Hill People Gear Tarahumara vs. Patagonia Black Hole® MLC® 45L
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 | Patagonia Black Hole® MLC® 45L |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| S | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 0 | Opening | 1 |
| N | Passport | N |
| N | Passthrough | Y |
| Carry | ||
| S | Backpack | H |
| R | Hip Belt | N |
| S | Sternum Strap | S |
| Inside | ||
| 0 | Laptop | 15 |
| 2 | Main Compartments | 3 |
| N | Organizer | Y |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 2 | Water Bottle Holder | 0 |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 500D Cordura | 900-denier 100% postconsumer recycled polyester ripstop, 200-denier 100% recycled polyester |
Patagonia Black Hole® MLC® 45L
| Capacity | 45 L |
| Weight | 1.7 kg |
| Dimensions | 58×37×22 cm |
| Airline fit | 91% |
| Price | $199 |
Let's talk about two of the best carry-on backpacks on the market – the Hill People Gear Tarahumara and the Patagonia Black Hole® MLC® 45L. Each of these packs has been meticulously engineered, offering unique qualities that make them stand out in the highly competitive world of backpacks. What decides which is the right fit for you? The answer lies in their subtle differences, the intricacies aligned with your specific needs.
The Tarahumara, named for a tribe renowned for long-distance runners, inherently offers a compact yet capable design. With dimensions of 44 by 24 by 10 inches, it carries up to 16 liters of capacity. The pack's 500D Cordura build guarantees durability while maintaining an ultralight weight of 0.7 pounds. In contrast, the Patagonia Black Hole® MLC® 45L showcases wider dimensions (37 by 22 by 58 inches) and a capacity nearly thrice as much (45 liters), accommodated within a durable 900-Denier recycled polyester ripstop. This feature-heavy pack weighs in at 1.7 pounds.
- Dimensions: The HPG Tarahumara measures 44 by 24 by 10 inches. The Patagonia Black Hole is 37 by 22 by 58 inches.
- Weight: The Tarahumara backpack weighs 0.7 pounds, while the Black Hole MLC is 1.7 pounds.
- Capacity: The Tarahumara has a capacity of 16 liters; the Black Hole MLC has 45 liters.
- Airline Compatibility: The Tarahumara is compatible with 100% of airlines; the Black Hole MLC is compatible with 91% of airlines.
- Material: The Tarahumara is made of 500D Cordura, the Black Hole MLC is crafted from 900-Denier recycled polyester ripstop with 200-Denier recycled polyester lining.
- Laptop Compartment Size: The Tarahumara does not have a laptop compartment – its focus is gear not gadgets; the Black Hole MLC fits a laptop of up to 15 inches.
The user reviews reveal a deep admiration for these two packs born of experience. For the Tarahumara, reviewers praise its size, versatility, and build quality, highlighting it as the "best overall solution." The Patagonia Black Hole® MLC® 45L, is lauded for its durability, innovative design, and versatility in carrying style, being suitable for "anything from airport travel to car camping trips."
So, why choose one over the other? The Hill People Gear Tarahumara offers a lean, centered design perfect for day hiking and long-term comfort on the go. Its superior build quality guarantees longevity. The Patagonia Black Hole® MLC® 45L is the workhorse of versatility – a travel bag, backpack, messenger bag, or duffel bag. Its design is intuitive and simplifies your travel plans with a clamshell opening and stowable straps for compact storage. Your choice depends on your travel style and needs – both packs, no doubt, are excellent companions for life's adventures.