Exped Impulse 30 vs. Matador Freerain32 Waterproof Packable Backpack
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Feature by feature
| Exped Impulse 30 | Feature | Matador Freerain32 Waterproof Packable Backpack |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| Y | Compression | Y |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 4 | Opening | 2 |
| N | Passport | N |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| removable | Hip Belt | Y |
| Y | Sternum Strap | Y |
| Inside | ||
| N | Laptop | N |
| 1 | Main Compartments | 2 |
| N | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 2 | Water Bottle Holder | 2 |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 210 D Robic HD Ripstop Nylon Carbonate PU, 2'500 mm water column | Waterproof 30D Cordura® ripstop nylon |
Matador Freerain32 Waterproof Packable Backpack
| Capacity | 32 L |
| Weight | 0.3 kg |
| Dimensions | 51×28×23 cm |
| Airline fit | 71% |
| Price | $95 |
Key differences between the Exped Impulse 30 and Matador Freerain32 Waterproof Packable Backpack
- Opening: Top zip on the Exped Impulse 30; Rolltop on the Matador Freerain32 Waterproof Packable Backpack.
- Hip belt: Removable on the Exped Impulse 30; Yes on the Matador Freerain32 Waterproof Packable Backpack.
- Main compartments: 1 on the Exped Impulse 30; 2 on the Matador Freerain32 Waterproof Packable Backpack.
Both have: compression straps, 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. 129 accept both. 1 accept only the Exped Impulse 30, and 6 accept only the Matador Freerain32 Waterproof Packable Backpack.
Only the Exped Impulse 30 fits
Pakistan International.
Only the Matador Freerain32 Waterproof Packable Backpack fits
Great Lakes Airlines, Oman Air, Royal Jordanian, Scoot, Tiger Airways, WestJet.
Exped Impulse 30 vs. Matador Freerain32 Waterproof Packable Backpack: which should you pack?
The Matador Freerain32 Waterproof Packable Backpack carries 2L more than the Exped Impulse 30 (30L vs. 32L), and the two are closely matched on weight. For carry-on flexibility, the Matador Freerain32 Waterproof Packable Backpack fits 71% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the Matador Freerain32 Waterproof Packable Backpack; if you want to travel lighter, the Matador Freerain32 Waterproof Packable Backpack is the better call.