Hill People Gear Tarahumara vs. Kathmandu Solus Pack 20
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 | Kathmandu Solus Pack 20 |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| 2 | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 0 | Opening | 4 |
| back | Passport | N |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| removable | Hip Belt | N |
| Y | Sternum Strap | N |
| Inside | ||
| N | Laptop | 15in |
| 2 | Main Compartments | 1 |
| N | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 2, side | Water Bottle Holder | N |
| Y | Water Resistant | N |
| Material | |
| 500d Cordura | 100% Polyester |
Kathmandu Solus Pack 20
| Capacity | 20 L |
| Weight | 0.42 kg |
| Dimensions | 47×28×19 cm |
| Airline fit | 93% |
| Price | $60 |
Key differences between the Hill People Gear Tarahumara and Kathmandu Solus Pack 20
- Compression straps: 2 on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; No on the Kathmandu Solus Pack 20.
- Opening: Other on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; Top zip on the Kathmandu Solus Pack 20.
- Passport pocket: Back on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; No on the Kathmandu Solus Pack 20.
- Hip belt: Removable on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; No on the Kathmandu Solus Pack 20.
- Sternum strap: Yes on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; No on the Kathmandu Solus Pack 20.
- Laptop sleeve: No on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; 15in on the Kathmandu Solus Pack 20.
- Main compartments: 2 on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; 1 on the Kathmandu Solus Pack 20.
- Water bottle pockets: 2, side on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; No on the Kathmandu Solus Pack 20.
- Water resistant: Yes on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; No on the Kathmandu Solus Pack 20.
Both have: backpack straps.
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 Kathmandu Solus Pack 20.
Only the Hill People Gear Tarahumara fits
Air Tahiti, American Eagle, easyJet, Gulf Air, Ravn Alaska.
The Hill People Gear Tarahumara is a winner when it comes to durability and endurance. Crafted expertly with 500D Cordura, this backpack promises a long lifespan with its robust build. It has an awe-inspiring 16 liters of capacity space within its 44 inches tall, 24 inches wide, and 10 inches deep structure. The size to durability to capacity ratio makes it just right for day hiking. Convenient access to the main compartment is offered by the central zip, which also enhances the security of your belongings. Weighing in at only 0.7 pounds, this lightweight bag also offers maximum airline compatibility.
On the other hand, the Kathmandu Solus Pack 20 is a striking blend of eco-conscious manufacturing and functional design. Boasting a 20 liter capacity, the bag measures 19 inches tall, 28 inches wide, and 47 inches deep. Made of 100% Polyester, the bag is both durable and resistant to colour fade, thanks to the solution-dyed fabric. It doesn't fall behind on security or space either with its elevated notebook sleeve that ensures protection from any sudden drops. Although it's a tad heavier than Tarahumara at 0.42 pounds, it's still lightweight, albeit with lesser airline compatibility.
- Size: Tarahumara measures 44x24x10 inches while Solus Pack measures 19x28x47 inches.
- Weight: Tarahumara weighs 0.7 pounds. While Solus Pack 20 weighs 0.42 pounds.
- Capacity: 16 litres for Tarahumara and 20 litres for Solus Pack 20.
- Airline Compatibility: Tarahumara is compatible with 100% airlines while Solus Pack 20 with 83%.
- Material: Tarahumara is made from 500D Cordura. Solus Pack 20 is made from 100% Polyester.
- Laptop Compartment: Tarahumara might not accommodate a laptop while Solus Pack 20 can house up to a 15-inch laptop.
The Tarahumara stands out for its reliability, security, and convenience all-together. Its lifetime build is praised by many reviewers who are impressed by its size in relation to the storage it offers. It's touted as the best overall solution to one-day pack question with its spacious interior that deceivingly opposes its compact exterior.
In contrast, the Kathmandu Solus Pack 20 leans towards stylish looks with a good deal of functionality. Its conscious manufacturing and durable fabric make it resistant against colour fades. A hit among the buyers, the bag also offers ample internal organization and comes with a notebook sleeve that offers decent protection against accidental drops. The bag silently garners attention for its minimal yet sleek appearance, making it a good addition for your day hikes.