Hill People Gear Tarahumara vs. Patagonia Refugio Backpack 28L
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 Refugio Backpack 28L |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| 2 | Compression | Y |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 0 | Opening | 4 |
| back | Passport | N |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| removable | Hip Belt | N |
| Y | Sternum Strap | Y |
| Inside | ||
| N | Laptop | 15in |
| 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, 450-denier 100% polyester (56% recycled) ripstop |
Patagonia Refugio Backpack 28L
| Capacity | 28 L |
| Weight | 0.666 kg |
| Dimensions | 49×31×21 cm |
| Airline fit | 73% |
| Price | $89 |
Key differences between the Hill People Gear Tarahumara and Patagonia Refugio Backpack 28L
- Compression straps: 2 on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; Yes on the Patagonia Refugio Backpack 28L.
- Opening: Other on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; Top zip on the Patagonia Refugio Backpack 28L.
- Passport pocket: Back on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; No on the Patagonia Refugio Backpack 28L.
- Hip belt: Removable on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; No on the Patagonia Refugio Backpack 28L.
- Laptop sleeve: No on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; 15in on the Patagonia Refugio Backpack 28L.
- Main compartments: 2 on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; 1 on the Patagonia Refugio Backpack 28L.
- Water bottle pockets: 2, side on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; 2 on the Patagonia Refugio Backpack 28L.
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. 138 accept both. 43 accept only the Hill People Gear Tarahumara, and 0 accept only the Patagonia Refugio Backpack 28L.
Only the Hill People Gear Tarahumara fits
Air Baltic, Air China, Air Malta, Air Niugini, Air Serbia, Air Seychelles, Air Tahiti, American Eagle, Asiana Airlines, ATA Airlines, Belavia, Blue Air, Bulgaria Air, China Eastern, easyJet, Emirates Airlines, Enter Air, flybe, Great Lakes Airlines, Gulf Air, Icelandair, InselAir, Juneyao Airlines, Luxair, Meridiana Fly, Nordwind Airlines, Ravn Alaska, Regional Express, Royal Brunei Airlines, Ryanair, S7, Shandong Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, Sun Express, TAP Air Portugal, TAROM, Tianjin Airlines (A320 & E190), TUI, Ukraine International, VIM Airlines (Closed), Virgin Australia, Volotea, Xiamen.
As trusty travel sidekicks, both the Hill People Gear Tarahumara and the Patagonia Refugio Backpack 28L can be counted on. However, their differences can be the deciding factor in your purchase. The Tarahumara is a simple, robust tower of a bag at 44 inches tall, 24 inches wide, and 10 inches deep. With a total capacity of 16 liters, it boasts compatibility with 100% of airlines, making it a suitable companion for jet-setters. Despite the compact figure it cuts, one reviewer has stood by its surprisingly "vacuous" capacity with 2/3 of the main compartment commonly left vacant.
The Patagonia Refugio Backpack 28L, on the other hand, is a voluminous bag that anyone would want. Packed within its 21 inches tall, 31 inches wide, and 49 inches deep framework, lies a total capacity of 28 liters. With a reduced compatibility of 67% of airlines, this backpack maintains functionality with its laptop compartment that fits a 15-inch laptop. One reviewer emphasizes its great performance across different activities, from commuting to hiking.
Hill People Gear Tarahumara vs Patagonia Refugio Backpack 28L
- Size: 44" x 24" x 10" vs 21" x 31" x 49"
- Weight: 0.7 lbs vs 0.666 lbs
- Capacity: 16L vs 28L
- Airline compatibility: 100% vs 67%
- Material: 500D Cordura vs 630-denier 100% nylon and 450-denier 100% polyester (56% recycled) ripstop
- Laptop compartment: FITS 0-inch laptop vs fits 15-inch laptop
- Reviewers' opinion: "well executed" and "elegantly simple" vs "ideal for commuting" and "fully-featured"
The Tarahumara stands out for its quality build with 500D Cordura and the convenience of its center zip. Its compact size, lauded for day hiking, and total compatibility with airlines are not to be overlooked. In comparison, the Refugio wins over users with its berths for laptops, providing security and guaranteeing the integrity of your electronics with a false bottom for protection. Its layout suits the organized traveler, with reviews noting its abundant pockets and varied use case scenarios; the bag accommodates everything from light sports to professional commuting.
While both offer versatile use cases and reliable construction, it ultimately boils down to your personal needs and preferences. Consider the Hill People Gear Tarahumara for its robust, compact features or opt for the Patagonia Refugio Backpack 28L for its extensive storage and functionality. Choose wisely.