It’s a big EDC market out there, and tons of awesome gear is released all the time. We made The Drop to help you discover the latest and greatest essentials worth a spot in your EDC.
Packable bags are some of my favorite things to bring when traveling around a new city or heading out on a day trip to the beach. They can be easily folded up and stored in your main bag without worrying about them taking up too much space. The main drawback to packable bags is that they tend to sacrifice some features to make them compact and portable, such as less padding, fewer compartments, and a weaker structure which gives them the tendency to sag.
That all changes with Matador’s ReFraction series of packable bags. Each of the three products in the collection–the Packable Backpack, Duffle, and the Sling–are built with 100D recycled nylon with PU waterproofing that meets Bluesign criteria (one of the highest standards for textile production and sustainability), and all feature a PFC-free DWR coating. The durable materials used in the construction of the ReFraction series make them more structured and less saggy, and the availability of multiple pockets and stretchy compartments means you don’t have to sacrifice organizing options.
The ReFraction Packable Backpack features a 16-liter capacity and comes equipped with YKK water-resistant zippers, comfortable shoulder straps, a stretch front pocket, water bottle pockets on both sides, and even a pass-through for rolling luggage handles. The backpack straps feature lightweight padding and a hidden internal structure that prevents the shoulder straps from pinching inward or digging in.
For more storage, the ReFraction Packable Duffle’s 25-liter capacity should be enough for a day’s adventure. It also features water-resistant YKK zippers, zipper security loops for the main compartment, expandable pockets, rubberized high grip handles, and an expandable shoulder strap.
And for minimalist excursions, The ReFraction Packable Sling easily accommodates your essentials, like your phone, wallet, or keys, while keeping them safe from the elements with its YKK water-resistant zippers. Its adjustable strap and compression straps offer a customized fit, while the stretch front pocket makes it a versatile travel companion.
The best part is that all the bags pack into their own pockets, making them even more compact but versatile when you take them with you on your next trip.
What we like: Robust packable bags that aren’t the flimsy, floppy options you may have tried in the past. They even come in three colors to match your personal style. And if you missed out or didn’t prefer the recent EDX collaboration, these are a solid alternative.
What to watch out for: While the materials used in the ReFraction packable bags are durable, they’re also meant to be lightweight, making them more susceptible to damage than heavier bags.
Final verdict: The Matador ReFraction Series bags are balanced and versatile, with well-rounded features that take them up a notch higher than your typical packable bags.
