Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
| Capacity | 16 L |
| Weight | 0.7 kg |
| Dimensions | 44×24×10 cm |
| Airline fit | 100% |
| Price | $125 |
| Hill People Gear Tarahumara | Feature | Exped Glissade 25 Women |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| S | Compression | S |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 0 | Opening | 4 |
| N | Passport | N |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| S | Backpack | S |
| R | Hip Belt | R |
| S | Sternum Strap | S |
| 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 | Y |
| Material | |
| 500D Cordura | 630 D Oxford nylon, PU coated, 1'500 mm water column Oeko-Tex 100 certified |
| Capacity | 25 L |
| Weight | 1.23 kg |
| Dimensions | 56×26×21 cm |
| Airline fit | 47% |
| Price | $139 |
When analyzing two titans of the carry-on backpack world, the Hill People Gear Tarahumara and the Exped Glissade 25 Women, there are a few considerations to keep in mind. Both bags have their distinctive selling points, making them sizable contenders in the field.
The Hill People Gear Tarahumara stands tall and slender at 44 inches, offering 16 liters of capacity and weighing in at a mere 0.7 pound. It's made from 500D Cordura—a robust material, ensuring that the bag is as staunch as it is handy. Most appealing, perhaps, is its compatibility record—standing at a full 100% with all airlines. This no-nonsense bag offers everything necessary for a day hike, with its size mirroring a comfortable build as quote one reviewer, "Well designed, well executed, and well built."
Switching sides, we have the Exped Glissade 25 Women which weights a bit more at 1.23 lbs, but makes up for this by offering a comprehensive 25 liters of capacity. Slightly wider than the Tarahumara, but less tall, the Glissade is constructed from 630 D Oxford nylon, with a PU coating. It's fit for less than half of all airlines—47% to be exact, but it features super load-bearing control properties and an excellent internal organization.
To conclude, each bag has its strong points, so the choice boils down to the individual's priorities. The Hill People Gear Tarahumara offers top-notch compatibility and a reliable build, making it a robust option for any adventure. However, if you're after a bit of extra capacity and a specially designed fit for women, the Exped Glissade 25 Women could well be your ideal match. Either way, you're guaranteed quality and longevity from these sturdy backpacks.