I think he was very helpful in helping the prospective consumer to make the most informed buying decision. I found his review very helpful for the prospective consumer to make the most informed decision to buy or not to buy. As a small man, I clicked “buy” from the sales site after watching this video. By the way, the purchase price in Japan was about $70.
I bought this bag several months ago. Like you, this bag matched my idea for the perfect day bag. But after using for a few days, I have to reconsider. The shoulder straps are perfectly fine for me. The issue for me is my usage case. My main need for a day bag is for holding layers of clothes for temperature changes - light jacket, hat, gloves, etc. I wish the front stretchy pocket was much bigger to able to hold some of those clothes items for quick access. It's annoying having to unzip and re-zip every time I enter/leave a building into the colder temps outside. Also, there aren't any attachment points on the front to add shock/bungie cord for external carry. I don't need two quick-access pockets for small items (top & front), just the top one would have been sufficient. I'm now considering the Aer Go Pack 2 - it has a large front-panel stash pocket.
I went with a Gregory Nano 24 and I found it to be leaps and bounds above the Matador. I also had a Nano 20, that I found too small for the needs I had, but might work for you. It is a much better pack.
@@jeffgrantMEDIA Yes, I was looking at the Nano 20 as well. The AER Go Pack 2 is "packable" in the sense it's pretty flat when empty. That's useful for me when traveling, so it'll be easier to place into a larger bag. I believe the Gregory Nano has more foam on the back - so maybe takes more space when inside other luggage? Of course it's a trade-off - packability vs. comfort.
@@bani_niba the Nano series will lay fairly flat in a bag. The padding is t too thick, but very effective for comfort and a bit of structure when carrying. I either use it as my carryon, or cram it on top of my suitcase when packed.
Ended up giving mine away, needed a bigger packable bag. Ended up with the Rennen Ripstop, doesn’t pack as small but it packs flat. It’s a little bigger and less expensive than the comparable aer go or bellboy lite options.
Just sold mine today. I hope it works out better better for it's new owner. Quality of the bag was great, I just think it will work better on smaller frame people.
I had never heard of them before. Just liked them up n looks like a Bellroy bag. It doesn’t look like a pack I would carry. But I can always send them a query email seeing if they would like to get some content out there.
Have you considered the Remote Equipment Charlie 25? Without the brain it is a 20L, which gets closer to one of your requirements. The WBPs are awesome, and while it doesn't have a front stretch pocket - with the brain off it is pretty quick access. Enjoyed your review of the Matador bag.
I do like the Charlie, but it’s not really my speed. I’m leaning heavy toward my MR Galligator. It’s hot pink and my daughter loves it! If I sell a few packs, I may also snag. Nano 24 and see if that might work out. It’s really just an excuse to test new bags! Haha
@@stevestory8483 those color bags are cheapo bags form both Amazon and eBay. I got a set from eBay when my daughter was first born, and they worked out so well, I got second set from Amazon (they were cheaper there at that point). Inside the yellow one are wipes, some napkins and dog poop bags to put used wipes in if there is not a garbage can near by. The first aid kit is from Amazon. amzn.to/3X8oKsC I really like the size of them. And they have good basic supplies. I supplement them with band aids my daughter chooses.
Hey man, great video. Since you love the Beast28 so much, what do you think about the 18 for a Disney/packable bag? I’m in the exact same market as we’re headed to Disneyland in CA in Oct.
That’s on my list as a Disney bag. It’s actually been a top contender form the start. I just keep grabbing other bags to try instead. I wish I just grabbed a beast 18!
@@jeffgrantMEDIA I totally get the draw to try out other bags, so many good and interesting products on the market. I had high hopes for the Refraction series too as they look really sharp, but based on your thoughts I think it’s not quite it. I’ve really enjoyed my YNOT Deploy, but the lack of water bottle pockets is kind of a deal killer for this application.
