Hill People Gear Tarahumara vs. GORUCK GR2 40

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 TarahumaraFeatureGORUCK GR2 40
Storage
2 Compression N
None Expanded Capacity None
0 Opening 1
back Passport front
N Passthrough N
Carry
Y Backpack Y
removable Hip Belt N
Y Sternum Strap Y
Inside
N Laptop 17in
2 Main Compartments 3
N Organizer N
Outside
× Hard Shell ×
N Rain-fly N
2, side Water Bottle Holder N
Y Water Resistant Y
Material
500d Cordura1000D Cordura w/ 210D Back Panel

GORUCK GR2 40

Front facing view of the GORUCK GR2 40
Capacity40 L
Weight2 kg
Dimensions56×32×23 cm
Airline fit47%
Price$395

Key differences between the Hill People Gear Tarahumara and GORUCK GR2 40

Both have: backpack straps, sternum strap, water resistant.

Which airlines take each bag as a carry-on

We checked both bags against the carry-on size limits of 189 airlines. 88 accept both. 93 accept only the Hill People Gear Tarahumara, and 0 accept only the GORUCK GR2 40.

Only the Hill People Gear Tarahumara fits

Aer Lingus, Aeroflot, Aerolineas Argentinas, Aeromexico, Air Baltic, Air Canada, Air Caraibes, Air China, Air France, Air India, Air Malta, Air Mauritius, Air Niugini, Air Serbia, Air Seychelles, Air Tahiti, All Nipon Airways, American Eagle, ANA, Asiana Airlines, ATA Airlines, Austrian, Azerbaijan Airlines, Belavia, Blue Air, Boliviana de Aviacion, Brussels Airlines, Bulgaria Air, China Eastern, Czech Airlines, easyJet, Emirates Airlines, Enter Air, Ethiopian Airlines, Etihad Airways, Eurowings, Fiji Airways, Flair Air, flybe, Gol Linhas Aereas, Great Lakes Airlines, Gulf Air, Iberia, Icelandair, Indigo, InselAir, Interjet, Iran Air, Japan Airlines, Jet Airways, Juneyao Airlines, Kenya Airways, KLM, LATAM , Liat Airlines, LOT Polish, Lufthansa, Luxair, Mahan Air, Meridiana Fly, Mesa Airlines, Nordwind Airlines, Norwegian, Oman Air, Pakistan International, Peach, Porter Airlines, Qatar Airways, Ravn Alaska, Regional Express, Royal Brunei Airlines, Royal Jordanian, Ryanair, S7, SAS Scandinavian, Scoot, Shandong Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, Sky Airlines, Sun Express, Swiss Int'l Air Lines, TAP Air Portugal, TAROM, Tianjin Airlines (A320 & E190), Tiger Airways, TUI, Turkish Airlines, Ukraine International, VIM Airlines (Closed), Virgin Australia, Volotea, WestJet, Xiamen.

Comparing two backpacks can be like comparing apples and oranges, especially when dealing with the Hill People Gear Tarahumara and the GORUCK GR2 40. These models are both top-of-the-line, but they differ significantly in design and features. The Hill People Gear Tarahumara is smaller and lighter, making it an excellent choice for a day hike. It has a simple, pared-down design that prioritizes the essentials. On the other hand, the GORUCK GR2 40 has a noticeably larger capacity. It is sturdily built and includes more compartments for organized storage, setting it apart in terms of versatility.

The Hill People Gear Tarahumara has received rave reviews for its high-quality build and ease of use. The lightweight design and rugged 500D Cordura material make it perfect for outdoor adventures. Reviewers praise Tarahumara as a satisfying buy because of its perfect size for day hiking, great build quality, and convenient center zip for easy access to the main compartment.

The GORUCK GR2 40 also championed its share of positive reviews. Its robust build and capacity to carry more are reasons for its high recommendations. Reviewers commend the GR2's bombproof construction, customizable features due to its MOLLE webbing, excellent organization in the front pocket, and the included lifetime warranty. Undoubtedly, the GORUCK GR2 is a backpack for the long haul.

In conclusion, choose the Tarahumara if you prefer an ultralight, straightforward backpack for short trips or day excursions. However, if you're a global traveler needing lots of space and a bag that withstands any environment—pick the GORUCK GR2. It's a heftier investment, but the peace of mind and guaranty it offers make it a worthwhile choice.