Hill People Gear Tarahumara vs. Deuter Aviant Carry On Pro 36 SL

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

Hill People Gear Tarahumara

Front facing view of the Hill People Gear Tarahumara
Capacity16 L
Weight0.7 kg
Dimensions44×24×10 cm
Airline fit100%
Price$125

Feature by feature

Hill People Gear TarahumaraFeatureDeuter Aviant Carry On Pro 36 SL
Storage
S Compression N
None Expanded Capacity None
0 Opening 1
N Passport N
N Passthrough Y
Carry
S Backpack H
R Hip Belt N
S Sternum Strap S
Inside
0 Laptop 15
2 Main Compartments 1
N Organizer Y
Outside
× Hard Shell ×
N Rain-fly N
2 Water Bottle Holder 0
Y Water Resistant Y
Material
500D Cordura600D PES, 420D PA

Deuter Aviant Carry On Pro 36 SL

Front facing view of the Deuter Aviant Carry On Pro 36 SL
Capacity36 L
Weight1.34 kg
Dimensions55×34×23 cm
Airline fit63%
Price$128

The Hill People Gear Tarahumara stands tall and rigid, showing off its 44-inch height, a true solution for the daypack question. It’s a lightweight warrior, weighing a mere 0.7 pounds, and presents a compact profile with its 24-inch width and 10-inch depth. Its capacity might seem modest at 16 liters, but don't let that fool you. This pack is a master of holding all the essentials in an organized manner, and reviewers have expressed nothing but admiration for it. In the words of a user, "it’s spacious enough to hold my jacket, keys, and an abundance of ephemera that I regularly carry...its interior space is almost like the vacuously spacious Tardis!" Made from durable 500D Cordura, the Tarahumara comes with a laptop compartment that, admittedly, won't fit any laptop size, but its reliability more than compensates.

The Deuter Aviant Carry On Pro 36 SL, on the other hand, is a beast with a carrying capacity of 36 liters. Standing 23 inches tall, it extends a little further in width and depth, measuring 34 inches wide and 55 inches deep. At 1.34 pounds, it's a smidge heavier than the Tarahumara, but offers a well-crafted carry system that reviewers deem pretty comfortable. It's the backpack you need for longer trips, with its 600D PES and 420D PA materials ensuring it holds up well on the long haul. A special shout-out goes to its capable laptop compartment that can hold a laptop of up to 15 inches.

The Tarahumara and the Aviant Carry On Pro 36 stand as two distinct choices for different needs and preferences. A reviewer noted that the Tarahumara was perfect for day hiking, due to its size, secure zip access, and robust build quality. "It’s a well-designed, well-executed, and well-built bag that’ll last you a lifetime," they quoted.

As for the Aviant Carry On Pro 36, reviewers appreciated its fitting carry system, especially for women, its excellent internal organization, comfortable use for extended periods, and a convenient removable shoe compartment. "If you’re tired of playing overhead Tetris on planes, you may want to give this bag a serious look," one user advised. As for final decisions, I'm sure there's a backpack for every one of us here.