Hill People Gear Tarahumara vs. Ortlieb Velocity

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
Dimensions44×24×10 cm
Airline fit100%
Price$125

Feature by feature

Hill People Gear TarahumaraFeatureOrtlieb Velocity
Storage
S Compression N
None Expanded Capacity None
0 Opening 2
N Passport N
N Passthrough N
Carry
S Backpack S
R Hip Belt R
S Sternum Strap R
Inside
0 Laptop 15
2 Main Compartments 1
N Organizer N
Outside
× Hard Shell ×
N Rain-fly N
2 Water Bottle Holder 0
Y Water Resistant Y
Material
500D CorduraPD620, PS620C

Ortlieb Velocity

Front facing view of the Ortlieb Velocity
Capacity23 L
Weight0.88 kg
Dimensions50×30×16 cm
Airline fit82%
Price$135

Let's cut to the chase. If you're in the market for a reliable carry on, the Hill People Gear Tarahumara and the Ortlieb Velocity are both strong contenders. They each have their merits and ways they tip the scales, so let's take a closer look at how they stack up.

The Hill People Gear Tarahumara boasts some heavyweight construction with its 500D Cordura fabric. It's light as a feather at just 0.7 pounds, but don't let that fool you. It can carry 16 liters and is compatible with 100% of airlines - an impressive feat. But it's not all about work; the Tarahumara understands that after hours is laptop hours. Even so, there's no room for digital gear here.

Now, let's turn our attention to the Ortlieb Velocity. This bad boy doesn't skimp on storage with a generous 23 liters of capacity. Made of PD620 and PS620C, the Ortlieb sits a smidge heavier at 0.88 pounds. Unlike its counterpart, the Velocity provides room for a 15 inch laptop. However, it cooperates with less airlines - 82% to be precise.

Main Differences:

When it comes to reviewers, both bags have gathered quite the crowd of admirers. One reviewer exclaimed, "it’s not fancy, it doesn’t have a lot of bells and whistles, but it works like a freaking dream". The Ortlieb Velocity, on the other hand, was called "comfortable to use" and "weatherproof and durable". So, if you're in for convenience and quality craftsmanship, the Hill People Gear Tarahumara might just be your pick. But if more space and weather resilience rank high on your list, the Ortlieb Velocity might just do the trick. Choose your ally.