Hill People Gear Tarahumara vs. Ortlieb Velocity PS
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 | Ortlieb Velocity PS |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| 2 | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 0 | Opening | 2 |
| back | Passport | N |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| removable | Hip Belt | removable |
| Y | Sternum Strap | removable |
| Inside | ||
| N | Laptop | 15in |
| 2 | Main Compartments | 1 |
| N | Organizer | |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 2, side | Water Bottle Holder | N |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 500d Cordura | PS33 |
Ortlieb Velocity PS
| Capacity | 23 L |
| Weight | 0.79 kg |
| Dimensions | 50×30×16 cm |
| Airline fit | 92% |
| Price | $150 |
Key differences between the Hill People Gear Tarahumara and Ortlieb Velocity PS
- Compression straps: 2 on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; No on the Ortlieb Velocity PS.
- Opening: Other on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; Rolltop on the Ortlieb Velocity PS.
- Passport pocket: Back on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; No on the Ortlieb Velocity PS.
- Sternum strap: Yes on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; Removable on the Ortlieb Velocity PS.
- Laptop sleeve: No on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; 15in on the Ortlieb Velocity PS.
- Main compartments: 2 on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; 1 on the Ortlieb Velocity PS.
- Water bottle pockets: 2, side on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; No on the Ortlieb Velocity PS.
Both have: backpack straps, hip belt, water resistant.
Which airlines take each bag as a carry-on
We checked both bags against the carry-on size limits of 189 airlines. 173 accept both. 8 accept only the Hill People Gear Tarahumara, and 0 accept only the Ortlieb Velocity PS.
Only the Hill People Gear Tarahumara fits
Air Tahiti, American Eagle, easyJet, Great Lakes Airlines, Gulf Air, Ravn Alaska, Regional Express, Virgin Australia.
When it comes to carrying your gear with you on your travels, the right backpack can make all the difference. It's a toss between the Hill People Gear Tarahumara (HPG Tarahumara) and the Ortlieb Velocity PS.
The HPG Tarahumara is a lightweight and compact beast. Its slim form, made from durable 500D Cordura, is designed for heavy-duty usage. If space is what you need, the HPG Tarahumara has got you covered. With its 16-liter capacity, you can fit pretty much anything in this bag. However, while HPG Tarahumara is an aviation traveler's best friend, with its compatibility with all airlines, it's laptop compartment strangely falls short, only fitting a 0 inch laptop.
Opposed to this, the Ortlieb Velocity PS, while weighing slightly more than its competitor, boasts a significantly more generous 23-litre capacity. Crafted from robust PS33 material, the backpack is durable and waterproof. A clear winning point is its laptop compartment, accommodating up to a 15-inch laptop. While it might be slightly less generous on its airline compatibility, the Ortlieb Velocity PS still fares well with an admirable 82%.
Here's a succinct roundup of their differences:
- Weight: HPG Tarahumara (0.7 lbs) vs Ortlieb Velocity PS (0.79 lbs)
- Dimension: HPG Tarahumara (44x24x10 inches) vs Ortlieb Velocity PS (16x30x50 inches)
- Capacity: HPG Tarahumara (16L) vs Ortlieb Velocity PS (23L)
- Laptop Compartment: HPG Tarahumara (0 inch) vs Ortlieb Velocity PS (15 inch)
- Material: HPG Tarahumara (500D Cordura) vs Ortlieb Velocity PS (PS33)
- Airline Compatibility: HPG Tarahumara (100%) vs Ortlieb Velocity PS (82%)
However, these technical specifications only partly build the story. Reviews on the HPG Tarahumara commend its "well designed, well executed, and well-built bag that'll last you a lifetime," and its abundant interior space despite its small frame. The Ortlieb Velocity PS, on the other hand, is celebrated for its sustainable materials, stylish aesthetics, and weatherproof build.
Ultimately, both backpacks serve their purposes well and provide a range of features to impress any adventurer. It may just boil down to your personal preference, spatial requirements, and your love (or disdain) for water.