Beast28 Ultralight Technical Backpack

I am a Team Lead on a MRA- certified search & rescue team based in the western USA. We conduct missions and operations both locally ('front country') and in the Sierra Nevada. When deploying on non-backcountry searches, a lighter weight pack with a capacity in the 25-30L is optimal to carry the 15-20lbs of gear we need. I am constantly trying to find a pack that is durable enough for our missions, but also light enough that I am not carrying an extra 2-3lbs due to a durable yet heavy pack. A few key features that I look in a smaller capacity search & rescue pack are:

1) a loading bearing waist belt + comfortable/ adjustable shoulder straps
2) a 'duffel-style' main compartment that opens to allow you to easy access all the items in the main compartment
3) an internal pouch for a hydration bladder
4) large mesh side pockets (for gear and/ or extra water bottles)
5) pockets on the waist belt to hold snacks, compasses, knife, etc.
6) compression straps to reduce pack volume when the pack is not full
7) exterior loops to hold carabines, hiking poles, etc.
8) tough zippers that can take a LOT of abuse

The Matador Beast28 Ultralight Technical Backpack has all of these features and more!

I have been using the Beast28 Ultralight Technical Backpack for the past 2 months and I am very pleased with it. It has become my go-to 'in-county' search & rescue pack. It is light, tough, comfortable to wear all day and it has enough features to make it very usable, while not being overly complicated with unnecessary extras (ie tie-offs, extra straps, etc.).

I would recommend this pack to anyone looking for a 20-30L capacity, lightweight, tough and practical backpack for everyday use.

I’ve had this bag for years now and it’s been a fantastic daypack, work bag, field bag, and carry-on. I’ve shoved all kinds of things in this bag and weighed it down, without one worry about the straps or zippers failing. This bag is strong and durable as they come. It’s been in the desert, jungle, city, and dragged, thrown, used, and abused. Since I typically fill this bag pretty full, I wish the front compartment was not as deep, because things tend to get lost down there for me and I have to dig for them. The small internal organizational pocket is too small to fit everything I need, so I think I’d love having the long front compartment split into two: a shorter top compartment (with the internal pocket staying there, and one below that is longer/taller and takes up the rest of the original compartment’s volume. This would facilitate a bit more organization. I especially love the two deep water bottle pockets that I routinely use for 40oz hydro flasks. I have owned many backpacks - this one is legit!!!

We've been using the Beast 28 pack all over the world for several years now. I usually pack it in my checked luggage so I have it available to transfer gear specific to a day or outing from our travel gear in general. The 28 pack is tough, well designed, comfortable when loaded and has a very functional suspension system that rivals climbing specific packs. Its a buy. You'll love it as well!