Hill People Gear Tarahumara vs. Nordace Eliz

Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.

Hill People Gear Tarahumara

Front facing view of the Hill People Gear Tarahumara
Capacity16 L
Weight0.7 kg
Dimensions44×24×10 cm
Airline fit100%
Price$125

Feature by feature

Hill People Gear TarahumaraFeatureNordace Eliz
Storage
S Compression N
None Expanded Capacity None
0 Opening 3
N Passport Y
N Passthrough Y
Carry
S Backpack S
R Hip Belt N
S Sternum Strap N
Inside
0 Laptop 15
2 Main Compartments 1
N Organizer N
Outside
× Hard Shell ×
N Rain-fly N
2 Water Bottle Holder 1
Y Water Resistant Y
Material
500D CorduraNylon & Microfiber Leather

Nordace Eliz

Front facing view of the Nordace Eliz
Capacity18 L
Weight1 kg
Dimensions44×31×13 cm
Airline fit99%
Price$148

The art of the carry-on bag is balancing size comfort, durability, capacity, and compatibility. At 44 inches tall, 24 inches wide, and 10 inches deep, the Hill People Gear Tarahumara is a pack that has been praised by reviewers for its well-executed design; in the words of one, it's a "well built bag that’ll last you a lifetime." The fact that it weighs only 0.7 pounds and offers 16 liters of capacity – with an interior that's been called 'spacious enough to hold for example my jacket, keys, reading material, and the obligatory watch cap, neck gaiter whilst still leaving over 2/3rds the main compartment vacant' – is crowning glory. Not to mention, it is compatible with 100% of airlines.

In comparison, the Nordace Eliz stands 13 inches tall, 31 inches wide, and a whopping 44 inches deep. While it weighs slightly more at 1 pound, it offers a bit more capacity with 18 liters of storage, including a 15-inch laptop compartment. It’s also airline compatible, checking in at a very close 99%. The choice of materials is distinctive, with the blend of Nylon & Microfiber Leather.

Here is a simplified summary of their differences:

The Hill People Gear Tarahumara earns high marks for its design and size, making it a perfect day hiking companion with a sturdy build from reliable materials. Its center zip offers both security and easy access to the main compartment. On the other hand, the Nordace Eliz shines in terms of features – it has an exceptional internal organization, a secret pocket at the back pad for valuables, and a USB charging port to keep gadgets charged while on the go.

Either of these packs could serve well as your faithful carry-on companion. The Tarahumara stands as a beacon of simple, rugged functionality that suits the adventurer, the Eliz opts for a more urban, gadget-friendly approach, making it a solid choice for the tech-savvy traveler.