Hill People Gear Tarahumara vs. Timbuk2 Blink

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 TarahumaraFeatureTimbuk2 Blink
Storage
S Compression S
None Expanded Capacity None
0 Opening 0
N Passport front
N Passthrough N
Carry
S Backpack S
R Hip Belt N
S Sternum Strap N
Inside
0 Laptop 15
2 Main Compartments 3
N Organizer N
Outside
× Hard Shell ×
N Rain-fly N
2 Water Bottle Holder
Y Water Resistant Y
Material
500D Cordura

Timbuk2 Blink

Front facing view of the Timbuk2 Blink
Capacity24 L
Weight0.7 kg
Dimensions54×28×10 cm
Airline fit99%
Price$140

If you're in the market for a top-notch, reliable carry-on backpack, you might be considering either the Hill People Gear Tarahumara or the Timbuk2 Blink. The Tarahumara, manufactured by Hill People Gear, is a sturdy, compact piece that stands 44 inches tall, 24 inches wide, and 10 inches deep. Weighing at a measly 0.7 pounds, this backpack boasts a 16 liter capacity. It's crafted out of robust 500D Cordura. One of its prominent features is its compatibility with 100% of airlines. However, it's worth noting that it doesn't accommodate a laptop.

On the other hand, there's the Timbuk2 Blink. Standing larger at 54 inches tall, 28 inches wide, and 10 inches deep, the Blink also weighs in at 0.7 pounds. Notably, however, it boasts a larger carrying capacity, reaching up to 24 liters. This Timbuk2 creation is compatible with 99% of airlines, and can secure a 15-inch laptop within its compartments.

Here's a bullet point comparison summary:

Reviewers of the Tarahumara bag consider it a well-designed, lifetime investment that can meet a variety of one-day pack solutions. It's spacious enough to hold primary essentials while leaving ample room for extra items. Over at the Timbuk2 Blink camp, reviewers praise its adequate space, compact appearance, and simplistic aesthetic. They believe it lives up to its billing as a minimal but capable bag.

In terms of purpose, the Tarahumara is ideal for day hiking, while the Blink makes a suitable and stylish travel companion. The center zip feature on the Tarahumara provides security and easy access to the main compartment. Meanwhile, the Blink's clamshell design makes packing a breeze and creates a more spacious interior than appearances suggest. To sum up: Whether your pick will be the well-made and reliable Tarahumara, or the spacious and chic Blink, you'll be getting some of the best carry-on backpacks money can buy.