Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
| Capacity | 16 L |
| Weight | 0.7 kg |
| Dimensions | 44×24×10 cm |
| Airline fit | 100% |
| Price | $125 |
| Hill People Gear Tarahumara | Feature | Nomatic Travel Backpack |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| S | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 0 | Opening | 1 |
| N | Passport | Y |
| N | Passthrough | Y |
| Carry | ||
| S | Backpack | H |
| R | Hip Belt | N |
| S | Sternum Strap | S |
| Inside | ||
| 0 | Laptop | 15 |
| 2 | Main Compartments | 5 |
| N | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 2 | Water Bottle Holder | 1 |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 500D Cordura | Waterproof tarpaulin |
| Capacity | 20 L |
| Weight | 1.9 kg |
| Dimensions | 47×30×16 cm |
| Airline fit | 98% |
| Price | $259 |
When it comes to quality carry-ons, your choice will often boil down to durability, convenience, and the backpack's capacity. Between the Hill People Gear Tarahumara and the Nomatic Travel Backpack, both boast impressive features that make them stand out in their own unique way. Veteran brand Hill People Gear offers the Tarahumara, a bag that flaunts its compact size yet capable design. Made from 500D Cordura, this 16-liter backpack is a sturdy companion that's perfect for your day-hiking escapades. And despite its size, users praise the main compartment's accessibility due to its secure center zip.
Switching gears, we have the Travel Backpack from the innovators at Nomatic. Unlike the Tarahumara, this bag is built for those constantly on the move, ensuring they have all their essentials in one waterproof tarpaulin-furnished backpack. The Nomatic Travel Backpack expands your carrying capacity to 20-liters, maintaining order with multiple compartments and pockets. Notably, it also protects your tech, boasting a 15-inch laptop compartment.
Hill People Gear and Nomatic offer more than just functionality; their carry-on backpacks add a sense of professionalism and sleek design. Reviewers praise the Tarahumara for its simplicity and robust build, guaranteeing it a lifetime of use. Moreover, its “vacuously spacious Tardis” main compartment boasts ample space despite its seemingly modest exterior.
On the other hand, the Nomatic Travel Backpack impresses with both its capacity and organized layout. Beyond its multiple compartments, this backpack comes with enhanced elements like RFID safe pockets, a hidden money pocket, and even a removable shell for glasses. As one reviewer sums it up, "Nomatic has created a backpack that can do it all, from work to pleasure and every important meeting in between."