Hill People Gear Tarahumara vs. Tom Bihn Synapse 19
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Hill People Gear Tarahumara
| Capacity | 16 L |
| Weight | 0.7 kg |
| Dimensions | 44×24×10 cm |
| Airline fit | 100% |
| Price | $125 |
Feature by feature
| Hill People Gear Tarahumara | Feature | Tom Bihn Synapse 19 |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| S | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 0 | Opening | 0 |
| N | Passport | front |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| S | Backpack | S |
| R | Hip Belt | R |
| S | Sternum Strap | R |
| Inside | ||
| 0 | Laptop | 15 |
| 2 | Main Compartments | 6 |
| N | Organizer | Y |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 2 | Water Bottle Holder | 2 |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 500D Cordura | 200 denier Halcyon/nylon ripstop fabric lining 400 denier nylon lower back |
Tom Bihn Synapse 19
| Capacity | 19 L |
| Weight | 0.7 kg |
| Dimensions | 41×29×21 cm |
| Airline fit | 99% |
| Price | $190 |
The Hill People Gear Tarahumara and the Tom Bihn Synapse 19 are two stellar backpacks, not short on style or substance. The Tarahumara, measuring 44 inches in height, 24 inches width, and 10 inches deep, is a sturdy construction of 500D Cordura, tipping the scales at just 0.7 pounds. Compact yet efficient, it has capacity for 16 liters, perfect for travelers and hikers alike. The highlight of this tall and narrow pack? It's airline compatible - all of them.
On the other hand, the equally lightweight Synapse 19 is slightly shorter at 21 inches, yet wider and deeper, coming in at 41 and 29 inches respectively. It trades the Cordura of its counterpart for the strength of 200 denier Halcyon/nylon ripstop fabric, underscored by a sturdy 400 denier nylon lower back. Functionality isn't forgotten; it accommodates up to 19 liters and, with a laptop compartment that comfortably holds a 15-inch laptop, it’s ready to have your work on the move. A smidgen under the Tarahumara, the Synapse 19 gets a nod from 99% of airlines.
Size
- Hill People Gear Tarahumara: 44” (H) x 24” (W) x 10” (D)
- Tom Bihn Synapse 19: 21” (H) x 41” (W) x 29” (D)
Weight
- Both: 0.7 lbs
Capacity
- Hill People Gear Tarahumara: 16 litres
- Tom Bihn Synapse 19: 19 litres
Airline Compatibility
- Hill People Gear Tarahumara: 100%
- Tom Bihn Synapse 19: 99%
Material
- Hill People Gear Tarahumara: 500D Cordura
- Tom Bihn Synapse 19: 200 denier Halcyon/nylon ripstop fabric lining
Laptop Compartment
- Hill People Gear Tarahumara: 0-inch laptop
- Tom Bihn Synapse 19: 15-inch laptop
Reviewer Quote
- "It’s a well designed, well executed, and well built bag that’ll last you a lifetime. To top it all off, the HPG team hangs out in The Perfect Pack community and are always around to answer questions and provide insight into anything HPG or otherwise." (Hill People Gear Tarahumara)
- "The Tom Bihn Synapse is a high quality, hand made, U.S. built daypack that will undoubtedly stand up to whatever I throw at it and continue to accompany me on my various adventures to come." (Tom Bihn Synapse 19)
The Tarahumara is indeed a marvel, sporting an unblemished record in airline compatibility and durability. The upshot? Perfect for hiking and day-to-day wear, the size and center zip make for easy access, and high praises for build quality make it a bag that lasts.
However, don't discount the Synapse 19. While it may fall shy in accommodating taller items and in airline compatibility, pros like its minimalist design, tough material, and customization capabilities even the scales. As a carry-on, a work bag, or a hiking companion, it's a worthy contender in any backpack brawl.