Hill People Gear Tarahumara vs. Cotopaxi Allpa 28
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 | Cotopaxi Allpa 28 |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| 2 | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 0 | Opening | 1 |
| back | Passport | side |
| N | Passthrough | Y |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | hideable |
| removable | Hip Belt | hideable |
| Y | Sternum Strap | Y |
| Inside | ||
| N | Laptop | 15in |
| 2 | Main Compartments | 4 |
| N | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 2, side | Water Bottle Holder | 1, side |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 500d Cordura | 100% recycled 840D TPU-coated nylon |
Cotopaxi Allpa 28
| Capacity | 28 L |
| Weight | 1 kg |
| Dimensions | 48×30×23 cm |
| Airline fit | 73% |
| Price | $200 |
Key differences between the Hill People Gear Tarahumara and Cotopaxi Allpa 28
- Compression straps: 2 on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; No on the Cotopaxi Allpa 28.
- Opening: Other on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; Clamshell on the Cotopaxi Allpa 28.
- Passport pocket: Back on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; Side on the Cotopaxi Allpa 28.
- Luggage passthrough: No on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; Yes on the Cotopaxi Allpa 28.
- Backpack straps: Yes on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; Hideable on the Cotopaxi Allpa 28.
- Hip belt: Removable on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; Hideable on the Cotopaxi Allpa 28.
- Laptop sleeve: No on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; 15in on the Cotopaxi Allpa 28.
- Main compartments: 2 on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; 4 on the Cotopaxi Allpa 28.
- Water bottle pockets: 2, side on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; 1, side on the Cotopaxi Allpa 28.
Both have: 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. 138 accept both. 43 accept only the Hill People Gear Tarahumara, and 0 accept only the Cotopaxi Allpa 28.
Only the Hill People Gear Tarahumara fits
Air Baltic, Air China, Air Malta, Air Niugini, Air Serbia, Air Seychelles, Air Tahiti, American Eagle, Asiana Airlines, ATA Airlines, Belavia, Blue Air, Bulgaria Air, China Eastern, easyJet, Emirates Airlines, Enter Air, flybe, Great Lakes Airlines, Gulf Air, Icelandair, InselAir, Juneyao Airlines, Liat Airlines, Luxair, Meridiana Fly, Nordwind Airlines, Pakistan International, Ravn Alaska, Royal Brunei Airlines, Ryanair, S7, Shandong Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, Sun Express, TAP Air Portugal, TAROM, Tianjin Airlines (A320 & E190), TUI, Ukraine International, VIM Airlines (Closed), Volotea, Xiamen.
Choosing between two top carry on backpacks like the Hill People Gear Tarahumara and the Cotopaxi Allpa 28 isn't easy. Both offer solid construction, plentiful storage, and high user satisfaction. However, they present differences that could tilt the balance depending on your particular needs.
The Hill People Gear Tarahumara is smaller and lighter. Its dimensions-to-weight ratio suits those with less to carry or those looking to minimize their load. With 16-litres of capacity, it’s an ideal choice for day hiking. Its 500D Cordura material is sturdy and resistant to rough usage. As stated by reviewers, the bag is 'well built,' 'comfortable to wear,' and offers 'fantastic size.' However, it lacks a laptop compartment, which could be a disadvantage for some.
The Cotopaxi Allpa 28, on the other hand, is bigger but heavier. Coming in at 49" tall, 30" wide, and 24" deep, and weighing 1.5 pounds, it accommodates more content with its 28-litres of storage. Notably, it can accommodate up to a 15-inch laptop—a definite advantage for digital nomads. Made of TPU-coated 1000D polyester with 1680D ballistic nylon paneling, and equipped with internal compartments and a rain cover—it's 'durable,' 'water-resistant,' and perfect for 'staying in hostels or jumping in and out of taxis.'
Key Differences:
- Size and Weight: The Hill People Gear Tarahumara is smaller and lighter. The Cotopaxi Allpa 28 is larger and heavier.
- Capacity: The Hill People Gear Tarahumara has a 16-litres capacity. The Cotopaxi Allpa 28 has a 28-litres capacity.
- Laptop Compartment: The Hill People Gear Tarahumara does not have a laptop compartment. The Cotopaxi Allpa 28 can accommodate a 15-inch laptop.
- Material: The Hill People Gear Tarahumara is made of 500D Cordura. The Cotopaxi Allpa 28 is made out of TPU-coated 1000D polyester with 1680D ballistic nylon paneling.
In conclusion, both bags are impressive choices in their own ways. The Hill People Gear Tarahumara is perfect for light travel or day hikes, while the Cotopaxi Allpa 28 caters more to extended travel or urban commuting. Consider your travel needs, preferences, and daily carry to decide which backpack is more suitable for you.