Hill People Gear Tarahumara vs. Millican Smith 25L
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 | Millican Smith 25L |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| 2 | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 0 | Opening | 2 |
| back | Passport | side |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| removable | Hip Belt | removable |
| Y | Sternum Strap | removable |
| Inside | ||
| N | Laptop | 15in |
| 2 | Main Compartments | 4 |
| N | Organizer | Y |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 2, side | Water Bottle Holder | 2, side |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 500d Cordura | Weatherproof Bionic Canvas |
Millican Smith 25L
| Capacity | 25 L |
| Weight | 1.1 kg |
| Dimensions | 52×28×18 cm |
| Airline fit | 89% |
| Price | $145 |
Key differences between the Hill People Gear Tarahumara and Millican Smith 25L
- Compression straps: 2 on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; No on the Millican Smith 25L.
- Opening: Other on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; Rolltop on the Millican Smith 25L.
- Passport pocket: Back on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; Side on the Millican Smith 25L.
- Sternum strap: Yes on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; Removable on the Millican Smith 25L.
- Laptop sleeve: No on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; 15in on the Millican Smith 25L.
- Main compartments: 2 on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; 4 on the Millican Smith 25L.
- Built-in organizer: No on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; Yes on the Millican Smith 25L.
Both have: backpack straps, hip belt, water bottle pockets, water resistant.
Which airlines take each bag as a carry-on
We checked both bags against the carry-on size limits of 189 airlines. 168 accept both. 13 accept only the Hill People Gear Tarahumara, and 0 accept only the Millican Smith 25L.
Only the Hill People Gear Tarahumara fits
Air Niugini, Air Tahiti, American Eagle, Belavia, easyJet, Etihad Airways, Gulf Air, Oman Air, Qatar Airways, Ravn Alaska, Regional Express, Royal Jordanian, Virgin Australia.
Starting with the Hill People Gear Tarahumara, there's no denying it's rugged and built to last. With its 500D Cordura material, you're getting a pack that can take a lot of punishment and come out smiling on the other side. Its 16 liters of capacity makes it perfect for quick excursions or as a carry-on for most airlines. You'll hardly notice it on your back, weighing in at just 0.7 pounds. However, keep in mind, unless your laptop is essentially invisible, the Tarahumara doesn't have a space for it.
Now, let's talk about the Millican Smith 25L. This pack uses a Weatherproof Bionic Canvas and, unlike the Tarahumara, has a laptop compartment that can accommodate up to a 15-inch device. Weighing in at one pound, it's slightly heavier than the Hill People option, but you get 25 liters of space in return. While the Tarahumara is fully airlines compatible, the Smith 25L falls short by just 1% (but who is counting).
Comparison between Hill People Gear Tarahumara and Millican Smith 25L:
- Dimensions: Hill People - 44 inches tall, 24 inches wide, 10 inches deep; Millican - 19 inches tall, 28 inches wide, 53 inches deep.
- Weight: Hill People 0.7 pounds; Millican 1 pound.
- Capacity: Hill People 16 liters; Millican 25 liters.
- Airline Compatibility: Hill People 100%; Millican 99%.
- Material: Hill People - 500D Cordura; Millican - Weatherproof Bionic Canvas.
- Laptop Compartment: Hill People - Not available; Millican - Fits up to a 15 inch laptop.
Personal endorsements lean heavily in favor of both packs for various reasons. Some users appreciate the Tarahumara's design longevity, namely its construction quality and compact size. It's described as capable and sturdy, with an accessible interior despite its smaller exterior. Meanwhile, the Smith 25L turns heads with its sustainable materials and aesthetic blend of classical and hiking features. Your comfort is paramount to Millican, winning approval with its thorough back padding, ventilation, and elastic-sided pockets.
Bearing all these in mind, there's plenty to love about each of these packs. The Hill People Gear Tarahumara stands out for day hiking, it's build quality, and the security of the center zip. On the flip side, the Millican Smith 25L excels with comfortable back padding, internal organization, side pocket elasticity, and a handy hidden pocket. Be sure to note these particulars when making your selection, as both packs showcase varied strengths.