Hill People Gear Tarahumara vs. Deuter Walker 24

The Hill People Gear Tarahumara and the Deuter Walker 24 pick up the gauntlet as leading backpack contenders in the carry-on game. Harkening from the immaculate craftsmanship of Hill People Gear, the Tarahumara takes the first swing, boasting 44 inches in height, 24 in width and 10 in depth. Light on its feet at 0.7 pounds and carrying a bountiful 16 liters, this pack doesn't shy away from confrontation. It happily adheres to the confines of 100% of airlines and withholds its toughness with a body made from 500D Cordura, although it lacks a laptop compartment.

Enter the Deuter Walker 24, tall and wide but seemingly compensates for it with a much deeper cut, 52 inches deep to be exact. Although carrying a little more weight than its competitor at 0.85 pounds, it's not in vain as it carries a whopping 24 liters. However, it struggles to stay within the strict carry-on constrictions of all airlines, only managing to be compatible with 64%. Its body is covered in a split of 300D PES Ripstop and 600D PES. A surprising counter-punch from the Walker 24 is it encloses a laptop compartment that can cater for a 15-inch laptop.

Comparison Points

• The Tarahumara is taller, but not as wide or as deep as the Walker 24

  • 44in tall, 24in wide, 10in deep vs. 23in tall, 30in wide, 52in deep

• The Walker 24 weighs a little more at 0.85 pounds compared to the 0.7 pounds of the Tarahumara

  • 0.7lbs vs. 0.85lbs

• Although the Walker 24 weighs more, it can carry a greater capacity at 24 liters against the 16 liters of the Tarahumara

  • 16 liters vs. 24 liters

• The Tarahumara packs a punch in airline compatibility, scoring a perfect 100% while the Walker 24 lags at 64%

  • 100% airlines compatibility vs. 64% airlines compatibility

• Using 500D Cordura, the Tarahumara gives the feel of a sturdier construction than Walker 24's 300D PES Ripstop and 600D PES

  • 500D Cordura vs. 300D PES Ripstop, 600D PES

• The Walker 24 can handle a 15 inch laptop, whereas the Tarahumara lacks this feature

  • No laptop compartment vs. 15 inch laptop compartment

The reviewers surely hold the Tarahumara in high regard, praising its capacity, durability and simplicity, while the Walker 24 garners adoration with its evident sturdiness, functionality and urban warrior image. In terms of buying points, both can justify their differing features with the Tarahumara standing out for its perfect day-hike size and durable materials, while the Walker 24 is acknowledged for its organization and the conveniently placed laptop compartment.

Kick up dust on your way out, Walker 24, you’ve proven a worthy match. But in this fight, the final, heavy-hitting punch lands in favor of the Tarahumara.