We reviewed Matador's GlobeRider35 – here's our take

We all know that browsing products online isn’t the same as taking them for a test spin, so we’re here to help. In our series of in-depth reviews, our editors pick out products you may be curious about. This time, we’re reviewing Matador's GlobeRider35 travel backpack, a feature-rich bag ideal for backpacking and camping trips. Read our review to learn more about the ins and outs of the bag, then head to Cathay Shop to browse Matador’s range of travel essentials .   

A little bit of background   

Matador's GlobeRider35 boasts a generous 35-litre capacity and spacious main compartment, so you’ll be able to bring all your packing cubes along for the ride. While packing a punch, it’s still carry-on-friendly and fits into most overhead compartments. The outdoor-inspired, backpacking-style bag is also built from environmentally friendly, waterproof materials, with its primary exterior material being a 420D Bluesign recycled nylon with a PU waterproof coating. Its ergonomic internal suspension system is built around an aluminium framestay and framesheet which adds structure to the back panel. Its supportive harness system – consisting of stowable shoulder straps and a hip belt, alongside adjustable load lifters and a sternum strap – helps to transfer weight from the shoulders and distribute it more evenly.  

The front face of the bag sports a large, stretchy external stash pocket and two grab handles on the side, one on the top and one on the bottom. Towards the top, there’s an external-access admin pocket with layered zipped pockets and slots for storing miscellaneous items such as pens, tissues and earphones. At the back of the bag, you’ll find yet another top handle, a handy external-access laptop sleeve with a side zip, and a smuggler's pocket hidden behind the back panel – the ideal spot for safeguarding your passport.  

To access the inside, you have two zippers: one at the front and one at the back. The former can unzip all the way to the bottom for clamshell opening, making packing simple, while the latter can only unzip the bag’s top section, suitable for quick storage. Inside, there are four mesh pockets near the front of the bag and a magnetic-closure sleeve near the back – which is actually the second way to access the laptop pocket. 

One side of the bag contains an external stretchy pocket for your water bottle, while the other side has a handle for convenient carrying. At the very top, there’s a shallow, discreet zipped pocket lined with soft, scratch-resistant material for small, flat items. Straps are fitted with side-release buckles to keep the load close to your back, and a D-ring for attaching your water bottle or keys. 

In the unlikely event that there’s more that you just can’t fit into the GlobeRider35, it also comes with dual V-compression straps and side-release buckles for additional securement options, while its built-in luggage-handle pass-through means it pairs well with any checked baggage. 

First impressions   

Having recently gotten into camping, I was in the market for a backpack that would be big enough for all my gear. I was immediately impressed by the GlobeRider35’s durable materials, premium build and sturdy construction. I was drawn to the dark red colour – a stylish, striking alternative to the standard black, while still being practical. Plus, the bag's cushioned yet breathable back panel, wide and padded shoulder straps, and removable hip belt lighten the perceived load and offer ample support, making the bag comfortable even for long treks to more remote campsites. The almost endless array of different-sized compartments spread across the bag keeps things well-organised and clearly separated, making it hard to misplace your belongings – as long as you can keep track of what goes where. You’ll rest easy knowing your valuables are protected with hidden compartments, as well as zipper pulls and security loops on all external pockets.  

One of my favourite features was the innovative dual-access padded laptop pocket with a protected false-bottom, which you can access both internally and externally – perfect for taking your electronic device out during airport security checks. Having the two main compartment entry points was also a game-changer. Top-loading access is great for quickly stashing and retrieving items when on the go. With the clamshell opening, upon arriving at your campsite or hotel, you can effortlessly unzip your bag, lay it flat and see everything you’ve packed, just like a suitcase.   

Any cons?   

While the hip belt is an essential and helpful feature for transferring weight from the shoulders, the belt itself is rather difficult to remove and reattach. Even when you have a lighter load and don’t need to use the belt, it’s probably easier to just leave it on.  

In addition, although it’s a definite plus that the bag is made of such high-quality materials, the materials don’t have a lot of give, which somewhat reduces the storage capacity of the bag and also makes the bag heavier. Similarly, the laptop sleeve’s thick padded layer, while protective, also makes it a bit of a tight squeeze.  

Final thoughts     

Matador's GlobeRider35 travel backpack is a real investment piece and a lifelong travel companion. It’s optimally designed for not only safely storing your travel gear, but also for sleek organisation, all-day comfort, and smooth journeys for many years to come.