I’ve been a frequent traveller for almost 20 years and I’ve spent quite a lot of time backpacking! I’ve tried so many backpacks throughout that point however I’ve by no means discovered ‘the right backpack’, till now…
Let me introduce you to the Matador SEG 28 (additionally accessible within the bigger SEG 45) which I imagine is the easiest backpack for a backpacking journey.
Issues with regular backpacks
Let me begin by telling you the primary downside with regular backpacks.
Most backpacks have one big pocket the place your belongings all get swallowed up collectively. You’ll be able to by no means discover something and it’s at all times an enormous jumbled mess of garments and cables and odd socks and soiled sneakers.
You need to use packing cubes however that’s an additional faff and complicates the entire course of.
The opposite downside with most backpacks is that they open from the highest. You’ve got a small opening the place you stuff your arm in and blindly rummage round for what you’re on the lookout for. It’s like a much less thrilling model of the ‘What’s within the Field?’ problem however you actually may discover one thing unexpectedly gross.
To place it merely, with a standard backpack you possibly can by no means discover something and something that slips to the underside of your backpack is destined to remain there till you get house – which might be something from two weeks to 2 years later.
If, like me, this feels like your worst nightmare then let’s check out the Matador SEG 28.
The Matador SEG 28
The SEG collection of Matador backpacks are perfect for backpackers who like to remain organised.
Segmented Design
Because of the segmented design it’s like having built-in packing cubes. However to make it even higher, you possibly can entry them from the skin of the bag so you possibly can simply get to all the things with out opening up your complete factor.
The Matador SEG 28 has 4 outer segments which steadily get barely larger as you go down. The highest phase is 4 litre, then 6 litre, then 8 after which 10 on the backside.
I really like the concept of utilizing every phase for a unique factor, like tops in a single, shorts in one other, underwear in one other and so forth. Or possibly you’d put complete outfits in every phase to maintain your outfits completely organised for a weekend break.
There are such a lot of extra nice design options to the Matador SEG backpacks however, actually, that is what bought it to me and what separated it from all the opposite backpacks in the marketplace.
After I assume again to the 2 years I spent backpacking round Asia and Australia, I can’t assist however take into consideration absolutely the burden and chaos that was my backpack. I hated it a lot!
Clamshell undercarriage
You do even have the versatile possibility to make use of the undercarriage moderately than the segmented pockets. There will likely be instances you’ve bought giant gadgets so it’s good to have the flexibleness right here. You need to use a mix of the segments and the larger pocket too.
Prime entry laptop computer pocket
There’s a properly padded laptop computer pocket that you could simply entry from the highest of the bag. It’s additionally a very discreet pocket so it’s not apparent it’s there.
Prime entry ‘admin pocket’
Ahh, the ‘admin pocket’. Everyone knows what which means. It’s all that random stuff you need to simply entry. It’s your cellphone charger and your lip balm, your keys, your headphones, a packet of sweets, a mini sunscreen and different vitally essential bits! Fortunately, they’re all simple to entry with this pocket.
Smugglers pocket
To me, a smugglers pocket is mainly a passport pocket. It’s a secure, hidden pocket behind the again panel of the Matador SEG 28 the place you possibly can retailer essential issues like your passport, financial institution playing cards, money and paperwork.
Aspect water bottle pocket
Not all larger backpacks have a water bottle holder so that is nice. Whereas it doesn’t seem to be an enormous deal to have it, it’s actually annoying not having one! Something that helps you’ve each palms free whilst you journey goes to make life a lot simpler.
Seize handles
The Matador SEG 28 has seize handles on the highest, backside and sides. Once more, it’s a easy factor however many backpacks don’t have them and this makes it a lot simpler to seize your bag from wherever it may be saved.
Baggage deal with go
This backpack additionally had a baggage deal with go when you’re additionally travelling with a rolling suitcase. This makes life a lot simpler!
Compression straps
These are significantly essential with the SEG 28 since you may be utilizing this backpack as hand baggage. You’re positively going to want to make use of these compression straps in some unspecified time in the future to squeeze your bag collectively make sure that it matches within the overhead locker!
Snug straps
This backpack hasn’t been designed for lengthy hikes however it’s going to be comfy to hold when totally loaded. It has a cushioned, breathable again panel and good, cushioned shoulder straps. This bag may not be large however it would get heavy so these comfy straps are a should.
Security zips
These zips are a superb and easy design. You’ll be able to push the zip by this loop which is straightforward to do however a bit fiddly to undo. It means an opportunistic pickpocket goes to wrestle to rapidly get into these pockets with out inflicting a scene.
Can be utilized for journey and on a regular basis use
The great factor in regards to the Matador SEG 28 is that it’s additionally a very good dimension for on a regular basis use, significantly when you commute to work. I can think about it could be very useful to have your fitness center equipment in a single phase, a change of garments for after work drinks in one other, your lunch in a single and so forth.
The one draw back
The one draw back to this backpack for me is that it’s not fairly the appropriate dimensions for cabin baggage – significantly for Ryanair, easyJet and WizzAir.
I repeatedly fly with these price range carriers and this bag is simply too huge for the ‘free’ underseat baggage however the paid cabin baggage may be larger.
Total ideas
Lastly, I feel that is a tremendous backpack to maintain all the things organised whilst you journey. I’d love to make use of it for an prolonged backpacking journey and even only a weekend break the place I’d use every phase for a unique outfit.
In case you’re utilizing it for hand baggage then you have to to verify the airways tips about whether or not it falls into the free or paid baggage class.
