Matador Waterproof FlatPak Toiletry Case Review
Mouthfull of a title - but let’s see if this toiletry kit is function or gimmick.
Waterproof FlatPak Toiletry Kit Review Introduction
Matador has really worked to expand its product offerings in the last year or so, coming up with all sorts of ideas on small, light, and packable products that you can actually use while on your trips. Mostly targeting those outdoorsy situations, but hey, no reason you can’t use them in the city as well. (You might remember that one of my favorite products of theirs was included in my Best Soap Kit For Travel article).
One of those expansions is into the realm of toiletry cases. Using their proprietary fabric, they’ve built a one-size-fits-many kind of open pouch that you can use to toss your toiletries into when you are just looking for the basics in an ultralight form. Though, with the benefit of being waterproof so as to not spill into your other gear. Sound interesting? Let’s take a look.
This is my review of the Matador Waterproof Flatpak Toiletry Case. I took this bag with me on my recent 10 day trip to Tanzania/Zanzibar for some safari and beach resort testing.
For full transparency, I reached out to Matador and they were kind enough to send me a unit to review on my trip. This is not, however, a sponsored review and no one has seen or adjusted this review prior to publishing. This page does use affiliate links. If you click to make a purchase, I do make a small commission which helps to keep this site running. There is no cost to you, and you're under no obligation to use my links. With that out of the way, let's dig in!
Matador Waterproof FlatPak Toiletry Kit Overview
We’ll get techy in a minute here, but the FlatPak Toiletry case is just that - a pouch-style case for you to toss your toiletries into when you travel. It’s straightforward and simple - because not everyone needs 9 different pockets to organize their essentials.
The case is made of their Dry-Through tech. It has a hypalon roll top closure (which by the way are best for waterproofing) and the main material is waterproof 30D Cordora. The buckles are made by our friends at YKK.
There’s a flat bottom design that allows it to stand up on its own and you’re looking at a 2L capacity at its biggest. That said, if you roll it down to fit your needs it can get much smaller.
Weight is a measly 1.17oz (33.2g) so I don’t think you’re going to feel this one much.
Colors are black and charcoal.
It retails for $24.99 online and is often included in their sales.
FlatPak Toiletry Case Features
Other than the weight and overall flexibility of a pouch-style case, the real feature here is the Dry-Through tech Matador has come up with. They’ve used this in other products (similarly in a zippered toiletry case as well as their famous FlatPak soap case - which I love).
The selling point of this fabric is that it blocks water coming in (seems pretty obvious) but also that it allows water to permeate as vapor on the way out. Meaning that anything wet or damp inside the bag is able to dry over time. It’s very cool technology for fabric nerds (or anyone, really). Referencing that Soap Case again, this process works very, very well. It’s slightly magic.
The Good
The big selling point is just as advertised - Dry-Through tech works. It’s a fantastic feature in a bag like this.
I like the rolltop design as it allows you to pack more or less depending on your needs and if it’s “less”, then you can just roll it down and the bag is even smaller.
Quality is awesome here as well. In fact, I would actually venture to recommend all those serious Onebaggers that feel they don’t need something fancy for their toiletry case and just use a ziplock bag - upgrade to this instead. It’s kind of a buy it for life item, adds better tech, and it’s not supporting things like ziplock bags which are a scourge to most societies and not built to last.
The Bad
Lack of organization. I say this because some people LOVE that. It doesn’t mean this bag doesn’t do what it’s designed for, it just wasn’t designed for the neat freak. But for many, they want the org and this just doesn’t do it.
When you roll it, the bag can get filled with air and not allow you to get it down as small as you might like. I found a fringe benefit of this is that it kind of forms some protection in the form of an air pocket (like those things in your shipping boxes) for when you put it in your bag. But, it’s a minor annoyance to have to get that air out when you want it small-small.
Some toothbrushes might be a tight fit on length if you want to place them at the very bottom and not at an angle.
The Improvement Requests for the Matador FlatPak Toiletry Case
Maybe find out a better way to deal with the length of some toothbrushes, but otherwise it’s hard to really recommend much. It’s a simple-ish product with a high tech fabric concept and it executes on that promise. Not much to criticize.
Final Thoughts On My Matador Waterproof FlatPak Toiletry Case Review
Not interested in some new fangled, organization-happy, kickstarter toiletry kit that you can fit half of a CVS/Boots into? Just like more of a pouch to toss your essentials in so you can hit the road and not worry about it? But - you secretly like techy-travel stuff? This bag is probably a winner for you.
It’s simple but does the trick from a functional standpoint. And, in terms of the promised tech (Dry-Through) - it really does deliver. It’s clever technology overall and it’s not a gimmick in the slightest.
I used it in two different (very different) environments on Safari and a beach resort and had no issues. Though, I’m also not the person that’s tossing my toiletry kit into the river or what have you. (I’m pretty sure you could with this, though).
And for all those “I don’t need a toiletry bag” people that just use ziplocks? Ditch the ziplock and pick one of these BFL quality kits up for 25 bucks. It’s well worth it and it should last you forever (while I can’t guarantee that obviously, you’d have to put this thing through some serious abuse to see things like structural failure on it).
As always with the indy brands, I’d suggest buying directly through their website for best warranties and service.
Head on over to our Travel Accessory Reviews page for more reviews on accessories like the Gravel Explorer Slim review, or the Matador NanoDry Towel Review.
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