Hill People Gear Tarahumara vs. Patagonia Tres MLC® 45L
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 | Patagonia Tres MLC® 45L |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| S | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 0 | Opening | 1 |
| N | Passport | N |
| N | Passthrough | Y |
| Carry | ||
| S | Backpack | H |
| R | Hip Belt | N |
| S | Sternum Strap | S |
| Inside | ||
| 0 | Laptop | 15 |
| 2 | Main Compartments | 1 |
| N | Organizer | Y |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 2 | Water Bottle Holder | 0 |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 500D Cordura | 630-denier nylon, 200-denier 100% recycled polyeste |
Patagonia Tres MLC® 45L
| Capacity | 45 L |
| Weight | 1.5 kg |
| Dimensions | 54×41×18 cm |
| Airline fit | 91% |
| Price | $179 |
Two micro-monster packs of the carry on world, the Hill People Gear Tarahumara and the Patagonia Tres MLC® 45L are like night and day, similar in some ways, wildly different in others. The Tarahumara from Hill People Gear is a crafted beast made with 500D Cordura, versatile enough for the wilds or the concrete jungle. It's lean, weighing in at a featherweight 0.7 pounds, and is sized just right for day tripping at 44 inches tall, 24 inches wide, and 10 inches deep. Don't let the size fool you though; its 16-liter capacity will surprise you with its Tardis-like performance.
The Patagonia Tres MLC® 45L, on the other hand, is the carry on big brother made with a cocktail mix of 630-denier nylon woven together with 200-denier 100% recycled polyeste. It's a bit more hefty at 1.5 pounds, larger too, standing 18 inches tall, a hefty 41 inches wide, and a whopping 54 inches deep in capacity terms. This on-the-go office for your back has room for a 15-inch laptop.
The major differences in a nutshell:
- Size: The Hill People Gear is more compact and lighter, with the Patagonia bag offering a significantly larger carrying capacity.
- Material: The Hill People Gear uses a robust 500D Cordura while the Patagonia is made of a mix of 630-denier nylon and 200-denier 100% recycled polyeste.
- Laptop Compartment: The Hill People Gear doesn’t offer a dedicated laptop compartment, while the Patagonia can fit a 15-inch laptop.
- Airline Compatibility: The Hill People Gear is compatible with 100% of airlines, while the Patagonia is compatible with 91%.
- Weight: The Hill People Gear tips the scales at a svelte 0.7 pounds, while the Patagonia weighs in at a stubbier 1.5 pounds.
Reviewers are raving about both. The Tarahumara is known for its simple elegance, capable of handling anything within its cubic inch capacity. Critics say it's well-built, designed to last, and its central zipper is lauded for its convenience. The Patagonia Tres MLC® 45L is appreciated for its versatility, with options to be carried as a messenger bag, duffle bag, or backpack. Praise for its spacious main compartment and organizational features alongside its stowable ergonomic shoulder straps are also noted.
In a conclusion, if you're looking for a bag that's more substantial and able to handle a larger load, the Patagonia Tres MLC® 45L is your go-to. However, if a sleek, versatile, and compact bag for day trips is more your speed, you cannot go wrong with the Hill People Gear Tarahumara.