Hill People Gear Tarahumara vs. Patagonia Arbor Zip Pack 22L
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 | Patagonia Arbor Zip Pack 22L |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| S | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 0 | Opening | 4 |
| N | Passport | N |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| S | Backpack | S |
| R | Hip Belt | N |
| S | Sternum Strap | N |
| Inside | ||
| 0 | Laptop | 15 |
| 2 | Main Compartments | 1 |
| N | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 2 | Water Bottle Holder | 1 |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 500D Cordura | 600-denier 100% recycled polyester, 200-denier 100% recycled polyester |
Patagonia Arbor Zip Pack 22L
| Capacity | 22 L |
| Weight | 0.48 kg |
| Dimensions | 49×31×13 cm |
| Airline fit | 81% |
| Price | $89 |
The Hill People Gear Tarahumara and the Patagonia Arbor Zip Pack 22L may share a common purpose – serving as your trusted carry-on backpack – but their design, materials, and features tell very different stories. Hill’s Tarahumara, built from 500D Cordura, stands 44 inches tall. It's a lightweight hero of your treks, weighing just 0.7 pounds. But don't be fooled by its lightness; this backpack packs a hefty 16-liter capacity. Compact, sturdy, it may not have a laptop compartment, but it won't shy away from serving as your trusty companion, with 100% airline compatibility to boot.
On the other hand, Patagonia’s Arbor Zip Pack 22L is the proponent of responsible manufacturing. Made of 600 and 200-denier 100% recycled polyester, it advocates for sustainability without compromising on durability. The Arbor is slightly smaller at 13 inches tall and substantially wider at 31 inches. It weighs a bit less, coming in at just 0.48 pounds, and holds a bit more too, with 22 liters of volume. Plus, it features a laptop compartment that can comfortably accommodate a 15 inch laptop, although only 81% airline compatibility means you might hit a snag here and there during your travels.
In summary:
- Height: Hill’s Tarahumara stands at 44 inches while Patagonia’s Arbor is 13 inches tall.
- Width: The Tarahumara is 24 inches wide, the Arbor is 31 inches wide, making it more spacious.
- Material: Hill uses 500D Cordura while Patagonia uses 600 and 200-denier 100% recycled polyester.
- Weight: Tarahumara weighs 0.7 pounds against Arbor’s lean 0.48 pounds.
- Capacity: The Hill backpack accommodates 16 liters while the Patagonia option can hold 22 liters.
- Laptop Compartment: Patagonia’s Arbor includes a laptop compartment up to 15 inches, Tarahumara does not.
- Airline Compatibility: The Tarahumara boasts 100% compatibility. The Arbor limits you with 81% compatibility.
According to one reviewer, the Hill People Gear Tarahumara is “spacious enough to hold for example my jacket, keys, and abundance of ephemera.... it’s interior space is almost like the vacuously spacious Tardis!” Another reviewer describes Patagonia's Arbor Zip Pack 22L as "a simple yet timeless design that would fit right in any environment."
Ultimately, the decision between Hill People Gear Tarahumara and the Patagonia Arbor Zip Pack 22L comes down to your personal preference and needs. Want a durable, reliable bag that’s ready for anything? Tarahumara’s got you covered. Looking for an ethically crafted backpack that balances volume, lightness, and a place for your laptop? Arbor might be your perfect match.