Hill People Gear Tarahumara vs. Deuter Aviant Access 38

Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.

Hill People Gear Tarahumara

Front facing view of the Hill People Gear Tarahumara
Capacity16 L
Weight0.7 kg
Dimensions44×24×10 cm
Airline fit100%
Price$125

Feature by feature

Hill People Gear TarahumaraFeatureDeuter Aviant Access 38
Storage
S Compression S
None Expanded Capacity None
0 Opening 4
N Passport N
N Passthrough N
Carry
S Backpack S
R Hip Belt H
S Sternum Strap H
Inside
0 Laptop 13
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 Cordura600D PES, 420D PA

Deuter Aviant Access 38

Front facing view of the Deuter Aviant Access 38
Capacity38 L
Weight1.58 kg
Dimensions55×35×23 cm
Airline fit63%
Price$120

When it comes to carry-on backpacks, two options stand out quite vividly: The Hill People Gear Tarahumara and the Deuter Aviant Access 38. Both bags are uniquely impressive, yet they possess significant diversities apart from each other that one must consider before making a purchase. The former is a compact yet robust bag while the latter is spacious with a superb internal organization.

Hill People Gear's Tarahumara weighs a mere 0.7 pounds, a great choice for those that want to travel light. The bag stands 44 inches tall and 24 inches wide, ensuring it's compatible with all airlines. It has a central zip that provides easy access to its 16-liter capacity. However, it falls short on laptop storage, not being able to fit any laptop size. On the other hand, Deuter's Aviant Access 38 is a slightly larger bag, weighing 1.58 pounds, and stands at 23 inches tall and 35 inches wide. It boasts a 38-liter capacity, and it stands tall amongst its rivals with its convenient 13-inch laptop compartment. However, its size makes it compatible with only 63% of airlines.

Appraisal for both models has been nothing short of stellar. Reviewers celebrating Tarahumara praise its perfect size for day hiking, its sturdy build quality, and its center zip that provides both security and easy access. Meanwhile, those who favor the Aviant Access 38 celebrate the bag's excellent harness system providing comfort despite being heavily burdened, comfortable back padding providing excellent ventilation, and its superbly organized interior.

In conclusion, both the Hill People Gear Tarahumara and Deuter Aviant Access 38 are top-notch choices for carry-on backpacks. Your ultimate decision should hinge on the specifics of your impending journey and personal preference regarding size, weight, and storage capacity. Choose the light and compact Tarahumara if you're one to travel light and small. Or, if you prioritize capacity and organization, the Aviant Access is your perfect backpack companion.