Hill People Gear Tarahumara vs. REI Co-op Ruckpack 28
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 | REI Co-op Ruckpack 28 |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| 2 | Compression | 2 |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 0 | Opening | 1 |
| back | Passport | top |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| removable | Hip Belt | removable |
| Y | Sternum Strap | Y |
| Inside | ||
| N | Laptop | 15in |
| 2 | Main Compartments | 3 |
| N | Organizer | Y |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | Y |
| 2, side | Water Bottle Holder | 2, side |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 500d Cordura | Recycled nylon shell frame: Rigid foam |
REI Co-op Ruckpack 28
| Capacity | 28 L |
| Weight | 0.8 kg |
| Dimensions | 50×28×23 cm |
| Airline fit | 72% |
| Price | $130 |
Key differences between the Hill People Gear Tarahumara and REI Co-op Ruckpack 28
- Opening: Other on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; Clamshell on the REI Co-op Ruckpack 28.
- Passport pocket: Back on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; Top on the REI Co-op Ruckpack 28.
- Laptop sleeve: No on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; 15in on the REI Co-op Ruckpack 28.
- Main compartments: 2 on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; 3 on the REI Co-op Ruckpack 28.
- Built-in organizer: No on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; Yes on the REI Co-op Ruckpack 28.
- Rain cover: No on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; Yes on the REI Co-op Ruckpack 28.
Both have: compression straps, backpack straps, hip belt, sternum strap, water bottle pockets, water resistant.
Which airlines take each bag as a carry-on
We checked both bags against the carry-on size limits of 189 airlines. 137 accept both. 44 accept only the Hill People Gear Tarahumara, and 0 accept only the REI Co-op Ruckpack 28.
Only the Hill People Gear Tarahumara fits
Air Baltic, Air China, Air Malta, Air Niugini, Air Serbia, Air Seychelles, Air Tahiti, American Eagle, Asiana Airlines, ATA Airlines, Belavia, Blue Air, Bulgaria Air, China Eastern, easyJet, Emirates Airlines, Enter Air, flybe, Gulf Air, Icelandair, InselAir, Juneyao Airlines, Liat Airlines, Luxair, Meridiana Fly, Nordwind Airlines, Pakistan International, Ravn Alaska, Regional Express, Royal Brunei Airlines, Ryanair, S7, Shandong Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, Sun Express, TAP Air Portugal, TAROM, Tianjin Airlines (A320 & E190), TUI, Ukraine International, VIM Airlines (Closed), Virgin Australia, Volotea, Xiamen.
When sizing up the Hill People Gear Tarahumara and the REI Co-op Ruckpack 28, both pack a punch in terms of durability and design. The Tarahumara is a tad smaller, standing at 44 inches tall. Its sleek design, however, does not compromise on storage with a capacity of 16 liters. Built for the long haul, it’s made of sturdy 500D Cordura material and weighs in at a lightweight 0.7 pounds. Noteworthy is the bag's compatibility with 100% of airlines, making it a reliable companion for frequent flyers.
In comparison, the Co-op Ruckpack 28 from REI is a larger option, measuring 51 inches high. The extra size translates to boosted storage capacity, clocking in at 28 liters, ideal for adventurers with heavier gear. Crafted from 210-denier nylon ripstop, the Ruckpack is a little heavier at 1.2 pounds, but it is bound to stand against rigorous use. The backpack fits snuggly onto 92% of airlines, and an added bonus for tech-savvy travellers is the laptop compartment that can accommodate a 15-inch laptop.
- Size: Tarahumara (44" x 24" x 10"), Ruckpack (51" x 28" x 26")
- Weight: Tarahumara (0.7 lbs), Ruckpack (1.2 lbs)
- Capacity: Tarahumara (16 liters), Ruckpack (28 liters)
- Airline Compatibility: Tarahumara (100%), Ruckpack (92%)
- Material: Tarahumara (500D Cordura), Ruckpack (210D nylon ripstop)
- Laptop Compartment: Tarahumara (0 inches), Ruckpack (15 inches)
Though its lack of a laptop compartment may be a downside for some, the Tarahumara's trim design and robust build make it "the best overall solution" for those in need of a one-day pack, according to one reviewer. Others lauded its impressive capacity, remarking that despite its "diminutive exterior appearance, its interior space is almost like...spacious Tardis!"
On the other hand, the Ruckpack's larger size and laptop compartment may be better suited for those needing to carry tech gear alongside their hiking equipment. Its solid construction ensures durability, and its roomy interior makes it an excellent choice for longer treks. Put simply, the choice between the Hill People Gear Tarahumara and the REI Co-op Ruckpack 28 boils down to individual needs, whether it's compact convenience or spacious versatility that tops the list.