Nomatic Navigator Collapsible Backpack vs. Matador ReFraction
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Nomatic Navigator Collapsible Backpack
| Capacity | 17 L |
| Weight | 0.4 kg |
| Dimensions | 48×27×15 cm |
| Airline fit | 93% |
| Price | $100 |
Feature by feature
| Nomatic Navigator Collapsible Backpack | Feature | Matador ReFraction |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | N |
| 20L | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 4 | Opening | 0 |
| top | Passport | top |
| Y | Passthrough | Y |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| N | Hip Belt | N |
| removable | Sternum Strap | removable |
| Inside | ||
| 16in | Laptop | N |
| 2 | Main Compartments | 2 |
| N | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 2, side | Water Bottle Holder | 2, side |
| N | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| Wear- and water-resistant 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 Nomatic Navigator Collapsible Backpack and Matador ReFraction
- Opening: Top zip on the Nomatic Navigator Collapsible Backpack; Other on the Matador ReFraction.
- Laptop sleeve: 16in on the Nomatic Navigator Collapsible Backpack; No on the Matador ReFraction.
- Water resistant: No on the Nomatic Navigator Collapsible Backpack; Yes on the Matador ReFraction.
Both have: passport pocket, luggage passthrough, backpack straps, sternum strap, 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. 176 accept both. 0 accept only the Nomatic Navigator Collapsible Backpack, and 5 accept only the Matador ReFraction.
Only the Matador ReFraction fits
Air Tahiti, American Eagle, easyJet, Gulf Air, Ravn Alaska.
Nomatic Navigator Collapsible Backpack vs. Matador ReFraction: which should you pack?
The Nomatic Navigator Collapsible Backpack carries 1L more than the Matador ReFraction (17L vs. 16L), while the Matador ReFraction is the lighter pack at 0.2kg (vs. 0.4kg). 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 Nomatic Navigator Collapsible Backpack; if you want to travel lighter, the Matador ReFraction is the better call.