Hill People Gear Tarahumara vs. Patagonia Ascensionist Pack 35L

Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.

Hill People Gear Tarahumara

Front facing view of the Hill People Gear Tarahumara
Capacity16 L
Weight0.7 kg
Dimensions43×23×10 cm
Airline fit96%
Price$175

Feature by feature

Hill People Gear TarahumaraFeaturePatagonia Ascensionist Pack 35L
Storage
2 Compression removable
None Expanded Capacity None
0 Opening 0
back Passport N
N Passthrough N
Carry
Y Backpack Y
removable Hip Belt Y
Y Sternum Strap removable
Inside
N Laptop N
2 Main Compartments 1
N Organizer N
Outside
× Hard Shell ×
N Rain-fly N
2, side Water Bottle Holder N
Y Water Resistant Y
Material
500d Cordura420-denier 100% recycled nylon ripstop, 70-denier 100% nylon ripstop

Patagonia Ascensionist Pack 35L

Front facing view of the Patagonia Ascensionist Pack 35L
Capacity35 L
Weight0.89 kg
Dimensions65×31×14 cm
Airline fit13%
Price$179

Key differences between the Hill People Gear Tarahumara and Patagonia Ascensionist Pack 35L

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. 25 accept both. 156 accept only the Hill People Gear Tarahumara, and 0 accept only the Patagonia Ascensionist Pack 35L.

Only the Hill People Gear Tarahumara fits

Aegean Airlines, Aer Lingus, Aeroflot, Aerolineas Argentinas, Aeromexico, Air Asia, Air Astana, Air Baltic, Air Canada, Air Caraibes, Air China, Air France, Air India, Air Macau, Air Malta, Air Mauritius, Air Niugini, Air Nostrum, Air Serbia, Air Seychelles, Air Tahiti, Air Wisconsin, AirAsiaX, Alaska Airlines, All Nipon Airways, Allegiant Air, American Airlines, American Eagle, ANA, Asiana Airlines, ATA Airlines, Atlas Global, Austrian, Avianca , Azerbaijan Airlines, Bahamasair, Bangkok Airways, Belavia, Biman Bangladesh, Blue Air, Boliviana de Aviacion, British Airways, Brussels Airlines, Bulgaria Air, Cambodia Angkor Air, Cathay Pacific, Cayman Airways, Cebu Pacific, China Airlines, China Eastern, CommutAir, Conviasa, Copa Airlines, Czech Airlines, Delta Airlines, Dragonair, easyJet, EL AL, Emirates Airlines, Enter Air, Ethiopian Airlines, Etihad Airways, Eurowings, EVA Air, Fiji Airways, Finnair, Flair Air, flybe, Frontier Airlines, Garuda Indonesia, Gol Linhas Aereas, Great Lakes Airlines, Gulf Air, Hawaiian Airlines, Hong Kong Airlines, Iberia, Icelandair, Indigo, InselAir, Interjet, Iran Air, Iran Aseman Air, Island Air, Japan Airlines, Jet Airways, Jet2, jetBlue Airways, Jetstar Airways, Jetstar Asia, Juneyao Airlines, Kenya Airways, KLM, Kulula, Kuwait Air, LATAM , Liat Airlines, LOT Polish, Lufthansa, Luxair, Mahan Air, Malaysia Airlines, Mango, Meridiana Fly, Mesa Airlines, Middle East Airlines, Monarch Airlines, Nordwind Airlines, Norwegian, Oman Air, Onur Air, Pakistan International, Peach, PenAir, Porter Airlines, Qantas Airways, Qatar Airways, Ravn Alaska, Regional Express, Republic Airways, Royal Brunei Airlines, Royal Jordanian, Ryanair, S7, SAS Scandinavian, Scoot, Shandong Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, Sky Airlines, Skywest, Inc., South African Airways, Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines, SriLankan Airlines, Sun Country, Sun Express, Swiss Int'l Air Lines, TAP Air Portugal, TAROM, Thai Airways, Tianjin Airlines (A320 & E190), Tiger Airways, Trans States, Travel Service Airlines, TUI, Turkish Airlines, Ukraine International, United Airlines, Uzbekistan Air, Vietnam Airlines, VIM Airlines (Closed), Virgin Atlantic, Virgin Australia, Volotea, WestJet, WOW Airlines, Xiamen.

When it comes to robust, durable carry-on backpacks, two options often come to mind — The Hill People Gear Tarahumara, and the Patagonia Ascensionist Pack 35L. The first, the Tarahumara, hails from a company renowned for its hardy and tactical gear, while the second, the Ascensionist, is a product of a brand globally acknowledged for its commitment towards the environment and quality outdoor gear.

The Tarahumara, a 16-liter pack, is indeed a rock in a storm. With its 500D Cordura exterior, it weighs a minimal 0.7 pounds, but shows no reduction in durable constitution and cargo capacity. Suitable even for the tightest of overhead bins, it is compatible with 100% of airlines. Despite its slender stature, reviewers laud its spaciousness and practicality. On the other hand, the Ascensionist Pack weighs in at 0.89 pounds, with a solid capacity of 35 liters. It speaks to the environment-conscious, being made of 420-denier 100% recycled nylon ripstop and 70-denier 100% nylon ripstop. However, it slides back in airline compatibility, managing only with 30% of airlines.

Reviewers appreciate both sacks, commending the Tarahumara for its well-executed design and simplicity. They mention how it punches above its weight class in terms of cargo space. It's described as the definitive answer to 'the one-day pack question', having an inner space likened to the 'Tardis'. The Ascensionist also garners tons of praise for its execution as an 'excellent mountaineering pack'. Feedback indicates it's an ideal pack for shorter adventures and lightweight enthusiasts, appreciated for its simple but smart design. The take-away? If daypack convenience, compactness and universal airline adaptability are your priorities, the Tarahumara may be for you. However, if you need greater carrying capacity and embrace eco-conscious choices, the Ascensionist could be the better choice. Both have instances where they outperform each other, serving different needs for different travelers. That's the beauty of options. Happy choosing!