Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus vs. Hill People Gear Tarahumara
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus
| Capacity | 22 L |
| Weight | 1 kg |
| Dimensions | 52×30×21 cm |
| Airline fit | 71% |
| Price | $179 |
Feature by feature
| Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus | Feature | Hill People Gear Tarahumara |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | 2 |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 4 | Opening | 0 |
| Y | Passport | back |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| N | Hip Belt | removable |
| N | Sternum Strap | Y |
| Inside | ||
| 15in | Laptop | N |
| 1 | Main Compartments | 2 |
| N | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| N | Water Bottle Holder | 2, side |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| Venture-weave polyester and leather | 500d Cordura |
Hill People Gear Tarahumara
| Capacity | 16 L |
| Weight | 0.7 kg |
| Dimensions | 43×23×10 cm |
| Airline fit | 96% |
| Price | $175 |
Key differences between the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus and Hill People Gear Tarahumara
- Compression straps: No on the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus; 2 on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara.
- Opening: Top zip on the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus; Other on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara.
- Passport pocket: Yes on the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus; Back on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara.
- Hip belt: No on the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus; Removable on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara.
- Sternum strap: No on the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus; Yes on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara.
- Laptop sleeve: 15in on the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus; No on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara.
- Main compartments: 1 on the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus; 2 on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara.
- Water bottle pockets: No on the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus; 2, side on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara.
Both have: backpack straps, water resistant.
Which airlines take each bag as a carry-on
We checked both bags against the carry-on size limits of 189 airlines. 134 accept both. 0 accept only the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus, and 47 accept only the Hill People Gear Tarahumara.
Only the Hill People Gear Tarahumara fits
Air Baltic, Air China, Air Malta, Air Niugini, Air Serbia, Air Seychelles, Air Tahiti, American Eagle, Asiana Airlines, ATA Airlines, Belavia, Blue Air, Bulgaria Air, China Eastern, easyJet, Emirates Airlines, Enter Air, Etihad Airways, flybe, Great Lakes Airlines, Gulf Air, Icelandair, InselAir, Juneyao Airlines, Luxair, Meridiana Fly, Nordwind Airlines, Oman Air, Qatar Airways, Ravn Alaska, Regional Express, Royal Brunei Airlines, Royal Jordanian, Ryanair, S7, Shandong Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, Sun Express, TAP Air Portugal, TAROM, Tianjin Airlines (A320 & E190), TUI, Ukraine International, VIM Airlines (Closed), Virgin Australia, Volotea, Xiamen.
The Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus from Bellroy is a robust carry-on backpack well-regarded for its form and function. Made of Venture-weave polyester and leather, it' s a feat of great craftsmanship that makes use of excellent materials. The design is sleek, minimalistic yet stylish, and appropriate for most environments. Its total capacity of 22 liters can comfortably house a 15-inch laptop with room to spare. That said, it measures 21 inches tall, 30 inches wide, and 52 inches deep, and weighs in at 1 pound. Plus, it's compatible with about 65% of airlines.
The Hill People Gear Tarahumara from Hill People Gear, on the other hand, is perfect for those looking for a compact backpack for day hiking. Coming at 44 inches tall, 24 inches wide, and 10 inches deep, it has a total capacity of 16 liters. Despite the slightly smaller size, it's crafted from reliable 500D Cordura offering great build quality. Weighing at 0.7 pounds, it's lighter than the Bellroy and compatible with 100% of airlines. However, it might not be the best for those lugging around a laptop as it lacks a laptop compartment.
Here are the major differences at a glance:
- Size: Bellroy (21 inches tall, 30 inches wide, 52 inches deep) vs Tarahumara (44 inches tall, 24 inches wide, 10 inches deep)
- Weight: Bellroy (1 pound) vs Tarahumara (0.7 pounds)
- Capacity: Bellroy (22 liters) vs Tarahumara (16 liters)
- Airline compatibility: Bellroy (65% of airlines) vs Tarahumara (100% of airlines)
- Material: Bellroy (Venture-weave polyester and leather) vs Tarahumara (500D Cordura)
- Laptop compartment : Bellroy (fits a 15-inch laptop) vs Tarahumara (No laptop compartment)
The Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus is genuinely recommended, particularly to students or professionals, for daily work or study errands. Reviewers love its clean aesthetic and the balance of form and function it offers. On the other hand, the Tarahumara is well-received for its sturdiness, elegant simplicity, and compact size. Yet, it does not compromise the carrying capacity -- it can comfortably house everyday essentials like a jacket, keys, books, and more. Despite their differences, both backpacks have their unique benefits. Your buying decision will ultimately depend on your personal needs and preferences.