Hill People Gear Tarahumara vs. Exped Mountain Pro 40
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 | Exped Mountain Pro 40 |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| S | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 0 | Opening | 3 |
| N | Passport | N |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| S | Backpack | S |
| R | Hip Belt | R |
| S | Sternum Strap | S |
| Inside | ||
| 0 | Laptop | 0 |
| 2 | Main Compartments | 1 |
| N | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 2 | Water Bottle Holder | 0 |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 500D Cordura | 420 D Oxford nylon, PU coated, 3'000 mm water column |
Exped Mountain Pro 40
| Capacity | 42 L |
| Weight | 1.39 kg |
| Dimensions | 62×32×26 cm |
| Airline fit | 19% |
| Price | $190 |
When it comes to backpacks that will keep your precious cargo safely stowed away and conveniently accessible, two of the most stand-out choices are the Hill People Gear Tarahumara and the Exped Mountain Pro 40. Both are built to be robust and reliable, but how they accomplish this, and what they offer to you, the user, is as different as night and day.
The Hill People Gear Tarahumara prides itself on a gorgeous and minimal design, made of robust 500D Cordura. It stands tall (44 inches) and comparatively narrow, with a depth of 10 inches. However, it's not a slouch in terms of storage space with a16-liter capacity and a weight of a nifty 0.7 pounds. Especially handy is the 100% airline compatibility. The Exped Mountain Pro 40, on the other hand, is a more of a workhorse. Crafted from 420D Oxford Nylon coated with PU, it’s the Swiss army knife of backpacks that boasts a 42-liter carrying capacity. Notably, it measures 26 inches tall, 32 inches wide, and 62 inches deep and weighs about 1.39 pounds. However, it compromises with a lower airline compatibility score of 19%.
- Hill People Gear Tarahumara is taller, thinner, and lighter.
- Exped Mountain Pro 40 offers greater carrying capacity and is wider and heavier.
- Hill People Gear Tarahumara has 100% airline compatibility.
- Exped Mountain Pro 40 has 19% airline compatibility.
- Hill People Gear Tarahumara is made from 500D Cordura.
- Exped Mountain Pro 40 is made from 420 D Oxford nylon, PU coated.
Though both backpacks are undeniably well constructed, the user-friendly features make all the difference. In terms of convenience and the security they provide, the Hill People Gear Tarahumara comes out on top for its center zip that provides easy access to the main compartment. The Exped Mountain Pro 40, while it also serves well for hikers, shines for those who live for the outdoors, catering to these users with multiple attachment loops and a removable, weatherproof document bag.
In the end, the better backpack largely depends on your needs. The Hill People Gear Tarahumara is the perfect companion for day hiking adventures. It may not have the vast storage that the Exped Mountain Pro 40 has, but it's conveniently sized and offers excellent build quality. For those seeking a sturdy, weatherproof bag that isn't afraid of a heavy load, the Exped Mountain Pro 40 is the best bet. It's slightly heavier but prides itself on being durable and ready for any outdoor pursuit.