Matador Laptop Base Layer Review
The brand takes a second jump into the protective gear space vs. just the packable bag space.
Matador Laptop Base Layer Review Introduction
Matador has made a push in the past year with the “base layer” line of products. In fact, we recently reviewed the other major product in the line (Matador Camera base layer review). Spoiler alert, it was great. But what about the other major piece of equipment many, many people take with them when they travel (adventure or otherwise)? That’s where the laptop base layer comes in. With this, Matador set out to create an accessory that was fit for any season, and that could protect what’s possibly your most expensive piece of gear.
This is my review of the Matador Laptop Base Layer. The case joined me on a recent safari trip to Tanzania and Zanzibar - and was the primary protection used for the laptop shared between me and my wife on the trip (we only took one, as I also took my iPad Pro).
For full transparency, I reached out to Matador and they were kind enough to provide a piece for me to review. That said, this is not a sponsored article and the review is solely my own. Matador had no input into the contents here.
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Matador Laptop Base Layer Overview
The laptop base layer was made to protect. The build materials and construction choices reflect that. It’s slightly padded, but not in a bulky way. Just kind of what you’d expect from a laptop sleeve.
According to Matador, it fits a 13-16in laptop. My guess is non-Macbooks will be tight at 16 inches, but I don’t have one to test. I used a 13in M1 Macbook Air and obvi had no issues.
The hook and loop (ahem, Velcro - did you know that was a brand name? Me either until later in life; this isn’t Velcro brand, however, this was just a random aside from my head) closure allows for adjustments depending on the laptop. The closure system and internal dry bag allow for full waterproof mode or a quick access mode if you don’t need the waterproof. I’ll get into that more in the features.
Has hypalon and nice bartacking for strength. There’s a top grab handle for easy, one handed grabbing.
Material and waterproofing specs from their site:
420D nylon outer low wear panels, UTS waterproofing
50D ripstop drybag liner, UTS waterproofing, sealed seams for IPX6 rating
Powermesh external storage pocket
Velex hook and loop closure
210D bonded nylon thread
UTS coating (ultra tear strength): waterproofing and tear strength increase of 30%
DWR coating (durable water repellent): Water beads up and slicks off to deter wetting out.
These are the same coatings you see used to across all their product lines that help the majority of their products to be waterproof (though I don’t think they are rated as submersibles).
Color available is just black. Very on-brand, Matador.
It retails for $59.99 direct.
Laptop Base Layer Features
Waterproofing is a big “feature” on this bag. Aside from all the various coatings mentioned above, just like the Camera Base Layer this has an internal “dry bag” built right in. This has a roll top so you can choose to use it, or not. By doing so you can lock your laptop into a waterproof safety net inside the bag, then close the flap down tight.
Another feature worth noting is the mesh pocket on the front. Mesh doesn’t sound so durable but they call it a “powermesh” so clearly they’ve put some thought into that. I would typically stick flat things in here as I like everything to be nice and tidy, but because it’s stretchy you can put mice, power bricks, etc. in here. It’s a good touch. We actually used it for our COVID print outs and printed boarding passes for our domestic Tanzania flights. The way I saw it, that thing was always going to be with us, so anything I put in there would be, too.
The hook and loop closure is what allows you to dial in the fit for your particular laptop. These are very strong and secure.
That covers it - not meant to be a complicated piece of kit.
How I Used It
So as I said I took this with us on a trip to Tanzania on Safari and then a few quick days in Zanzibar at the beach. While this will of course fit in any number of bags (I can’t claim it will fit in all LAPTOP compartments, but it’s also kind of meant to replace those) I will note that because I traveled with both the Seg30 and Seg42, this fit nicely in either of the laptop compartments. One of my only criticisms of those bags is that their laptop compartments are a little light on protection. While you’d like to not have to buy a secondary piece of gear to solve that, this in fact does solve it and they of course made sure it played nice with their bags. So, while traveling internationally and on the Tanzanian domestic plane, this was in the Seg32 as my carry on. When moving around Tanzania on wheels, this was in the Seg42 to lighten my load. Unrelated, but the sparkling water bottles in Zanzibar are the coolest I’ve seen in my travels.
It worked here.
And here.
Annnnd here.
The Good
Does what it says and really doesn’t add THAT much bulk. For one, something that’s made for this use case needs to add a little bulk, so you have to accept that going in. But they do a good job of MINIMIZING that effect.
Amazing build and quality materials used. Matador’s waterproof coatings are awesome on all their products and it’s great to see them continue to use those.
Just like the Camera Base Layer, the internal dry bag is a clever implementation. While I did not get stuck in any rain, knowing the nature of their coatings+sealed seams+roll top, I’m comfortable saying your laptop will be safe in pretty much anything but the most outrageous situations and full submersions. Though to be fair, it might be fine then, too. Check with them directly if you think you’ll be in one of those scenarios.
The Bad
Not much, really. I didn’t find much to complain about here.
I would say that you might have trouble with a 16in WINDOWS laptop, as they just tend to be beefier than Macs. Again, I don’t have one to test, that’s just a hunch. So, YMMV on this aspect. From what I can tell, any brand under 15” should be fine assuming it’s not a gaming laptop. I know someone might call me out on that, but let’s be honest, gaming laptops are a different breed and not really the intended use case here.
The Improvement Requests for the Matador Laptop Base Layer
I have zero requests to make this better.
Final Thoughts On My Matador Laptop Base Layer Review
Another well made product from Matador that hit the nail on the head for what they set out to do. Do I think every traveler needs this? No, no I do not. But for the adventure traveler or even the non-adventure traveler that isn’t thrilled with their bag’s laptop compartment - or even something like a duffel that doesn’t have one (Looking at you, Patagonia) - this thing’s your huckleberry. For photographers or videographers, especially if they like to edit while in the field so they always have a laptop, that’s another good use case. Further, since this can go into any bag, you could grab it by the handle and quickly toss it into your packable day pack (Matador cut their teeth on making great ones, and I personally use a Mystery Ranch In and Out as mine).
We carried it with us through 3 continents and as many countries. It fit nicely into both Seg backpacks, and was easy to take it out at our seats on the planes for when my wife needed to work on it, etc.
Whether we were in safari camps or at the resort on the beach in hot and humid weather, I had no concerns at any point about the laptop and its perceived safety. If a laptop sleeve is something you’re looking for and you don’t need it to be obscenely light and thin (just get one of those neoprene ones in that case) - this will wear a few different hats for you. (Supplement a subpar laptop compartment, or serve as protection in a bag that does not have one).
For best service and warranties, head on over directly to the Matador site and purchase it directly from the source.
Wander more and wander smarter, everyone.
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Head on over to our Travel Accessory Reviews page for more reviews on Matador accessories like the Camera Base Layer review, or the Matador NanoDry Towel Review.
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