Hill People Gear Tarahumara vs. SwissGear Getaway Weekend Backpack
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 | SwissGear Getaway Weekend Backpack |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| 2 | Compression | 2 |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 0 | Opening | 1 |
| back | Passport | top |
| N | Passthrough | Y |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| removable | Hip Belt | N |
| Y | Sternum Strap | N |
| Inside | ||
| N | Laptop | 15in |
| 2 | Main Compartments | 4 |
| N | Organizer | Y |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 2, side | Water Bottle Holder | 1, side |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 500d Cordura | |
SwissGear Getaway Weekend Backpack
| Capacity | 26 L |
| Weight | 1 kg |
| Dimensions | 46×28×20 cm |
| Airline fit | 95% |
| Price | $70 |
Key differences between the Hill People Gear Tarahumara and SwissGear Getaway Weekend Backpack
- Opening: Other on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; Clamshell on the SwissGear Getaway Weekend Backpack.
- Passport pocket: Back on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; Top on the SwissGear Getaway Weekend Backpack.
- Luggage passthrough: No on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; Yes on the SwissGear Getaway Weekend Backpack.
- Hip belt: Removable on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; No on the SwissGear Getaway Weekend Backpack.
- Sternum strap: Yes on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; No on the SwissGear Getaway Weekend Backpack.
- Laptop sleeve: No on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; 15in on the SwissGear Getaway Weekend Backpack.
- Main compartments: 2 on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; 4 on the SwissGear Getaway Weekend Backpack.
- Built-in organizer: No on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; Yes on the SwissGear Getaway Weekend Backpack.
- Water bottle pockets: 2, side on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; 1, side on the SwissGear Getaway Weekend Backpack.
Both have: compression straps, backpack straps, water resistant.
Which airlines take each bag as a carry-on
We checked both bags against the carry-on size limits of 189 airlines. 179 accept both. 2 accept only the Hill People Gear Tarahumara, and 0 accept only the SwissGear Getaway Weekend Backpack.
Only the Hill People Gear Tarahumara fits
Air Tahiti, Gulf Air.
The Hill People Gear Tarahumara and the SwissGear Getaway Weekend Backpack are both top-notch carry-on backpacks, but each offers unique characteristics catered to different travel needs. The Tarahumara is the lighter of the two, weighing in at a mere 0.7 pounds compared to the Getaway’s 1 pound. Despite its lightweight, the Tarahumara displays rugged durability with its 500D Cordura construction. However, it lacks a laptop compartment, which makes it less desirable for digital nomads or business travelers.
In contrast, the Getaway Weekend Backpack easily accommodates a 15-inch laptop. The SwissGear is the roomier option, boasting 26 liters of capacity compared with the Tarahumara's 16 liters. This makes it suitable for those looking to pack more items while still being able to fit it into the overhead bin or underneath the airplane seat.
The key differences are:
- Size: Hill People Gear Tarahumara - 44”x24”x10”; SwissGear Getaway Weekend - 46”x28”x21”
- Weight: Hill People Gear Tarahumara - 0.7 pounds; SwissGear Getaway Weekend - 1 pound
- Capacity: Hill People Gear Tarahumara - 16 liters; SwissGear Getaway Weekend - 26 liters
- Material: Hill People Gear Tarahumara – 500D Cordura; SwissGear Getaway Weekend – Not defined.
- Laptop Compartment: Hill People Gear Tarahumara – Nonexistent; SwissGear Getaway Weekend – Can fit a 15-inch laptop
Both backpacks have received highly favorable reviews. The Tarahumara was praised for its quality construction and surprising interior capacity. Some reviewers compared its roomy interior to the spacious interior of the Tardis from Doctor Who. Critics of the Getaway underscored the advantage of packing like a mini-suitcase due to its split-case design, and the comfort offered from its ventilation system.
So if you're a light traveler, prioritize durability and don't have specific laptop needs, the Hill People Gear Tarahumara might be your ideal carry-on backpack. For those who require a compartment specifically designed for a laptop and prefer more carry capacity, then the SwissGear Getaway Weekend Backpack better suits those needs. Each backpack delivers solid performance and quality in their targeted areas. Choose one according to your itinerary, travel style, and personal needs.