Advnture Verdict
A highly functional, versatile, lightweight, backpack-style dry bag that can be used on all sorts of outdoor adventures, and comes in useful on an almost daily basis.
Pros
- +
Easy to carry when not in use
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Lightweight
Cons
- -
Harness not as robust as some others
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First impressions
The magic of the Matador Freerain Waterproof 24L Backpack – besides its high level of functionality – is that it packs down super small (to around the size of a soda can) in a supplied stuff sack. Complete with a harness, the pack is made from 30D Cordura ripstop nylon.
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The seam-sealed main bag has a silky-feeling silicone waterproof coating, which makes it easy to stuff away when it’s empty. The Freerain is also available in a 32-liter version ($90).
• RRP: $65 (US)
• Weight: 187g / 6.6oz
• Size / Volume: 24L / 1465 cu in
• Material: Waterproof 30D Cordura ripstop nylon
• Colors: Charcoal Grey and Coyote
• Closure method: Roll-top and clip
• Other available sizes: 32L
On the trails
The excellent packability of the Freerain made it the handiest dry bag I’ve ever had for traveling. It is also a dry bag I took backpacking and bikepacking with me, and even when I wasn’t out in the wilds, I kept it in the car for quick runs into the grocery store.
A Hypalon rolltop closure on the 24-liter main compartment fended off a rainstorm with ease, as well as splashes when I packed it for a canoe outing. On a paddling trip in New York’s Adirondacks, I used this backpack dry bag as a summit pack for a side trip.
The side pockets comfortably held 1L water bottles, and contoured mesh shoulder straps made this waterproof pack comfortable to carry as long as I packed it relatively light. The dry bag backpack comes in a detachable rolltop storage bag, which I used to hold track of phone, wallet, and keys when it wasn’t storing the pack.
