Hill People Gear Tarahumara vs. STM Trilogy
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 | STM Trilogy |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| 2 | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 0 | Opening | 4 |
| back | Passport | N |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| removable | Hip Belt | N |
| Y | Sternum Strap | N |
| Inside | ||
| N | Laptop | 15in |
| 2 | Main Compartments | 1 |
| N | Organizer | Y |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 2, side | Water Bottle Holder | 2 |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 500d Cordura | 100% polyester |
Key differences between the Hill People Gear Tarahumara and STM Trilogy
- Compression straps: 2 on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; No on the STM Trilogy.
- Opening: Other on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; Top zip on the STM Trilogy.
- Passport pocket: Back on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; No on the STM Trilogy.
- Hip belt: Removable on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; No on the STM Trilogy.
- Sternum strap: Yes on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; No on the STM Trilogy.
- Laptop sleeve: No on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; 15in on the STM Trilogy.
- Main compartments: 2 on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; 1 on the STM Trilogy.
- Built-in organizer: No on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; Yes on the STM Trilogy.
- Water bottle pockets: 2, side on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; 2 on the STM Trilogy.
Both have: backpack straps, 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 STM Trilogy.
Only the Hill People Gear Tarahumara fits
Air Tahiti, Great Lakes Airlines, Gulf Air.
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.
- The Hill People Gear Tarahumara stands taller but has a smaller width and depth compared to the STM Trilogy.
- The Tarahumara is slightly heavier but offers less packing space compared to the Trilogy.
- With 100% airline compatibility, the Tarahumara beats the Trilogy which only has 83% airline compatibility.
- The Tarahumara is constructed from 500D Cordura, while the Trilogy is made of 100% polyester.
- The Tarahumara lacks a dedicated laptop compartment, but the Trilogy has one that can accommodate a 15-inch laptop.
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.