Hill People Gear Tarahumara vs. Nordace Gisborne
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 | Nordace Gisborne |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| 2 | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 0 | Opening | 4 |
| back | Passport | Y |
| N | Passthrough | Y |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | hideable |
| removable | Hip Belt | N |
| Y | Sternum Strap | Y |
| Inside | ||
| N | Laptop | 15in |
| 2 | Main Compartments | 1 |
| N | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 2, side | Water Bottle Holder | 1 |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 500d Cordura | POLYESTER & MICRO-FIBER LEATHER |
Nordace Gisborne
| Capacity | 22 L |
| Weight | 1.15 kg |
| Dimensions | 42×31×15 cm |
| Airline fit | 95% |
| Price | $157 |
Key differences between the Hill People Gear Tarahumara and Nordace Gisborne
- Compression straps: 2 on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; No on the Nordace Gisborne.
- Opening: Other on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; Top zip on the Nordace Gisborne.
- Passport pocket: Back on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; Yes on the Nordace Gisborne.
- Luggage passthrough: No on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; Yes on the Nordace Gisborne.
- Backpack straps: Yes on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; Hideable on the Nordace Gisborne.
- Hip belt: Removable on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; No on the Nordace Gisborne.
- Laptop sleeve: No on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; 15in on the Nordace Gisborne.
- Main compartments: 2 on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; 1 on the Nordace Gisborne.
- Water bottle pockets: 2, side on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; 1 on the Nordace Gisborne.
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. 179 accept both. 2 accept only the Hill People Gear Tarahumara, and 0 accept only the Nordace Gisborne.
Only the Hill People Gear Tarahumara fits
Air Niugini, Great Lakes Airlines.
The Hill People Gear Tarahumara and the Nordace Gisborne are two top-notch backpacks on the market you might consider as your next carry on. Light and well-trusted, the Tarahumara backpack weighs only 0.7 pounds and is amicably compatible with all airlines' regulations. It is made of 500D Cordura, known for its durability, and has an impressive capacity of 16 liters. On the downside, it doesn't boast a laptop compartment. However, reviewers rave about its effective design, quality construction, and vast interior space despite its compact exterior. The highlight is its perfect size for day hiking and the center zip, hailed for its convenience.
On the other hand, the Nordace Gisborne, slightly heavier at 1.15 pounds, offers an increased carrying capacity of 22 liters and comes with an added advantage - a dedicated 15-inch laptop compartment. It's compatible with about 84% of airlines and is made of polyester and micro-fiber leather, which gives it a sleek, contemporary look. Its versatility and high water-resistance make it a popular option as well.
Here are some key differences:
- Size: The Tarahumara is taller but narrower, while the Gisborne appears bulkier.
- Weight: Tarahumara is lighter, Gisborne a tad heavier.
- Material: Tarahumara is 500D Cordura, Gisborne is Polyester & Micro-Fiber Leather.
- Laptop compartment: Gisborne fits a 15-inch laptop, Tarahumara lacks this feature.
- Capacity: Gisborne has a larger capacity.
- Airline compatibility: Tarahumara is 100% compatible, Gisborne is 84% compatible.
Onto versatility. The Tarahumara is well-suited for rugged and outdoor environments and is praised for its build quality especially if you're into hiking, long walks or other similar activities. It simply ticks all the boxes for a durable daypack. The Gisborne, while also robust, seems more suited for urban on-goers that values sleek design and inner organization. The possibility to switch between tote bag and backpack form, plus the RFID pocket for digital protection, are added benefits that urban users might enjoy.
To conclude, both backpacks hail from renowned manufacturers and offer superior build quality and functionality. If you're an adventurous outdoor enthusiast, you may gravitate towards the Tarahumara for its robustness, simplicity, and elegance. However, if city living is more your style and the sophisticated design and tech-friendliness matter to you, the Gisborne offers those perks in abundance.