Hill People Gear Tarahumara vs. Tortuga Setout Divide
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 | Tortuga Setout Divide |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| 2 | Compression | Y |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 0 | Opening | 0 |
| back | Passport | front |
| N | Passthrough | Y |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | hideable |
| removable | Hip Belt | removable |
| Y | Sternum Strap | removable |
| Inside | ||
| N | Laptop | 15in |
| 2 | Main Compartments | 4 |
| N | Organizer | Y |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 2, side | Water Bottle Holder | N |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 500d Cordura | 900D heathered polyester |
Tortuga Setout Divide
| Capacity | 26 L |
| Weight | 1.7 kg |
| Dimensions | 51×34×16 cm |
| Airline fit | 89% |
| Price | $209 |
Key differences between the Hill People Gear Tarahumara and Tortuga Setout Divide
- Compression straps: 2 on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; Yes on the Tortuga Setout Divide.
- Passport pocket: Back on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; Front on the Tortuga Setout Divide.
- Luggage passthrough: No on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; Yes on the Tortuga Setout Divide.
- Backpack straps: Yes on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; Hideable on the Tortuga Setout Divide.
- Sternum strap: Yes on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; Removable on the Tortuga Setout Divide.
- Laptop sleeve: No on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; 15in on the Tortuga Setout Divide.
- Main compartments: 2 on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; 4 on the Tortuga Setout Divide.
- Built-in organizer: No on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; Yes on the Tortuga Setout Divide.
- Water bottle pockets: 2, side on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; No on the Tortuga Setout Divide.
Both have: hip belt, water resistant.
Which airlines take each bag as a carry-on
We checked both bags against the carry-on size limits of 189 airlines. 169 accept both. 12 accept only the Hill People Gear Tarahumara, and 0 accept only the Tortuga Setout Divide.
Only the Hill People Gear Tarahumara fits
Air Niugini, Air Tahiti, American Eagle, Belavia, easyJet, Etihad Airways, Great Lakes Airlines, Gulf Air, Qatar Airways, Ravn Alaska, Regional Express, Virgin Australia.
The Hill People Gear Tarahumara and the Tortuga Setout Divide--two outstanding backpacks designed with travelers in mind--present a tough choice for potential buyers. On one hand, the Hill People Gear Tarahumara is a lean, lightweight bag noted for its superior build quality and highly durable 500D Cordura fabric. This backpack offers a 16 liter capacity, making it highly compact and perfect for day hiking kind of travels. And at a feather-light 0.7 pounds, it sure takes the word 'carry on' to its truest meaning. On the other hand, the Tortuga Setout Divide coyly winks at tech travelers. It not only offers more room, boasting a capacity of 26 liters, but also scores big with its dedicated laptop compartment for a 15-inch laptop, as well as multiple other functional pockets.
Here's a quick comparison of the two:
- Size: Hill People Gear Tarahumara (44" tall, 24" wide, 10" deep) vs Tortuga Setout Divide (51" tall, 34" wide, 16" deep)
- Weight: Hill People Gear Tarahumara (0.7 pounds) vs Tortuga Setout Divide (1.7 pounds)
- Capacity: Hill People Gear Tarahumara (16 liters) vs Tortuga Setout Divide (26 liters)
- Airline Compatibility: Hill People Gear Tarahumara (100%) vs Tortuga Setout Divide (98%)
- Material: Hill People Gear Tarahumara (500D Cordura) vs Tortuga Setout Divide (900D heathered polyester)
- Laptop Compartment: Hill People Gear Tarahumara (none) vs Tortuga Setout Divide (fits 15 inches)
It's clear that reviewers generally have high praise for both of these backpacks. Hill People Gear Tarahumara receives laurels for its tough, durable build, ample space despite its small size, and its cleverly thought-out main compartment. It has been described as the ultimate solution to the one-daypack question. Meanwhile, Tortuga Setout Divide earns kudos for its urban styling, expandable capacity, and numerous organization-focused compartments. Both options deliver great value for money, offering durability, functionality, and style in compact form.
In conclusion, it boils down to a choice of travel style and personal preference. If you are a minimalist traveler in search of a compact, lightweight and durable backpack for short trips, the Hill People Gear Tarahumara is your guy. The design and build quality makes it last a lifetime. However, if you are a tech-oriented traveler who wants to make no compromise on gadget security or if you are someone who loves well-organized travel gear, the Tortuga Setout Divide with its superior harness system, ventilation, and expandable capacity will be the better pick. Either way, you get a quality bag.