Hill People Gear Tarahumara vs. North Face Recon
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 | North Face Recon |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| 2 | Compression | 4 |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 0 | Opening | 0 |
| back | Passport | front |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| removable | Hip Belt | removable |
| Y | Sternum Strap | Y |
| Inside | ||
| N | Laptop | 15in |
| 2 | Main Compartments | 3 |
| N | Organizer | Y |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 2, side | Water Bottle Holder | 2, side |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 500d Cordura | 210D recycled nylon ripstop with non-PFC durable water-repellent (non-PFC DWR) finish |
North Face Recon
| Capacity | 30 L |
| Weight | 1.2 kg |
| Dimensions | 49×30×19 cm |
| Airline fit | 92% |
| Price | $110 |
Key differences between the Hill People Gear Tarahumara and North Face Recon
- Compression straps: 2 on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; 4 on the North Face Recon.
- Passport pocket: Back on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; Front on the North Face Recon.
- Laptop sleeve: No on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; 15in on the North Face Recon.
- Main compartments: 2 on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; 3 on the North Face Recon.
- Built-in organizer: No on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; Yes on the North Face Recon.
Both have: backpack straps, hip belt, sternum strap, water bottle pockets, water resistant.
Which airlines take each bag as a carry-on
We checked both bags against the carry-on size limits of 189 airlines. 173 accept both. 8 accept only the Hill People Gear Tarahumara, and 0 accept only the North Face Recon.
Only the Hill People Gear Tarahumara fits
Air Tahiti, American Eagle, easyJet, Great Lakes Airlines, Gulf Air, Ravn Alaska, Regional Express, Virgin Australia.
If one were to compare the Hill People Gear Tarahumara and the North Face Recon, several distinctions would become clear. As a hardy and robust backpack, the Tarahumara is constructed from 500D Cordura fabric, lending it a sense of strength and stability. It weighs only 0.7 pounds and measures 44 inches tall, 24 inches wide, and 10 inches deep. It can hold about 16 liters, efficiently packing your daily essentials. Interestingly, the Tarahumara features a 0-inch laptop compartment, suitable for those who travel light or prefer the compactness of tablets or e-readers. " The North Face Recon, on the other hand, presents itself as a considerably larger and more accommodating backpack. It's built from a more complex array of materials such as 600D Polyester Toile, 500D Nylon Oxford Slub, 420D Nylon, and 210D Cordura® Nylon Ripstop. It weighs more than the Tarahumara at 1.12 pounds, and its dimensions are 18 inches in height, 33 inches wide, and 49 inches in depth. Strikingly, the North Face Recon comes with a 15-inch laptop compartment, catering to most laptop specifications. With a storage capacity of approximately 30 liters, the North Face Recon is compatible with 81% of airlines. Here are the notable differences for swift comparison:
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Material: Hill People Gear Tarahumara: 500D Cordura North Face Recon: Mix of various materials including 600D Polyester Toile and 500D Nylon Oxford Slub
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Dimensions: Hill People Gear Tarahumara: 44" x 24" x 10"; North Face Recon: 18" x 33" x 49"
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Weight: Hill People Gear Tarahumara: 0.7 lbs; North Face Recon: 1.12 lbs
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Laptop Compartment: Hill People Gear Tarahumara: 0 inch; North Face Recon: 15 inch
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Storage Capacity: Hill People Gear Tarahumara: 16 liters; North Face Recon: 30 liters
Critics laud the Tarahumara as 'a well designed, well-executed, and well-built bag that’ll last you a lifetime.' Also, its size makes it great for day hiking. Meanwhile, the North Face Recon faces acclaim for the same reasons alongside additional praise for its 'top-notch weather protection.' Furthermore, reviewers recommend the Recon for those who commute daily but enjoy an occasional outdoor activities or weekend getaway. In conclusion, the Hill People Gear Tarahumara and the North Face Recon showcase distinct characteristics that cater to different user preferences. Both backpacks, however, share the same core commitment to lasting quality and practicality.