80% matchTimbuk2
Bag-first brand, urban commuter over packable travel
What changes: Heavier utilitarian nylon builds, no ultralight/packable focus
Brand profile
Matador
Boulder-based outdoor label making ultralight packable backpacks, duffels and dry bags in technical waterproof fabrics for travel and everyday carry.
BoulderOrigin
MenswearFocus
Gorpcore / OutdoorStyle
$$Price
4 brands like Matador like Timbuk2, The North Face, Patagonia →
What to know about Matador
Matador designs packable travel and outdoor equipment from Boulder, Colorado. Product designer Chris Clearman founded the company in 2014 in Redwood City, California, starting with a pocket-sized travel blanket before relocating to Boulder in 2015. The range now covers packable and waterproof backpacks, duffels, tote packs, slings, dry bags, toiletry cases, organizers and travel towels, built in ultralight technical fabrics with welded seams and DWR coatings. Bags run roughly $75 to $279, with accessories below $60. Distribution spans matadorequipment.com plus outdoor and menswear specialty retailers.
If you like Matador
80% match
70% matchThe North Face
Base Camp duffels and travel packs at bigger scale
What changes: Mass apparel giant, not a gear-only specialist
67% matchPatagonia
Black Hole duffels in the same waterproof-travel lane
What changes: Mostly apparel; heavier recycled fabrics, not ultralight
64% matchRains
Minimalist waterproof bags with a design-led finish
What changes: Fashion-leaning rubberized look, not technical ultralight kit
Brand facts
- Founded
- 2014
- Origin
- Boulder, United States
- Price
- $$
- Typical prices
- Bags $30–$147 · Accessories $17–$34 · Home goods $24–$38
- Focus
- Menswear
- Styles
- Gorpcore / Outdoor, Techwear