Is the Matador FlatPak Soap Bar Case just another gimmicky travel product? Is the cost warranted? Is a zip-top bag just as practical for a fraction of the price? From the first use, I became a fan, and now, many trips later, I’m still enamoured with this remarkable innovation. Here is my Matador Flatpak Soap Bar Case review.
Table of Contents
What is the Matador FlatPak Soap Bar Case?
Matador has designed a flexible, breathable, durable, waterproof case for bar soap that claims to dry the bar while it’s packed inside.
The case acts as a dry bag and is easy to use. Slide the bar inside, roll the top three times, clip the sides together, and pack it in your toiletries kit with the confidence that it won’t leak on anything else.
Features of the Matador FlatPak Soap Bar Case
- Measuring 4 x 2.4 x 1.3 in / 10.2 x 6.1 x 3.3 cm, the case accommodates most standard soap bars.
- Weighing 0.4 oz / 11 g, it’s a lightweight alternative to hard soap cases.
- It’s made of welded Cordura nylon lined with Matador’s proprietary material, ‘dry-through technology.’ It has a Hypalon® rolltop closure and a YKK® buckle closure.
- It now comes in a choice of four colours.
Matador Flatpak Soap Bar Case Review
1. Advantages of the Matador FlatPak Soap Bar Case
- It allows a traveller to easily carry a bar of soap or shampoo while the bar dries in the case, prolonging bar longevity. Even if the bar is packed immediately following a shower, it’s dry and firm a day later without a hint of sogginess.
- Unlike plastic soap bar cases or tins, the size of the Matador case decreases as the bar becomes smaller with use.
- Matador claims their case is three times lighter than most traditional plastic soap bar cases and six times more compact than most cases containing a 1-oz / 28-g bar of soap.
- In my experience, soapy residue collects in a hard case. In contrast, in the Matador, only a little is left behind as a wet bar scrapes the entry point of the case.
- It’s well made. After many years of use, mine shows no visible signs of deterioration or loss of effectiveness. A zip-top plastic bag can’t make similar claims, and there’s a danger of breaking or leaking. Because the Matador is built to last, it’s an eco-friendly alternative to limited-use plastic bags.
- Because the case is breathable, fragrance from a scented bar wafts through the fabric, acting as an air freshener in a travel bag.
- The case can be clipped to the outside of a bag or hung in a campsite shower or facilities with limited shelf space.
2. Does the choice of soap make a difference?
It might, depending on the size of the soap bar and the type or brand of soap.
My soap bar of choice is Dr Bronner’s Pure Castille Bar Soap. It’s larger than many brands. With a new bar, I can accomplish just two rolls of the top. Completing three rolls is a stretch.
I find the Castille soap leaves a slight residue as it scrapes the opening of the case when it slides in wet. The rest of the case is virtually residue-free. Some consumers complain that the ‘dry-through technology’ isn’t as effective as some users suggest and that soap bars deteriorate faster. Perhaps this relates to the type of soap. That has yet to be my experience with a Castille soap bar.
3. Care tips
Allow a soap bar to dry as much as possible before placing it in the case. If you’re short on time, dab the soap with a towel or cloth, or use a hairdryer on a cool setting to boost the drying process.
For a quick clean, wipe the case with a damp cloth. For a more thorough job, turn the case inside out, wash it, and let it air dry before using it again.
4. Pros and cons of the Matador FlatPak Soap Bar Case
Pros
- The lightweight, flexible fabric mirrors the size of the soap bar
- It’s waterproof, with no leakages
- The high-quality materials translate into durability and effectiveness
Cons
- Cost (USD 14)
Companion cases for shampoo bars
After experiencing the wonders of the Matador FlatPak Soap Bar Case, I searched for a smaller pouch to carry shampoo and conditioner bars.
PUL (polyurethane laminate) is a breathable, waterproof fabric widely used in hospitals because it can withstand hot washes and is durable enough to last. Unsurprisingly, it gained popularity as a protective waterproof layer in cloth diapers. Travellers have discovered it for containing wetness in a travel bag. Wet bags made of PUL help store dirty clothes, damp swimwear, cloth diapers, reusable menstrual pads, and solid soap and shampoo bars.
Mine are made entirely of PUL fabric from the seller EcoAdorable at the online marketplace, Etsy. They keep wet bars contained and bars dry during storage. Unlike solid sap bar cases, the size of the wet bags decreases as the bars become smaller with use. The different colours help distinguish shampoo bars from conditioner bars.
Conclusion
The Matador FlatPak Soap Bar Case is an ingenious invention for travellers on the move. When space and weight matter, the lightweight, flexible case does what it’s designed to do: dries a wet soap bar without affecting anything else in a toiletry kit. The price tag is a little steep, but it’s a worthy investment for a product that will last for years of travel. Besides, life’s too short to travel with slimy, mushy, soggy soap!
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Great tip. I don’t usually travel with bar soap because it gets slimy and wet in a plastic container. This is a great alternative. Much appreciated!
Thank you for leaving a comment, Terri-Lee. Yes, it’s a great product; packed for every trip. No more wet or slimy soap!!