Hill People Gear Tarahumara vs. Ortlieb Velocity Design
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 | Ortlieb Velocity Design |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| 2 | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 0 | Opening | 2 |
| back | Passport | N |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| removable | Hip Belt | removable |
| Y | Sternum Strap | removable |
| Inside | ||
| N | Laptop | 15in |
| 2 | Main Compartments | 1 |
| N | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 2, side | Water Bottle Holder | N |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 500d Cordura | PD620, PS620C |
Ortlieb Velocity Design
| Capacity | 23 L |
| Weight | 0.88 kg |
| Dimensions | 50×30×16 cm |
| Airline fit | 92% |
| Price | $145 |
Key differences between the Hill People Gear Tarahumara and Ortlieb Velocity Design
- Compression straps: 2 on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; No on the Ortlieb Velocity Design.
- Opening: Other on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; Rolltop on the Ortlieb Velocity Design.
- Passport pocket: Back on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; No on the Ortlieb Velocity Design.
- Sternum strap: Yes on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; Removable on the Ortlieb Velocity Design.
- Laptop sleeve: No on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; 15in on the Ortlieb Velocity Design.
- Main compartments: 2 on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; 1 on the Ortlieb Velocity Design.
- Water bottle pockets: 2, side on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; No on the Ortlieb Velocity Design.
Both have: backpack straps, hip belt, water resistant.
Which airlines take each bag as a carry-on
We checked both bags against the carry-on size limits of 189 airlines. 173 accept both. 8 accept only the Hill People Gear Tarahumara, and 0 accept only the Ortlieb Velocity Design.
Only the Hill People Gear Tarahumara fits
Air Tahiti, American Eagle, easyJet, Great Lakes Airlines, Gulf Air, Ravn Alaska, Regional Express, Virgin Australia.
When it comes to durable, convenient carry-on backpacks, both the Hill People Gear Tarahumara and the Ortlieb Velocity Design make their own distinct marks. The former, constructed from hardwearing 500D Cordura, weighs in at a mere 0.7 pounds and fits 100% of airlines' specifications. It has a carry capacity of 16 liters within its 44x24x10 inch dimensions. The Tarahumara, however, lacks a laptop compartment, making it less versatile. Reviewers have praised this backpack for being a sturdy, life-long companion that handles most daypack tasks with elegance and simplicity thanks to its central zip design.
On the other hand, the Ortlieb Velocity Design, made from PD620 and PS620C, offers a larger accommodation with its 23-liter capacity. A tad heavier at 0.88 pounds, it complies with 82% of airlines' standards. This backpack stands out with a laptop compartment that can house a 15-incher. Reviewers felt an affinity for its array of designs, weatherproof build, and comfort. The ergonomic straps and well-padded back padding making it easy to carry despite its larger 16x30x50 inch size.
Here are the main comparisons:
- Tarahumara backpacks are taller and less broad than the Ortlieb Velocity Design.
- Ortlieb Velocity Design is slightly heavier than Tarahumara.
- Ortlieb velocity Design can carry more volume than the Tarahumara backpack.
- Ortlieb Velocity Design backpacks are compatible with fewer airlines than the Tarahumara
- Ortlieb Velocity Design features a laptop compartment, while Tarahumara does not.
- Customers praised the Tarahumara for its reliable build and size perfect for day hikes.
- On the other side, the Ortlieb Velocity Design offered a variety of designs and weatherproof construction making it both attractive and practical.
In summary, the choice between Tarahumara and Velocity Design depends on your needs. If low weight, universal airline compliance, and a sturdy build are high on your list, then one can't go wrong with the Tarahumara. If greater storage capacity, a laptop compartment, and design variety hold more importance, bearing in mind it's compatible with fewer airlines, then the Ortlieb Velocity Design is the way forward. Either way, both backpacks offer durability, comfort, and the confidence of having a reliable travel companion.