Hill People Gear Tarahumara vs. Away The Zip Backpack
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 | Away The Zip Backpack |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| 2 | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 0 | Opening | 4 |
| back | Passport | Y |
| N | Passthrough | Y |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| removable | Hip Belt | N |
| Y | Sternum Strap | N |
| Inside | ||
| N | Laptop | 14in |
| 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 | Nylon with leather |
Away The Zip Backpack
| Capacity | 20 L |
| Weight | 1.1 kg |
| Dimensions | 45×30.5×15 cm |
| Airline fit | 95% |
| Price | $236 |
Key differences between the Hill People Gear Tarahumara and Away The Zip Backpack
- Compression straps: 2 on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; No on the Away The Zip Backpack.
- Opening: Other on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; Top zip on the Away The Zip Backpack.
- Passport pocket: Back on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; Yes on the Away The Zip Backpack.
- Luggage passthrough: No on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; Yes on the Away The Zip Backpack.
- Hip belt: Removable on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; No on the Away The Zip Backpack.
- Sternum strap: Yes on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; No on the Away The Zip Backpack.
- Laptop sleeve: No on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; 14in on the Away The Zip Backpack.
- Main compartments: 2 on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; 1 on the Away The Zip Backpack.
- Water bottle pockets: 2, side on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; 1 on the Away The Zip Backpack.
Both have: backpack straps, 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 Away The Zip Backpack.
Only the Hill People Gear Tarahumara fits
Air Niugini, Great Lakes Airlines.
For those who value durability and minimal design, the Tarahumara by Hill People Gear is hard to beat. Its 500D Cordura material is sturdy and long-lasting — perfect for individuals who have rugged lifestyles or take spontaneous adventures. The backpack may appear minimalist, but it fits a surprising amount of equipment with its 16-liter capacity, and a laptop of any size won't be a problem. Moreover, the center zip provides easy access to the main compartment, making the Tarahumara especially handy for day hiking. It's a solid piece of gear that customer reviews affirm will provide a lifetime of reliable service.
If you're looking for something trendier with more features, Away's The Zip Backpack is a strong contender. It's slightly bulkier, with a 20-liter capacity that includes space for a 14-inch laptop. It weighs a bit more than the Tarahumara, but the material is a blend of nylon and leather, offering both durability and style. The backpack impresses with its internal organization and handy hidden zip pocket for valuables. It's widely acclaimed in customer reviews for its sleek aesthetics and functional design.
Comparison Summary:
- Dimensions: The Tarahumara by Hill People Gear is 44 inches tall, 24 inches wide, and 10 inches deep, while Away's The Zip Backpack is 45 inches tall, 15 inches wide, and 30.5 inches deep.
- Weight: The Tarahumara weighs 0.7 pounds; The Zip Backpack weighs 1.1 pounds.
- Capacity: There is a slight variance in capacity, with the Tarahumara offering 16 liters and The Zip Backpack 20 liters.
- Compatibility: You'll have more flight options with the Tarahumara, as it is 100% airline-compatible. The Zip Backpack is compatible with 84% of airlines.
- Material: The Tarahumara is made of 500D Cordura, while The Zip Backpack is made of nylon with leather.
- Laptop Compartment: The Tarahumara has no specific laptop compartment, while The Zip Backpack can accommodate a laptop up to 14 inches.
Away’s The Zip Backpack is perfect for the city dweller, with features that cater to urban life without compromising on style. On the other hand, the Hill People Gear Tarahumara shines for the great outdoors, its rugged and reliable build quality fitting for the one-daypack adventures. It's a distinct choice between two quality backpacks. However, the final pick comes down to individual needs and lifestyle. With either choice, you'll inevitably find yourself a well-made, reliable travel companion.