Hill People Gear Tarahumara vs. Jansport Gnarly Gnapsack 25

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 TarahumaraFeatureJansport Gnarly Gnapsack 25
Storage
S Compression S
None Expanded Capacity None
0 Opening 4
N Passport N
N Passthrough N
Carry
S Backpack S
R Hip Belt N
S Sternum Strap S
Inside
0 Laptop 17
2 Main Compartments 2
N Organizer N
Outside
× Hard Shell ×
N Rain-fly N
2 Water Bottle Holder 2
Y Water Resistant Y
Material
500D Cordura300 Denier Recycled Ripstop Poly / 600 Denier Recycled Poly / TPU Coated 600 Denier

Jansport Gnarly Gnapsack 25

Front facing view of the Jansport Gnarly Gnapsack 25
Capacity25 L
Weight0.6 kg
Dimensions44×28×14 cm
Airline fit84%
Price$60

The Hill People Gear Tarahumara by Hill People Gear is a rugged backpack designed with travelers in mind. Made of 500D Cordura, it demonstrates excellent resistance to tears and scuffs providing long-term durability. This bag is quite tall at 44 inches, but slim, with a width of 24 inches and depth of 10 inches. Despite being slender, it has a 16 litre carrying capacity. The Tarahumara’s best selling feature is compatibility. It has been hailed for falling within 100% of airlines' size guidelines for carry-on items. Notably, specific as it may seem, the Tarahumara does not come with any size laptop compartment.

On the flip side, the Jansport Gnarly Gnapsack 25 by Jansport caters more to casual travelers and students. This bag's material—300 Denier Recycled Ripstop Poly / 600 Denier Recycled Poly / TPU Coated 600 Denier—lends itself to a more lightweight construction. It weighs 0.6 pounds, just a tad lighter than Tarahumara. The Gnapsack is also smaller and wider, standing at 14 inches tall, and spreading 28 inches in width and 44 inches deep. However, it outdoes the Tarahumara in capacity, boasting a 25 litre space. It also has a laptop compartment that can fit a 17-inch laptop. Its only drawback would be its compatibility with airlines. The Gnapsack is acceptable as carry-on by only 84% of airlines.

Key differences in comparison:

High praise doesn't lack from reviewers for both bags. Witnesses to the Tarahumara's dynamic design commend it as the answer to one's day pack needs, an "elegantly simple" solution. They single it out for its durability and celebrate it as a lifetime investment. Its size is seen as perfect for day hiking and the center zip is hailed for its convenience.

Nevertheless, the Jansport Gnarly Gnapsack 25 holds its ground. Customers laud it for being outstandingly good value for money, noting its quality and the accompanying lifetime warranty that guarantees its economic benefit. The Gnapsack is credited with good organizational features, which add to its appeal as an ideal travel companion. In conclusion, each of these backpacks carries its unique selling points; the ultimate choice between them is largely influenced by individual preference and specific packing requirements.