Hill People Gear Tarahumara vs. Kathmandu Katabatic 28L Pack

Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.

Hill People Gear Tarahumara

by Hill People Gear
Front facing view of the Hill People Gear Tarahumara
Capacity16 L
Weight0.7 kg
Dimensions43×23×10 cm
Airline fit96%
Price$175

Feature by feature

Storage
2 Compression Y
None Expanded Capacity None
0 Opening 4
back Passport N
N Passthrough N
Carry
Y Backpack Y
removable Hip Belt Y
Y Sternum Strap Y
Inside
N Laptop N
2 Main Compartments 1
N Organizer Y
Outside
× Hard Shell ×
N Rain-fly optional
2, side Water Bottle Holder 2
Y Water Resistant Y
Material
500d Cordura100% Polyester

Kathmandu Katabatic 28L Pack

by Kathmandu
Front facing view of the Kathmandu Katabatic 28L Pack
Capacity28 L
Weight0.906 kg
Dimensions52×29×28 cm
Airline fit14%
Price$120

Key differences between the Hill People Gear Tarahumara and Kathmandu Katabatic 28L Pack

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. 27 accept both. 154 accept only the Hill People Gear Tarahumara, and 0 accept only the Kathmandu Katabatic 28L Pack.

Only the Hill People Gear Tarahumara fits

Aegean Airlines, Aer Lingus, Aeroflot, Aerolineas Argentinas, Aeromexico, Air Asia, Air Astana, Air Baltic, Air Canada, Air Caraibes, Air China, Air France, Air India, Air Macau, Air Malta, Air Mauritius, Air Niugini, Air Nostrum, Air Serbia, Air Seychelles, Air Tahiti, Air Wisconsin, AirAsiaX, Alaska Airlines, All Nipon Airways, Allegiant Air, American Airlines, American Eagle, ANA, Asiana Airlines, ATA Airlines, Atlas Global, Austrian, Avianca , Azerbaijan Airlines, Bahamasair, Bangkok Airways, Belavia, Biman Bangladesh, Blue Air, Boliviana de Aviacion, British Airways, Brussels Airlines, Bulgaria Air, Cambodia Angkor Air, Cathay Pacific, Cayman Airways, Cebu Pacific, China Airlines, China Eastern, CommutAir, Conviasa, Copa Airlines, Czech Airlines, Delta Airlines, Dragonair, easyJet, EL AL, Emirates Airlines, Enter Air, Ethiopian Airlines, Etihad Airways, Eurowings, EVA Air, Fiji Airways, Finnair, Flair Air, flybe, Frontier Airlines, Garuda Indonesia, Gol Linhas Aereas, Great Lakes Airlines, Gulf Air, Hawaiian Airlines, Hong Kong Airlines, Iberia, Icelandair, Indigo, InselAir, Interjet, Iran Air, Iran Aseman Air, Japan Airlines, Jet Airways, Jet2, jetBlue Airways, Jetstar Airways, Jetstar Asia, Juneyao Airlines, Kenya Airways, KLM, Kulula, Kuwait Air, LATAM , Liat Airlines, LOT Polish, Lufthansa, Luxair, Mahan Air, Malaysia Airlines, Mango, Meridiana Fly, Mesa Airlines, Middle East Airlines, Monarch Airlines, Nordwind Airlines, Norwegian, Oman Air, Onur Air, Pakistan International, Peach, PenAir, Porter Airlines, Qantas Airways, Qatar Airways, Ravn Alaska, Regional Express, Republic Airways, Royal Brunei Airlines, Royal Jordanian, Ryanair, S7, SAS Scandinavian, Scoot, Shandong Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, Sky Airlines, Skywest, Inc., South African Airways, Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines, SriLankan Airlines, Sun Express, Swiss Int'l Air Lines, TAP Air Portugal, TAROM, Thai Airways, Tianjin Airlines (A320 & E190), Tiger Airways, Trans States, Travel Service Airlines, TUI, Turkish Airlines, Ukraine International, United Airlines, Uzbekistan Air, Vietnam Airlines, VIM Airlines (Closed), Virgin Atlantic, Virgin Australia, Volotea, WestJet, WOW Airlines, Xiamen.

When looking at the Hill People Gear Tarahumara and the Kathmandu Katabatic 28L Pack, it's clear both are own-able backpack options tailored for different needs. The Hill People Gear Tarahumara has dimensions of 44 inches tall, 24 inches wide, and 10 inches deep. It's a compact choice weighing in at 0.7 pounds. Offering 16 liters of carrying capacity, the Tarahumara is crafted with lightweight, sturdy 500D Cordura and fits comfortably under most airline seats. Reviewers herald this bag for its longevity and great build quality, and its manageable size makes it an ideal choice for day hikers.

On the other hand, the Kathmandu Katabatic 28L Pack is a more voluminous beast with its 28 liters carrying capacity. It measures a whopping 28 inches high, 29 inches wide, and 52 inches deep. The Katabatic weighs marginally more than the Tarahumara, coming in at 0.906 pounds. The pack is made of 100% Polyester. It is not as widely accepted by airlines but reviewers positively noted its loads of attachment points, air ventilation system and useful compartments providing comfort and organization.

Comparison:

While each backpack has some fantastic traits, the best one for you will depend on what you're after. The Hill People Gear Tarahumara stands out for its size perfect for day hiking and durable build quality. It also boasts superior airline compatibility. The Kathmandu Katabatic 28L Pack shines with its substantial storage capacity, host of attachment points, and crafted ventilation system, offering a comfortable carry for longer adventuring trips. Each backpack serves its purpose well; what matters most is selecting one that aligns with your needs. So, whether it is a short day hike or a longer adventure, you have two solid choices with the Hill People Gear Tarahumara and the Kathmandu Katabatic 28L Pack.