Hill People Gear Tarahumara vs. Kathmandu Litehaul Pack 28L
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Hill People Gear Tarahumara
| Capacity | 16 L |
| Weight | 0.7 kg |
| Dimensions | 44×24×10 cm |
| Airline fit | 100% |
| Price | $125 |
Feature by feature
| Hill People Gear Tarahumara | Feature | Kathmandu Litehaul Pack 28L |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| S | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 0 | Opening | 3 |
| N | Passport | N |
| N | Passthrough | Y |
| Carry | ||
| S | Backpack | S |
| R | Hip Belt | S |
| S | Sternum Strap | S |
| Inside | ||
| 0 | Laptop | 18 |
| 2 | Main Compartments | 1 |
| N | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | O |
| 2 | Water Bottle Holder | 1 |
| Y | Water Resistant | N |
| Material | |
| 500D Cordura | 100% Nylon & Polyester |
Kathmandu Litehaul Pack 28L
| Capacity | 28 L |
| Weight | 1.12 kg |
| Dimensions | 56×32×25 cm |
| Airline fit | 38% |
| Price | $160 |
If you want rugged reliability, the Hill People Gear Tarahumara could be your go-to piece of kit. This pack is bulletproof, made from 500D Cordura, renowned for its long-lasting strength. Sized at 44 x 24 x 10 inches, it's compact but sufficient for a decent day pack, providing 16 liters of space. That's roomy enough for most daily essentials, and thanks to its compatibility with 100% of airlines, it's a great travel companion. However, don't expect it to double as a tech bag - there’s no dedicated compartment big enough for laptops.
Now, let's talk about the Kathmandu Litehaul Pack 28L. This one is slightly larger, coming in at 25 x 32 x 56 inches and boasting a roomy 28 liters of capacity. It's a bit heavier at just over a pound, but the extra weight is a trade-off for some added features. For instance, this pack has a laptop compartment that can accommodate an 18-inch laptop which is a massive advantage for tech-savvy users. It's constructed from 100% nylon and polyester, and it's compatible with 38% of airlines.
- Hill People Gear Tarahumara: 44" tall, 24" wide, 10" deep, 0.7 lbs. Made of 500D Cordura. Capacity: 16L. Airline compatible: 100%. Laptop compartment: no.
- Kathmandu Litehaul Pack 28L: 25" tall, 32" wide, 56" deep, 1.12 lbs. Made of 100% Nylon & Polyester. Capacity: 28L. Airline compatible: 38%. Laptop compartment: yes, up to 18".
It's apparent why the Tarahumara was described as "a well-designed, well-executed, and well-built bag that'll last you a lifetime". Its simple, robust built is perfect for those seeking compactness and durability. While the Kathmandu Litehaul Pack has been praised for its added features, Air Pod System (APS) harness, and multipurpose functionality that makes it versatile enough for business settings.
In sum, both packs have their merits and drawbacks. The Hill People Gear Tarahumara is a remarkable piece for the rugged explorer who values toughness, compactness, flexibility, and reliability above all else. The Kathmandu Litehaul Pack 28L, however, caters for the needs of those requiring a larger capacity and a dedicated tech compartment, though its versatility in carrying options might make up for its slightly reduced airline compatibility. The final pick depends on personal preference and specific needs.