Matador Beast28 Packable Backpack vs. 5.11 Skyweight 36L Pack
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Matador Beast28 Packable Backpack
| Capacity | 28 L |
| Weight | 0.7 kg |
| Dimensions | 56×28×18 cm |
| Airline fit | 47% |
| Price | $150 |
Feature by feature
| Matador Beast28 Packable Backpack | Feature | 5.11 Skyweight 36L Pack |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| 4 | Compression | 4 |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 1 | Opening | 1 |
| top | Passport | top |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| removable | Hip Belt | removable |
| removable | Sternum Strap | Y |
| Inside | ||
| N | Laptop | N |
| 2 | Main Compartments | 4 |
| N | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | Y |
| 2, side | Water Bottle Holder | 2, side |
| Y | Water Resistant | N |
| Material | |
| 210D Robic® high tenacity nylon, UTS coated, DWR finish | 330D ripstop nylon |
5.11 Skyweight 36L Pack
| Capacity | 36 L |
| Weight | 1.1 kg |
| Dimensions | 56×33×22 cm |
| Airline fit | 47% |
| Price | $200 |
Key differences between the Matador Beast28 Packable Backpack and 5.11 Skyweight 36L Pack
- Sternum strap: Removable on the Matador Beast28 Packable Backpack; Yes on the 5.11 Skyweight 36L Pack.
- Main compartments: 2 on the Matador Beast28 Packable Backpack; 4 on the 5.11 Skyweight 36L Pack.
- Rain cover: No on the Matador Beast28 Packable Backpack; Yes on the 5.11 Skyweight 36L Pack.
- Water resistant: Yes on the Matador Beast28 Packable Backpack; No on the 5.11 Skyweight 36L Pack.
Both have: compression straps, passport pocket, backpack straps, hip belt, water bottle pockets.
Which airlines take each bag as a carry-on
We checked both bags against the carry-on size limits of 189 airlines. 88 accept both. 1 accept only the Matador Beast28 Packable Backpack, and 0 accept only the 5.11 Skyweight 36L Pack.
Only the Matador Beast28 Packable Backpack fits
Great Lakes Airlines.
Matador Beast28 Packable Backpack vs. 5.11 Skyweight 36L Pack: which should you pack?
The 5.11 Skyweight 36L Pack carries 8L more than the Matador Beast28 Packable Backpack (28L vs. 36L), while the Matador Beast28 Packable Backpack is the lighter pack at 0.7kg (vs. 1.1kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Matador Beast28 Packable Backpack fits 47% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the 5.11 Skyweight 36L Pack; if you want to travel lighter, the Matador Beast28 Packable Backpack is the better call.