Hill People Gear Tarahumara vs. Photo Sport BP 200 AW II
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 | Photo Sport BP 200 AW II |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| S | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 0 | Opening | 3 |
| N | Passport | N |
| N | Passthrough | Y |
| Carry | ||
| S | Backpack | S |
| R | Hip Belt | S |
| S | Sternum Strap | S |
| Inside | ||
| 0 | Laptop | 0 |
| 2 | Main Compartments | 4 |
| N | Organizer | Y |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | S |
| 2 | Water Bottle Holder | 1 |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 500D Cordura | N100 nylon with UTS coating, N210D HD Oxford nylon, stretch polyester |
Photo Sport BP 200 AW II
| Capacity | 25 L |
| Weight | 1.2 kg |
| Dimensions | 52×24.5×20 cm |
| Airline fit | 79% |
| Price | $150 |
Let's dive right in and give a close roundup of two prolific carry-on backpacks - the Tarahumara by Hill People Gear, and the Photo Sport BP 200 AW II by LowePro.
Tarahumara distinguishes itself with lean measurements of 44x24x10 inches and a notable weight advantage over its competitor, weighing just 0.7 pounds to LowePro's 1.2 pounds. With a volume of 16 liters, it may be smaller than LowePro's 25 liters, but it compensates with its compatibility, finding a home with 100% airlines while LowePro lags at 79%. And it is not shy of strength and durability either, boasting a body of 500D Cordura, although LowePro too brings its A-game with a tough construction of N100 nylon with a UTS coating. Both backpacks however, unfortunately, lack a laptop compartment.
To round up our comparison:
- Both bags lack a laptop compartment
- Tarahumara is larger but less voluminous (44x24x10 inches, 16 liters) compared to LowePro (20x24.5x52 inches, 25 liters)
- Tarahumara weighs less (0.7 pounds) than LowePro (1.2 pounds)
- Tarahumara is 100% compatible with airlines, while LowePro is 79% compatible
- Tarahumara is made from 500D Cordura, while LowePro is made from N100 nylon with UTS coating, N210D HD Oxford nylon, and stretch polyester
Notable reviewers have hymned praises for Tarahumara, calling it 'well executed', a 'lifetime investment', and stating how it makes up for the exterior space with its spacious interior. LowePro still lacks review quotes but it's speculated that it shines equally bright in its segment.
When it comes to purchase advantages, Tarahumara wins on the grounds of perfect day hiking size, great build quality, reliable materials, and convenient center zip. LowePro, on the other hand, flaunts a dedicated hydration pocket, a great harness system, a dedicated camera pocket, and weather resistance with an added all-weather cover.
Ultimately, selecting between Hill People Gear Tarahumara and LowePro Photo Sport BP 200 AW II boils down to individual needs and preferences. No matter which one you choose, they both stand strong in their respective fields, justifying their functionality and delivering value to their users.