Hill People Gear Tarahumara vs. Thule Crossover 32L
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 | Thule Crossover 32L |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| S | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 0 | Opening | 0 |
| N | Passport | Y |
| N | Passthrough | |
| Carry | ||
| S | Backpack | S |
| R | Hip Belt | N |
| S | Sternum Strap | N |
| Inside | ||
| 0 | Laptop | 15 |
| 2 | Main Compartments | 1 |
| N | Organizer | Y |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 2 | Water Bottle Holder | 2 |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 500D Cordura | Dobby nylon |
The Hill People Gear Tarahumara and the Thule Crossover 32L are both sturdy and reliable choices for a carry on backpack. The Tarahumara, sized at 44 inches tall, 24 inches wide, and 10 inches deep, has a petite and compact design that is perfect for day hikes and light traveling. It is made of resilient 500D Cordura, ensuring you that this pack will hold up through the toughest of adventures. However, unlike the Thule Crossover, the Tarahumara lacks a laptop compartment, limiting its use for work-related travels.
On the other hand, the Thule Crossover 32L boasts a larger size, coming in at 47 inches tall, 31 inches wide, and 32 inches deep. This larger size lends itself to a greater capacity – a full 32 liters compared to the Tarahumara's 16 liters – making it a more versatile option for those who need to pack a bit more. It also boasts a 15-inch laptop compartment, making it the perfect companion for professional outings. Despite its larger size, this bag is still compatible with 89% of airlines, not quite matching the Tarahumara's 100%, but still highly travel-friendly nonetheless. This bag is made of the less rugged Dobby nylon, yet quickly compensates with its hard-shell accessory pouch, perfect for carrying fragile items.
Here's a quick rundown of the differences:
- Size: Tarahumara is smaller (44 x 24 x 10 inches vs 47 x 31 x 32 inches)
- Weight: Tarahumara is lighter (0.7 lb vs 1 lb)
- Capacity: Thule Crossover has a larger capacity (32L vs 16L)
- Airline Compatibility: Tarahumara is fully compatible, Thule Crossover still has strong compatibility (100% vs 89%)
- Materials: Tarahumara is made of 500D Cordura, while Thule Crossover is made of Dobby nylon
- Laptop Compartment: Thule Crossover can fit a 15-inch laptop, unlike the Tarahumara
The reviews for both bags speak volumes. People rave about the Tarahumara, praising its design, execution, and notable durability. It's lauded as a fitting solution for single-day treks and is admired for its "Tardis-like" interior space despite its compact appearance. In comparison, the Thule Crossover is recognized as the perfect backpack for both indoor and outdoor use, a fitting companion for tech-savvy individuals who need to tote their laptop around. It is hailed as an exceptional laptop backpack, with a significantly impressive storage capacity certain to last for many years.
Ultimately, both backpacks have their strong suits. The Tarahumara shines in its perfect sizing for day hiking, excellent build quality, and convenient center zip for easy access to the main compartment. The Thule Crossover, with its highly reliable materials and top-notch zippers, balances work and travel efficiently and offers an extra layer of protection for fragile items. Both are worthwhile investments, coming down to individual needs, preferences, and the type of adventure you're embarking on.