REASONS TO BUY
No need for packing cubes
Super lightweight
Plenty of grab handles
REASONS TO AVOID
Unsupportive harness system
Not good for heavy loads
Lacks structure
Laptop sleeve lacks protection
Subpar padding
Matador SEG30 Segmented Review
A minimal travel backpack with segmented zipper pockets for those who don't like packing cubes
Credit: Matador
Our Verdict
This 30-liter travel backpack offers a unique organization solution through segmented pockets, eliminating the need for packing cubes. The front pockets range from four to twelve liters. The Matador SEG30 Segmented also offers a small quick-grab pocket and water bottle pocket, although it is very small. The overall structure of the bag is lacking, but it sags less if it's completely stuffed. Unfortunately, the minimal harness system is not very supportive, so keeping this pack lightweight is paramount. If you're looking for a budget-friendly, easy-to-use travel backpack and do not plan to carry heavy gear, the SEG30 is a solid option.
Our Analysis and Test Results
The Matador SEG30 offers 30 liters of carrying capacity split up between four segmented zipper pockets that can be accessed from the front of the bag. It is extremely lightweight and highly stuffable.
Performance Comparison
This little travel backpack is super stuffable, but lacks structure.
Credit: Hayley Thomas
Comfort
It isn't easy to make a comfortable pack without ample padding and a waist belt, so the SEG30 cannot measure up to the other options in our test suite. The shoulder straps have mesh for breathability, but they are minimally padded. The adjustable sternum strap helps distribute the weight across the upper body, but there is no waist belt.
The lack of a waist belt and general structure makes the SEG30 an uncomfortable pack to shoulder for extended periods.
Credit: Hayley Thomas
A 30-liter backpack does not often require a hip belt unless you plan to carry heavy gear. However, the SEG30 is unstructured and easily stuffable, so it can get heavy quickly if you're not paying attention. The lack of structure also makes it sag in a way that negatively affects the overall comfort.
Notice how the SEG30 sags, putting too much weight on the shoulders alone.
Credit: Hayley Thomas
Features
The SEG30 is a minimal backpack, but it doesn't lack necessary features. It has nicely padded handles on the top and side of the bag. Unfortunately, holding the SEG30 briefcase style is not ideal due to its saggy nature. There are four small gear loops on the front of the pack. Two at the top and two at the bottom that are great for hanging a water bottle or your climbing shoes.
The handles on the SEG30 are surprisingly padded and comfortable to hold.
Credit: Hayley Thomas
Packing and Accessibility
The Matador SEG30 offers a unique organizational system. It is comprised of four segmented packing cube-style pockets of varying sizes: 4, 6, 8, and 12 liters. If you do not want to use the segmented pocket system on the front, the entire pack opens up into the main compartment, clamshell-style. There is also a quick grab pocket at the top, which is great for your phone, keys, and wallet.
The main compartment does not often get used if the front segmented pockets are full.
Credit: Hayley Thomas
This bag design is great in theory, but it falls short in a few areas. While the segmented pocket system is unique and easily accessible, it only works if you stuff each section to its fullest capacity. The water bottle holder is very small, the laptop sleeve has no padding or false bottom for protection, and the main compartment is not useable if the segmented pockets are full.
The SEG30 is easy to get in and out of on the go, but it does not sit upright without assistance.
Credit: Hayley Thomas
Volume to Weight Ratio
There is one undeniably positive attribute to an unstructured travel bag, and that is that they are generally very lightweight. The SEG30 weighs just 1.5 pounds and has a carrying capacity of 30 liters. This is a very impressive volume-to-weight ratio.
This pack may sag a bit, but it is made of very lightweight material.
Credit: Hayley Thomas
Durability
Even though the SEG30 is lightweight, it is still rather durable. It is made chiefly of 420D nylon with a DWR (durable weather resistant) coating. The internal compartments are made of 100D Robic Dynatec nylon weave, and the strap mounting points are made of Hypalon synthetic rubber. There is no Ripstop technology, so if you tear the bag, it will likely continue to rip, but we had no issues with this during our extensive testing.
Durable material does not always have to be heavy, and the SEG30 does a great job of keeping things light.
Credit: Hayley Thomas
Value
The SEG30 falls on the more affordable side of our lineup. Unfortunately, with the price cut comes some lack in performance. If you plan to carry a lighter load and prefer the segmented nature of this pack to compressions bags, then it's a dream come true. However, if you plan to carry heavy gear for extended periods, the general lack of structure and insufficient harness system renders this bag useless.
Conclusion
The four packing cube-like pockets are a great organizational solution in theory, but the Matador SEG30 lacks the structure it needs to be a truly viable travel backpack. The harness system is underwhelming, and the laptop sleeve offers zero protection. If you are in the market for a lightweight travel pack and only plan to carry soft, stuffable clothing, the SEG30 may work for you, but there are higher performers in our test suite that are just a smidge more expensive.
We do appreciate the idea, but the SEG30 has some glaring shortcomings.
Credit: Hayley Thomas
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Hayley Thomas
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