Matador SEG28 Travel Pack Black

This bag is not for everyone, it took me months of thinking before I pulled the trigger.It is very innovative, and very different from other bags. It is designed to be a one bag (IMO), and it works quite well.The only gripe I have with the bag, is I have to carry one laptop and an iPad for work, and this bag isn’t really playing well with two of these devices at the same time; I have to put one in the main compartment but it’s not very convenient.That being said, it’s comfortable, feels sturdy, has a look that I like, and force you gently to proper one bag - like most Matador products I think.

Backpack = 100, REI = ...

The backpack is fantastic, and has very comfortable harness and innovative design.However, the backpack I got from REI seems to be NOT new.There are loosen threads in the bottom (very noticeable), and I found some cut-off strips (2 cm) from the laptop compartment. What is it?The shoulder straps are pre-adjusted weirdly (The left side of the strap is tightened up 100% while the other side is 100% loosened). I expect that it is the item someone returned, and REI did not carefully check the condition before sending it out to me.Since it is no longer available in REI, I try to contact Matador directly to see whether it is exchangeable with NEW.

By George They've Done It!

Love this bag. They took the feature-lacking but brilliant idea of the SEG 30 and added nearly every detail you could ask for.The clamshell access plus compartmental front access make this bag truly multipurpose - great for travel or daily carry.I usually shove a pair of shoes and my clothes into the clamshell space then I further fill the compartments as needed with quick access stuff - medications on top, boxers/socks in one, bathroom kit in one etc.Looks great, feels great. Has sealed aquaguard zippers to keep moisture out. Side walls maintain their structure when layed flat. Padding on the back and straps is comfortable and thick.Only things I've noticed are that: you'll want to stick with a 3" diameter water bottle (recommend Miir 20oz wide mouth) ... MoreLove this bag. They took the feature-lacking but brilliant idea of the SEG 30 and added nearly every detail you could ask for.The clamshell access plus compartmental front access make this bag truly multipurpose - great for travel or daily carry.I usually shove a pair of shoes and my clothes into the clamshell space then I further fill the compartments as needed with quick access stuff - medications on top, boxers/socks in one, bathroom kit in one etc.Looks great, feels great. Has sealed aquaguard zippers to keep moisture out. Side walls maintain their structure when layed flat. Padding on the back and straps is comfortable and thick.Only things I've noticed are that: you'll want to stick with a 3" diameter water bottle (recommend Miir 20oz wide mouth) especially if you're packing the back full. The laptop compartment is pretty small and narrow. While I haven't tested it, I believe to fit a 16" laptop it needs to be a Mac or similar ultrabook. Lastly, I wish it has shoulder strap stow abilities for suitcase-like carry.Love the bag. I'd highly suggest it for both travel and daily carry.

Fantastic travel backpack

I was looking to replace my travel backpack after a number of years. After a good bit of research, I decided to buy the Matador SEG28. I do not regret my decision at all. I love the flexibility that the segmented approach. I have a large section for a change of clothes if I want, a section to keep my medications and liquids easy to reach, and other sections to fill however I want.The padded laptop section easily holds my PC, but gets a bit tight with my iPad Air in there, too (though they both fit).After a 2 week trip to South America, I have no regrets with this purchase whatsoever. There are a number of reviews of this backpack on YouTube, I found the one from JB Outside to be very informative.

Functional organization day bag

This backpack is full of organizations and functional details - from mesh pocket at the top, a padded computer pocket, to a luggage handle pass through, it is a great companion as a personal item for travellers. There are many handles, and I particularly appreciate an external water bottle pocket. Some online reviewers did not like the bulk or size of the straps, which I actually find them comfortable to carry even for an extended period of time.

