Hill People Gear Tarahumara vs. Tom Bihn Aeronaut 30L
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 | Tom Bihn Aeronaut 30L |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| 2 | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 0 | Opening | 0 |
| back | Passport | side |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | hideable |
| removable | Hip Belt | removable |
| Y | Sternum Strap | removable |
| Inside | ||
| N | Laptop | N |
| 2 | Main Compartments | 5 |
| N | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 2, side | Water Bottle Holder | N |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 500d Cordura | 1050 denier ballistic nylon OR ultralight 400d Halcyon/420d nylon ripstop 200 denier Halcyon/nylon ripstop fabric lining |
Tom Bihn Aeronaut 30L
| Capacity | 30 L |
| Weight | 1.3 kg |
| Dimensions | 50×32×20 cm |
| Airline fit | 91% |
| Price | $330 |
Key differences between the Hill People Gear Tarahumara and Tom Bihn Aeronaut 30L
- Compression straps: 2 on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; No on the Tom Bihn Aeronaut 30L.
- Passport pocket: Back on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; Side on the Tom Bihn Aeronaut 30L.
- Backpack straps: Yes on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; Hideable on the Tom Bihn Aeronaut 30L.
- Sternum strap: Yes on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; Removable on the Tom Bihn Aeronaut 30L.
- Main compartments: 2 on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; 5 on the Tom Bihn Aeronaut 30L.
- Water bottle pockets: 2, side on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; No on the Tom Bihn Aeronaut 30L.
Both have: 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. 172 accept both. 9 accept only the Hill People Gear Tarahumara, and 0 accept only the Tom Bihn Aeronaut 30L.
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 Tom Bihn Aeronaut 30L are both robust, well-designed carry-on backpacks that offer impressive durability. The Tarahumara, slightly sleeker of the two, holds a slim stature with a height of 44 inches and a weight of just 0.7 pounds. On the other hand, the Aeronaut 30L embodies a more robust form, standing tall at 51 inches and weighing a sturdy 1.3 pounds. Despite their size differences, both maintain exceptional functionality and durability, proven by their reputable names.
While both backpacks serve similarly, there are several vital distinctions between the two. In brief, these are:
- Sizes: Tarahumara (44 x 24 x 10 inches, 0.7 pounds) vs. Aeronaut 30L (51 x 33 x 21 inches, 1.3 pounds)
- Capacities: 16 liters vs. 30 liters
- Material: 500D Cordura vs. 1050 denier ballistic nylon or ultralight 400d Halcyon/420d nylon ripstop
- Laptop compartments: Available in Tarahumara (0 inches) but not the Aeronaut 30L
- Airlines compatibility: Tarahumara (100% of airlines) vs. Aeronaut 30L (98% of airlines)
Turning to reviewers' thoughts, the Tarahumara impressed with its ample space, user-friendly design, and high-quality execution. The pack's deceivingly large interior drew special praise, likened to Doctor Who's infinitely spacious Tardis. Meanwhile, the Aeronaut 30L also charmed with its versatility and quality, making it a runaway favorite for ultralight camping, minimal plane travel, and weekend excursions.
In conclusion, your final decision depends heavily on your specific needs and preferences. If a compact design, nifty laptop compartment, and all-around compatibility with airlines are your priorities, the Hill People Gear Tarahumara is an excellent choice. However, if you prefer larger carrying capacity, superior materials, and greater water resistance, the Tom Bihn Aeronaut 30L will serve you better. Regardless of your choice, both backpacks live up to their brands' reputations for quality and durability.