Hill People Gear Tarahumara vs. REI Co-op Flash Pack 22
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 Flash Pack 22 |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| 2 | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 0 | Opening | 3 |
| back | Passport | top |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| removable | Hip Belt | Y |
| Y | Sternum Strap | removable |
| Inside | ||
| N | Laptop | 15in |
| 2 | Main Compartments | 3 |
| N | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 2, side | Water Bottle Holder | 2, side |
| Y | Water Resistant | N |
| Material | |
| 500d Cordura | Recycled nylon (bluesign®;-approved) |
REI Co-op Flash Pack 22
| Capacity | 22 L |
| Weight | 0.4 kg |
| Dimensions | 48×28×20 cm |
| Airline fit | 93% |
| Price | $60 |
Key differences between the Hill People Gear Tarahumara and REI Co-op Flash Pack 22
- Compression straps: 2 on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; No on the REI Co-op Flash Pack 22.
- Opening: Other on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; Top flap on the REI Co-op Flash Pack 22.
- Passport pocket: Back on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; Top on the REI Co-op Flash Pack 22.
- Hip belt: Removable on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; Yes on the REI Co-op Flash Pack 22.
- Sternum strap: Yes on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; Removable on the REI Co-op Flash Pack 22.
- Laptop sleeve: No on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; 15in on the REI Co-op Flash Pack 22.
- Main compartments: 2 on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; 3 on the REI Co-op Flash Pack 22.
- Water resistant: Yes on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; No on the REI Co-op Flash Pack 22.
Both have: backpack straps, water bottle pockets.
Which airlines take each bag as a carry-on
We checked both bags against the carry-on size limits of 189 airlines. 176 accept both. 5 accept only the Hill People Gear Tarahumara, and 0 accept only the REI Co-op Flash Pack 22.
Only the Hill People Gear Tarahumara fits
Air Tahiti, American Eagle, easyJet, Gulf Air, Ravn Alaska.
When choosing the ideal travel companion such as a backpack, one must consider not just the design but its functionality, weight, and material. The Hill People Gear Tarahumara is a sturdy option that stands at 44 inches tall, 24 inches wide and 10 inches deep. It's made of durable 500D Cordura and weighs a nimble 0.7 pounds. This lean mass does not impede its storage ability as it boasts of a 16-liter capacity perfect for day hikes.
In comparison, we have the REI Co-op Flash Pack 22 which is slightly taller and wider, standing at 46 inches tall, 26 inches wide and an impressive 21 inches deep. Made of lightweight nylon, it weighs a mere 0.4 pounds making it extremely comfortable for extended hikes. It offers a larger storage capacity of 22 liters, lending itself to more versatility.
- Size: Tarahumara (44x24x10 inches) vs. Flash Pack (46x26x21 inches)
- Weight: Tarahumara (0.7 lbs) vs. Flash Pack (0.4 lbs)
- Capacity: Tarahumara (16 liters) vs. Flash Pack (22 liters)
- Material: Tarahumara (500D Cordura) vs. Flash Pack (Nylon)
- Laptop Compartment: Tarahumara (None) vs. Flash Pack (Fits 15 inch laptop)
The Hill People Gear Tarahumara, apart from it's sturdy design is praised for its impressive use of interior space and lifetime durability. One reviewer summarized it as a "well-designed, well-executed, and well-built bag." It's centered zip provides a sense of security and convenience in accessing the main compartment.
On the hand, The REI Co-op Flash Pack 22 stands out for its featherweight structure, minimalistic yet functional design, and great suspension system when the bag gets heavy. Summarized aptly by one reviewer - "REI’s 22-liter daypack hits a great middle ground of minimalism and functionality." In terms of cost, the Flash Pack 22 offers remarkable value as the best budget daypack of the season. Be it the Tarahumara or Flash Pack 22, whether you are a casual hiker or a frequent flier, both these backpacks offer distinctive pros that cater to various needs.