Hill People Gear Tarahumara vs. Tropicfeel Shell

For outdoor junkies and seasoned travelers, two backpacks that rarely miss the limelight are the Hill People Gear Tarahumara and the Tropicfeel Shell. The Tarahumara, by Hill People Gear, standing tall at 44 inches and 24 inches wide, prides itself on its lightweight design, only tipping the scales at 0.7 pounds. It has a respectable capacity of 16 liters and is crafted from 500D Cordura for extreme durability. Unfortunately, this model does not come with a laptop compartment, suggesting its focus is much more on the utilitarian side of travel and outdoor exploration.

The Tropicfeel Shell is a different beast altogether. Although smaller in height at only 19 inches, it outstrips the Tarahumara in both width (30 inches) and capacity (22 liters). It is a little heavier at 1.5 pounds, made from a blend of 100% Recycled Nylon and 60% Recycled Polyester. This backpack does come fitted with a laptop compartment capable of housing a 15 inch laptop, indicating the brand's effort in molding a versatile travel / work bag.

Comparison:

Height: Hill People Tarahumara – 44 inches, Tropicfeel Shell – 19 inches

Width: Hill People Tarahumara – 24 inches, Tropicfeel Shell - 30 inches

Weight: Hill People Tarahumara – 0.7 pounds, Tropicfeel Shell - 1.5 pounds

Capacity: Hill People Tarahumara – 16 liters, Tropicfeel Shell – 22 liters

Material: Hill People Tarahumara – 500D Cordura, Tropicfeel Shell – 100% Recycled Nylon, 60% Recycled Polyester

Laptop Compartment: Hill People Tarahumara – No, Tropicfeel Shell – Yes (up to 15 inches)

It's clear as day that both backpacks, while designed with similar purposes, cater to slightly different demographics. The Hill People Tarahumara is the go-to if you're more of a light-traveler, concerned with durable rough-and-tough materials and storage for strictly essentials. The Tropicfeel Shell, on the other hand, offering an ample 6 liters more capacity, is perfect for those needing a little more wiggle room for their belongings. It is also the choice for digital nomads and on-the-go professionals who need space for their electronic devices.

A culmination of these aspects make both the Hill People Gear Tarahumara and the Tropicfeel Shell undeniably great buys, and depending on where your preferences lie, either could be your next favorite carry-on. As the saying goes, always remember to pack light but right.