Hill People Gear Tarahumara vs. Arcido Vaga
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 | Arcido Vaga |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| 2 | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 0 | Opening | 1 |
| back | Passport | N |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| removable | Hip Belt | N |
| Y | Sternum Strap | optional |
| Inside | ||
| N | Laptop | 15in |
| 2 | Main Compartments | 1 |
| N | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 2, side | Water Bottle Holder | 2 |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 500d Cordura | Kodra Nylon |
Key differences between the Hill People Gear Tarahumara and Arcido Vaga
- Compression straps: 2 on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; No on the Arcido Vaga.
- Opening: Other on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; Clamshell on the Arcido Vaga.
- Passport pocket: Back on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; No on the Arcido Vaga.
- Hip belt: Removable on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; No on the Arcido Vaga.
- Sternum strap: Yes on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; Optional on the Arcido Vaga.
- Laptop sleeve: No on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; 15in on the Arcido Vaga.
- Main compartments: 2 on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; 1 on the Arcido Vaga.
- Water bottle pockets: 2, side on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; 2 on the Arcido Vaga.
Both have: backpack straps, water resistant.
Which airlines take each bag as a carry-on
We checked both bags against the carry-on size limits of 189 airlines. 172 accept both. 9 accept only the Hill People Gear Tarahumara, and 0 accept only the Arcido Vaga.
Only the Hill People Gear Tarahumara fits
Air Niugini, Air Tahiti, American Eagle, easyJet, Great Lakes Airlines, Gulf Air, Ravn Alaska, Regional Express, Virgin Australia.
The Hill People Gear Tarahumara and Arcido Vaga are both remarkable carry-on backpacks, each with their unique strengths and limitations. The Hill People Gear Tarahumara, standing tall at 44 inches, is a heavyweight compared to its contender, the Arcido Vaga, which possesses a petite physique of 15 inches. Despite its stature, the Tarahumara only weighs 0.7 pounds, marginally heavier than the Vaga at 0.6 pounds. The Tarahumara is made of robust 500D Cordura, versatile muscle in the backpack world. In contrast, the Vaga is constructed of sturdy Kodra Nylon, a formidable opponent to the Cordura.
Key Differences
- The Tarahumara is taller but slightly heavier, measuring 44 inches and weighing 0.7 pounds. The Vaga is more compact--15 inches tall and a mere 0.6 pounds.
- The Tarahumara provides 16 liters of capacity. In contrast, the Vaga offers a bit more room--20 liters of capacity.
- The Tarahumara proves itself airline-friendly with 100% compatibility, whereas the Vaga navigates 82% of airlines with ease.
- The material differs: the Tarahumara is crafted of 500D Cordura, whereas the Vaga opts for Kodra Nylon.
- Laptop compartment: the Tarahumara has none, while the Vaga accommodates a laptop up to 15 inches.
Both packs present impressive reviews. The Tarahumara, according to one ardent user, "is a well-designed, well-executed, and well-built bag that'll last you a lifetime." Meanwhile, Vaga aficionados appreciate the bag's versatility: "The Vaga is a great little pack that can be used alongside a larger travel backpack or as a daily driver."
When analyzing the perks of each pack, the Tarahumara is lauded for its perfect size for day hiking as well as great build quality. Its center zip also adds a touch of convenience. Meanwhile, proponents of the Vaga express admiration for its superb, suspended laptop harness, comfortable padding and breathability, decent organization, and sleek, minimalistic design.
In essence, both the Hill People Gear Tarahumara and the Arcido Vaga bring their unique strengths to the table. Possessing a different set of qualities, each pack caters to a specific type of traveler - robust hiking affectionates or sleek city slickers. Picking the optimum backpack ultimately narrows down to one's personal preference and the intended journey.