@@This-Stylish-Lifefor some reason this comment was flagged, but did. It appear until today, 13 days aftet you commented. And there is nothing on my set filters to flag this comment. YT is really getting out of hand.
@@jeffgrantMEDIA ya that’s wild, I’m not a chatbot! Or, wait, that’s exactly what a chat bot would say! Either way, i actually just ordered a beast 18 based on your love for the 28. Going to give it a try over the next month and see if it’s the right bag for a Disney trip. I’ll let you know how it goes!
@@This-Stylish-Life please keep me posted! I’m in court down mode now. Looks like I’ll be using my bright pink Galigator as of now. My daughter wanted me to use “the pink bag.” So I put a patch panel on it to rock some flair why we are there.
It is the version two. But I don’t have any issues with the water bottle pockets, I can fit a 32 ounce Nalgene water bottle in there no problems. I have three videos on that bag on the channel. An unboxing/ first impression video, I real user review video, and a long term review. And it’s still want to go to hiking pack. I’m sure the straps on that are great. I’m like on this refraction.
Dang. Was hoping this was it for Disney especially for the price. Those straps give me pause on the matador carryology collab trident. Really like the design of the trident but the comfort I’m worried about especially for the price. Comfort has to be good or it ruins every bag. Also noticed JB said the volume claims for that one was also dubious. Snagged a cheap used lbt14v2 can’t wait for it to arrive to give it’s simplicity a shot.
14l V2 is one of my favorite packs. Been my go to dad bag sense it came out. I snagged one at launch and never looked back. I keep it in my car, so it’s always close at hand.
Very repetitive review. I think we heard your points after 1-2 times. But maybe skip the next 5-6 and this review could be much shorter and to the point. Speaking of the point, I think you missed the point of this pack (which I own and think its fantastic). It’s PACKABLE. PACKABLE. PACKABLE. PACKABLE. PACKABLE. PACKABLE. PACKABLE. In the spirit of your review, I just thought I would repeat that 5-6 times in case anyone missed. You compare this to a Goruck bag? Really? You serious? Ever try to pack a Goruck into itself? Didn’t think so because it’s not possible. This Matador is in a class with the Sea to Summit and Osprey packs. The PACKABLE ones! Try those on for size with their lack of structure where everything just flops around and you will beg to get this Matador back on. In short - in the PACKABLE class of packs this is really a top 2, with the other being the Freefly 16 - another Matador pack! And if you want a bit more space Matador has like 3-4 more options in 2-4 liter larger increments. Right on their website. Just get one those for your next Disney trip. To me, it seems like this class of PACKABLE pack just isn’t for you!
@@RockThisOutNow “Matador has other size bags” you apparently didn’t actually watch the review. Just want to complain. I have a PACKABLE Beast 28, and considered an 18 for the trip. I was looking for a bag with a stretch front pocket. And a bag that was comfortable to wear. This bag is not comfortable. The beast is. I used a Gregory in Disney.
@@jeffgrantMEDIAI agree. 16L is my sweet spot for a daypack and there aren't as many options in that size as you might think. If this appealed to you on paper, I think you might enjoy the Waymark Dark Sky. Nearly identical on paper but just better made in my option.
@@ThexImperfectionist that was a pack I looked at. But my original dream bag was a full clam shell. I really went for this pack because of my love for my Beast 28. Though I wish I grabbed a Beast 18 instead. Looks like my hot pink Galigator os the pack I’m bringing though. The mini me me told me I needed the “pink bag.” So the boss has spoken.
I think he was very helpful in helping the prospective consumer to make the most informed buying decision. I found his review very helpful for the prospective consumer to make the most informed decision to buy or not to buy. As a small man, I clicked “buy” from the sales site after watching this video. By the way, the purchase price in Japan was about $70.
@@zeak003 solid review of my review! I happy to help you make an informed buying decision.
