Hill People Gear Tarahumara vs. STM Prime
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 | STM Prime |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| S | Compression | 0 |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 0 | Opening | 0 |
| N | Passport | top |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| S | Backpack | Y |
| R | Hip Belt | N |
| S | Sternum Strap | Y |
| Inside | ||
| 0 | Laptop | 13 |
| 2 | Main Compartments | 2 |
| N | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 2 | Water Bottle Holder | 2 side |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 500D Cordura | Polyester |
STM Prime
| Capacity | 15 L |
| Weight | 0.7 kg |
| Dimensions | 42×26×13 cm |
| Airline fit | 100% |
| Price | $80 |
When it comes to the ultimate carry-on backpack, the Hill People Gear Tarahumara and the STM Prime are both top contenders in the game. Both backpacks are superbly designed and offer great functionality, making them equally excellent choices for your carry-on necessities. However, it's important to take note of some key differences that might shift your preference from one to the other.
The Hill People Gear Tarahumara stands tall at 44 inches and wide at 24 inches with a depth of 10 inches. It is made of tough 500D Cordura that offers great durability over long-term use, and provides 16 liters of packing space. On the contrary, the STM Prime measures at 42 inches in height and 26 inches in width with 13 inches of depth. It is constructed of Polyester material and comes with a 15-liter capacity.
Hill People Gear Tarahumara vs STM Prime
- Size: Tarahumara (44"x24"x10") vs STM Prime (42"x26"x13")
- Weight: Both 0.7 pounds
- Capacity: Tarahumara (16 liters) vs STM Prime (15 liters)
- Material: Tarahumara (500D Cordura) vs STM Prime (Polyester)
- Laptop Compartment: Tarahumara (No laptop compartment) vs STM Prime (Fits up to 13 inches laptop)
Critics have praised the Hill People Gear Tarahumara, labeling it as a well-built and well-executed bag designed to last a lifetime. One critic noted the Tarahumara's impressive packing capacity, offering 16 liters of storage that can easily hold essential items like jackets, keys, books, and more. The STM Prime, on the other hand, has not been as elaborately reviewed, however, it does come with a laptop compartment that can accommodate a laptop of up to 13 inches - a feature that is absent in the Tarahumara.
To round out, both the Hill People Gear Tarahumara and the STM Prime are great purchases. The Tarahumara is perfect for day hiking and offers excellent build quality, and its center zip allows quick access to the main compartment. The STM Prime, however, is built for tech users, making it an equally robust rival. Whether you prefer the rugged, simple design of the Tarahumara or the advanced, tech-orientated design of the STM Prime, both backpacks offer significant value in their own respective traits. Choose based on your needs and the backpack will serve you dutifully in the years to come.