Matador Review: Packable, Functional Gear for Modern Adventurers

Hey there, fellow adventurer! If you‘re anything like me, you‘re always on the lookout for travel and outdoor gear that just works – no extra bulk, no unnecessary frills, just smart design that makes life on the go a whole lot easier. That‘s exactly what I‘ve found with Matador, a brand that‘s been quietly taking the outdoor world by storm with their innovative packable equipment.

As an avid traveler and occasional backpacker, I‘ve tried my fair share of gear over the years. It wasn‘t until a friend turned me on to Matador that I realized what I was missing. These days, hardly a trip goes by where I don‘t stuff at least one of their products into my pack. From ultra-light towels to shower sets you can actually dangle from a tree branch, Matador proves again and again that ingenuity thrives in simplicity.

What is Matador?

In case you haven‘t heard of them, Matador is an outdoor gear brand that specializes in ultra-packable, minimalist equipment designed for modern travel and adventure. Think daypacks that crush down to fit in your palm, microfiber towels that absorb four times their weight in water, and blankets that offer seating for 2-4 without hogging all the space in your pack.

Founded in 2014 in Boulder, Colorado by a team of enthusiasts who wanted gear as adventurous as they were, Matador has always put function and packability first. But don‘t let the sleek designs fool you – their products are also surprisingly durable and well-made, with ripstop nylon fabric, sealed seams, and sturdy hardware that can keep up with your wildest excursions.

First Impressions and Favorite Gear

I first discovered Matador when I was searching for a lightweight, packable shower kit to take on a camping trip. I stumbled upon their FlatPak Soap Bar Case and was immediately intrigued. A hard plastic case for your soap that lets it dry between uses and keeps your other toiletries from getting slimy? Genius!

I loved the soap case so much that I quickly added several other Matador products to my collection. Over the last few years, these have become some of my most-used and most-loved pieces of travel gear:

• NanoDry Packable Shower Towel: This full-sized towel is made from super-absorbent nanofiber material that soaks up 2.3 times its weight in water. But the best part? It packs down into a silicone case that‘s smaller than your fist. I never leave for a trip – camping or otherwise – without this trusty towel.

• Freerain24 Waterproof Packable Backpack: As someone who tends to overpack, I‘m always looking for ways to streamline my luggage. The Freerain24 has become my go-to daypack that I can stuff into my main pack when not in use. It‘s a fully waterproof, 24-liter rolltop bag that weighs just 5 oz and has a super-handy zippered side pocket for stashing essentials.

• On-Grid Packable Hip Pack: Fanny packs are back in a big way, but this is not your average dad bag. The On-Grid packs a surprising amount of functionality into a sleek, 3-liter pouch. There‘s a key loop, secure zip pockets, and an exterior stash pouch that can accommodate a water bottle or travel umbrella. When not in use, the On-Grid packs into its own tiny stuff sack.

• Pocket Blanket: This miniature marvel unfolds from a pouch smaller than your wallet into a puncture-resistant blanket that offers seating for 2-4 people. Corner stakes and sand pockets help keep the blanket in place on windy days. I never head to an outdoor concert or picnic anymore without this nifty blanket in tow.

• Freefly16 Packable Backpack: Like the On-Grid hip pack‘s big brother, the Freefly16 is my ultimate just-in-case bag. This 16-liter waterproof rolltop is my favorite for impromptu hikes and errand runs when I‘m traveling. The contoured shoulder straps and sternum strap make it super comfy to wear even when fully loaded.

• Packable Water Bottle: Last but not least, my desert island Matador product is probably their 1-liter Packable Water Bottle. Unlike rigid bottles, this one rolls up into a tiny tube you can slip into your pocket. I clip it to my pack with a carabiner and never have to worry about staying hydrated on the go. Hot tip: it also makes a great (temporary) vase when you want to surprise your adventuring partner with a few wildflowers along the trail.

Matador By the Numbers

Since 2014, Matador has grown from a bootstrapped passion project to a thriving brand with a cult following. Here are a few stats that speak to their popularity and reach:

• 133,000+ Instagram followers
• 20,000+ Facebook likes
• 4.5-star average rating across all products
• 50,000 5-star reviews from verified customers
• 80% of customers surveyed say they would buy from Matador again
• 2,000+ retail locations worldwide
• 50+ countries shipped to

But Matador‘s impact goes beyond sales numbers. The brand has also made a commitment to sustainability, with a goal of using 100% recycled or renewable materials by 2025. As of 2021, 83% of their products are made from recycled materials like post-consumer water bottles and pre-consumer factory scraps.

Matador also partners with organizations like the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics to help promote responsible outdoor recreation. They‘ve donated over $50,000 to date to support conservation and access initiatives. As someone who cares deeply about preserving our wild spaces, I appreciate seeing a brand put their money where their mouth is when it comes to environmental stewardship.

