Hill People Gear Tarahumara vs. Cabin Zero Classic Pro 32L
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 | Cabin Zero Classic Pro 32L |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| 2 | Compression | 4 |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 0 | Opening | 1 |
| back | Passport | N |
| N | Passthrough | Y |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | hideable |
| removable | Hip Belt | hideable |
| Y | Sternum Strap | Y |
| Inside | ||
| N | Laptop | 15in |
| 2 | Main Compartments | 2 |
| N | Organizer | Y |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 2, side | Water Bottle Holder | 1, side |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 500d Cordura | 600 Denier Polyester |
Cabin Zero Classic Pro 32L
| Capacity | 32 L |
| Weight | 1.2 kg |
| Dimensions | 46×31×20 cm |
| Airline fit | 94% |
| Price | $141 |
Key differences between the Hill People Gear Tarahumara and Cabin Zero Classic Pro 32L
- Compression straps: 2 on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; 4 on the Cabin Zero Classic Pro 32L.
- Opening: Other on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; Clamshell on the Cabin Zero Classic Pro 32L.
- Passport pocket: Back on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; No on the Cabin Zero Classic Pro 32L.
- Luggage passthrough: No on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; Yes on the Cabin Zero Classic Pro 32L.
- Backpack straps: Yes on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; Hideable on the Cabin Zero Classic Pro 32L.
- Hip belt: Removable on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; Hideable on the Cabin Zero Classic Pro 32L.
- Laptop sleeve: No on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; 15in on the Cabin Zero Classic Pro 32L.
- Built-in organizer: No on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; Yes on the Cabin Zero Classic Pro 32L.
- Water bottle pockets: 2, side on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; 1, side on the Cabin Zero Classic Pro 32L.
Both have: sternum strap, water resistant.
Which airlines take each bag as a carry-on
We checked both bags against the carry-on size limits of 189 airlines. 177 accept both. 4 accept only the Hill People Gear Tarahumara, and 0 accept only the Cabin Zero Classic Pro 32L.
Only the Hill People Gear Tarahumara fits
Air Niugini, Air Tahiti, Great Lakes Airlines, Gulf Air.
In the world of carry-on backpacks, two standout choices present themselves. The first, the robust Tarahumara by Hill People Gear (HPG), offers a unique blend of rugged durability and compact design. On the other hand, you have the sleek and spacious Cabin Zero Classic Pro 32L (CZ32L). Both boast high-performance materials and intuitive design, but they diverge in interesting ways.
The Hill People Gear Tarahumara is a fiercely capable contender renowned for its rugged build quality. With a height of 44 inches, a width of 24 inches, and a depth of 10 inches, it offers a compact 16 liters of capacity while weighing a featherlight 0.7 pounds. This pack is constructed from rugged 500D Cordura, a material known for its durability and resistance to wear and tears. It may be small, but every inch is ready to go to war for your gear. But where the Tarahumara really shines is its universal compatibility, accepted by 100% of airlines. As for storage, it's simple, if not a tad austere. There's no space specifically for laptops, so pack accordingly.
Here's a quick rundown of their differences:
- Size: Tarahumara (44" tall, 24" wide, 10" deep); CZ32L (20" tall, 34" wide, 46" deep)
- Weight: Tarahumara (0.7 lbs); CZ32L (1.235 lbs)
- Capacity: Tarahumara (16 liters); CZ32L (32 liters)
- Airline Compatibility: Tarahumara (100% of airlines); CZ32L (82% of airlines)
- Material: Tarahumara (500D Cordura); CZ32L (CABINZERO 600 Denier Polyester)
- Laptop Compartment Size: Tarahumara (0 inches); CZ32L (15 inches)
The Cabin Zero Classic Pro 32L is a traveler’s dream, offering a crisp blend of style, spaciousness, and modern design. It measures a bit more modest at 20 inches tall, 34 inches wide, and 46 inches deep, yet manages to accommodate double the capacity of the Tarahumara at 32 liters. While it's slightly heavier at 1.235 pounds, it's still lightweight and easy to handle. The CZ32L is constructed from Cabin Zero’s 600 Denier Polyester, a material recognized for its durability and lightweight properties. A key component of the CZ32L is its laptop compartment capable of housing a 15-inch computer, a testament to its digital-age prowess. However, this pack is not as universally accepted as the Tarahumara, with an 82% airline compatibility rating.
Choosing between the Tarahumara and the Cabin Zero Classic Pro 32L isn't so much about assessing superiority or inferiority. Rather, it's about which best fits your needs. The Tarahumara is built for the rugged yet minimalistic traveler. If you're in need of durability and simplicity, it's a solid choice. However, if modern design, a laptop compartment, and extra space are your preferences, the Cabin Zero Classic Pro 32L is a commendable choice. Both are outstanding backpacks shaped by the unique vision behind their creation. Ultimately, the choice of which suits you best is a journey in and of itself.