Fjallraven Kanken 16L vs. Matador ReFraction
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Fjallraven Kanken 16L
| Capacity | 16 L |
| Weight | 0.3 kg |
| Dimensions | 36×28×12 cm |
| Airline fit | 99% |
| Price | $90 |
Feature by feature
| Fjallraven Kanken 16L | Feature | Matador ReFraction |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 1 | Opening | 0 |
| front | Passport | top |
| N | Passthrough | Y |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| N | Hip Belt | N |
| N | 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 | |
| Vinylon F: 100% vinylal | 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 Fjallraven Kanken 16L and Matador ReFraction
- Opening: Clamshell on the Fjallraven Kanken 16L; Other on the Matador ReFraction.
- Passport pocket: Front on the Fjallraven Kanken 16L; Top on the Matador ReFraction.
- Luggage passthrough: No on the Fjallraven Kanken 16L; Yes on the Matador ReFraction.
- Sternum strap: No on the Fjallraven Kanken 16L; Removable on the Matador ReFraction.
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. 181 accept both. 6 accept only the Fjallraven Kanken 16L, and 0 accept only the Matador ReFraction.
Only the Fjallraven Kanken 16L fits
LC Perú, Lion Air Group, Spring Airlines, VivaColombia, Volaris, Wizz Air.
Fjallraven Kanken 16L vs. Matador ReFraction: which should you pack?
The Fjallraven Kanken 16L carries the same capacity as the Matador ReFraction (16L vs. 16L), while the Matador ReFraction is the lighter pack at 0.2kg (vs. 0.3kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Fjallraven Kanken 16L fits 99% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the Fjallraven Kanken 16L; if you want to travel lighter, the Matador ReFraction is the better call.