I bought this bag several months ago. Like you, this bag matched my idea for the perfect day bag. But after using for a few days, I have to reconsider. The shoulder straps are perfectly fine for me. The issue for me is my usage case. My main need for a day bag is for holding layers of clothes for temperature changes - light jacket, hat, gloves, etc. I wish the front stretchy pocket was much bigger to able to hold some of those clothes items for quick access. It's annoying having to unzip and re-zip every time I enter/leave a building into the colder temps outside. Also, there aren't any attachment points on the front to add shock/bungie cord for external carry. I don't need two quick-access pockets for small items (top & front), just the top one would have been sufficient. I'm now considering the Aer Go Pack 2 - it has a large front-panel stash pocket.
I went with a Gregory Nano 24 and I found it to be leaps and bounds above the Matador. I also had a Nano 20, that I found too small for the needs I had, but might work for you. It is a much better pack.
@@jeffgrantMEDIA Yes, I was looking at the Nano 20 as well. The AER Go Pack 2 is "packable" in the sense it's pretty flat when empty. That's useful for me when traveling, so it'll be easier to place into a larger bag. I believe the Gregory Nano has more foam on the back - so maybe takes more space when inside other luggage? Of course it's a trade-off - packability vs. comfort.
@@bani_niba the Nano series will lay fairly flat in a bag. The padding is t too thick, but very effective for comfort and a bit of structure when carrying. I either use it as my carryon, or cram it on top of my suitcase when packed.
@@jeffgrantMEDIA Thanks! I might take another look at those bags...
Ended up giving mine away, needed a bigger packable bag. Ended up with the Rennen Ripstop, doesn’t pack as small but it packs flat. It’s a little bigger and less expensive than the comparable aer go or bellboy lite options.
Just sold mine today. I hope it works out better better for it's new owner. Quality of the bag was great, I just think it will work better on smaller frame people.
Have you looked at the awaytravel everyday backpack? Its a new release seems like no one's talking about it.
I had never heard of them before. Just liked them up n looks like a Bellroy bag. It doesn’t look like a pack I would carry. But I can always send them a query email seeing if they would like to get some content out there.
Have you considered the Remote Equipment Charlie 25? Without the brain it is a 20L, which gets closer to one of your requirements. The WBPs are awesome, and while it doesn't have a front stretch pocket - with the brain off it is pretty quick access.
Enjoyed your review of the Matador bag.
I do like the Charlie, but it’s not really my speed. I’m leaning heavy toward my MR Galligator. It’s hot pink and my daughter loves it! If I sell a few packs, I may also snag. Nano 24 and see if that might work out. It’s really just an excuse to test new bags! Haha
What small dad bag kits were those you pulled out the yellow one. Also where did get the first aid kit bag
@@stevestory8483 those color bags are cheapo bags form both Amazon and eBay. I got a set from eBay when my daughter was first born, and they worked out so well, I got second set from Amazon (they were cheaper there at that point). Inside the yellow one are wipes, some napkins and dog poop bags to put used wipes in if there is not a garbage can near by. The first aid kit is from Amazon. amzn.to/3X8oKsC I really like the size of them. And they have good basic supplies. I supplement them with band aids my daughter chooses.
Any plans to test out the Aer Go Pack 2?
Naw. I’ve had a few Aer bags, and I wasn’t a huge fan. I reviewed the Fit Pack 3 on TPP a while back. It was Ok, but wasn’t really my speed.
Hey man, great video. Since you love the Beast28 so much, what do you think about the 18 for a Disney/packable bag? I’m in the exact same market as we’re headed to Disneyland in CA in Oct.
That’s on my list as a Disney bag. It’s actually been a top contender form the start. I just keep grabbing other bags to try instead. I wish I just grabbed a beast 18!
@@jeffgrantMEDIA I totally get the draw to try out other bags, so many good and interesting products on the market. I had high hopes for the Refraction series too as they look really sharp, but based on your thoughts I think it’s not quite it. I’ve really enjoyed my YNOT Deploy, but the lack of water bottle pockets is kind of a deal killer for this application.
