Hill People Gear Tarahumara vs. Deuter Gigant SL
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 | Deuter Gigant SL |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| 2 | Compression | Y |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 0 | Opening | 4 |
| back | Passport | N |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| removable | Hip Belt | removable |
| Y | Sternum Strap | Y |
| Inside | ||
| N | Laptop | 17in |
| 2 | Main Compartments | 3 |
| N | Organizer | Y |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | optional |
| 2, side | Water Bottle Holder | 1 |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 500d Cordura | 300D PES Ripstop |
Key differences between the Hill People Gear Tarahumara and Deuter Gigant SL
- Compression straps: 2 on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; Yes on the Deuter Gigant SL.
- Opening: Other on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; Top zip on the Deuter Gigant SL.
- Passport pocket: Back on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; No on the Deuter Gigant SL.
- Laptop sleeve: No on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; 17in on the Deuter Gigant SL.
- Main compartments: 2 on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; 3 on the Deuter Gigant SL.
- Built-in organizer: No on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; Yes on the Deuter Gigant SL.
- Rain cover: No on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; Optional on the Deuter Gigant SL.
- Water bottle pockets: 2, side on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; 1 on the Deuter Gigant SL.
Both have: backpack straps, hip belt, sternum strap, water resistant.
Which airlines take each bag as a carry-on
We checked both bags against the carry-on size limits of 189 airlines. 137 accept both. 44 accept only the Hill People Gear Tarahumara, and 0 accept only the Deuter Gigant SL.
Only the Hill People Gear Tarahumara fits
Air Baltic, Air China, Air Malta, Air Niugini, Air Serbia, Air Seychelles, Air Tahiti, American Eagle, Asiana Airlines, ATA Airlines, Belavia, Blue Air, Bulgaria Air, China Eastern, easyJet, Emirates Airlines, Enter Air, flybe, Great Lakes Airlines, Gulf Air, Icelandair, InselAir, Juneyao Airlines, Liat Airlines, Luxair, Meridiana Fly, Nordwind Airlines, Ravn Alaska, Regional Express, Royal Brunei Airlines, Ryanair, S7, Shandong Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, Sun Express, TAP Air Portugal, TAROM, Tianjin Airlines (A320 & E190), TUI, Ukraine International, VIM Airlines (Closed), Virgin Australia, Volotea, Xiamen.
When browsing for a reliable carry on backpack, two names echo: the Hill People Gear Tarahumara and the Deuter Gigant SL. The Tarahumara hails from Hill People Gear, known for their solid construction and innovative design. It stands out with dimensions of 44 x 24 x 10 inches and a lightweight 0.7lbs. On the flip side, we have the Gigant SL from Deuter. Notably larger with dimensions of 22 x 33 x 50 inches and a weight of 1.08 pounds, this bag expands your carry capacity to 32 liters.
Here's a run down on how they differ:
- Size: Tarahumara (44 x 24 x 10 inches); Gigant SL (22 x 33 x 50 inches)
- Weight: Tarahumara (0.7lbs); Gigant SL (1.08lbs)
- Capacity: Tarahumara (16 liters); Gigant SL (32 liters)
- Airline compatibility: Tarahumara (100% of airlines); Gigant SL (66% of airlines)
- Material: Tarahumara (500D Cordura); Gigant SL (300D PES Ripstop)
- Laptop compartment: Tarahumara (none); Gigant SL (fits a 17 inch laptop)
The Tarahumara shines in its uncomplicated and sturdy design. As one reviewer notes, it’s informative enough to hold a day's gear, with space to spare. And their team's involvement in the community is a heartening bonus. Its robust construction, knit from 500D Cordura, ensures lasting utility. It further boasts superior airline compatibility with all airlines accepting its measurements.
While the Gigant SL, despite its lesser capacity, fancies for women with a fitting SL carry system and provides good ventilation with its airstripes system. Its three compartments are roomy and efficiently structured to keep your gear ordered. And the unique document compartment is a boon for keeping vital documents in shipshape. Plus, it offers a laptop compartment that fits a 17 inch machine—a feature the Tarahumara lacks. Airline compatibility, however, is lower at 66%.
In summary: The Tarahumara excels in build quality, longevity and airline compatibility. It's perfect for day hiking or as an everyday bag. The Gigant SL, meanwhile, provides more space, unique organizational features and caters well to women. The final pick will largely depend on what you value most in your carry-on backpack.