Hill People Gear Tarahumara vs. Kathmandu Shuttle 40L Convertible Backpack Cargo
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 Shuttle 40L Convertible Backpack Cargo |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| S | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 0 | Opening | 1 |
| N | Passport | N |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| S | Backpack | S |
| R | Hip Belt | N |
| S | Sternum Strap | N |
| Inside | ||
| 0 | Laptop | 0 |
| 2 | Main Compartments | 1 |
| N | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 2 | Water Bottle Holder | 0 |
| Y | Water Resistant | N |
| Material | |
| 500D Cordura | Nylon 840D JR Ballistic 2xPU, Polyester 135D 2xPU |
Kathmandu Shuttle 40L Convertible Backpack Cargo
| Capacity | 40 L |
| Weight | 0.8 kg |
| Dimensions | 60×32×24 cm |
| Airline fit | 19% |
| Price | $130 |
At first glance, the Hill People Gear Tarahumara and the Kathmandu Shuttle 40L Convertible Backpack Cargo might seem worlds apart. The Hill People Gear Tarahumara is a robust, yet compact pack designed for days when you want to pack light, while the Kathmandu Shuttle strikes a balance of convenience and space.
To compare, the Hill People Gear Tarahumara is tailored from 500D Cordura, ensuring durability that can withstand years of abuse. On the other hand, the Kathmandu Shuttle is crafted from Nylon 840D JR Ballistic 2xPU, Polyester 135D 2xPU – a mixture of synthetic materials known for their strength and resilience against wear and tear. Despite the apparent heft of the latter, both backpacks are surprisingly lightweight, with the Tarahumara tipping the scale at only 0.7 pounds and the Shuttle just a tad heavier at 0.8 pounds.
- Size: Hill People Gear Tarahumara (44" x 24" x 10") vs Kathmandu Shuttle (24" x 32" x 60")
- Weight: Hill People Gear Tarahumara (0.7 lbs) vs Kathmandu Shuttle (0.8 lbs)
- Material: Hill People Gear Tarahumara (500D Cordura) vs Kathmandu Shuttle (Nylon 840D JR Ballistic 2xPU, Polyester 135D 2xPU)
- Capacity: Hill People Gear Tarahumara (16 liters) vs Kathmandu Shuttle (40 liters)
- Airline Compatibility: Hill People Gear Tarahumara (100%) vs Kathmandu Shuttle (19%)
- Laptop Compartment: Both backpacks lack this feature
Testimonials from reviewers reveal users' appreciation for the reliable build quality and perfect day hiking size of the Hill People Gear Tarahumara. The elegant simplicity and sturdiness of this bag have garnered praise as the go-to solution for a one-day pack. The Kathmandu Shuttle, alternatively, offers versatility as a carrying medium, easily transforming from backpack to duffle bag or messenger bag.
When it comes to practicality, the Shuttle wins hands down with a capacity of 40 liters – more than double what the Tarahumara offers. However, the smaller pack shines in terms of airline compatibility being fully compliant with carry-on restrictions of all airlines, putting the Kathmandu Shuttle's 19% compatibility to shame. Each pack has its merits – choose based on which best suits your needs.