Vertx Gamut 22L Backpack vs. Matador ReFraction
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Vertx Gamut 22L Backpack
| Capacity | 22 L |
| Weight | 1.3 kg |
| Dimensions | 53×28×23 cm |
| Airline fit | 70% |
| Price | $230 |
Feature by feature
| Vertx Gamut 22L Backpack | Feature | Matador ReFraction |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 1 | Opening | 0 |
| top | Passport | top |
| Y | Passthrough | Y |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| N | Hip Belt | N |
| removable | Sternum Strap | removable |
| Inside | ||
| 15in | Laptop | N |
| 4 | 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 | |
| 500D 100% Nylon | 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 Vertx Gamut 22L Backpack and Matador ReFraction
- Opening: Clamshell on the Vertx Gamut 22L Backpack; Other on the Matador ReFraction.
- Laptop sleeve: 15in on the Vertx Gamut 22L Backpack; No on the Matador ReFraction.
- Main compartments: 4 on the Vertx Gamut 22L Backpack; 2 on the Matador ReFraction.
Both have: passport pocket, luggage passthrough, 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. 133 accept both. 0 accept only the Vertx Gamut 22L Backpack, and 48 accept only the Matador ReFraction.
Only the Matador ReFraction fits
Air Baltic, Air China, Air Malta, Air Niugini, Air Serbia, Air Seychelles, Air Tahiti, American Eagle, Asiana Airlines, ATA Airlines, Belavia, Blue Air, Bulgaria Air, China Eastern, easyJet, Emirates Airlines, Enter Air, Etihad Airways, flybe, Gulf Air, Icelandair, InselAir, Juneyao Airlines, Liat Airlines, Luxair, Meridiana Fly, Nordwind Airlines, Oman Air, Pakistan International, Qatar Airways, Ravn Alaska, Regional Express, Royal Brunei Airlines, Royal Jordanian, Ryanair, S7, Shandong Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, Sun Express, TAP Air Portugal, TAROM, Tianjin Airlines (A320 & E190), TUI, Ukraine International, VIM Airlines (Closed), Virgin Australia, Volotea, Xiamen.
Vertx Gamut 22L Backpack vs. Matador ReFraction: which should you pack?
The Vertx Gamut 22L Backpack carries 6L more than the Matador ReFraction (22L vs. 16L), while the Matador ReFraction is the lighter pack at 0.2kg (vs. 1.3kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Matador ReFraction fits 96% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the Vertx Gamut 22L Backpack; if you want to travel lighter, the Matador ReFraction is the better call.