Hill People Gear Tarahumara vs. Tortuga Outbreaker 35L
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Hill People Gear Tarahumara
| Capacity | 16 L |
| Weight | 0.7 kg |
| Dimensions | 43×23×10 cm |
| Airline fit | 96% |
| Price | $175 |
Feature by feature
| Hill People Gear Tarahumara | Feature | Tortuga Outbreaker 35L |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| 2 | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 0 | Opening | 1 |
| back | Passport | front |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| removable | Hip Belt | removable |
| Y | Sternum Strap | Y |
| Inside | ||
| N | Laptop | 17in |
| 2 | Main Compartments | 4 |
| N | Organizer | Y |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 2, side | Water Bottle Holder | 2, side |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 500d Cordura | X-Pac VX21 |
Tortuga Outbreaker 35L
| Capacity | 35 L |
| Weight | 2 kg |
| Dimensions | 52×33×21 cm |
| Airline fit | 71% |
| Price | $300 |
The Hill People Gear Tarahumara and the Tortuga Outbreaker 35L backpacks are both robust articles, but each offers unique features and subtleties that might make one more interesting for you than the other. The Tarahumara is renowned for its simplicity and lightweight design, taking the cake as the more compact of the two. It is a startling lightweight of 0.7 pounds, made robust with 500D Cordura, and offers 16 liters of carrying capacity. With unparalleled dimensions of 44x24x10 inches, this backpack is a minimalist's dream that is compatible with 100% of airlines. Think of it as the smaller, compact sibling – lean, agile, but fierce with durability.
The Tortuga Outbreaker 35L, on the other hand, is the 'more’ of the two backpacks. As the name suggests, it packs a gut-busting 35 liters of volume, has dimensions 21x33x52 inches, and is made of waterproof VX21 sailcloth - the backpack for the traveller who needs to take along a bit more than the essentials. It is slightly heavier at 2.1 pounds, and yet, 98% airline-compatible. Built for modern urban travellers with a laptop compartment that accommodates up to a 17-inch piece.
Quick Comparison Summary:
- Size & Weight: Tarahumara (44"x24"x10" & 0.7 lbs.) vs Outbreaker (21"x33"x52" & 2.1 lbs.)
- Carrying Capacity: Tarahumara (16L) vs Outbreaker (35L)
- Material: Tarahumara (500D Cordura) vs Outbreaker (VX21 waterproof sailcloth)
- Airline Compatibility: Tarahumara (100%) vs Outbreaker (98%)
- Laptop Compartment: Tarahumara (0 inches) vs Outbreaker (17 inches)
Endorsements do not fall short for either backpack. For the Tarahumara, one reviewer praised its well-execution and long-lasting design, remarking its spaciousness despite the compact exterior. Meanwhile, the Outbreaker is lauded for its comfortable harness system, and called a well-designed, minimalist bag ideal for maxing out the carry-on luggage.
If you're seeking a well-built, compact bag for your day hiking needs or a simple carry-on solution, the Tarahumara might be your go-to gear. Its great build quality and robust materials surely last for a long time. But if you're an urban, modern traveller who prizes a comfortable harness system, top-notch internal organization and a bag that fits you perfectly, the Tortuga Outbreaker 35L is the optimum choice. Ultimately the choice comes down to what kind of adventurer you are.