Alpha One-Niner Recon Nine Evade 1.5 (Lite) vs. Matador Freerain22 Waterproof Packable Backpack
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Alpha One-Niner Recon Nine Evade 1.5 (Lite)
| Capacity | 21 L |
| Weight | 1.4 kg |
| Dimensions | 46×31×15 cm |
| Airline fit | 94% |
| Price | $175 |
Feature by feature
| Alpha One-Niner Recon Nine Evade 1.5 (Lite) | Feature | Matador Freerain22 Waterproof Packable Backpack |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| 2 | Compression | 2 |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 1 | Opening | 2 |
| front | Passport | front |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| N | Hip Belt | removable |
| removable | Sternum Strap | removable |
| Inside | ||
| 15in | Laptop | N |
| 3 | 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 | |
| 1000D Black + 210D Ripstop Nylon, Gray | 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 Alpha One-Niner Recon Nine Evade 1.5 (Lite) and Matador Freerain22 Waterproof Packable Backpack
- Opening: Clamshell on the Alpha One-Niner Recon Nine Evade 1.5 (Lite); Rolltop on the Matador Freerain22 Waterproof Packable Backpack.
- Hip belt: No on the Alpha One-Niner Recon Nine Evade 1.5 (Lite); Removable on the Matador Freerain22 Waterproof Packable Backpack.
- Laptop sleeve: 15in on the Alpha One-Niner Recon Nine Evade 1.5 (Lite); No on the Matador Freerain22 Waterproof Packable Backpack.
- Main compartments: 3 on the Alpha One-Niner Recon Nine Evade 1.5 (Lite); 2 on the Matador Freerain22 Waterproof Packable Backpack.
Both have: compression straps, 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. 172 accept both. 5 accept only the Alpha One-Niner Recon Nine Evade 1.5 (Lite), and 2 accept only the Matador Freerain22 Waterproof Packable Backpack.
Only the Alpha One-Niner Recon Nine Evade 1.5 (Lite) fits
American Eagle, easyJet, Ravn Alaska, Regional Express, Virgin Australia.
Only the Matador Freerain22 Waterproof Packable Backpack fits
Air Niugini, Great Lakes Airlines.
Alpha One-Niner Recon Nine Evade 1.5 (Lite) vs. Matador Freerain22 Waterproof Packable Backpack: which should you pack?
The Matador Freerain22 Waterproof Packable Backpack carries 1L more than the Alpha One-Niner Recon Nine Evade 1.5 (Lite) (21L vs. 22L), while the Matador Freerain22 Waterproof Packable Backpack is the lighter pack at 0.3kg (vs. 1.4kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Alpha One-Niner Recon Nine Evade 1.5 (Lite) fits 94% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the Matador Freerain22 Waterproof Packable Backpack; if you want to travel lighter, the Matador Freerain22 Waterproof Packable Backpack is the better call.