Comprehensive Guide to Matador Gear for Travel and Photographers
Matador is a brand synonymous with adventure, offering high-performance travel equipment designed for efficiency and durability. Founded in 2014 with a mission to create the best packable gear possible, Matador’s products are crafted in Boulder, Colorado, and tested in real-world travel scenarios. Their commitment to sustainability, using recycled materials and Bluesign®-certified fabrics, makes them a top choice for eco-conscious travelers and photographers. At Red Dot Photo, Singapore’s leading photography product reseller, we’re thrilled to highlight Matador’s top gear that caters to both travelers and photographers. This comprehensive guide explores six standout products, including the newly added Matador Global Travel Adapter, detailing their features, benefits, and why they’re essential for your next adventure or photoshoot.
Why Matador Stands Out
Matador’s gear is designed for travelers who prioritize rugged exploration, urban adventures, or off-grid experiences. Their products are lightweight, packable, and built to withstand demanding conditions, making them ideal for photographers who need reliable protection for their equipment. Matador’s use of eco-friendly materials, such as recycled nylon and PFC-free DWR coatings, aligns with the values of environmentally conscious consumers. Whether you’re capturing landscapes in the wilderness or street scenes in a bustling city, Matador’s gear ensures your equipment is safe, organized, and ready for action.
Top Matador Gear for Travel and Photography
1. GlobeRider45 Travel Backpack
The GlobeRider45 Travel Backpack is a flagship product designed for extended travel and versatile enough for photographers. With a 45-liter capacity, it’s carry-on compliant for most airlines, making it perfect for 2-3 week trips. The backpack features a full internal frame, aluminum framestay, and cushioned, breathable back panel and shoulder straps for comfort during long carries. Its clamshell design and flexible internal organization allow for easy access to gear, while the external daisy chain, water bottle pocket, and multiple grab handles add versatility.
Key Features:
- Capacity: 45 liters, carry-on compliant (22 H x 12 W x 11 D in).
- Organization: Large external stash pocket, admin pocket with layered organization, padded laptop pocket (fits up to 16" laptops).
- Durability: UHMWPE-reinforced high-wear panels, sealing YKK® zippers, 3-year warranty.
- Weather Resistance: Built with recycled 420D Bluesign® nylon and PU waterproofing, withstands light to medium precipitation.
- Comfort: Adjustable load lifters, sternum strap, stowable hip belt, and breathable padding.
Benefits for Travelers and Photographers:
- Travelers: The spacious design and organizational features make packing for long trips effortless, while the carry-on compliance simplifies air travel.
- Photographers: The padded laptop pocket and secure storage options are ideal for carrying cameras, lenses, and editing tools, with weather resistance ensuring gear safety in outdoor conditions.
Customer Feedback: Users praise its ability to fit everything for 4-day trips with room for souvenirs, and its compression straps help reduce size in crowded spaces.
Price: $539.00 (Shop Now).
{Disclaimer: Prices and are based on available data as of July 2025 and may vary.}
2. GlobeRider35 Travel Backpack
The GlobeRider35 Travel Backpack is a compact, 35-liter version of the GlobeRider45, designed for shorter trips or minimalist travelers while remaining ideal for photographers. Its carry-on-compliant size fits most airline requirements, and the clamshell design with top-loading access offers versatile packing options. Built with durable, Bluesign®-approved recycled nylon and a PU waterproof coating, it withstands light rain, making it perfect for urban or outdoor shoots. The backpack features a comfortable harness system with an aluminum framestay and a hideaway smuggler’s pocket for valuables like passports or memory cards.
Key Features:
- Capacity: 35 liters, carry-on compliant ( 20.2 H x 12.5 W x 9 D in).
- Organization: Clamshell and top-loading access, front organizer pocket, dual-access padded laptop pocket (fits up to 16" laptops), hideaway smuggler’s pocket.
- Durability: 420D recycled nylon with PU coating, YKK® sealing zippers, 3-year warranty.
- Weather Resistance: Withstands light rain, with waterproof materials and sealed zippers.
- Comfort: Internal frame with aluminum stay, breathable shoulder straps, removable hip belt.
Benefits for Travelers and Photographers:
- Travelers: Ideal for weekend getaways or minimalist travel, with smart organization for easy packing.
- Photographers: The laptop pocket and smuggler’s pocket protect cameras, lenses, and accessories, while the weather-resistant design ensures safety during outdoor shoots.
Customer Feedback: Users love its balance of capacity and portability, though some note the hip belt is tricky to remove and reattach. The front stretch pocket is praised for quick access to essentials like lens cloths or rain gear.
Price: $469.00 (Shop Now).
