Hill People Gear Tarahumara vs. Nordace Windsor
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 | Nordace Windsor |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| 2 | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 0 | Opening | 1 |
| back | Passport | Y |
| N | Passthrough | Y |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| removable | Hip Belt | N |
| Y | Sternum Strap | Y |
| Inside | ||
| N | Laptop | 15in |
| 2 | Main Compartments | 1 |
| N | Organizer | Y |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 2, side | Water Bottle Holder | N |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 500d Cordura | 900D POLYESTER WITH PU LAYER |
Nordace Windsor
| Capacity | 22 L |
| Weight | 1.14 kg |
| Dimensions | 46×29×18 cm |
| Airline fit | 94% |
| Price | $135 |
Key differences between the Hill People Gear Tarahumara and Nordace Windsor
- Compression straps: 2 on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; No on the Nordace Windsor.
- Opening: Other on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; Clamshell on the Nordace Windsor.
- Passport pocket: Back on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; Yes on the Nordace Windsor.
- Luggage passthrough: No on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; Yes on the Nordace Windsor.
- Hip belt: Removable on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; No on the Nordace Windsor.
- Laptop sleeve: No on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; 15in on the Nordace Windsor.
- Main compartments: 2 on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; 1 on the Nordace Windsor.
- Built-in organizer: No on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; Yes on the Nordace Windsor.
- Water bottle pockets: 2, side on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; No on the Nordace Windsor.
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. 178 accept both. 3 accept only the Hill People Gear Tarahumara, and 0 accept only the Nordace Windsor.
Only the Hill People Gear Tarahumara fits
Air Tahiti, Great Lakes Airlines, Gulf Air.
The Hill People Gear Tarahumara and the Nordace Windsor are both top notch carry-on backpacks, but they cater to somewhat different needs and preferences.
The smaller and lighter Tarahumara is the carryon backpack of choice when being on the go without much to carry is the priority. Its construction out of 500D Cordura is a testament to its solid build quality, which is reflected in the reviewers' high praises. They consider this bag to be a well-designed, well-executed "bag that'll last you a lifetime". While it might not have a laptop compartment, it is completely airline compatible and spacious enough for day hiking materials.
In comparison, the heavier and larger Nordace Windsor is a bag focused on function and organized space, without compromising on style. It's made out of robust 900D polyester with a PU layer. This bag actually drew attention for its modern and minimal design, in addition to its built-in USB charging port and a laptop compartment capable of accommodating a 15 inch laptop. Although some airlines may have issues with its size, the vast majority would have no issues at all.
Here's a quick summary of their key differences:
- Size: Tarahumara (44x24x10 inches) vs. Windsor (18x29x46 inches)
- Weight: Tarahumara (0.7 lbs) vs. Windsor (1.14 lbs)
- Material: Tarahumara (500D Cordura) vs. Windsor (900D Polyester with PU layer)
- Laptop compartment: Tarahumara (None) vs. Windsor (Fits 15 inch laptop)
- Airline compatibility: Tarahumara (100%) vs. Windsor (83%)
- Capacity: Tarahumara (16 liters) vs. Windsor (22 liters)
- Special features: Windsor has a built-in USB charging port.
Choosing between the two would depend on your specific needs and preferences. If toughness and compactness are your top priority, the Tarahumara is the way to go. But if style, laptop compatibility and additional features like a USB port and greater organizing possibilities are more important, consider the Windsor. The choice is as detailed as it is personal.