Matador Beast28 Packable Backpack vs. REI Co-op Trail 40
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 | REI Co-op Trail 40 |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| 4 | Compression | 4 |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 1 | Opening | 1 |
| top | Passport | top |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| removable | Hip Belt | Y |
| removable | Sternum Strap | removable |
| Inside | ||
| N | Laptop | N |
| 2 | Main Compartments | 5 |
| N | Organizer | Y |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | Y |
| 2, side | Water Bottle Holder | 2, side |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 210D Robic® high tenacity nylon, UTS coated, DWR finish | 210-denier ripstop nylon |
REI Co-op Trail 40
| Capacity | 40 L |
| Weight | 1.2 kg |
| Dimensions | 56×30×23 cm |
| Airline fit | 47% |
| Price | $130 |
Key differences between the Matador Beast28 Packable Backpack and REI Co-op Trail 40
- Hip belt: Removable on the Matador Beast28 Packable Backpack; Yes on the REI Co-op Trail 40.
- Main compartments: 2 on the Matador Beast28 Packable Backpack; 5 on the REI Co-op Trail 40.
- Built-in organizer: No on the Matador Beast28 Packable Backpack; Yes on the REI Co-op Trail 40.
- Rain cover: No on the Matador Beast28 Packable Backpack; Yes on the REI Co-op Trail 40.
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. 88 accept both. 1 accept only the Matador Beast28 Packable Backpack, and 0 accept only the REI Co-op Trail 40.
Only the Matador Beast28 Packable Backpack fits
Great Lakes Airlines.
Matador Beast28 Packable Backpack vs. REI Co-op Trail 40: which should you pack?
The REI Co-op Trail 40 carries 12L more than the Matador Beast28 Packable Backpack (28L vs. 40L), while the Matador Beast28 Packable Backpack is the lighter pack at 0.7kg (vs. 1.2kg). 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 REI Co-op Trail 40; if you want to travel lighter, the Matador Beast28 Packable Backpack is the better call.