Gear Review: Matador Beast28 Packable Technical Backpack
Value Rating: 7
Durability Rating: 8
Overall Rating: 7
Location of Test: Powell Butte
Duration of Test: 1 day
Product Name: Beast28
Product Brand: Matador
Best Use: Urban traveler - pack in your luggage so you always have a daypack to go off the beaten path
One Size
Claimed capacity: 28L
Claimed weight: 1lb 4oz
Tested weight: 1lb 3.8oz with stuff sack (1lb 1.6oz without)
Material: 500 denier coated ripstop nylon
The Full Review:
In full disclosure, I won this pack in a raffle at a Next Adventure pack clinic. That said, as someone to whom ultralight packing has yet to be a focal point of my backcountry travels, I have been very interested in getting my hands on one since Next Adventure began carrying Matador Packable Adventure Gear. Let’s say I’m approaching the age where lighter gear is beginning to develop a greater appeal.
Prior experience with an ultralight pack has been with my now vintage Gregory Mountain Summit, an-innovative-for-its-time, top-loading klettersack-style pack that was more a sleeping bag stuff sack with aspirations (delusions?) of grandeur, sporting flat web shoulder straps, web belt, hydration sleeve, top pocket, a pair of lash patches, and twin ice axe loops. Regardless, I have always found it worth the minimal additional carry weight of (claimed 12oz, tested 13.8oz) given it was roomier (claimed 27L) and versatile than pack-lid lumbar packs for day use after hitting basecamp. While I’d consider myself a gear guy who advocates for continuous improvement, I buy my gear for the long haul. It takes a lot to get me to trade in for the new & shiny.
The Matador Beast28, by comparison, is a more full-featured pack that fits into its own stuff sack that’s about the size of a 32oz Nalgene bottle. More on water bottles in a second. Matador lists the Beast at 28L with a claimed weight 1lb 4oz (tested 1lb 3.8oz with stuff sack & 1lb 1.6oz without) making use of a substantially beefier, coated ripstop nylon than my old pack (500 denier vs 210). Matador makes a number of highly-stuffable packs and duffels that feature water-resistant zippers and sealed seams. As their top of the range pack, I was disappointed they chose to omit them from the Beast28.
The belly of the Beast is accessible through a nicely designed horseshoe zip panel with compression straps that encompasses the pack lid (with zippered pocket) and a modestly sized stash pocket that is just big enough for that Nalgene. The panel zipper is deep enough to access all the way to the bottom of the pack. The panel has one pair of daisy chain gear loops on the stash pocket, and another pair of smaller daisy chains near the lid pocket. You’ll also find a pair of side compression straps with Nifco gear anchors, and a “Storage Bag” compartment at the bottom. Presumably, it’s to store the included stuff sack. It’s pretty small, big enough for an ultralight wind shirt, but I couldn’t fit my Kelty Noah’s Tarp 9x9 in it.
Inside the pack is a sleeve against the lightly padded back panel that’s more than big enough for a 3L hydration bladder, with hose routing down either of the lightly padded & ventilated shoulder straps. A pair of buckled clips are thoughtfully included to help suspend the bladder from the top. For convenience alone, a hydration system is the way to go for users of this pack for reasons that will become more clear.
The Beast includes two exterior side pockets. They would appear to be water bottle pockets, but Matador describes them as "mesh pockets for extra storage". I found them exceedingly small and difficult to use solo with the pack on. Don’t even think about using that standard Nalgene in them. I managed to barely fit my 20oz Hydro Flask but it wouldn’t fit with the optional Hydro Flask Bottle Boot on, it's that tight. A 500ml Corksicle bottle was a better fit due to the tapered bottom of the bottle. My guess is these pockets were designed with 500ml disposable water bottles in mind for traveling in town.
The pack looks and feels a bit undersized when compared to my Summit, or even my old school Jansport Right Pack. Fully-loaded it will fit completely inside the Summit, with room to spare for that Noah’s Tarp 9x9, two tarp poles, and a hammock or bivy too. Since my Summit weighed in heavier than listed, it could very well be over-sized with the Beast28 suffering in comparison. In any event, I’m a broad-shouldered 6’2”, in the vicinity of 225lbs. When I carry the pack high on my back as I do with most packs, the shoulder harness puckers, and bites when I use the elasticized sternum strap. It’s most comfortable if the pack rides low on my back. The pack profile may suit smaller, narrower shouldered hikers better than it fit me.
While the Beast28 is built of beefier materials than my old Summit, the lack of a more lengthy warranty like the one Gregory offers, causes some concern about long term durability.
