Matador Speed Stash Review: A Can’t-Miss Add-On for Your Backpack

The Speed Stash functions as an additional outer pocket that can be attached to any backpack with a sternum strap. Helloooo, organization.

By Hayley Helms

Published October 24, 2023

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Long travel days, whether along the trail or through the airport, demand creativity, patience and organization in order to be successful. Although the environments may differ, the qualifications for success (and less stress) are often similar.

Matador, known in outdoor and travel-focused circles for producing well-made, functionality-first backpacks, duffels and travel accessories is introducing the Speed Stash: their newest travel and adventure accessory that doubles as our new favorite EDC carry. Matador is billing the storage solution as a universal backpack strap attachment that offers quick access to your phone, passport, wallet, snacks and/or other small items.

It’s perfect for travel, hiking and/or daily use — adding “speedy” storage to any backpack with a sternum strap. I tested one out in the weeks ahead of this little wonder’s launch; here are my first impressions.

Matador Speed Stash
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What’s good about the Speed Stash

The Speed Stash’s organization is simple and streamlined

Matador’s newest accessory essentially functions as an extra pocket for travelers, hikers and anyone who wears a technical backpack — using a simple pass-through design, the Speed Stash attaches to most backpacks and offers organization at your fingertips. I used mine to stow away my smartphone, energy bar and small notebook and pen: the items that more often than not, I find myself digging around the larger pockets of my pack for.

The Speed Stash is made with functional, eco-friendly materials

Matador’s external pocket is made with bluesign-approved, durable 420-denier nylon outer fabric that’s been coated with a PU coating for waterproofing and secured with YKK zippers — it’ll stand up to the wear and tear that is inescapable with travel and any inclement weather you may encounter.

To cut weight and add organization, it’s got a nylon power-mesh exterior pocket, and to maximize breathability, features a spacer back mesh panel that allows for airflow and moisture wicking. The Speed Stash can fit everything from smartphones to snacks and keeps them secure and within reach, thanks to its pass-through strap, which integrates with any backpack, so long as it has a sternum strap.

matador speed stash review — The mesh outer pocket easily fits a pocket knife, phone or granola bar: whichever you deem most important.

What’s not ideal about the Matador Speed Stash

The Speed Stash could use additional internal organization

Seeing as how the Speed Stash attaches to a backpack that inherently offers plenty of organizing space, I found myself wishing Matador’s new hands-on accessory had a little more internal storage, like a bungee strap for pens or a corresponding mesh sleeve to match the one on the outside. Small items like loose change, receipts from travel or a pocket knife would benefit from 1-2 more pockets inside.

Matador Speed Stash: What We Think

At $29.99, picking up a Speed Stash isn’t going to break the bank — and with the storage-at-your-fingertips benefits it provides, in my opinion, it’s an easy “Add to Cart.”

For the frequent flyer or hiker, the benefit of having the essentials at your fingertips can’t be overestimated. Although backpackers may have second thoughts about attaching a 2.68-ounce pocket to their pack, for anyone who isn’t an ounce counter, this speedy little thing is worth its weight in gold.