Hill People Gear Tarahumara vs. Jansport West Break
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 | Jansport West Break |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| 2 | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 0 | Opening | 4 |
| back | Passport | top |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| removable | Hip Belt | N |
| Y | Sternum Strap | N |
| Inside | ||
| N | Laptop | 15in |
| 2 | Main Compartments | 4 |
| N | Organizer | Y |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 2, side | Water Bottle Holder | 1, side |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 500d Cordura | 30% Recycled 600 Denier Polyester |
Jansport West Break
| Capacity | 28 L |
| Weight | 0.5 kg |
| Dimensions | 43×32×17 cm |
| Airline fit | 95% |
| Price | $65 |
The Tarahumara by Hill People Gear and the West Break by Jansport are two capable carry-on backpacks in a sea of options. The Tarahumara, with its 16-liter capacity, is a more compact option perfect for day hikes and casual travels. The bag's build quality is top-notch, being made entirely out of 500D Cordura. A well-thought-out design feature of the Tarahumara is the center zip which provides both security and easy access to the main compartment. Little wonder the Tarahumara is always up to par with reviewers lauding its simplicity, robustness, and surprisingly spacious interior.
On the other hand, the West Break by Jansport is a bit larger, boasting a 28-liter capacity. It is built with 600 Denier Polyester material, emphasising its durability. One of its unique selling points is the Jansport lifetime warranty, a proof of the brand's confidence in its creation, and a great reliever for users. Another popular feature of the Jansport backpack is the external straps that allow users to attach items like penny boards, making it a more versatile choice.
In essence:
- The Tarahumara is taller and narrower, while the West Break is primarily shorter and wider.
- The West Break weighs less than the Tarahumara backpack.
- The West Break provides an extra 12 liters of capacity compared to the Tarahumara.
- The West Break is compatible with fewer airlines.
- The Tarahumara is made of heavy-duty 500D Cordura while the West Break uses 600 Denier Polyester.
- The Tarahumara lacks a laptop compartment, while the West Break can fit a 15 inch laptop.
Comparably, the Tarahumara's design makes it an excellent choice for those after a durable, perfectly-sized day backpack. On the contrary, the West Break with its massive space, versatility, and lifetime warranty holds up strongly as a backpack suitable for a variety of uses. Therefore, your choice between these backpacks should depend on your specific needs and preferences. Both offer fantastic value in their ways – the Jansport West Break with its multifunctionality, warranty, and larger size, and the Hill People Gear Tarahumara with its superior durability and convenient design.