{Disclaimer: Prices and are based on available data as of July 2025 and may vary.}
3. Camera Base Layer
The Camera Base Layer is a specialized product tailored for photographers, offering lightweight, waterproof protection for mirrorless cameras and compact DSLRs. With an IPX6 rating, it withstands water jets when properly sealed, making it ideal for outdoor shoots in wet conditions. The adjustable design accommodates various camera and lens combinations, and the magnetic Fidlock® latch provides quick, one-handed access. A zipper pocket stores accessories like lens caps, memory cards, or hand warmers, enhancing its practicality.
Key Features:
- Waterproofing: IPX6-rated, with an integrated drybag liner for full protection.
- Custom Fit: Adjustable for mirrorless and compact DSLRs (sizing guide: Matador Camera Base Layer Instructions).
- Carry Options: Top carry handle, anodized aluminum carabiner, compatible with traditional camera straps.
- Materials: 420D PU-coated nylon, 40D exterior panels, Hypalon™ rolltop, Bluesign®-certified.
- Weight: 5.5 oz (155g).
Benefits for Photographers:
- Protection: Shields cameras from water and bumps, ideal for hiking or mountaineering.
- Accessibility: The magnetic latch and adjustable design ensure quick and easy access to your camera.
- Portability: Lightweight and compact, it fits easily into any travel bag.
Customer Feedback: Photographers, especially those using mirrorless cameras, rave about its simplicity and effectiveness, though it’s not suitable for full-frame DSLRs or telephoto lenses.
Price: $120.00 (Shop Now).
{Disclaimer: Prices and are based on available data as of July 2025 and may vary.}
4. SEG28 Backpack
The SEG28 Backpack is a compact, 28-liter backpack designed for short trips or as a personal item. Its segmented design eliminates the need for packing cubes, allowing you to organize camera gear, laptops, and other essentials by activity or item. The top-access laptop pocket (fits up to 16" laptops) and admin pocket keep frequently used items accessible, while the cushioned back panel and removable hip belt ensure comfort. The backpack’s weather-resistant materials and sealing zippers make it a reliable choice for urban or outdoor photography.
Key Features:
- Capacity: 28 liters, personal item compliant (20 H x 12 W x 9.5 D in).
- Organization: Segmented design, clamshell undercarriage, top-access laptop and admin pockets.
- Durability: UHMWPE-reinforced panels, sealing YKK® zippers, 3-year warranty.
- Weather Resistance: Recycled 420D Bluesign® nylon with PU waterproofing.
- Comfort: Breathable shoulder straps, sternum strap, removable hip belt.
Benefits for Travelers and Photographers:
- Travelers: Perfect for day trips or as a carry-on companion, with excellent organization for daily essentials.
- Photographers: The segmented design and laptop pocket make it easy to carry camera gear and editing tools, ideal for urban photography or short shoots.
Customer Feedback: Awarded “Best Carry-on Bag” by Carryology, users highlight its comfort and thoughtful design for travel and daily use.
Price: $399.00 (Shop Now).
{Disclaimer: Prices and are based on available data as of July 2025 and may vary.}
5. Flatpak™ Dry Bag (8L)
The Flatpak™ Dry Bag (8L) is a versatile, waterproof solution for protecting gear in wet conditions. With an IPX7 rating, it can be submerged up to 1 meter for 30 minutes, making it ideal for photographers working near water or in heavy rain. The roll-top closure ensures a secure seal, and the clear viewing window allows quick identification of contents. Its lightweight design (2.29 oz) and flat bottom make it easy to pack and use.
Key Features:
- Waterproofing: IPX7-rated, fully welded construction.
- Capacity: 8 liters, suitable for camera gear or electronics.
- Design: Roll-top closure, clear TPU window, Hypalon handle with carabiner loop.
- Materials: 70D ripstop nylon, Bluesign®-certified.
- Warranty: 1-year warranty.
Benefits for Travelers and Photographers:
- Travelers: Protects essentials during outdoor adventures or rainy conditions.
- Photographers: Keeps camera gear safe from water, ideal for coastal or rainforest shoots.
Customer Feedback: Users appreciate its lightweight design and reliability, though some note concerns about long-term material durability.
Price: From $56.00 (Shop Now).
{Disclaimer: Prices and are based on available data as of July 2025 and may vary.}
6. Gear Cube Set 3-Pack
The Gear Cube Set 3-Pack is designed for organization, featuring three bucket-style cubes with compression cinches for efficient packing. Made from recycled 100D nylon with YKK® zippers, these cubes are durable and eco-friendly. The wide-mouth design and grab handles make them easy to load and carry, perfect for separating camera accessories, clothes, or other items.
Key Features:
- Design: Bucket-style with compression cinches, wide-mouth zipper.
- Materials: Recycled 100D nylon, Bluesign®-certified, PFC-free DWR coating.
