Waymark Dark Sky vs. Matador ReFraction
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Waymark Dark Sky
| Capacity | 16 L |
| Weight | 0.4 kg |
| Dimensions | 41×27×14 cm |
| Airline fit | 96% |
| Price | $115 |
Feature by feature
| Waymark Dark Sky | Feature | Matador ReFraction |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 0 | Opening | 0 |
| N | Passport | top |
| N | Passthrough | Y |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| N | Hip Belt | N |
| Y | 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 | |
| Recycled RBC350 Ripstop Polyester, RBC600, RBC200 fabrics | 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 Waymark Dark Sky and Matador ReFraction
- Passport pocket: No on the Waymark Dark Sky; Top on the Matador ReFraction.
- Luggage passthrough: No on the Waymark Dark Sky; Yes on the Matador ReFraction.
- Sternum strap: Yes on the Waymark Dark Sky; 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. Every airline that takes one takes the other.
Waymark Dark Sky vs. Matador ReFraction: which should you pack?
The Waymark Dark Sky carries the same capacity as the Matador ReFraction (16L vs. 16L), while the Matador ReFraction is the lighter pack at 0.2kg (vs. 0.4kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Waymark Dark Sky fits 96% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the Waymark Dark Sky; if you want to travel lighter, the Matador ReFraction is the better call.