Hill People Gear Tarahumara vs. Amazon Basics Internal Frame Hiking Backpack with Rainfly

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
Dimensions43×23×10 cm
Airline fit96%
Price$175

Feature by feature

Hill People Gear TarahumaraFeatureAmazon Basics Internal Frame Hiking Backpack with Rainfly
Storage
2 Compression Y
None Expanded Capacity None
0 Opening 2
back Passport N
N Passthrough N
Carry
Y Backpack Y
removable Hip Belt Y
Y Sternum Strap Y
Inside
N Laptop N
2 Main Compartments 1
N Organizer N
Outside
× Hard Shell ×
N Rain-fly Y
2, side Water Bottle Holder 2
Y Water Resistant Y
Material
500d CorduraPolyester

Amazon Basics Internal Frame Hiking Backpack with Rainfly

Front facing view of the Amazon Basics Internal Frame Hiking Backpack with Rainfly
Capacity55 L
Weight0 kg
Dimensions82×41×18 cm
Airline fit1%
Price$76

Key differences between the Hill People Gear Tarahumara and Amazon Basics Internal Frame Hiking Backpack with Rainfly

Both have: backpack straps, sternum strap, water resistant.

Which airlines take each bag as a carry-on

We checked both bags against the carry-on size limits of 189 airlines. 1 accept both. 180 accept only the Hill People Gear Tarahumara, and 0 accept only the Amazon Basics Internal Frame Hiking Backpack with Rainfly.

Only the Hill People Gear Tarahumara fits

Adria Airways, Aegean Airlines, Aer Lingus, Aeroflot, Aerolineas Argentinas, Aeromexico, Air Asia, Air Astana, Air Baltic, Air Canada, Air Caraibes, Air China, Air Europa, Air France, Air India, Air Koryo, Air Macau, Air Malta, Air Mauritius, Air New Zealand, Air Niugini, Air Nostrum, Air Serbia, Air Seychelles, Air Tahiti, Air Tahiti Nui, Air Wisconsin, AirAsiaX, Alaska Airlines, All Nipon Airways, Allegiant Air, American Airlines, American Eagle, ANA, Asiana Airlines, ATA Airlines, Atlas Global, Austrian, Avianca , Azerbaijan Airlines, Azul Linhas, Bahamasair, Bangkok Airways, Belavia, Biman Bangladesh, Blue Air, Boliviana de Aviacion, British Airways, Brussels Airlines, Bulgaria Air, Cambodia Angkor Air, Caribbean Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Cayman Airways, Cebu Pacific, China Airlines, China Eastern, China Southern, CommutAir, Conviasa, Copa Airlines, Croatia Air, Cubana de Aviacion, Czech Airlines, Delta Airlines, Dragonair, easyJet, EL AL, Emirates Airlines, Enter Air, Ethiopian Airlines, Etihad Airways, Eurowings, EVA Air, Fiji Airways, Finnair, Flair Air, flybe, Frontier Airlines, Garuda Indonesia, Gol Linhas Aereas, Great Lakes Airlines, Gulf Air, Hainan Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, Hong Kong Airlines, Iberia, Icelandair, Indigo, InselAir, Interjet, Iran Air, Iran Aseman Air, Island Air, Japan Airlines, Jet Airways, Jet2, jetBlue Airways, Jetstar Airways, Jetstar Asia, Juneyao Airlines, Kenya Airways, KLM, Korean Air, Kulula, Kuwait Air, LATAM , Liat Airlines, LOT Polish, Lufthansa, Luxair, Mahan Air, Malaysia Airlines, Mango, Meridiana Fly, Mesa Airlines, Middle East Airlines, Monarch Airlines, Nordwind Airlines, Norwegian, Oman Air, Onur Air, Pakistan International, Peach, PenAir, Philippine Airlines, Porter Airlines, Qantas Airways, Qatar Airways, Ravn Alaska, Regional Express, Republic Airways, Royal Air Morocco, Royal Brunei Airlines, Royal Jordanian, Ryanair, S7, SAS Scandinavian, Saudi Arabian Airlines, Scoot, Shandong Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, Sichuan Airlines, SilkAir, Silver Airways, Singapore Airlines, Sky Airlines, Skywest, Inc., South African Airways, Southwest Airlines, SpiceJet, Spirit Airlines, SriLankan Airlines, Sun Country, Sun Express, Swiss Int'l Air Lines, TAAG Angola, TAM Airlines, TAP Air Portugal, TAROM, Thai Airways, Tianjin Airlines (A320 & E190), Tiger Airways, Trans States, Travel Service Airlines, TUI, Turkish Airlines, Ukraine International, United Airlines, Ural Airlines, Uzbekistan Air, Vietnam Airlines, VIM Airlines (Closed), Virgin America, Virgin Atlantic, Virgin Australia, Volotea, WestJet, WOW Airlines, Xiamen.

The Hill People Gear Tarahumara and Amazon Basics Internal Frame Hiking Backpack Unpacked

Backpacks are to hikers what multi-tools are to camping enthusiasts—absolutely essential. Here, we'll be looking at a couple of market heavyweights: the Tarahumara by Hill People Gear (HPG) and Amazon Basics Internal Frame Hiking Backpack with Rainfly. Two powerful brands, two unique baggage solutions; let's see how they stack up.

HPG's Tarahumara is a compact, yet thoughtfully designed backpack. It's tough as nails, made from 500D Cordura. Its structure is slender, 44 inches tall, 24 inches wide, and 10 inches in depth. Travelers will appreciate its size, as it's acclaimed for its airline compatibility—it passes with flying colors with 100% compatibility. Despite being lightweight at .7 lbs., it can hold up to 16 liters. It's perfect for day hiking, and users have praised its durability and design, especially the unique center zip.

On the other side of the aisle, we have Amazon's Basics Internal Frame Hiking Backpack with Rainfly. "Basics" may be in the name, but this backpack features a variety of features, including a rainfly—a vital addition during heavy downpours. It's a more robust backpack made from polyester and standing at 82 inches with a capacity of 55 liters. While slightly less airline-friendly at 88% compatibility, it offers increased storage capabilities. Furthermore, its organization features are a significant selling point, and many users have praised its comfort and affordability.

Both backpacks have their unique strengths, so the best-fitting choice will depend on your hiking preferences. For those who value compactness, ruggedness, and airline compatibility, the Tarahumara is nearly unbeatable. But if storing capacity, weather protection, and organization are your top priorities, the Amazon Basics will serve you phenomenally. Of course, one should also consider that both backpack's laptop compartments do not seem designed for transportation per se, but this may not be a setback for most outdoor enthusiasts.