Express, Virgin Australia.
5.11 Rush 12 vs. Matador Freerain22 Waterproof Packable Backpack: which should you pack?
The 5.11 Rush 12 carries 2L more than the Matador Freerain22 Waterproof Packable Backpack (24L vs. 22L), while the Matador Freerain22 Waterproof Packable Backpack is the lighter pack at 0.3kg (vs. 1.2kg). For carry-on flexibility, the 5.11 Rush 12 fits 95% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the 5.11 Rush 12; if you want to travel lighter, the Matador Freerain22 Waterproof Packable Backpack is the better call.