MATADOR RETIRES AND REINVENTS ENTIRE LINEUP WITH ALL-NEW COLLECTION OF TRAVEL BACKPACKS AND BAGS

BOULDER, Colo. (August 4, 2026) – Matador Travel Equipment, the award-winning producer of high-performance travel gear, today announces the launch of its new travel collection: a complete reinvention of its pack lineup that replaces every bag previously offered. The new collection spans eleven pieces ranging from 2 to 45 liters, unified by a shared feature set, elevated materials, and a simplified naming convention that makes it easy to find the right pack for the trip ahead. 

The overhaul’s focus on simplicity, standardization and shared components allowed Matador to cut prices by 18% on average compared to the outgoing lineup, delivering its most capable collection at its most accessible price point yet. Matador's design team approached the collection as a complete system, applying more than a decade of product development and real-world travel experience across every component. Designing the full line together allowed Matador to standardize materials, hardware, and layout across the collection, and to invest in custom components that would not have been feasible at the scale of a single product.

"Our goal was to build the best possible products for today's traveler," said Chris Clearman, Founder and CEO of Matador. "Retiring proven products and launching an entirely new collection in a single day carries real risk, but the greater risk was standing still. We designed this collection as one complete system rather than a series of individual bags, so every shared improvement, from materials to hardware, makes the whole lineup stronger. This is years of what we've learned, brought together and delivered all at once, rather than introduced piecemeal over time."

THE NEW FEATURES & UPDATES

The collection features a plethora of new updates across the board, including an RFID-blocking Smuggler's Pocket™, a dedicated location-tracker pocket built for AirTag and similar devices, Dual Access Architecture™ for fast top-loading access in transit and full clamshell access on arrival, and internal baffles that keep fully packed compartments closing cleanly. Each pack is constructed from 420D recycled materials that meet Bluesign® criteria, pairing sustainability with durability and performance. Interchangeable drip kits – swappable zipper pulls and cords – let travelers personalize the look and feel of any bag. Matador also worked directly with Zoom® to develop DuraGlide™ zippers with lower pull force and stronger construction than any zipper the brand had used before — ultra-strong, low-friction, and fully water-resistant.

45L GLOBAL TRAVEL PACK & 35L GLOBAL TRAVEL PACK — [$299 & $279 MSRP] The do-it-all carry-on for travelers crossing continents with everything on their back. Carry-on friendly for most standard airlines at 45 and 35 liters, with a large external-access laptop sleeve, padded 13" tablet sleeve, dual water bottle pockets, Dual Access Architecture, and a removable hip belt and sternum strap for long-haul comfort. 

• Replaces GlobeRider 35 & 45

45L SEG HYBRID TRAVEL PACK — [$199 MSRP] The only pack carried forward from Matador’s previous lineup, now fully reimagined with the collection’s standardized features. Designed for travelers who think in systems, featuring a patented segmented interior that works like built-in packing cubes with quick external access, plus a backpack-or-duffle carry mode and an undercarriage compartment for large or dirty items. 

• Replaces SEG45 Travel Pack

30L CARRY-ON TRAVEL PACK — [$199 MSRP] A new addition to the lineup, built for travelers who want full features in a strictly carry-on-compliant footprint. Pairs seamlessly with rolling luggage or stands on its own for shorter trips. 

• Not a replacement for pre-existing item; all-new pack/size option! 

18L PERSONAL ITEM TRAVEL PACK — [$149 MSRP] Big-bag features in a personal-item footprint, purpose-built to fly for free. Full Dual Access Architecture, and the same RFID and tracker protection as the rest of the line, in Matador's smallest travel pack yet. 

• Not a replacement for pre-existing item; all-new pack/size option!

24L ADVENTURE PACK — [$199 MSRP] A true everyday pack for whatever the day brings, from the office to the backcountry. EDC-ready and carry-on compliant at 24 liters, with hydration compatibility, a quick-access 16" laptop sleeve, and a removable stabilizing hip belt for heavier loads. 

• Not a replacement for pre-existing item; all-new pack/size option!

24L TOTE PACK — [$129 MSRP] Three ways to carry in one flexible everyday bag. Convertible backpack straps and extendable handles make it just as easy to sling over a shoulder as to wear hands-free, with fast access and secure organization built in. 

• Not a replacement for pre-existing item; all-new pack/size option!

2L LITE SLING — [$23 MSRP] Purposefully simple, built for the essentials. Worn as a sling or hip pack, it keeps a phone, wallet, and keys within reach without adding bulk. 

• Replaces ReFRACTION Sling and Freerain Hip Pack

18L PACKABLE BACKPACK & 18L WATERPROOF PACKABLE BACKPACK — [$75 & $95 MSRP] Lightweight and available in weather-resistant or full waterproof, this pack is built to disappear until it's needed. Packs into its own pocket for transport, then unpacks into a full-featured 18-liter backpack for markets, trails, and last-minute detours. Enhanced with LiteCush™ straps for all-day comfort. 

• Replaces ReFRACTION Backpack, Freefly16 Backpack, and Freerain22 WP Backpack

30L PACKABLE DUFFLE — [$75 MSRP] The 18L Packable Backpack’s trusty counterpart, with all the carrying options you could ever need. Packs into its own pocket when not in use and unpacks into a 30-liter duffle with backpack, cross-body, or duffle carry modes for whatever the trip calls for. 

• Replaces ReFRACTION Duffle and Freefly Duffle

Matador built its early reputation on technical, niche travel products: packable, weather-resistant gear designed for a specific type of traveler. That performance heritage remains central to the new collection, but the lineup is designed to serve a broader range of trips, from short-haul essentials to long-haul, cross-continental travel, without requiring travelers to choose between refined design and rugged performance.

The full collection is available now at select retailers and online at https://www.matadorequipment.com. 

ABOUT MATADOR TRAVEL EQUIPMENT
Matador, based in Boulder, CO, designs high-performance adventure travel equipment engineered for objective-based travel. The team’s strengths in design, material technology, and construction give them an edge in developing innovative products that bring outdoor expertise to the pursuit of travel. For more information about Matador, visit MatadorEquipment.com.