Hill People Gear Tarahumara vs. Tom Bihn Daylight
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 Daylight |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| S | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 0 | Opening | 4 |
| N | Passport | N |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| S | Backpack | S |
| R | Hip Belt | S |
| S | Sternum Strap | N |
| Inside | ||
| 0 | Laptop | 15 |
| 2 | Main Compartments | 1 |
| N | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 2 | Water Bottle Holder | 0 |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 500D Cordura | Ultralight 400d Halcyon/420d nylon ripstop exterior/ 525 denier 2x2 bluesign® Ballistic nylon exterior |
Tom Bihn Daylight
| Capacity | 16.5 L |
| Weight | 0.8 kg |
| Dimensions | 44×31×13 cm |
| Airline fit | 99% |
| Price | $85 |
When digging into the nitty-gritty of carry-on backpacks, two models stand out head and shoulders above the rest: the Hill People Gear Tarahumara and the Tom Bihn Daylight. The Tarahumara is a lean and mean hill-climbing companion, clocking in at 44 inches tall, 24 inches wide, and 10 inches deep. Weighing just 0.7 pounds, it offers a generous 16 liters of capacity. It's lean yet it's tough, crafted from enduring 500D Cordura. While it comes up short in the laptop compartment, accommodating a 0-inch laptop, it scores high in airline compatibility as it's friendly with 100% of airlines.
In the other corner, we have the generously-sized Tom Bihn Daylight. A behemoth of a carry-on, it stretches for 44 inches in width, 13 inches in height, and carries a depth of 31 inches. Weighing 0.8 pounds, it offers slightly more storage room at 16.5 litres. Made from an Ultralight 400d Halcyon/420d nylon ripstop exterior with a 525 denier 2x2 bluesign® Ballistic nylon exterior, it is lightweight yet durable. It wins in the laptop-carrying game, capable of accommodating a 15-inch laptop. However, it falls slightly behind in airline compatibility, suiting 99% of airlines.
Comparison:
- Size: Tarahumara is 44"x24"x10" vs Daylight at 44"x13"x31"
- Weight: Tarahumara weighs 0.7 lbs vs Daylight at 0.8 lbs
- Capacity: Tarahumara has 16 litres vs Daylight with 16.5 litres
- Laptop Size: Tarahumara fits a 0" laptop vs Daylight accommodating a 15" laptop
- Material: Tarahumara is made from 500D Cordura vs Daylight made from 400D Halcyon/ 420D nylon ripstop & 525D Ballistic
- Airline Compatibility: Tarahumara compatible with 100% airlines vs Daylight compatible with 99% airlines
The Tarahumara, despite its unassuming appearance, is lauded for its spaciousness, simplicity, and quality build. It is praised as a well-executed accessory that balances the needs of practicality, longevity, and aesthetics. Critics have often highlighted the bag's versatility and utility; perfect for day hiking, it's also fashionable enough for city life.
The Daylight backpack, just like daybreak after a long night, brings relief for those requiring a lightweight yet roomy pack. Reviewers have noted its simplicity and easy integration into daily activities. It's recommended for occasional backpack users, travellers needing an additional bag upon arriving at their destination, or just those hunting for a minimalistic, reliable, and compact carry-on.