Hill People Gear Tarahumara vs. Exped Skyline 25
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 | Exped Skyline 25 |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| 2 | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 0 | Opening | 4 |
| back | Passport | N |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| removable | Hip Belt | Y |
| Y | Sternum Strap | Y |
| Inside | ||
| N | Laptop | N |
| 2 | Main Compartments | 1 |
| N | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | Y |
| 2, side | Water Bottle Holder | 2 |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 500d Cordura | 210 D Robic HD Ripstop nylon, PU coated, 1'500 mm water column |
Key differences between the Hill People Gear Tarahumara and Exped Skyline 25
- Compression straps: 2 on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; No on the Exped Skyline 25.
- Opening: Other on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; Top zip on the Exped Skyline 25.
- Passport pocket: Back on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; No on the Exped Skyline 25.
- Hip belt: Removable on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; Yes on the Exped Skyline 25.
- Main compartments: 2 on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; 1 on the Exped Skyline 25.
- Rain cover: No on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; Yes on the Exped Skyline 25.
- Water bottle pockets: 2, side on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; 2 on the Exped Skyline 25.
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. 75 accept both. 106 accept only the Hill People Gear Tarahumara, and 0 accept only the Exped Skyline 25.
Only the Hill People Gear Tarahumara fits
Air Asia, Air Baltic, Air Canada, Air China, Air Macau, Air Malta, Air Niugini, Air Serbia, Air Seychelles, Air Tahiti, Air Wisconsin, AirAsiaX, Alaska Airlines, Allegiant Air, American Airlines, American Eagle, Asiana Airlines, ATA Airlines, Austrian, Avianca , Azerbaijan Airlines, Bahamasair, Bangkok Airways, Belavia, Biman Bangladesh, Blue Air, Brussels Airlines, Bulgaria Air, Cambodia Angkor Air, Cathay Pacific, Cayman Airways, Cebu Pacific, China Airlines, China Eastern, CommutAir, Delta Airlines, Dragonair, easyJet, Emirates Airlines, Enter Air, Ethiopian Airlines, Etihad Airways, Eurowings, EVA Air, Fiji Airways, Flair Air, flybe, Garuda Indonesia, Gulf Air, Hawaiian Airlines, Hong Kong Airlines, Icelandair, InselAir, jetBlue Airways, Jetstar Airways, Jetstar Asia, Juneyao Airlines, Kulula, Liat Airlines, LOT Polish, Lufthansa, Luxair, Mahan Air, Malaysia Airlines, Mango, Meridiana Fly, Mesa Airlines, Nordwind Airlines, Norwegian, Oman Air, Pakistan International, Porter Airlines, Qantas Airways, Qatar Airways, Ravn Alaska, Regional Express, Republic Airways, Royal Brunei Airlines, Royal Jordanian, Ryanair, S7, SAS Scandinavian, Scoot, Shandong Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, Skywest, Inc., South African Airways, SriLankan Airlines, Sun Express, Swiss Int'l Air Lines, TAP Air Portugal, TAROM, Tianjin Airlines (A320 & E190), Tiger Airways, Trans States, TUI, Turkish Airlines, Ukraine International, United Airlines, Vietnam Airlines, VIM Airlines (Closed), Virgin Atlantic, Virgin Australia, Volotea, WestJet, Xiamen.
The Expedition backpack market is full of choices, but two leading contenders bubbled up to the surface: the Hill People Gear Tarahumara and the Exped Skyline 25. Upon initial glance, both seem to be reliable companions for regular or spontaneous travel. The Tarahumara, however, is slim and lean, a backpack that's no fluff. It has a unique 500D Cordura shell that gives the assurance of durability and ruggedness. The Skyline stands broader with its 210 D Robic HD Ripstop nylon made, PU coated, 1'500 mm water column. A tough casing for any weather conditions a backpacker can stumble upon.
- Dimensions: The Tarahumara stands taller at 44 inches with the Skyline measuring up at 24 inches. Regarding width and depth, Skyline outranked with 26 inches wide and 52 inches deep while the Tarahumara leans at 24 inches wide and 10 inches deep.
- Weight: Skyline weighs heavier, scaling at 1.03 pounds contrasting to Tarahumara's feathery 0.7 pounds.
- Capacity: Skyline owns a bigger room, offering a 25-liter capacity against Tarahumara's 16 liters.
- Compatibility: Skyline falls short on this aspect with only 47% airline compatibility, while Tarahumara proves advantageous with full 100% airline compatibility.
Reviewers praised both backpacks, citing the Tarahumara’s excellent design, durability, and abundant capacity, despite its smaller appearance. Users raved about its versatility and adequacy for either day hiking or longer trekking. They appreciate the thoughtful details - glow-in-the-dark zippers and rain cover. The same admiration goes to Skyline which, despite lacking in size, has been hailed for its exceptional functionality, numerous pockets, excellent switchback suspension, and waterproof features.
So, if you lean more to the light travels, sounds like you'll appreciate the Hill People Gear Tarahumara. Its slim design, light weight, and airline compatibility pique the interest of regular adventurers and run-and-gun travelers. They love the excellent build quality and the center zip for secure yet accessible storage. On the other hand, if you veer towards heavy-loaded trips with a lot of equipment, consider the Exped Skyline 25. It carries a larger load, fully waterproof, and even includes a rain cover. Travelers rave on its functional pockets and the advantageous switchback suspension system that also ventilates your back. Despite its size, it remains lightweight and durable, which is massive leverage for outdoor trips and activities. So choose wisely and enjoy exploration to the fullest.