Hill People Gear Tarahumara vs. Dakine Gemini
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 | Dakine Gemini |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| 2 | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 0 | Opening | 0 |
| back | Passport | top |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| removable | Hip Belt | N |
| Y | Sternum Strap | Y |
| Inside | ||
| N | Laptop | 17in |
| 2 | Main Compartments | 2 |
| N | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 2, side | Water Bottle Holder | 1, side |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 500d Cordura | 600D Polyester |
Dakine Gemini
| Capacity | 28 L |
| Weight | 1 kg |
| Dimensions | 56×34×24 cm |
| Airline fit | 26% |
| Price | $125 |
Key differences between the Hill People Gear Tarahumara and Dakine Gemini
- Compression straps: 2 on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; No on the Dakine Gemini.
- Passport pocket: Back on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; Top on the Dakine Gemini.
- Hip belt: Removable on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; No on the Dakine Gemini.
- Laptop sleeve: No on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; 17in on the Dakine Gemini.
- Water bottle pockets: 2, side on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; 1, side on the Dakine Gemini.
Both have: backpack straps, sternum strap, water resistant.
Which airlines take each bag as a carry-on
We checked both bags against the carry-on size limits of 189 airlines. 49 accept both. 132 accept only the Hill People Gear Tarahumara, and 0 accept only the Dakine Gemini.
Only the Hill People Gear Tarahumara fits
Aer Lingus, Aeroflot, Aerolineas Argentinas, Aeromexico, Air Asia, Air Baltic, Air Canada, Air Caraibes, Air China, Air France, Air India, Air Macau, Air Malta, Air Mauritius, Air Niugini, Air Serbia, Air Seychelles, Air Tahiti, Air Wisconsin, AirAsiaX, Alaska Airlines, All Nipon Airways, Allegiant Air, American Airlines, American Eagle, ANA, Asiana Airlines, ATA Airlines, Austrian, Avianca , Azerbaijan Airlines, Bahamasair, Bangkok Airways, Belavia, Biman Bangladesh, Blue Air, Boliviana de Aviacion, Brussels Airlines, Bulgaria Air, Cambodia Angkor Air, Cathay Pacific, Cayman Airways, Cebu Pacific, China Airlines, China Eastern, CommutAir, Croatia Air, Czech Airlines, Delta Airlines, Dragonair, easyJet, Emirates Airlines, Enter Air, Ethiopian Airlines, Etihad Airways, Eurowings, EVA Air, Fiji Airways, Flair Air, flybe, Garuda Indonesia, Gol Linhas Aereas, Great Lakes Airlines, Gulf Air, Hawaiian Airlines, Hong Kong Airlines, Iberia, Icelandair, Indigo, InselAir, Interjet, Iran Air, Japan Airlines, Jet Airways, jetBlue Airways, Jetstar Airways, Jetstar Asia, Juneyao Airlines, Kenya Airways, KLM, Kulula, LATAM , Liat Airlines, LOT Polish, Lufthansa, Luxair, Mahan Air, Malaysia Airlines, Mango, Meridiana Fly, Mesa Airlines, Nordwind Airlines, Norwegian, Oman Air, Pakistan International, Peach, Porter Airlines, Qantas Airways, Qatar Airways, Ravn Alaska, Regional Express, Republic Airways, Royal Brunei Airlines, Royal Jordanian, Ryanair, S7, SAS Scandinavian, Scoot, Shandong Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, Sky Airlines, Skywest, Inc., South African Airways, SriLankan Airlines, Sun Express, Swiss Int'l Air Lines, TAP Air Portugal, TAROM, Tianjin Airlines (A320 & E190), Tiger Airways, Trans States, TUI, Turkish Airlines, Ukraine International, United Airlines, Vietnam Airlines, VIM Airlines (Closed), Virgin Atlantic, Virgin Australia, Volotea, WestJet, Xiamen.
Hill People Gear and Dakine: two brands known in the carry-on backpack industry. The Tarahumara from Hill People Gear is a robust piece of equipment. Standing at 44 inches tall, with a depth and width of 10 and 24 inches respectively, it fits perfectly in overhead compartments. It's made from a 500D Cordura fabric and, weighing only 0.7 pounds, is light enough to carry all day without much discomfort. It comes with a capacity of 16 liters, which, according to one reviewer, is surprisingly spacious. Note that the Tarahumara lacks a laptop compartment, meaning you'll need a separate bag for your tech.
In contrast, the Dakine Gemini comes in at a towering 56 inches, with a depth and width of 24 and 34 inches respectively. Made of 600D Polyester, it's a bit sturdier, but that also pushes its weight up to a full 1 pound. The Gemini has a fabulous capacity of 28 liters, and unlike its counterpart, the Tarahumara, it comes complete with a laptop compartment which can fit up to a 17 inch laptop. However, take into account that it doesn't have as high compatibility with airlines as the Tarahumara, squatting at around 92%.
- Size: Tarahumara (44x24x10 inches) vs Gemini (56x34x24 inches)
- Weight: Tarahumara (0.7 lbs) vs Gemini (1.0 lbs)
- Material: Tarahumara (500D Cordura) vs Gemini (600D Polyester)
- Capacity: Tarahumara (16L) vs Gemini (28L)
- Laptop Compartment: Tarahumara (0") vs Gemini (up to 17")
- Airline Compatibility: Tarahumara (100%) vs Gemini (92%)
Despite their differences, both packs receive high praise. Several users declared the Tarahumara as the best overall solution for the one day hike. They observed its great build quality and convenient center zip access to the main compartment. Others commended the Gemini for its large storage space and integrated laptop compartment.
In conclusion, the choice boils down to your personal preference and specific needs. If lightness, airplane compatibility, and a mean build are your focus, opt for the Hill People Gear Tarahumara. However, if you seek higher capacity, a laptop compartment, and don’t mind shelling a couple more bucks for extra pounds, then the Dakine Gemini is your perfect carry-on companion.