Hill People Gear Tarahumara vs. Fjallraven Kanken Laptop 17"
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 | Fjallraven Kanken Laptop 17" |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| S | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 0 | Opening | 4 |
| N | Passport | N |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| S | Backpack | S |
| R | Hip Belt | N |
| S | Sternum Strap | N |
| Inside | ||
| 0 | Laptop | 17 |
| 2 | Main Compartments | 1 |
| N | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 2 | Water Bottle Holder | 2 |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 500D Cordura | Vinylon F: 100% vinylal |
Fjallraven Kanken Laptop 17"
| Capacity | 20 L |
| Weight | 0.5 kg |
| Dimensions | 42×30×18 cm |
| Airline fit | 84% |
| Price | $130 |
The Hill People Gear Tarahumara and the Fjallraven Kanken Laptop 17" both fall within the genre of carry-on backpacks, however there are stark differences between the two. The Tarahumara, weighing in at 0.7lbs, is a heavier alternative to the Kanken, at a mere 0.5lbs. The fact that it is taller, deeper, but narrower than the Kanken gives it an unusual shape not often seen in your everyday commute. The bag’s structure is tough, courtesy of the 500D Cordura fabric and each stitch hints at lifetime durability. One missing feature is the lack of a laptop compartment. However, for outdoor enthusiasts this bag seems to provide all the space you might need to store your day hiking necessities, with a carry-on compatibility of 100%.
On the other side, we have the Fjallraven Kanken Laptop 17". This bag shines in the realm of urban and professional life. With its slighter frame, lighter construction, and Vinylon F material, the Kanken is designed to blend into a city environment. Equipped with an ideal laptop compartment, this bag is a reliable companion for both students and professionals. One thing of note, though, is that it's compatible with only 84% of airlines, which might be a limitation for frequent air travelers.
To sum up key differences:
- Hill People Gear Tarahumara is taller, narrower, and deeper than Fjallraven Kanken Laptop 17"
- The Tarahumara is heavier at 0.7lbs while the Kanken is 0.5lbs
- Tarahumara has no laptop compartment, but the Kanken has an aptly sized one for a 17" laptop
- Tarahumara is made of 500D Cordura while the Kanken is made of Vinylon F
- Tarahumara has a baggage compatibility of 100% but the Kanken falls short at 84%
The bottom line, as it often is with bags, is what you’ll be using it for. If you’re more of the outdoorsy type, who just needs a sturdy pack for a day out in the woods, Tarahumara by Hill People Gear can be your reliable companion. On the other hand, if you find yourself in urban environments more frequently, juggling electronics while keeping up with the latest trends, Kanken Laptop 17" by Fjallraven deserves to be on top of your shopping list. But remember, the perfect bag is not one size fits all — take time to consider your specific needs before taking a leap of faith with either of these backpacks.