Hill People Gear Tarahumara vs. Tom Bihn Brain Bag
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 Brain Bag |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| 2 | Compression | 4 |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 0 | Opening | 4 |
| back | Passport | top |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| removable | Hip Belt | removable |
| Y | Sternum Strap | removable |
| Inside | ||
| N | Laptop | N |
| 2 | Main Compartments | 6 |
| N | Organizer | Y |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 2, side | Water Bottle Holder | 1, side |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 500d Cordura | 525 Ballistic Nylon |
Tom Bihn Brain Bag
| Capacity | 36 L |
| Weight | 1.3 kg |
| Dimensions | 46×36×23 cm |
| Airline fit | 66% |
| Price | $240 |
Key differences between the Hill People Gear Tarahumara and Tom Bihn Brain Bag
- Compression straps: 2 on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; 4 on the Tom Bihn Brain Bag.
- Opening: Other on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; Top zip on the Tom Bihn Brain Bag.
- Passport pocket: Back on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; Top on the Tom Bihn Brain Bag.
- Sternum strap: Yes on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; Removable on the Tom Bihn Brain Bag.
- Main compartments: 2 on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; 6 on the Tom Bihn Brain Bag.
- Built-in organizer: No on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; Yes on the Tom Bihn Brain Bag.
- Water bottle pockets: 2, side on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; 1, side on the Tom Bihn Brain Bag.
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. 125 accept both. 56 accept only the Hill People Gear Tarahumara, and 0 accept only the Tom Bihn Brain Bag.
Only the Hill People Gear Tarahumara fits
Aerolineas Argentinas, Air Baltic, Air China, Air France, Air India, Air Malta, Air Mauritius, Air Niugini, Air Serbia, Air Seychelles, Air Tahiti, American Eagle, Asiana Airlines, ATA Airlines, Belavia, Blue Air, Boliviana de Aviacion, Bulgaria Air, Cayman Airways, China Eastern, easyJet, Emirates Airlines, Enter Air, flybe, Great Lakes Airlines, Gulf Air, Icelandair, Indigo, InselAir, Jet Airways, Juneyao Airlines, Kenya Airways, KLM, LATAM , Liat Airlines, Luxair, Meridiana Fly, Nordwind Airlines, Pakistan International, Regional Express, Royal Brunei Airlines, Ryanair, S7, Shandong Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, Sky Airlines, Sun Express, TAP Air Portugal, TAROM, Tianjin Airlines (A320 & E190), TUI, Ukraine International, VIM Airlines (Closed), Virgin Australia, Volotea, Xiamen.
The Hill People Gear Tarahumara and the Tom Bihn Brain Bag are both formidable opponents in the world of carry on backpacks. While the Tarahumara by Hill People Gear is a bit sleeker in size, standing at 44 inches tall, 24 inches wide, and 10 inches deep, the Tom Bihn Brain Bag is a bit bulkier, measuring 46 inches tall, 36 inches wide, and 24 inches deep. However, do not be fooled by the Tarahumara's compact exterior, one of the reviews stated that its interior space was almost like a tardis, being impressively spacious despite its diminutive exterior. In contrast, the Tom Bihn Brain Bag offers a comfortable harness system and functional features that have won over many users.
To better highlight their differences, here is a summary of comparison:
- Size: The Tarahumara is notably smaller than the Brain Bag.
- Weight: The Tarahumara is lighter, weighing just 0.7 lbs compared to the Brain Bag which weighs 1.3 lbs.
- Capacity: The Tarahumara has 16 liters of capacity, significantly less than the Brain Bag which has 36 liters of capacity.
- Material: The Tarahumara is made with 500D Cordura while the Brain Bag features a bluesign® certified 525 denier 2x2 Ballistic nylon exterior lined with bluesign® certified 210 denier 2x2 Ballistic nylon.
- Compatibility: The Tarahumara is compatible with 100% of airlines while the Brain Bag is compatible with 92% of airlines.
The reviews for the Hill People Gear Tarahumara are overflowing with praise for its build quality and reliable materials. The phrase 'If you buy this bag, you'll have it for the rest of your life and it will do exactly what you need it to do' certainly does all the talking for the Tarahumara's durability and functionality. However, the Tom Bihn Brain Bag is not left far behind, with its two large internal pockets and truly functional front panel setup receiving equal amounts of admiration from the users.
While both backpacks come with their own unique features that set them apart, the Hill People Gear Tarahumara honors its ethos of simplicity and durability. Meanwhile, the Tom Bihn Brain Bag offers ample space and innovative features designed to provide utmost functionality. Choosing between these two depends on personal preferences and needs, be it size, weight, capacity, material, or compatibility.