Matein Backpack Review: I Tested This Versatile, Affordable Travel Bag
Updated: Apr. 29, 2024
I'm no stranger to quality travel backpacks. My Matein backpack review will show you why this functional option is worth considering.
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When I’m preparing for a trip, I almost always pack in a travel backpack. Occasionally, I’ll also bring a carry-on suitcase, but I generally like to keep my packing light as it allows me to be a more nimble traveler. Plus, I don’t have to worry about my luggage getting lost, which isn’t uncommon.
That said, I’m always on the lookout for a quality backpack. Enter the Matein backpack. This backpack initially caught my eye because of its affordable price tag of $40, which is a steal for a 40-liter backpack. The high Amazon ratings also intrigued me. At that point, I had to test it out. I recently took it on a few trips and have even been using it as a daily bag. Here’s my Matein backpack review.
What is the Matein backpack?
The Matein backpack doubles as both a travel backpack and a daypack, making it a multi-purpose bag for anyone in the market for a new backpack. This backpack can hold up to 40 liters worth of stuff, but even at full capacity, I still found it to be very comfortable, thanks to the padded sleeves and back panel.
It’s not a very structured or rigid backpack, which I appreciate for my style of packing and travel. The Matein backpack is made of water-resistant, high-density nylon fabric. It’s not super stretchy, but it’s a bit more forgiving than other fabrics if you overpack a bit. You can thank the durable metal zippers for that, too.
VIA MERCHANT
I Tried It
Matein Backpack
Whether you're headed on a trip or just out for the day, this backpack has smart compartments for easy organization.
Matein backpack features
The Matein backpack isn’t the most stylish backpack on the market, but it’s functional and durable — two features that I personally require to consider it a quality companion. The overall style of the pack is simple and clean, and its features include:
- One laptop compartment (fits up to a 15.6- or 17-inch laptop)
- One main compartment with organizational pockets
- One medium-sized compartment
- Three external zippered pockets
- One anti-theft pocket
- One water bottle sleeve
- One shoe compartment with venting holes (fits up to size 12 shoes)
- USB charging port
- Luggage strap
The three smaller external zippers provide easy access to all your travel accessories, such as AirPods, chapstick, chargers, snacks, etc. It also has one medium-sized pocket that’s separate from the main packing compartment, which is a quick place to store things like a book, notebook or other larger things that you want easy access to.
The main packing compartment is roomy but also features several smaller organizational zippered pockets along the inside. What I really love about the main compartment is that it’s double-zippered and opens up clamshell-style, so you don’t have to dig around to find things. There’s also a separate shoe compartment at the bottom of the backpack to keep your dirty shoes away from your clean clothes. This isn’t a big selling point for me, as I usually put my shoes in a plastic bag so that I can pack them alongside my other items in a more strategic way rather than having them sit in the middle of my bag.
There’s also a separate laptop compartment complete with a protective sleeve to keep your laptop from hitting the ground. Finally, there’s a hidden anti-theft pocket along the back panel where you can store valuable items, such as your phone, wallet and passport.
How I tested it
I recently used the Matein backpack as my personal item for a long weekend trip and was able to fit the overflow of my Away carry-on in it. I was traveling for a wedding, so I had to pack some bulkier items like heels and dresses, which can always be a challenge, so I used the backpack to pack my regular clothes and shoes. I’m a big fan of packing cubes, as they’re great for keeping things compact and organized, and used them to keep things tidy in both my Matein backpack and carry-on.
I was hoping there would be some extra overhead space for the backpack, but it was full on my flight so I had to put the backpack under the seat in front of me—and thankfully, it fit with ease, so it can be used as a carry-on or personal item for those low-cost carriers who can be quite strict.
I’ve also been using the Matein backpack as my gym bag, as I appreciate how easy it is to pack. I also really like that it opens clamshell-style so I can easily see what’s inside without digging through it.
Pros
- Functionally designed
- Comfortable even when fully loaded
- Well organized
- Made of durable material
- Affordable price point
- Compatible with 15.6- or 17-inch laptops
- Available in six colors
- Works as a personal item on airlines
Cons
- Only one water bottle sleeve
- USB charging port doesn’t include a power bank
FAQ
What is the Matein backpack made of?
The Matein backpack is made of water-resistant and high-density nylon fabric. The metal zippers feel smooth and sturdy, ensuring your possessions stay safe and dry.
Can the Matein backpack fit my laptop?
The Matein backpack has a separate zippered laptop compartment, which includes a sleeve that can fit up to either a 15.6- or 17-inch laptop, depending which size you get. You can also fit a larger laptop in the zippered compartment, however, the sleeve offers an extra layer of protection.
What other reviewers had to say
I’m not the only one who loves the Matein backpack. From over 4,000 ratings, it has an average of 4.7 out of five stars. Here’s what real-life reviewers are saying:
Verified purchaser, Zachary Germana, says, “Love, love, love this bag! I have used it on many trips and love it more every time I use it. It has plenty of space for a long weekend and it has saved me a lot of money not having to pay for a carry-on/checked bag on budget airlines. If traveling for work, I now use it as my personal item. So far, it is holding up well with no noticeable wear or damage. Get this bag!”
“Planned a long weekend with friends and this was perfect,” writes Sonya, a five-star reviewer. “I had three pairs of jeans, four long-sleeve, heavier shirts and a sweatshirt, my eBags toiletry bag, three pairs of heavy socks for hiking, undergarments, three camisole tops and makeup. I even managed to stuff my winter coat in, but decided to throw it in my husband’s bag as it was getting a bit heavy.”
“I bought this for a four-day vacation, and it fit all my clothes and a pair of shoes super easily. The only thing I would change about it is where the shoe pouch sits, because it’s in the main compartment so it makes it a little hard to put clothes in there, but nothing that would make me not buy this again if needed,” shares verified buyer, Austin Kumzi.
Product comparison: Matein vs. Dagne Dover backpacks
While the Matein backpack‘s $40 price tag is appealing, you might wonder if an option, like the Dagne Dover Dakota Neoprene Backpack in the large size, has something so spectacular that it’s worth the $215 cost. As with most this-vs.-that scenarios, it comes down to what you value in a travel backpack.
Looks-wise, the Matein backpack and Dagne Dover are both simple and clean, and each one can accommodate a 17-inch laptop. Not far off from what the Matein offers, the Dagne Dover Dakota features a large interior compartment, one exterior laptop sleeve, one interior laptop sleeve, two interior pockets, one medium front pocket and one shoe bag. However, the Matein backpack is much larger at 40 liters while the Dagne Dover holds 20 liters. The more affordable option features more external zippers whereas Dagne Dover has a pretty classic backpack design with a front zipper pocket and water bottle sleeves.
It all comes down to what kind of setup you’re looking for in a travel companion.
Final verdict
For $40, the Matein backpack is not only a steal but also a quality backpack that can withstand the various elements of travel. While some people prefer a more structured backpack, I prefer a backpack that has a little more stretch to it, and the Matein backpack does. Overall, I found it to be a very functional, durable and well-organized backpack. If you’re in the market for a versatile backpack that you can use whether you’re headed on vacation or into the office, the Matein backpack is certainly worth considering.
Where to buy the Matein backpack
VIA MERCHANT
I Tried It
Matein Backpack
With smartly placed pockets and compartments, this backpack makes travel a breeze.
You can snag the Matein backpack on Amazon. The one with a 15.6-inch laptop compartment costs $40, and the version that’s compatible with a 17-inch laptop costs $42 to $56, depending on the color. Choose from the black, gray, green, light purple, purple and pink color options and you’ll be ready for your next trip.
Originally Published: April 29, 2024
