Hill People Gear Tarahumara vs. Exped Impulse 20
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 | Exped Impulse 20 |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| 2 | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 0 | Opening | 3 |
| back | Passport | Y |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| removable | Hip Belt | removable |
| Y | Sternum Strap | Y |
| Inside | ||
| N | Laptop | N |
| 2 | Main Compartments | 1 |
| N | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 2, side | Water Bottle Holder | 2 |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 500d Cordura | Body: 210 D Robic HD ripstop nylon Carbonate PU, 2500 mm water column, Oeko-Tex 100 certified, PFC-free |
Key differences between the Hill People Gear Tarahumara and Exped Impulse 20
- Compression straps: 2 on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; No on the Exped Impulse 20.
- Opening: Other on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; Top flap on the Exped Impulse 20.
- Passport pocket: Back on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; Yes on the Exped Impulse 20.
- Main compartments: 2 on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; 1 on the Exped Impulse 20.
- Water bottle pockets: 2, side on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; 2 on the Exped Impulse 20.
Both have: backpack straps, hip belt, 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. 168 accept both. 13 accept only the Hill People Gear Tarahumara, and 0 accept only the Exped Impulse 20.
Only the Hill People Gear Tarahumara fits
Air Niugini, Air Tahiti, American Eagle, Belavia, easyJet, Etihad Airways, Gulf Air, Oman Air, Qatar Airways, Ravn Alaska, Regional Express, Royal Jordanian, Virgin Australia.
If we're talking carry on backpacks and you're looking to choose between the Hill People Gear Tarahumara and the Exped Impulse 20, let's lay it out. The Tarahumara is larger in size, being 44 inches tall, 24 inches wide, and 10 inches deep, compared to the Impulse, which is 18 inches tall, 27 inches wide, and 52 inches deep. It also weighs less, at just 0.7 pounds, while the Impulse weighs in at 0.88 pounds. But don't be deceived, the smaller gear isn't necessarily the loser––each has its own unique advantages.
Comparing these two would result in these key distinctions:
- The Tarahumara is larger in size but weighs less than the Impulse.
- The Impulse comes with more storage capacity––20 liters as against Tarahumara's 16 liters.
- The Tarahumara is favored by airlines, with a compatibility rate of 100%, which is significantly higher than the Impulse's 79%.
- The materials used in both backpacks differ, with the Tarahumara boasting a 500D Cordura while the Impulse uses a mix of 210 D Robic HD ripstop nylon, Carbonate PU, and PFC-free fabric.
- Neither of these backpacks come with laptop storage compartments.
Both backpacks show exemplary qualities. The Tarahumara had reviewers scheming about its excellent build quality and utility––one suggested it's like owning "a well-executed bag that’ll last you a lifetime." They remarked about its "impressive" internal storage and highly adaptable settings for different occasions and volumes. Able to carry "all sorts of little adventures," as one user put it.
On the other hand, the Impulse shows strength in its thoughtful design aspects and outdoor durability. The detachable hip belt with a pocket for small belongings won praises, reflecting it as a "highly functional" feature. Its versatility in accommodating outdoor activities from mountain biking to trail runs was also a high light.
In a nutshell, if you're conniving flight travels, the Tarahumara is your bet. But if you're a sucker for highly organized interiors and you enjoy outdoor activities, the Impulse is a noteworthy pick. Both backpacks are admirable. It's your journey, your choice.