Hill People Gear Tarahumara vs. STM Trilogy

Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.

Hill People Gear Tarahumara

Front facing view of the Hill People Gear Tarahumara
Capacity16 L
Weight0.7 kg
Dimensions44×24×10 cm
Airline fit100%
Price$125

Feature by feature

Hill People Gear TarahumaraFeatureSTM Trilogy
Storage
S Compression N
None Expanded Capacity None
0 Opening 4
N Passport N
N Passthrough N
Carry
S Backpack S
R Hip Belt N
S Sternum Strap N
Inside
0 Laptop 15
2 Main Compartments 1
N Organizer Y
Outside
× Hard Shell ×
N Rain-fly N
2 Water Bottle Holder 2
Y Water Resistant Y
Material
500D Cordura100% polyester

STM Trilogy

by Stm
Front facing view of the STM Trilogy
Capacity24 L
Weight0.64 kg
Dimensions46×30×16 cm
Airline fit83%
Price$80

The Hill People Gear Tarahumara and the STM Trilogy are both carry-on backpacks, but with some distinctly different features. Let's start with the Hill People Gear Tarahumara. This bag stands tall at 44 inches, 24 inches wide, and 10 inches deep. It weighs a comfortable 0.7 pounds and provides 16 liters of packing capacity. It's constructed from 500D Cordura, ensuring it's tough and durable. The pack doesn't offer a laptop compartment, but its appealing features are its 100% airline compatibility and its quality, as noted by several reviewers, applauding its well-designed, well-built structure that can last a lifetime.

On the flip side, the STM Trilogy is a compact backpack measuring 16 inches tall, 30 inches wide, and a whopping 46 inches deep. This backpack is slightly lighter weighing 0.64 pounds and offers a larger capacity of 24 liters. The STM Trilogy has its exterior made of 100% polyester. Most notable, it can fit a 15-inch laptop in its laptop compartment. However, this pack is compatible with 83% of airlines. Reviewers praise it for its comfort, padding, and versatility, making it ideal for students, office workers, or regular travelers.

Here's a summary of how these two packs distinguish themselves.

Now, why choose one over the other? Well, the Hill People Gear Tarahumara is perfect for those who value a well-executed, built to last carry-on while hiking. Its reliable materials and convenient center zip design for the main compartment make it a favored choice. On the other hand, the STM Trilogy, with its fantastic craftsmanship, is a good fit for those seeking quality at a fair price. Its capability to organize your essentials well during travels, coupled with its padded structure for extra comfort, adds significant value and appeal to this backpack.