Hill People Gear Tarahumara vs. DSPTCH Daypack
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 | DSPTCH Daypack |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| 2 | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 0 | Opening | 4 |
| back | Passport | N |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| removable | Hip Belt | N |
| Y | Sternum Strap | Y |
| Inside | ||
| N | Laptop | 16in |
| 2 | Main Compartments | 1 |
| N | Organizer | Y |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 2, side | Water Bottle Holder | N |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 500d Cordura | 1680D Ballistic Nylon with DWR coating |
DSPTCH Daypack
| Capacity | 22 L |
| Weight | 0.95 kg |
| Dimensions | 45.72×25.4×20.32 cm |
| Airline fit | 76% |
| Price | $198 |
Key differences between the Hill People Gear Tarahumara and DSPTCH Daypack
- Compression straps: 2 on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; No on the DSPTCH Daypack.
- Opening: Other on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; Top zip on the DSPTCH Daypack.
- Passport pocket: Back on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; No on the DSPTCH Daypack.
- Hip belt: Removable on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; No on the DSPTCH Daypack.
- Laptop sleeve: No on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; 16in on the DSPTCH Daypack.
- Main compartments: 2 on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; 1 on the DSPTCH Daypack.
- Built-in organizer: No on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; Yes on the DSPTCH Daypack.
- Water bottle pockets: 2, side on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; No on the DSPTCH Daypack.
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. 143 accept both. 38 accept only the Hill People Gear Tarahumara, and 0 accept only the DSPTCH Daypack.
Only the Hill People Gear Tarahumara fits
Air Baltic, Air China, Air Malta, Air Niugini, Air Serbia, Air Seychelles, Air Tahiti, Asiana Airlines, ATA Airlines, Belavia, Blue Air, Bulgaria Air, China Eastern, easyJet, Emirates Airlines, Enter Air, flybe, Gulf Air, Icelandair, InselAir, Juneyao Airlines, Luxair, Meridiana Fly, Nordwind Airlines, Royal Brunei Airlines, Ryanair, S7, Shandong Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, Sun Express, TAP Air Portugal, TAROM, Tianjin Airlines (A320 & E190), TUI, Ukraine International, VIM Airlines (Closed), Volotea, Xiamen.
The Hill People Gear Tarahumara and the DSPTCH Daypack are two versatile and functional backpacks that come highly recommended. The Tarahumara, built by Hill People Gear, stands tall at 44 inches, 24 inches wide, and 10 inches deep, making it especially suitable for longer expeditions. Weighing slightly less than a pound, this pack’s durability is defined by its robust 500D Cordura make. The 16-liter capacity is adequate for a laptop of up to 0 inches. Moreover, its 100% airline compatibility gives it an edge over other backpacks, a crucial feature that any frequent flyer can appreciate.
On the other hand, the DSPTCH Daypack is a catchall for high-functionality and ergonomic design. This backpack stands at 20.32 inches tall, with a considerable width of 45.72 inches, and depth of 25.4 inches. Constructed from 1680D Ballistic Nylon with DWR coating, it slightly outweighs the Tarahumara, landing at 0.95 pounds. However, with the slight increase in weight comes an impressive 22-liter capacity, it caters to larger items such as a laptop, which can be up to 16 inches. As for airline compatibility, the daypack falls short, covering a measly 67%.
Here are the stark differences between the two:
- Size: The Hill People Gear Tarahumara stands taller and deeper, but the DSPTCH Daypack is wider.
- Weight: The Hill People Gear Tarahumara is lighter by 0.25 pounds.
- Capacity: The DSPTCH Daypack is larger, affording 6 additional liters of space.
- Compatibility: The Hill People Gear Tarahumara is 33% more airline-compatible.
- Material: The two backpacks use different fabrications with the Hill People Gear Tarahumara utilizing 500D Cordura and the DSPTCH made from 1680D Ballistic Nylon with a DWR coating.
- Laptop Space: The DSPTCH Daypack can accommodate a 16-inch laptop, unlike the Hill People Gear Tarahumara which does not have space for a laptop.
Having said that, it comes down to the use case. While the Tarahumara works best for day hiking thanks to its perfect form factor, quality construction and line work that ensures longevity, and a center zip for easy access and added security, the Daypack stands tall as a great EDC commuter bag. It offers a well-planned pocket layout, high-quality workmanship and materials, a suspended laptop sleeve for extra drop protection, and a minimalistic style suitable for business or outdoorsy settings. In short, the choice between these two comes down to personal preference. Decide based on your daily needs and which features suit your lifestyle the best.