Hill People Gear Tarahumara vs. Fjallraven High Coast Foldsack 24
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 | Fjallraven High Coast Foldsack 24 |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| 2 | Compression | Y |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 0 | Opening | 3 |
| back | Passport | N |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| removable | Hip Belt | removable |
| Y | Sternum Strap | removable |
| 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 | 100% polyamide 210D |
Fjallraven High Coast Foldsack 24
| Capacity | 24 L |
| Weight | 0.46 kg |
| Dimensions | 45×26×20 cm |
| Airline fit | 96% |
| Price | $99 |
Key differences between the Hill People Gear Tarahumara and Fjallraven High Coast Foldsack 24
- Compression straps: 2 on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; Yes on the Fjallraven High Coast Foldsack 24.
- Opening: Other on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; Top flap on the Fjallraven High Coast Foldsack 24.
- Passport pocket: Back on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; No on the Fjallraven High Coast Foldsack 24.
- Sternum strap: Yes on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; Removable on the Fjallraven High Coast Foldsack 24.
- Laptop sleeve: No on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; 15in on the Fjallraven High Coast Foldsack 24.
- Main compartments: 2 on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; 1 on the Fjallraven High Coast Foldsack 24.
- Water bottle pockets: 2, side on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; 2 on the Fjallraven High Coast Foldsack 24.
Both have: backpack straps, 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. 181 accept both. Every airline that takes one takes the other.
In the world of carry-on backpacks, the Hill People Gear Tarahumara and the Fjallraven High Coast Foldsack 24 occupy distinct spaces. The Tarahumara stands out as a workhorse, designed and executed with ruggedness and durability in mind. Reviewers frequently laud its simple, effective design that allows for versatile packing options. With dimensions of 44 x 24 x 10 inches, it's a bit more compact in frame than the Foldsack, but it packs a punch with its 16-liter carrying capacity. Built from 500D Cordura, and weighing in at a mere 0.7 lbs, this is a bag that's built to endure whatever you throw at it.
On the other hand, the Foldsack 24 from Fjallraver exudes a more relaxed, casual vibe, perfectly in tune with its slightly larger dimensions (20 x 26 x 45 inches). The Foldsack 24's lighter weight (0.46 lbs) and larger carrying capacity (24 liters) paint a picture of a bag designed more for jaunts around town or short trips. Made from 100% polyamide 210D, the Foldsack 24 seems to prioritize a lighter overall weight and increased carrying capacity over ruggedness. However, this doesn't mean it sacrifices durability.
Here's a quick glance at how these two standout backpacks stack:
- Dimensions: The Tarahumara is more compact, but the Foldsack 24 provides more overall space.
- Weight: Foldsack 24 is much lighter, weighing only 0.46 lbs compared to Tarahumara's 0.7 lbs.
- Capacity: Foldsack 24 trumps with a 24-liter capacity, whereas Tarahumara can hold up to 16 liters.
- Airline Compatibility: Tarahumara boasts compatibility with 100% airlines; Foldsack 24 lags slightly behind at 84% compatibility.
- Materials: Tarahumara uses rugged 500D Cordura, while Foldsack 24 is made from lighter, but strong 100% polyamide 210D.
- Laptop Compartment: Foldsack 24 can accommodate up to a 15" laptop; Tarahumara lacks a dedicated space for laptops.
Final verdict? The Tarahumara may be your best bet if you're an outdoor enthusiast who needs a tough, reliable bag. It's designed with careful attention to detail and longevity in mind, and it's equipped to deal with whatever the wild throws at you. The Foldsack 24, on the other hand, is ideal if you prefer a bag that's more lightweight and versatile. It's designed to hold more, weigh less, and effortlessly transition from city jaunts to outdoor excursions. It's your call which one comes out on top – but whatever you choose, you're investing in a quality product.