Hope you get a clean, new one

This is an excellent replacement for carry on rolling luggage. It’s much lighter and the built in compartments are genius. No packing cubes needed. I bought this online to save a trip to the REI store. It was tagged like new but had sticky splotches in a compartment , the detachable hip belt was missing and there was a round stain on the back. Really looks like someone used it, spilled something inside then returned it. I washed out the sticky spots and am not motivated to go to the store to complain and exchange it. Not sure how useful that missing belt is anyway. If you buy this at the store I suggest inspecting it carefully for pre use. It is $250 after all, which should be buying you a new, unused one. I would not wear this pack walking in busy urban areas. The ... MoreThis is an excellent replacement for carry on rolling luggage. It’s much lighter and the built in compartments are genius. No packing cubes needed. I bought this online to save a trip to the REI store. It was tagged like new but had sticky splotches in a compartment , the detachable hip belt was missing and there was a round stain on the back. Really looks like someone used it, spilled something inside then returned it. I washed out the sticky spots and am not motivated to go to the store to complain and exchange it. Not sure how useful that missing belt is anyway. If you buy this at the store I suggest inspecting it carefully for pre use. It is $250 after all, which should be buying you a new, unused one. I would not wear this pack walking in busy urban areas. The zippered sections are not secure even though they advertise security loops. I’d carry it instead. That’s the only con.

Not for women!

I was very excited about this backpack- the compartmentalization, overall design, but I knew 10 minutes in walking through the airport that this backpack was going to be returned. I am 5'2" and 110 lbs, and this pack is very clearly not designed for women with no design accommodations... The straps do not come straight out but rather veer out at an angle thus making it impossible to stay on my shoulder's and causing back pain. Matador, I sure wish you had a backpack made for women!

So Close

Well-built backpack, with a lot of customization and storage, but has some major drawbacks. I really do enjoy the compartmentalized design, and the ability to access individual storage units. I can fit a lot into this thing, while still maintaining its good looks and accessibility.However, the backpack straps could be more comfortable as they are a little stiff and sit oddly on my shoulders. I'm disappointed with size of laptop compartment. It is advertised as capable of holding a standard 15.6" laptop, but the size of the opening is about half an inch too short. I have to apply a lot of force to get mine in and out. This will surely damage the zipper at some point in the near future.I also wish there was an easily and quickly accessible pocket on the top or ... MoreWell-built backpack, with a lot of customization and storage, but has some major drawbacks. I really do enjoy the compartmentalized design, and the ability to access individual storage units. I can fit a lot into this thing, while still maintaining its good looks and accessibility.However, the backpack straps could be more comfortable as they are a little stiff and sit oddly on my shoulders. I'm disappointed with size of laptop compartment. It is advertised as capable of holding a standard 15.6" laptop, but the size of the opening is about half an inch too short. I have to apply a lot of force to get mine in and out. This will surely damage the zipper at some point in the near future.I also wish there was an easily and quickly accessible pocket on the top or side to store small things like phone,wallet,keys. There is a smaller pocket above the laptop compartment that is secure, but not easy to access. The water bottle pocket is also small, at most fitting a standard 20oz bottle.Overall, this backpack's main feature works very well, and I do enjoy it for that purpose, but many of these smaller complaints of mine add up to an experience that leaves me disappointed whenever I choose to use it.

This bag is it!

I've had other Matador SEG bags in the past and this it my new favorite. The shoulder straps are super comfortable and was easy to carry for a long day of traveling. I took it on a recent trip to visit family which included a bus ride, a train ride, and a plane rider. So I guess you could say this backpack was a life saver. Everything staying organized and right where you want it is so nice. I'm thinking about using this for work as well, but I will have to phase out my current work pack. But I could see how this would be amazing as the daily.

Wonderful!

Amazing bag. Wonderful improvements.I'm 4"11 and the Seg 45 was a little too much bag for me. Especially since it didn't have comfortable straps or compression.However, in the next upgrade I hope there will be more space. I think 30-35 liters would be the sweet spot. Perhaps adding one more segment would do it? It is definitely a bit too small.Also, I liked the zippered water pocket in the old version better. It could serve more purposes.A whistle buckle would be nice too.