Hill People Gear Tarahumara vs. KS Ultralight Tao
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Hill People Gear Tarahumara
| Capacity | 16 L |
| Weight | 0.7 kg |
| Dimensions | 44×24×10 cm |
| Airline fit | 100% |
| Price | $125 |
Feature by feature
| Hill People Gear Tarahumara | Feature | KS Ultralight Tao |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| S | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 0 | Opening | 0 |
| N | Passport | top |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| S | Backpack | S |
| R | Hip Belt | R |
| S | Sternum Strap | R |
| Inside | ||
| 0 | Laptop | 0 |
| 2 | Main Compartments | 2 |
| N | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 2 | Water Bottle Holder | 0 |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 500D Cordura | X-pac VX 07YKK "waterproof zip" |
KS Ultralight Tao
| Capacity | 35 L |
| Weight | 0.3 kg |
| Dimensions | 71×30×18 cm |
| Airline fit | 89% |
| Price | $150 |
The Hill People Gear Tarahumara is a compact, well-built backpack that's perfect for day trips or light packing. It's made from durable 500D Cordura, providing strength, resilience, and less weight. It's smaller than the KS Ultralight Tao, but it's highly compatible and efficient - accommodating to all airlines. Plus, a laptop compartment, though it doesn't fit any laptop size, adds value. Reviewers appreciate its capacity, simple design, and lasting durability. They liken its internal space to a "Tardis", surprisingly vast despite its outward appearance.
Then, there's the KS Ultralight Tao, a lighter and spacious alternative for the intrepid traveler valuing minimal weight. The pack impressively weighs just 0.3 pounds but carries plenty, with a capacity of 35 litres. Although not as universally airline-friendly as the Tarahumara (89%), the Tao still fares well in this regard. It's made of X-pac VX 07YKK "waterproof zip", providing more than just durability but waterproof customization too. Its laptop compartment doesn't fit any size either, but its frameless, comfortable-to-carry design soothes.
In bullet form, the key contrasts are:
- Size and Weight: Tarahumara (44x24x10 in, 0.7 lbs), Tao (71x30x18 in, 0.3 lbs)
- Capacity: Tarahumara (16 liters), Tao (35 liters)
- Material: Tarahumara (500D Cordura), Tao (X-pac VX 07YKK)
- Airline Compatibility: Tarahumara (100%), Tao (89%)
- Laptop Compartment: Both have it, but do not fit any size.
The Tarahumara excels in build quality and material reliability, with the center zip drawing specific praise for its security and accessibility. It's a perfect pack for day hiking or light adventure, offering a great combination of dependability, size, and function.
The Tao, on the other hand, captures attention for its remarkably light weight, while not compromising on comfort or durability. Its spacious design and comfortable shoulder straps make it an alluring pick for those seeking lightness and simplicity. Respective merits considered, both backpacks offer great value, each appealing to different travel styles and preferences. Think of what your journey demands; then, choose accordingly.