I’ve been a frequent traveller for nearly 20 years and I’ve spent a lot of time backpacking! I’ve tried so many backpacks during that time but I’ve never found ‘the perfect backpack’, until now…
Let me introduce you to the Matador SEG 28 (also available in the larger SEG 45) which I believe is the very best backpack for a backpacking trip.
Problems with normal backpacks
Let me start by telling you the main problem with normal backpacks.
Most backpacks have one giant pocket where your belongings all get swallowed up together. You can never find anything and it’s always a big jumbled mess of clothes and cables and odd socks and dirty shoes.
You can use packing cubes but that’s an extra faff and complicates the whole process.
The other problem with most backpacks is they open from the top. You have a small opening where you stuff your arm in and blindly rummage around for what you’re looking for. It’s like a less exciting version of the ‘What’s in the Box?’ challenge but you really might find something unexpectedly gross.
To put it simply, with a normal backpack you can never find anything and anything that slips to the bottom of your backpack is destined to stay there until you get home – which could be anything from two weeks to two years later.
If, like me, this sounds like your worst nightmare then let’s take a look at the Matador SEG 28.
The Matador SEG 28
The SEG series of Matador backpacks are ideal for backpackers who like to stay organised.
Segmented Design
Thanks to the segmented design it’s like having built-in packing cubes. But to make it even better, you can access them from the outside of the bag so you can easily get to everything without opening up the entire thing.
The Matador SEG 28 has four outer segments which gradually get slightly bigger as you go down. The top segment is 4 litre, then 6 litre, then 8 and then 10 at the bottom.
I love the idea of using each segment for a different thing, like tops in one, shorts in another, underwear in another etc. Or maybe you’d put whole outfits in each segment to keep your outfits perfectly organised for a weekend break.
There are so many more great design features to the Matador SEG backpacks but, honestly, this is what sold it to me and what separated it from all the other backpacks on the market.
When I think back to the two years I spent backpacking around Asia and Australia, I can’t help but think about the absolute burden and chaos that was my backpack. I hated it so much!
Clamshell undercarriage
You do also have the flexible option to use the undercarriage rather than the segmented pockets. There will be times you’ve got large items so it’s good to have the flexibility here. You can use a mixture of the segments and the bigger pocket too.
Top access laptop pocket
There’s a well padded laptop pocket that you can easily access from the top of the bag. It’s also a really discreet pocket so it’s not obvious it’s there.
Top access ‘admin pocket’
Ahh, the ‘admin pocket’. We all know what that means. It’s all that random stuff you want to easily access. It’s your phone charger and your lip balm, your keys, your headphones, a packet of sweets, a mini sunscreen and other vitally important bits! Thankfully, they’re all easy to access with this pocket.
Smugglers pocket
To me, a smugglers pocket is basically a passport pocket. It’s a safe, hidden pocket behind the back panel of the Matador SEG 28 where you can store important things like your passport, bank cards, cash and documents.
Side water bottle pocket
Not all bigger backpacks have a water bottle holder so this is great. While it doesn’t seem like a big deal to have it, it is really annoying not having one! Anything that helps you have both hands free while you travel is going to make life so much easier.
Grab handles
The Matador SEG 28 has grab handles on the top, bottom and sides. Again, it’s a simple thing but many backpacks don’t have them and this makes it much easier to grab your bag from wherever it might be stored.
Luggage handle pass
This backpack also had a luggage handle pass if you’re also travelling with a rolling suitcase. This makes life much easier!
Compression straps
These are particularly important with the SEG 28 because you might be using this backpack as hand luggage. You’re definitely going to need to use those compression straps at some point to squeeze your bag together make sure it fits in the overhead locker!
Comfortable straps
This backpack hasn’t been designed for long hikes but it is going to be comfortable to carry when fully loaded. It has a cushioned, breathable back panel and nice, cushioned shoulder straps. This bag might not be huge but it will get heavy so these comfortable straps are a must.
Safety zips
These zips are a brilliant and simple design. You can push the zip through this loop which is simple to do but a bit fiddly to undo. It means an opportunistic pickpocket is going to struggle to quickly get into these pockets without causing a scene.
Can be used for travel and everyday use
The nice thing about the Matador SEG 28 is that it’s also a good size for everyday use, particularly if you commute to work. I can imagine it would be very handy to have your gym kit in one segment, a change of clothes for after work drinks in another, your lunch in one etc.
The only downside
The only downside to this backpack for me is that it’s not quite the right dimensions for cabin luggage – particularly for Ryanair, easyJet and WizzAir.
I regularly fly with these budget carriers and this bag is too big for the ‘free’ underseat luggage but the paid cabin luggage can be bigger.
Overall thoughts
Finally, I think this is an amazing backpack to keep everything organised while you travel. I’d love to use it for an extended backpacking trip or even just a weekend break where I’d use each segment for a different outfit.
If you’re using it for hand luggage then you will need to check the airlines guidelines about whether it falls into the free or paid luggage category.