Matador ReFraction vs. Alpine Sea Cove Bag 11L
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Matador ReFraction
| Capacity | 16 L |
| Weight | 0.2 kg |
| Dimensions | 43×25×19 cm |
| Airline fit | 96% |
| Price | $60 |
Feature by feature
| Matador ReFraction | Feature | Alpine Sea Cove Bag 11L |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 0 | Opening | 0 |
| top | Passport | side |
| Y | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | N |
| N | Hip Belt | N |
| removable | Sternum Strap | N |
| Inside | ||
| N | Laptop | N |
| 2 | Main Compartments | 2 |
| N | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 2, side | Water Bottle Holder | 1, front |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| Recycled nylon, Bluesign® approved | ULTRA GRID Environmentally Friendly // PFC Free C0 DWR Face - 1500mm PU Backing |
Alpine Sea Cove Bag 11L
| Capacity | 11 L |
| Weight | 0.5 kg |
| Dimensions | 40×20×12 cm |
| Airline fit | 99% |
| Price | $95 |
Key differences between the Matador ReFraction and Alpine Sea Cove Bag 11L
- Passport pocket: Top on the Matador ReFraction; Side on the Alpine Sea Cove Bag 11L.
- Luggage passthrough: Yes on the Matador ReFraction; No on the Alpine Sea Cove Bag 11L.
- Backpack straps: Yes on the Matador ReFraction; No on the Alpine Sea Cove Bag 11L.
- Sternum strap: Removable on the Matador ReFraction; No on the Alpine Sea Cove Bag 11L.
- Water bottle pockets: 2, side on the Matador ReFraction; 1, front on the Alpine Sea Cove Bag 11L.
Both have: 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. 0 accept only the Matador ReFraction, and 6 accept only the Alpine Sea Cove Bag 11L.
Only the Alpine Sea Cove Bag 11L fits
LC Perú, Lion Air Group, Spring Airlines, VivaColombia, Volaris, Wizz Air.
Matador ReFraction vs. Alpine Sea Cove Bag 11L: which should you pack?
The Matador ReFraction carries 5L more than the Alpine Sea Cove Bag 11L (16L vs. 11L), while the Matador ReFraction is the lighter pack at 0.2kg (vs. 0.5kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Alpine Sea Cove Bag 11L fits 99% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the Matador ReFraction; if you want to travel lighter, the Matador ReFraction is the better call.