Hill People Gear Tarahumara vs. REI Co-op Trail Pack 25
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 | REI Co-op Trail Pack 25 |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| S | Compression | |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 0 | Opening | 0 |
| N | Passport | top |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| S | Backpack | |
| R | Hip Belt | R |
| S | Sternum Strap | |
| Inside | ||
| 0 | Laptop | |
| 2 | Main Compartments | 3 |
| N | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | |
| 2 | Water Bottle Holder | |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 500D Cordura | Ripstop nylon |
REI Co-op Trail Pack 25
| Capacity | 25 L |
| Weight | 0.9 kg |
| Dimensions | 50×34×20 cm |
| Airline fit | 98% |
| Price | $70 |
The Hill People Gear Tarahumara backpack is a rugged, surprisingly spacious pack designed for the long haul. It stands at 44 inches high, 24 inches wide, and 10 inches deep, making it a good fit for various body sizes. Weighing in at just 0.7 pounds, it won't bog you down on long treks. Made of 500D Cordura material, it offers durability and resistance against damage while providing you with a 16-liter storage capacity. Its compliant size also guarantees 100% airline compatibility so it can be taken almost anywhere. Most interestingly, it houses a laptop compartment that, although unable to accommodate a laptop, allows for safekeeping of some important extras.
In comparison, the REI Co-op Trail Pack 25 backpack is slightly larger than the Tarahumara, measuring 50 inches in height, 34 inches in width, and 20 inches deep. This size differential also pushes its weight a bit higher to 0.9 pounds, but not and enough to make a significant difference. With a 25-liter capacity, it offers noticeably larger packing space on the inside, although it’s backed by a slightly lower airline compatibility rate of 98%. Made of Ripstop nylon, it approves of a more outdoor-friendly build but it does not come with a laptop compartment.
Comparison Bullet Points:
- Dimensions: Tarahumara: 44" x 24" x 10"; Trail Pack 25: 50" x 34" x 20"
- Weight: Tarahumara: 0.7 lbs; Trail Pack 25: 0.9 lbs
- Capacity: Tarahumara: 16 L; Trail Pack 25: 25 L
- Airline Compatibility: Tarahumara: 100%; Trail Pack 25: 98%
- Material: Tarahumara: 500D Cordura; Trail Pack 25: Ripstop nylon
- Laptop Compartment: Tarahumara: Yes; Trail Pack 25: No
Reviewers have lauded the Hill People Gear Tarahumara as a "well-designed, well-executed bag that will last you a lifetime," praising its build quality and the availability of the HPG team to answer questions. They appreciate its clever utilization of space and convenient center zip mechanism for easy, quick access. This makes it an ideal buy for those who value longevity and functionality in their gear.
On the flip side, the REI Co-op Trail Pack 25 has not gained much feedback regarding its durability or customer service, but its larger storage space and more generous dimensions may draw in those who pack more for their hiking adventures. It forfeits a laptop compartment, but in return, it provides more room for other essentials such as a jacket, keys, books, and outdoor accessories. Its excellence lies in its size and ability to accommodate everything one might need for an extended day hike.