The Good:
Packs down small, for take anywhere ability
Rugged materials
Padded back
Padded, ventilated shoulder straps & hip belt
Easy access to the interior
Hydration system capable
Gear attachment points
Includes stuff sack
Fits smaller hikers
The Bad:
Appears small for claimed 28L volume - notably smaller than Summit with claimed 27L capacity
Narrow shoulder profile doesn't work as well for larger hikers like me
Lack of water-resistant zippers or a pack cover (given it's a Matador)
Undersized side pockets if you carry a standard Nalgene
1 year limited warranty
The Bottom Line:
I think the ideal use for this is for the smaller, urban traveler who wants the to option to explore or get off the beaten path on a day trip. It is light enough, and packs down small; there really isn’t much of an excuse for not throwing it in your luggage. It's also small enough to stash in the pocket of a larger pack for day hikes away from camp. It seems to be generally well thought out pack, with a few notable shortcomings.
Prior experience with an ultralight pack has been with my now vintage Gregory Mountain Summit, an-innovative-for-its-time, top-loading klettersack-style pack that was more a sleeping bag stuff sack with aspirations (delusions?) of grandeur, sporting flat web shoulder straps, web belt, hydration sleeve, top pocket, a pair of lash patches, and twin ice axe loops. Regardless, I have always found it worth the minimal additional carry weight of (claimed 12oz, tested 13.8oz) given it was roomier (claimed 27L) and versatile than pack-lid lumbar packs for day use after hitting basecamp. While I’d consider myself a gear guy who advocates for continuous improvement, I buy my gear for the long haul. It takes a lot to get me to trade in for the new & shiny.
The Matador Beast28, by comparison, is a more full-featured pack that fits into its own stuff sack that’s about the size of a 32oz Nalgene bottle. More on water bottles in a second. Matador lists the Beast at 28L with a claimed weight 1lb 4oz (tested 1lb 3.8oz with stuff sack & 1lb 1.6oz without) making use of a substantially beefier, coated ripstop nylon than my old pack (500 denier vs 210). Matador makes a number of highly-stuffable packs and duffels that feature water-resistant zippers and sealed seams. As their top of the range pack, I was disappointed they chose to omit them from the Beast28.
The belly of the Beast is accessible through a nicely designed horseshoe zip panel with compression straps that encompasses the pack lid (with zippered pocket) and a modestly sized stash pocket that is just big enough for that Nalgene. The panel zipper is deep enough to access all the way to the bottom of the pack. The panel has one pair of daisy chain gear loops on the stash pocket, and another pair of smaller daisy chains near the lid pocket. You’ll also find a pair of side compression straps with Nifco gear anchors, and a “Storage Bag” compartment at the bottom. Presumably, it’s to store the included stuff sack. It’s pretty small, big enough for an ultralight wind shirt, but I couldn’t fit my Kelty Noah’s Tarp 9x9 in it.
Inside the pack is a sleeve against the lightly padded back panel that’s more than big enough for a 3L hydration bladder, with hose routing down either of the lightly padded & ventilated shoulder straps. A pair of buckled clips are thoughtfully included to help suspend the bladder from the top. For convenience alone, a hydration system is the way to go for users of this pack for reasons that will become more clear.
The Beast includes two exterior side pockets. They would appear to be water bottle pockets, but Matador describes them as "mesh pockets for extra storage". I found them exceedingly small and difficult to use solo with the pack on. Don’t even think about using that standard Nalgene in them. I managed to barely fit my 20oz Hydro Flask but it wouldn’t fit with the optional Hydro Flask Bottle Boot on, it's that tight. A 500ml Corksicle bottle was a better fit due to the tapered bottom of the bottle. My guess is these pockets were designed with 500ml disposable water bottles in mind for traveling in town.
The pack looks and feels a bit undersized when compared to my Summit, or even my old school Jansport Right Pack. Fully-loaded it will fit completely inside the Summit, with room to spare for that Noah’s Tarp 9x9, two tarp poles, and a hammock or bivy too. Since my Summit weighed in heavier than listed, it could very well be over-sized with the Beast28 suffering in comparison. In any event, I’m a broad-shouldered 6’2”, in the vicinity of 225lbs. When I carry the pack high on my back as I do with most packs, the shoulder harness puckers, and bites when I use the elasticized sternum strap. It’s most comfortable if the pack rides low on my back. The pack profile may suit smaller, narrower shouldered hikers better than it fit me.
While the Beast28 is built of beefier materials than my old Summit, the lack of a more lengthy warranty like the one Gregory offers, causes some concern about long term durability.
The Good:
Packs down small, for take anywhere ability
Rugged materials
Padded back
Padded, ventilated shoulder straps & hip belt
Easy access to the interior
Hydration system capable
Gear attachment points
Includes stuff sack
Fits smaller hikers
The Bad:
Appears small for claimed 28L volume - notably smaller than Summit with claimed 27L capacity
Narrow shoulder profile doesn't work as well for larger hikers like me
Lack of water-resistant zippers or a pack cover (given it's a Matador)
Undersized side pockets if you carry a standard Nalgene
1 year limited warranty
The Bottom Line:
I think the ideal use for this is for the smaller, urban traveler who wants the to option to explore or get off the beaten path on a day trip. It is light enough, and packs down small; there really isn’t much of an excuse for not throwing it in your luggage. It's also small enough to stash in the pocket of a larger pack for day hikes away from camp. It seems to be generally well thought out pack, with a few notable shortcomings.