Hill People Gear Tarahumara vs. Exped Torrent 30

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 TarahumaraFeatureExped Torrent 30
Storage
S Compression N
None Expanded Capacity None
0 Opening 2
N Passport N
N Passthrough N
Carry
S Backpack S
R Hip Belt R
S Sternum Strap S
Inside
0 Laptop 0
2 Main Compartments 1
N Organizer N
Outside
× Hard Shell ×
N Rain-fly N
2 Water Bottle Holder 0
Y Water Resistant Y
Material
500D Cordura840 D Oxford nylon, TPU film laminate, >10'000 mm water column

Exped Torrent 30

Front facing view of the Exped Torrent 30
Capacity30 L
Weight1.13 kg
Dimensions55×27×20 cm
Airline fit77%

If you're looking for a reliable and durable backpack, look no further than the Hill People Gear Tarahumara and the Exped Torrent 30. Both of these carry-on backpacks excel in their own ways, but depending on your needs, one may be a better fit than the other.

The Hill People Gear Tarahumara backpack is compact and lightweight weighing only 0.7 pounds. It sports a more minimal design with a capacity of 16 liters, perfect for day hiking or as a daily carry-on. Boasting a 100% airline compatibility rate, you can confidently fly with this bag without any hassle. Built with 500D Cordura, The Tarahumara is known for its durability. Given its smaller size, it doesn't have a dedicated laptop compartment, but it still garners positive reviews for its design and build quality.

On the other hand, the Exped Torrent 30 is much more spacious with a 30-liter capacity. Weighing slightly more at 1.13 pounds, the bag is incredibly sturdy made with 840 D Oxford nylon and TPU film laminate that is claimed to be extremely water-resistant. Although it's not as widely compatible with airlines as the Tarahumara, with a 77% compatibility rate, it's still a safe bet for most travelers. Like the Tarahumara, the Torrent 30 also lacks a specific laptop compartment, but it does have plenty of space for gear.

Here's a quick look at the main differences:

Now, let's talk about their unique selling points. The Tarahumara is great for day hiking and as a daily carry-on because of its comfortable size, quality build, and reliable materials. It's center zip provides easy and secure access to the main compartment. Contrarily, the Exped Torrent 30 is praised for its comfort, with a superb suspension system granting easy carrying even with a heavier load. Complete water resistance and trustworthy durability add to its appeal, along with numerous attachment loops for convenience and additional carrying capacity.

In the end, both backpacks provide a fantastic bang for your buck. It really boils down to your specific needs when making a choice between these two. Whether it's the compact and reliable Tarahumara or the spacious and sturdy Torrent 30, you can't go wrong with either of these tried and tested carry-on backpacks.