Hill People Gear Tarahumara vs. Patagonia Cragsmith Pack 45L
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 | Patagonia Cragsmith Pack 45L |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| 2 | Compression | Y |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 0 | Opening | 0 |
| back | Passport | N |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| removable | Hip Belt | Y |
| Y | Sternum Strap | Y |
| Inside | ||
| N | Laptop | N |
| 2 | Main Compartments | 1 |
| N | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 2, side | Water Bottle Holder | 2 |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 500d Cordura | 630-denier 100% nylon, 200-denier 100% polyester |
Patagonia Cragsmith Pack 45L
| Capacity | 45 L |
| Weight | 1.559 kg |
| Dimensions | 60×27×20 cm |
| Airline fit | 16% |
| Price | $199 |
Key differences between the Hill People Gear Tarahumara and Patagonia Cragsmith Pack 45L
- Compression straps: 2 on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; Yes on the Patagonia Cragsmith Pack 45L.
- Passport pocket: Back on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; No on the Patagonia Cragsmith Pack 45L.
- Hip belt: Removable on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; Yes on the Patagonia Cragsmith Pack 45L.
- Main compartments: 2 on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; 1 on the Patagonia Cragsmith Pack 45L.
- Water bottle pockets: 2, side on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; 2 on the Patagonia Cragsmith Pack 45L.
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. 31 accept both. 150 accept only the Hill People Gear Tarahumara, and 0 accept only the Patagonia Cragsmith Pack 45L.
Only the Hill People Gear Tarahumara fits
Aegean Airlines, Aer Lingus, Aeroflot, Aerolineas Argentinas, Aeromexico, Air Asia, Air Astana, Air Baltic, Air Canada, Air Caraibes, Air China, Air France, Air India, Air Macau, Air Malta, Air Mauritius, Air Niugini, Air Nostrum, Air Serbia, Air Seychelles, Air Tahiti, Air Wisconsin, AirAsiaX, Alaska Airlines, All Nipon Airways, Allegiant Air, American Airlines, American Eagle, ANA, Asiana Airlines, ATA Airlines, Atlas Global, Austrian, Avianca , Azerbaijan Airlines, Bahamasair, Bangkok Airways, Belavia, Biman Bangladesh, Blue Air, Boliviana de Aviacion, British Airways, Brussels Airlines, Bulgaria Air, Cambodia Angkor Air, Cathay Pacific, Cayman Airways, Cebu Pacific, China Airlines, China Eastern, CommutAir, Copa Airlines, Czech Airlines, Delta Airlines, Dragonair, easyJet, EL AL, Emirates Airlines, Enter Air, Ethiopian Airlines, Etihad Airways, Eurowings, EVA Air, Fiji Airways, Finnair, Flair Air, flybe, Garuda Indonesia, Gol Linhas Aereas, Great Lakes Airlines, Gulf Air, Hawaiian Airlines, Hong Kong Airlines, Iberia, Icelandair, Indigo, InselAir, Interjet, Iran Air, Iran Aseman Air, Japan Airlines, Jet Airways, Jet2, jetBlue Airways, Jetstar Airways, Jetstar Asia, Juneyao Airlines, Kenya Airways, KLM, Kulula, Kuwait Air, LATAM , Liat Airlines, LOT Polish, Lufthansa, Luxair, Mahan Air, Malaysia Airlines, Mango, Meridiana Fly, Mesa Airlines, Middle East Airlines, Monarch Airlines, Nordwind Airlines, Norwegian, Oman Air, Onur Air, Pakistan International, Peach, Porter Airlines, Qantas Airways, Qatar Airways, Ravn Alaska, Regional Express, Republic Airways, Royal Brunei Airlines, Royal Jordanian, Ryanair, S7, SAS Scandinavian, Scoot, Shandong Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, Sky Airlines, Skywest, Inc., South African Airways, Spirit Airlines, SriLankan Airlines, Sun Express, Swiss Int'l Air Lines, TAP Air Portugal, TAROM, Thai Airways, Tianjin Airlines (A320 & E190), Tiger Airways, Trans States, Travel Service Airlines, TUI, Turkish Airlines, Ukraine International, United Airlines, Uzbekistan Air, Vietnam Airlines, VIM Airlines (Closed), Virgin Atlantic, Virgin Australia, Volotea, WestJet, WOW Airlines, Xiamen.
When comparing the Hill People Gear Tarahumara and the Patagonia Cragsmith Pack 45L, differences emerge almost immediately. The Tarahumara stands head and shoulders above the Cragsmith in terms of size, but it sacrifices storage capacity, providing only 16 liters compared to the Cragsmith's roomy 45 liters. Yet the smaller size pays off in its weight: the Tarahumara weighs in at a light 0.7 pounds, making it substantially lighter than the 1.56-pound Cragsmith. Another significant detail - the Tarahumara is compatible with all airlines, while the Cragsmith can only comfortably tag along with 30%.
- The Hill People Gear Tarahumara is larger but less roomy
- It is also lighter
- The Tarahumara is compatible with more airlines
- The Cragsmith has more storage capacity
Material plays an important role in the longevity of both packs. The Tarahumara is made from 500D Cordura — a fabric known for its rugged durability. On the other hand, the Cragsmith sports a blend of 630-denier 100% nylon and 200-denier 100% polyester, promising longevity and weather resistance.
Reviewers sing praises for the quality build, significant interior space, and the well-executed design of Tarahumara, but the Cragsmith is lauded for being comfortable, useful, and sturdy, showing that each has its strengths. Interestingly, in both packs, the laptop compartments were not highlighted or indicated to have any capacity in terms of laptop size.
Lastly, the rationale for buying either pack depends upon the buyer's expectation. If you're looking for a lightweight, airline-friendly pack with durable materials and reliable quality — the Tarahumara could be your pick. But if a spacious pack that promises comfort, functional design, and a significant storage capacity is what you require, the Cragsmith should be your choice.