- Durability: YKK® zippers, 3-year warranty.
- Functionality: Suitable for clothing, shoes, or camera accessories.
Benefits for Travelers and Photographers:
- Travelers: Simplifies packing and keeps belongings organized, reducing travel stress.
- Photographers: Ideal for separating camera gear, cables, or memory cards, ensuring quick access during shoots.
Customer Feedback: Users love the cubes’ durability and sleek design, with many purchasing additional sets for better organization.
Price: $89.00 (Shop Now).
{Disclaimer: Prices and are based on available data as of July 2025 and may vary.}
7. Global Travel Adapter
The Matador Global Travel Adapter is a compact, smart international outlet adapter that ensures photographers and travelers can charge their gear anywhere in over 170 countries. With the ability to power up to six devices simultaneously, it features a high-capacity USB-C PD35 port for fast-charging smartphones and tablets, three USB-A ports, one additional USB-C port, and a multi-country AC plug. Its smart-charging technology automatically detects and delivers the optimal voltage, ensuring safe and efficient charging. The adapter’s lightweight (5.8 oz) and compact design (3 x 2 x 2 in) makes it easy to pack, and it includes a spare 8A fuse for added reliability.
Key Features:
- Compatibility: Works in 170+ countries with three extendable plug options (Europe, UK, USA/Australia).
- Charging Capacity: Powers up to six devices, including laptops (via AC plug), cameras, smartphones, and more.
- Smart-Charging: Automatically adjusts voltage for safe, efficient charging; PD35 port fast-charges smartphones from 0-50% in under 30 minutes.
- Safety: CE, RoHS, UKCA, and FCC compliant, with built-in over-temperature and over-current protection, plus a spare fuse.
- Design: Lightweight (5.8 oz), compact (3 x 2 x 2 in), available in black or Forget-Me-Not Orange.
Benefits for Travelers and Photographers:
- Travelers: Simplifies charging in diverse destinations, eliminating the need for multiple adapters.
- Photographers: Ensures camera batteries, laptops, and other electronics stay powered during shoots, with fast-charging capabilities for minimal downtime.
Customer Feedback: Users praise its versatility and compact design, noting its reliability across multiple countries, though some mention the 35W total output may be limiting for power-hungry devices like large laptops.
Price: $59.00 (Shop Now).
{Disclaimer: Prices and are based on available data as of July 2025 and may vary.}
Comparison Table
| Product | Capacity | Key Features | Best For | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GlobeRider45 Backpack | 45L | Clamshell design, laptop pocket, weather-resistant | Long trips, camera gear storage | $539.00 |
|
GlobeRider35 Backpack |
35L |
Clamshell & top access, smuggler’s pocket, weather-resistant |
Short trips, minimalist photography |
$469.00 |
| Camera Base Layer | N/A | IPX6 waterproof, adjustable fit, quick access | Camera protection | $120.00 |
| SEG28 Backpack | 28L | Segmented design, laptop pocket, personal item | Short trips, urban photography | $399.00 |
| Flatpak™ Dry Bag (8L) | 8L | IPX7 waterproof, roll-top, lightweight | Wet conditions, gear protection | From $56.00 |
| Gear Cube Set 3-Pack | Varies | Compression cinches, recycled nylon, durable | Organization, accessory storage | $89.00 |
| Global Travel Adapter | N/A | 6 ports, 170+ countries, smart-charging | Charging devices anywhere | $59.00 |
Why Shop at Red Dot Photo?
As Singapore’s premier photography product reseller, Red Dot Photo is dedicated to providing photographers with the best tools to capture their vision. Our curated selection of Matador gear combines functionality with durability, ensuring you’re prepared for any adventure. Visit our store or website to explore these products and discover how they can enhance your travel and photography experience. Our expert team is ready to help you find the perfect gear for your needs.
Conclusion
Matador’s gear is a game-changer for travelers and photographers, offering lightweight, durable, and eco-friendly solutions for any journey. The Matador Global Travel Adapter and SEG28 Backpack provide versatile carrying options for camera gear and travel essentials, while the Camera Base Layer and Flatpak™ Dry Bag (8L) ensure your equipment stays protected in challenging conditions. The Gear Cube Set 3-Pack keeps everything organized, and the Matador Global Travel Adapter ensures your devices stay powered anywhere in the world. Available through Red Dot Photo, these products are designed to help you focus on what matters most—exploring the world and capturing its beauty. Equip yourself with Matador’s top gear and embark on your next adventure with confidence.
Looking for more Matador products? Check out our Matador Collection.
You can find us on Lazada, Shopee & Tiktok shop as well.
Citations:
- Matador Equipment Official Website
- REI Co-op
- Pack Hacker
- Shutter Muse
- GearJunkie