Customer Reviews and Feedback

Of course, you don‘t have to just take my word for it when it comes to Matador‘s quality and performance. The brand has amassed thousands of glowing reviews from satisfied customers around the world. Here are just a few highlights:

"I bought the NanoDry towel for a backpacking trip and it exceeded all my expectations. It‘s so lightweight and compact, but still feels like a real towel. It dries quickly and doesn‘t get stinky like my old camp towel. I‘ll never go back!" – Sarah L.

"The Freerain24 is my new favorite travel companion. I took it on a two-week trip to Europe and used it every single day – for hikes, urban exploring, and even as a pillow on the plane. It‘s the perfect size and so well-designed. I love all the pockets and how easy it is to pack away when not in use." – Jared M.

"I gifted the Pocket Blanket to my outdoorsy brother and he loves it. It‘s become his go-to for impromptu picnics and park hangs. The quality is really impressive for such a lightweight blanket. Definitely a great gift for anyone who loves being outside." – Emily G.

"I‘m obsessed with my Matador pack! I have the On-Grid hip pack and it‘s perfect for festivals, hikes, and anytime I want to go hands-free. It fits way more than I expected and the material is super durable. I‘ve put mine through the wringer and it still looks brand new." – Caleb D.

How Matador Stacks Up to the Competition

Matador isn‘t the only brand out there making packable outdoor gear, but they continue to stand out from the crowd thanks to their innovative designs, high-quality materials, and attention to detail. Here‘s how they compare to a few other popular brands:

• Matador vs. Sea to Summit: Both brands offer lightweight, packable gear designed for travel and outdoor adventures. However, Matador‘s products tend to be more affordable and have a sleeker, more minimalist aesthetic. Sea to Summit offers a wider range of gear, including sleeping bags and tents, while Matador focuses mainly on bags, accessories, and portable containers.

• Matador vs. Osprey: Osprey is a well-established brand known for their durable, feature-rich backpacks. While they offer a few packable options, most of their bags are designed for more rugged outdoor use. Matador‘s bags are generally lighter and more compact, making them better suited for casual hikes and urban travel.

• Matador vs. REI Co-op: REI‘s in-house brand offers a wide range of affordable outdoor gear, including several packable options. However, Matador‘s products are often more innovative and design-forward. REI also doesn‘t specialize in packable gear the way Matador does, so their selection is more limited.

Ultimately, the best brand for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. But if packability, functionality, and smart design are your top priorities, Matador is hard to beat.

Tips for Choosing and Using Matador Gear

If you‘re considering adding some Matador gear to your own collection, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

1. Consider your primary use case. Are you mostly a city traveler who needs a reliable daypack and portable accessories? Or are you a hardcore outdoorsperson in need of gear that can withstand the elements? Matador offers products for both ends of the spectrum, but some are better suited for certain activities than others.

2. Read the specs carefully. Matador is known for their uber-lightweight, compact designs – but that also means some of their products have more limited capacities than bulkier alternatives. Make sure you check the dimensions and weight limits before purchasing to ensure you‘re getting a product that will meet your needs.

3. Opt for bundle deals when available. Matador often offers discounts when you purchase multiple products together. If you know you want a few different items, it‘s worth checking to see if there‘s a bundle option that can save you some cash.

4. Take advantage of the warranty. Matador offers a lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects on all of their products. While their gear is quite durable, it‘s always good to know you‘re covered in case something goes wrong.

5. Get creative with how you use your gear. One of the things I love most about Matador products is how versatile they are. A packable water bottle can double as a stuff sack, a blanket can be used as a cape or a ground cover, and a hip pack can be worn as a cross-body bag. Don‘t be afraid to experiment and find new ways to put your gear to work.

The Final Verdict

So, is Matador worth the hype? In my experience, absolutely. This is a brand that truly walks the walk when it comes to designing practical, portable gear for the modern adventurer. While their products may be pricier than some competitors, I‘ve found that the quality and clever design more than justify the cost.

Every Matador product I‘ve tried has become an instant favorite that I reach for again and again. From the city to the trail, their gear has made my travels easier, more comfortable, and way more fun. I love being able to pack light without sacrificing functionality – and Matador makes that possible.

But beyond just making great products, Matador is also a brand I feel good about supporting. Their commitment to sustainability and social responsibility sets them apart in an industry that often prioritizes profits over people and the planet. By choosing Matador, I know I‘m investing in gear that‘s built to last and a company that‘s doing its part to make the world a little bit better.

Whether you‘re a hardcore hiker, a jet-setting city slicker, or somewhere in between, I highly recommend giving Matador a try. With their 30-day return policy and stellar customer service, you‘ve got nothing to lose – and a whole lot of adventure to gain.