Hill People Gear Tarahumara vs. Millican Smith 18L
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 | Millican Smith 18L |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| 2 | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 0 | Opening | 2 |
| back | Passport | side |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| removable | Hip Belt | removable |
| Y | Sternum Strap | removable |
| Inside | ||
| N | Laptop | 15in |
| 2 | Main Compartments | 3 |
| N | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 2, side | Water Bottle Holder | N |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 500d Cordura | Weatherproof Bionic Canvas |
Millican Smith 18L
| Capacity | 18 L |
| Weight | 0.9 kg |
| Dimensions | 50×28×10 cm |
| Airline fit | 92% |
| Price | $130 |
Key differences between the Hill People Gear Tarahumara and Millican Smith 18L
- Compression straps: 2 on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; No on the Millican Smith 18L.
- Opening: Other on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; Rolltop on the Millican Smith 18L.
- Passport pocket: Back on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; Side on the Millican Smith 18L.
- Sternum strap: Yes on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; Removable on the Millican Smith 18L.
- Laptop sleeve: No on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; 15in on the Millican Smith 18L.
- Main compartments: 2 on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; 3 on the Millican Smith 18L.
- Water bottle pockets: 2, side on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; No on the Millican Smith 18L.
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. 174 accept both. 7 accept only the Hill People Gear Tarahumara, and 0 accept only the Millican Smith 18L.
Only the Hill People Gear Tarahumara fits
Air Tahiti, American Eagle, easyJet, Gulf Air, Ravn Alaska, Regional Express, Virgin Australia.
The Hill People Gear Tarahumara and the Millican Smith 18L are both contenders for your carry on backpack of choice, but they have some significant differences. The Tarahumara is known for its compact size and durability, constructed from solid 500D Cordura. It's a well-executed design, lightweight at just 0.7 pounds and it can fit snuggly into an airline's carry on compartment without feeling cramped. With a 16 liters capacity, the absence of a laptop compartment might seem to limit its practicality, yet the Tarahumara is praised for how much it can carry in its diminutive form.
The Millican Smith 18L, on the other hand, is a more expansive backpack with a total height of 51 inches and a width of 28 inches. Weighing 0.9 pounds, it's a bit heavier and larger than the Tarahumara. Made from weatherproof Bionic Canvas, this backpack has a sizable 18 liters capacity and can fit a 15 inch laptop. This bag's modern design with environmental consciousness in the materials used adds to its appeal.
Here's a summarized bullet point comparison of the two:
- Size: Tarahumara (44"(H) x 24"(W) x10"(D)); Smith 18L (51"(H) x 28"(W) x 15"(D))
- Weight: Tarahumara (0.7 lbs); Smith 18L (0.9 lbs)
- Capacity: Tarahumara (16 liters with no laptop compartment); Smith 18L (18 liters with a 15" laptop compartment)
- Material: Tarahumara (500D Cordura); Smith 18L (Weatherproof Bionic Canvas)
- Airline Compatibility: Tarahumara (100%); Smith 18L (99%)
The Tarahumara is a simple yet robust pack, a perfect companion for a day hike. It is well known for its sturdy build and a size that makes skip over security checks easier. The central zip adds a distinctive touch of security while providing easy access to the main pack's entirety. In contrast, Smith 18L is a thoughtful blend of conservation and modern design. Its material is primarily recycled, making it an eco-friendly choice, while the added padding on the shoulders promotes prolonged comfortable use.
In sum, choosing between the Tarahumara and the Smith 18L comes down to your personal preferences and needs. If you favor vigorous outdoor adventures with a light and compact pack, the Tarahumara might be your perfect fit. But if you are environmentally conscious, prefer a larger capacity, and need to carry a laptop, the Smith 18L would be an excellent choice. Either way, both bags have earned high praises for their durability and design.