Hill People Gear Tarahumara vs. Ortlieb Commuter Daypack High Visibility
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Hill People Gear Tarahumara
| Capacity | 16 L |
| Weight | 0.7 kg |
| Dimensions | 44×24×10 cm |
| Airline fit | 100% |
| Price | $125 |
Feature by feature
| Hill People Gear Tarahumara | Feature | Ortlieb Commuter Daypack High Visibility |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| S | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 0 | Opening | 2 |
| N | Passport | N |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| S | Backpack | S |
| R | Hip Belt | R |
| S | Sternum Strap | R |
| 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 Cordura | PS50CX |
Ortlieb Commuter Daypack High Visibility
| Capacity | 21 L |
| Weight | 0.86 kg |
| Dimensions | 50×30×15.5 cm |
| Airline fit | 82% |
| Price | $250 |
When it comes to carry on backpacks, the "Hill People Gear Tarahumara" and the "Ortlieb Commuter Daypack High Visibility" are two of the most notable players in the field. Each has its own strengths and weaknesses, and choosing between them often comes down to individual needs and priorities.
The "Hill People Gear Tarahumara" is a smaller, lighter pack, weighing only 0.7 pounds and boasting a carrying capacity of 16 liters. It's a rugged piece of gear, built to withstand tough conditions with its 500D Cordura construction. That being said, it lacks a compartment suitable for a laptop, which hampers its usability for the modern traveler. It’s touted as a well-designed, tough as nails backpack that's been lauded for its compactness and surprising roominess.
The "Ortlieb Commuter Daypack High Visibility", on the other hand, is a larger pack with a carrying capacity of 21 liters. Despite its higher volume, it remains lightweight, coming in at 0.86 pounds. It's made from PS50CX material that has a high degree of durability, and significantly, includes a laptop compartment that can accommodate a 15 inch laptop. This bag’s high visibility and waterproof feature are also highly praised by reviewers.
Summing up, here are the significant differences:
- The Tarahumara is smaller (44x24x10 inches) and lighter (0.7 pounds) than the Ortlieb Daypack (15.5x30x50 inches, 0.86 pounds)
- The Tarahumara's capacity is 16 liters while the Ortlieb Daypack boasts 21 liters of capacity
- The Tarahumara cannot accommodate a laptop, unlike the Ortlieb Daypack which can fit a 15 inch laptop
- The Tarahumara's construction material is 500D Cordura while the Ortlieb Daypack is made of PS50CX material
Both packs offer compelling strengths. The Tarahumara, with its compact form factor and sturdy build, is ideal for those willing to sacrifice some functionality for the sake of lightness and simplicity. The Ortlieb Daypack, with its larger capacity and built-in laptop compartment, is a more versatile and functional selection, albeit at the expense of a sleeker design. Would you rather go for the well-made, suitable for day hiking Tarahumara or would it be the minimal, high visibility and waterproof Ortlieb Daypack? The ball, as they say, is in your court.