@@This-Stylish-Lifefor some reason this comment was flagged, but did. It appear until today, 13 days aftet you commented. And there is nothing on my set filters to flag this comment. YT is really getting out of hand.
@@jeffgrantMEDIA ya that’s wild, I’m not a chatbot! Or, wait, that’s exactly what a chat bot would say!
Either way, i actually just ordered a beast 18 based on your love for the 28. Going to give it a try over the next month and see if it’s the right bag for a Disney trip. I’ll let you know how it goes!
@@This-Stylish-Life please keep me posted! I’m in court down mode now. Looks like I’ll be using my bright pink Galigator as of now. My daughter wanted me to use “the pink bag.” So I put a patch panel on it to rock some flair why we are there.
Was/is your Beast 28 a v1 or v2? My v2’s water bottle pockets are thin/small :(
It is the version two. But I don’t have any issues with the water bottle pockets, I can fit a 32 ounce Nalgene water bottle in there no problems. I have three videos on that bag on the channel. An unboxing/ first impression video, I real user review video, and a long term review. And it’s still want to go to hiking pack. I’m sure the straps on that are great. I’m like on this refraction.
Dang. Was hoping this was it for Disney especially for the price. Those straps give me pause on the matador carryology collab trident. Really like the design of the trident but the comfort I’m worried about especially for the price. Comfort has to be good or it ruins every bag. Also noticed JB said the volume claims for that one was also dubious.
Snagged a cheap used lbt14v2 can’t wait for it to arrive to give it’s simplicity a shot.
14l V2 is one of my favorite packs. Been my go to dad bag sense it came out. I snagged one at launch and never looked back. I keep it in my car, so it’s always close at hand.
Bag is sold! If there are any packs you would like to see reviewed, let me know.
Very repetitive review. I think we heard your points after 1-2 times. But maybe skip the next 5-6 and this review could be much shorter and to the point. Speaking of the point, I think you missed the point of this pack (which I own and think its fantastic). It’s PACKABLE. PACKABLE. PACKABLE. PACKABLE. PACKABLE. PACKABLE. PACKABLE. In the spirit of your review, I just thought I would repeat that 5-6 times in case anyone missed.
You compare this to a Goruck bag? Really? You serious? Ever try to pack a Goruck into itself? Didn’t think so because it’s not possible. This Matador is in a class with the Sea to Summit and Osprey packs. The PACKABLE ones! Try those on for size with their lack of structure where everything just flops around and you will beg to get this Matador back on. In short - in the PACKABLE class of packs this is really a top 2, with the other being the Freefly 16 - another Matador pack!
And if you want a bit more space Matador has like 3-4 more options in 2-4 liter larger increments. Right on their website. Just get one those for your next Disney trip. To me, it seems like this class of PACKABLE pack just isn’t for you!
@@RockThisOutNow very long comment. Feel free to skip around or not watch at all.
@@RockThisOutNow “ever try to pack a Goruck bag into itself.” You’re not trying hard enough. I’m comparing size.
@@RockThisOutNow “Matador has other size bags” you apparently didn’t actually watch the review. Just want to complain. I have a PACKABLE Beast 28, and considered an 18 for the trip. I was looking for a bag with a stretch front pocket. And a bag that was comfortable to wear. This bag is not comfortable. The beast is. I used a Gregory in Disney.
Seems way too small. Needs to be - 20/22L
If it was actually 16l, it would be a great size. It’s more like 12-13.
@@jeffgrantMEDIAI agree. 16L is my sweet spot for a daypack and there aren't as many options in that size as you might think. If this appealed to you on paper, I think you might enjoy the Waymark Dark Sky. Nearly identical on paper but just better made in my option.
@@ThexImperfectionist that was a pack I looked at. But my original dream bag was a full clam shell. I really went for this pack because of my love for my Beast 28. Though I wish I grabbed a Beast 18 instead. Looks like my hot pink Galigator os the pack I’m bringing though. The mini me me told me I needed the “pink bag.” So the boss has spoken.