Matador Equipment

Overview

Matador Equipment produces packable travel gear including backpacks, bags, and accessories designed for efficient, lightweight travel. Based in Boulder, Colorado, the company targets adventurers and travelers seeking compact, high-performance equipment. It operates as an independent, employee-owned business with direct-to-consumer sales generating around $2.9 million in e-commerce revenue over the six months prior to May 2026.

History

Founded in 2014 in the Bay Area of California by Chris Clearman, initially as a side project with a wallet-sized packable picnic blanket. The company relocated to Boulder, Colorado, and expanded into travel and outdoor gear under founders Chris Clearman and Jaime. It remains bootstrapped with no outside investment, evolving into employee-owned status while focusing on packable adventure products.

Product Lines

Manufacturing

Products are designed in-house in Boulder, Colorado, by a team of adventurers. Manufacturing is outsourced, with no specific locations disclosed on company materials.

Notable Products

• Pocket Blanket - Originating product; wallet-sized packable picnic blanket for travel and outdoors.
• Travel Bottles & Containers - Leakproof silicone bottles; generated $212K revenue in April 2025.
• Packable Daypacks - Ultralight, compressible backpacks for efficient travel.
• Astral Packs - High-performance outdoor packs tested in real-world pursuits.
• Refillable Bottles - Durable, packable containers for toiletries and liquids.

Reputation

Matador is regarded by travelers and outdoor enthusiasts for innovative packable designs that prioritize minimalism and functionality. Strengths include material quality and real-world testing, with strong e-commerce performance indicating customer demand. Limited scale as a small team may restrict product variety compared to larger brands.