Hill People Gear Tarahumara vs. STM Dux 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 | STM Dux Backpack |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| 2 | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 0 | Opening | 4 |
| back | Passport | Y |
| N | Passthrough | |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| 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 | 2 |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 500d Cordura | 500D x 750D Polyester |
STM Dux Backpack
| Capacity | 30 L |
| Weight | 1.78 kg |
| Dimensions | 50.8×33×24.1 cm |
| Airline fit | 39% |
| Price | $250 |
Key differences between the Hill People Gear Tarahumara and STM Dux Backpack
- Compression straps: 2 on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; No on the STM Dux Backpack.
- Opening: Other on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; Top zip on the STM Dux Backpack.
- Passport pocket: Back on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; Yes on the STM Dux Backpack.
- Hip belt: Removable on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; No on the STM Dux Backpack.
- Laptop sleeve: No on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; 15in on the STM Dux Backpack.
- Main compartments: 2 on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; 1 on the STM Dux Backpack.
- Water bottle pockets: 2, side on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; 2 on the STM Dux Backpack.
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. 73 accept both. 108 accept only the Hill People Gear Tarahumara, and 0 accept only the STM Dux Backpack.
Only the Hill People Gear Tarahumara fits
Aer Lingus, Air Asia, Air Baltic, Air Canada, Air China, Air Macau, Air Malta, Air Niugini, Air Serbia, Air Seychelles, Air Tahiti, Air Wisconsin, AirAsiaX, Alaska Airlines, Allegiant Air, American Airlines, American Eagle, Asiana Airlines, ATA Airlines, Austrian, Avianca , Azerbaijan Airlines, Bahamasair, Bangkok Airways, Belavia, Biman Bangladesh, Blue Air, Brussels Airlines, Bulgaria Air, Cambodia Angkor Air, Cathay Pacific, Cayman Airways, Cebu Pacific, China Airlines, China Eastern, CommutAir, Delta Airlines, Dragonair, easyJet, Emirates Airlines, Enter Air, Ethiopian Airlines, Etihad Airways, Eurowings, EVA Air, Fiji Airways, Flair Air, flybe, Garuda Indonesia, Great Lakes Airlines, Gulf Air, Hawaiian Airlines, Hong Kong Airlines, Icelandair, InselAir, jetBlue Airways, Jetstar Airways, Jetstar Asia, Juneyao Airlines, Kulula, Liat Airlines, LOT Polish, Lufthansa, Luxair, Mahan Air, Malaysia Airlines, Mango, Meridiana Fly, Mesa Airlines, Nordwind Airlines, Norwegian, Oman Air, Pakistan International, Porter Airlines, Qantas Airways, Qatar Airways, Ravn Alaska, Regional Express, Republic Airways, Royal Brunei Airlines, Royal Jordanian, Ryanair, S7, SAS Scandinavian, Scoot, Shandong Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, Skywest, Inc., South African Airways, SriLankan Airlines, Sun Express, Swiss Int'l Air Lines, TAP Air Portugal, TAROM, Tianjin Airlines (A320 & E190), Tiger Airways, Trans States, TUI, Turkish Airlines, Ukraine International, United Airlines, Vietnam Airlines, VIM Airlines (Closed), Virgin Atlantic, Virgin Australia, Volotea, WestJet, Xiamen.
Looking at just the specs, both the Hill People Gear Tarahumara and the STM Dux Backpack are impressive in their own rights, each boasting unique features that cater to specific needs. The Tarahumara, clocking in at 0.7 pounds is an ultra-lightweight choice while the Dux Backpack, though heavier at 1.78 pounds, offers a generous 30 liter capacity.
Each pack is made from a different type of fabric, a distinction that could be a major factor for some users. The Tarahumara is made from 500D Cordura, a robust and durable material. The Dux Backpack on the other hand is made from 500D x 750D Polyester, a standout for its lightweight property and resistance to stretching or shrinking.
Here are a few key differences to sum up:
- Dimensions: Tarahumara is 44" tall, 24" wide, 10" deep while Dux is 24.1" tall, 33" wide, 50.8" deep
- Weight: Tarahumara weighs 0.7 lbs, Dux weighs 1.78 lbs
- Capacity: Tarahumara has 16 liters capacity, Dux has 30 liters capacity
- Material: Tarahumara is made of 500D Cordura, Dux is made of 500D x 750D Polyester
- Laptop Compartment: Tarahumara can fit 0" laptop, Dux can fit a 15" laptop
- Airline Compatibility: Tarahumara is compatible with 100% airlines, Dux is compatible with 47% airlines
Reviewers have likewise noted the Tarahumara’s well-executed design and build quality that is expected to last a lifetime. The Dux Backpack, on the other hand, offers a comfortable harness system and great organization options with its numerous pockets and sleeves.
In summary, the Tarahumara shines in its lightweight, lower profile, and great build quality, while the Dux offers more room for storage, added protection for your laptop and a heftier build. At the end of the day, it really depends on what your needs are and which attributes take preference over others.