Hill People Gear Tarahumara vs. Exped Skyline 15
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 | Exped Skyline 15 |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| 2 | Compression | 4 |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 0 | Opening | 1 |
| back | Passport | front |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| removable | Hip Belt | Y |
| Y | Sternum Strap | Y |
| Inside | ||
| N | Laptop | N |
| 2 | Main Compartments | 4 |
| N | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | Y |
| 2, side | Water Bottle Holder | 2, side |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 500d Cordura | 210D Robic HD Ripstop Nylon, PU Coated 1500mm |
Key differences between the Hill People Gear Tarahumara and Exped Skyline 15
- Compression straps: 2 on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; 4 on the Exped Skyline 15.
- Opening: Other on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; Clamshell on the Exped Skyline 15.
- Passport pocket: Back on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; Front on the Exped Skyline 15.
- Hip belt: Removable on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; Yes on the Exped Skyline 15.
- Main compartments: 2 on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; 4 on the Exped Skyline 15.
- Rain cover: No on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; Yes on the Exped Skyline 15.
Both have: backpack straps, sternum strap, 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 Exped Skyline 15.
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.
The Hill People Gear Tarahumara and the Exped Skyline 15 are both sturdy packs that do the job, but they do it in different ways and have a few distinct characteristics. The Tarahumara is a bit more compact, coming in at 44 x 24 x 10 inches, while the Skyline is a little bigger, measuring 53 x 26 x 17 inches. The Exped weighs a little more, but both packs are light enough not to weigh you down. Both are airline-friendly, with the Tarahumara boasting 100% compatibility, while the Skyline is a close second at 99%.
Here's a quick comparison:
- Size: The Tarahumara is slightly smaller than the Skyline.
- Weight: The Tarahumara is lighter, weighing just 0.7 pounds compared to the Skyline's 1.1 pounds.
- Capacity: The Tarahumara has a bit more capacity at 16 liters compared to the Skyline's 15 liters.
- Material: The Tarahumara is made of 500D Cordura, while the Skyline is made of 210D Robic HD Ripstop Nylon, PU Coated 1500mm.
- Airline Compatibility: The Tarahumara works with all airlines, while the Skyline works with 99%.
- Laptop Compartment: Neither pack has a laptop compartment.
The Tarahumara is a well-loved pack. Its fans praise its well-designed structure, calling it a pack that 'lasts a lifetime.' They note its ample interior space and small exterior, comparing it to the Tardis. It even gets recommended as the 'best solution' to the one-daypack question.
The Skyline, too, earns its share of praise. Users appreciate its switchback suspension system and its rain cover, cleverly tuck into a zippered bottom pocket. Its myriad organizational pockets draw mentions, as does its versatility--it works equally well for day hikes, mountain biking, one-day peak climbs, and bike commuting.
Both packs are excellent choices. The Tarahumara would serve well those who prefer a compact pack with ample space and durability; the Skyline, on the other hand, would be a great match for those who desire extra features and pockets for organization.