Hill People Gear Tarahumara vs. Eagle Creek Global Companion 65L

Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.

Hill People Gear Tarahumara

by Hill People Gear
Front facing view of the Hill People Gear Tarahumara
Capacity16 L
Weight0.7 kg
Dimensions43×23×10 cm
Airline fit96%
Price$175

Feature by feature

Storage
2 Compression Y
None Expanded Capacity None
0 Opening 1
back Passport N
N Passthrough N
Carry
Y Backpack Y
removable Hip Belt N
Y Sternum Strap Y
Inside
N Laptop 17in
2 Main Compartments 1
N Organizer N
Outside
× Hard Shell ×
N Rain-fly Y
2, side Water Bottle Holder 1
Y Water Resistant Y
Material
500d Cordura450D Geo Ripstop, Bi-Tech™, 600D Helix™ Poly

Eagle Creek Global Companion 65L

by Eagle Creek
Front facing view of the Eagle Creek Global Companion 65L
Capacity68 L
Weight2.33 kg
Dimensions66×35×31 cm
Airline fit1%
Price$229

Key differences between the Hill People Gear Tarahumara and Eagle Creek Global Companion 65L

Both have: backpack straps, 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. 1 accept both. 180 accept only the Hill People Gear Tarahumara, and 0 accept only the Eagle Creek Global Companion 65L.

Only the Hill People Gear Tarahumara fits

Adria Airways, Aegean Airlines, Aer Lingus, Aeroflot, Aerolineas Argentinas, Aeromexico, Air Asia, Air Astana, Air Baltic, Air Canada, Air Caraibes, Air China, Air Europa, Air France, Air India, Air Koryo, Air Macau, Air Malta, Air Mauritius, Air New Zealand, Air Niugini, Air Nostrum, Air Serbia, Air Seychelles, Air Tahiti, Air Tahiti Nui, Air Wisconsin, AirAsiaX, Alaska Airlines, All Nipon Airways, Allegiant Air, American Airlines, American Eagle, ANA, Asiana Airlines, ATA Airlines, Atlas Global, Austrian, Avianca , Azerbaijan Airlines, Azul Linhas, Bahamasair, Bangkok Airways, Belavia, Biman Bangladesh, Blue Air, Boliviana de Aviacion, British Airways, Brussels Airlines, Bulgaria Air, Cambodia Angkor Air, Caribbean Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Cayman Airways, Cebu Pacific, China Airlines, China Eastern, China Southern, CommutAir, Conviasa, Copa Airlines, Croatia Air, Cubana de Aviacion, Czech Airlines, Delta Airlines, Dragonair, easyJet, EL AL, Emirates Airlines, Enter Air, Ethiopian Airlines, Etihad Airways, Eurowings, EVA Air, Fiji Airways, Finnair, Flair Air, flybe, Frontier Airlines, Garuda Indonesia, Gol Linhas Aereas, Great Lakes Airlines, Gulf Air, Hainan Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, Hong Kong Airlines, Iberia, Icelandair, Indigo, InselAir, Interjet, Iran Air, Iran Aseman Air, Island Air, Japan Airlines, Jet Airways, Jet2, jetBlue Airways, Jetstar Airways, Jetstar Asia, Juneyao Airlines, Kenya Airways, KLM, Korean Air, Kulula, Kuwait Air, LATAM , Liat Airlines, LOT Polish, Lufthansa, Luxair, Mahan Air, Malaysia Airlines, Mango, Meridiana Fly, Mesa Airlines, Middle East Airlines, Monarch Airlines, Nordwind Airlines, Norwegian, Oman Air, Onur Air, Pakistan International, Peach, PenAir, Philippine Airlines, Porter Airlines, Qantas Airways, Qatar Airways, Ravn Alaska, Regional Express, Republic Airways, Royal Air Morocco, Royal Brunei Airlines, Royal Jordanian, Ryanair, S7, SAS Scandinavian, Saudi Arabian Airlines, Scoot, Shandong Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, Sichuan Airlines, SilkAir, Silver Airways, Singapore Airlines, Sky Airlines, Skywest, Inc., South African Airways, Southwest Airlines, SpiceJet, Spirit Airlines, SriLankan Airlines, Sun Country, Sun Express, Swiss Int'l Air Lines, TAAG Angola, TAM Airlines, TAP Air Portugal, TAROM, Thai Airways, Tianjin Airlines (A320 & E190), Tiger Airways, Trans States, Travel Service Airlines, TUI, Turkish Airlines, Ukraine International, United Airlines, Ural Airlines, Uzbekistan Air, Vietnam Airlines, VIM Airlines (Closed), Virgin America, Virgin Atlantic, Virgin Australia, Volotea, WestJet, WOW Airlines, Xiamen.

The Hill People Gear Tarahumara and the Eagle Creek Global Companion 65L are both robust options for a carry-on backpack, but there are several key differences that may sway your decision. Weighing only 0.7 pounds, the Tarahumara offers a featherweight design that's perfect for those who prefer mobility over capacity. At a mere 16 liters, it's a top-notch option for day hikers or light packers. In comparison, the 2.33 pounds Global Companion heft feels worthwhile considering its whopping 65 liters of space. For the digital nomads and business travelers requiring a mobile office, the Global Companion provides a secure compartment for a 17-inch laptop, besting the Tarahumara's 0-inch capacity.

Materials of any travel gear reveal a lot about durability and resistance. The Tarahumara, made of 500D Cordura, boasts a build quality deserving of praise. Critics claim it to be robust and reliable enough to outlast many of its competitors. On the other hand, the Global Companion has a reputation for being weather-resistant, given the 450D Geo Ripstop, Bi-Tech™, 600D Helix™ Poly construction. This enhances its physical durability, earning praises for its longevity.

The question of utility stems from the convenience each backpack provides. With the Tarahumara, its center zip offers easy, secure access to the main compartment, matching the demands of on-the-go travelers. Conversely, the Global Companion, with its multiple access points, offers the flexibility to retrieve things from the main compartment without having to dig through everything. And its harness system is commendable: adjustable with load lifters, it ensures carrying a week's worth of supplies doesn’t strain the body. Such convenience is hard to find in other backpacks.

In conclusion, both the Tarahumara and Global Companion have their distinct strengths. The former highlights portability and accessibility, whereas the latter aims for maximum carrying capacity and flexibility. It's crucial to consider your individual needs and preferences before making this significant investment.