Hill People Gear Tarahumara vs. Millican Mathew
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 | Millican Mathew |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| 2 | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 0 | Opening | 0 |
| back | Passport | N |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | |
| removable | Hip Belt | N |
| Y | Sternum Strap | N |
| Inside | ||
| N | Laptop | 15in |
| 2 | Main Compartments | 4 |
| N | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | |
| 2, side | Water Bottle Holder | |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 500d Cordura | 100% organic cotton canvas outer (weatherproofed)Waterproof 100% recycled polyester rain cover100% organic cotton lining70% vegetable tanned leather. |
Millican Mathew
| Capacity | 22 L |
| Weight | 1.2 kg |
| Dimensions | 40×33×15 cm |
| Airline fit | 96% |
| Price | $180 |
Key differences between the Hill People Gear Tarahumara and Millican Mathew
- Compression straps: 2 on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; No on the Millican Mathew.
- Passport pocket: Back on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; No on the Millican Mathew.
- Hip belt: Removable on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; No on the Millican Mathew.
- Sternum strap: Yes on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; No on the Millican Mathew.
- Laptop sleeve: No on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; 15in on the Millican Mathew.
- Main compartments: 2 on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; 4 on the Millican Mathew.
Both have: water resistant.
Which airlines take each bag as a carry-on
We checked both bags against the carry-on size limits of 189 airlines. 179 accept both. 2 accept only the Hill People Gear Tarahumara, and 2 accept only the Millican Mathew.
Only the Hill People Gear Tarahumara fits
Air Niugini, Great Lakes Airlines.
Only the Millican Mathew fits
VivaColombia, Volaris.
Let's take a look at the Hill People Gear Tarahumara first. Standing at 44 inches tall, 24 inches wide and 10 inches in depth, this feather weighed (0.7 pound) carries a compact but accommodating capacity of 16 liters. Made from 500D Cordura, its composition commands durability and reliability. The design though not explicitly featured with a laptop compartment, it tends to optimize storage space with an impressive interior layout cited by users as a 'Tardis' due to its deceptive spaciousness. A reviewer said it well, "It’s a well designed, well executed, and well built bag that’ll last you a lifetime. To top it all off, the HPG team hangs out in The Perfect Pack community and are always around to answer questions and provide insight into anything HPG or otherwise."
In the other corner, we have the Millican Mathew. Its dimensions at 40 inches tall, 33 inches wide, and 15 inches deep account for the larger weight of 1.2 pounds, compared to the Tarahumara. With an increased capacity of 22 liters, it's slightly more accommodating. Made from a amalgamation of eco-friendly materials - 100% organic cotton canvas (weatherproofed), waterproof 100% recycled polyester rain cover, 100% organic cotton lining, and 70% vegetable-tanned leather, it communicates the brand’s commitment to sustainable practices. A much applauded feature is the laptop compartment that snugly fits up to a 15-inch laptop.
To summarize the differences:
- Size: The Hill People Gear Tarahumara is taller and less wide than the Millican Mathew.
- Weight: The Hill People Gear Tarahumara is much lighter.
- Capacity: The Millican Mathew has a higher storage capacity.
- Material: The Hill People Gear Tarahumara is made from 500D Cordura, while the Millican Mathew carries a combination of multiple organic materials.
- Laptop Compartment: The Millican Mathew includes a laptop compartment, unlike the Hill People Gear Tarahumara.
Apparently, the contrasts between these backpacks extend beyond mere visuals and these parameters would appeal to a varying audience dependent on their needs. If you regard lightweight and compact with a healthy amount of available storage space, the Hill People Gear Tarahumara is your pick. Meanwhile, if you favor a blend of robust, environmentally friendly materials with a larger capacity and a laptop compartment, the Millican Mathew would be more inclined towards your lifestyle. As always, the choice comes down to personal preferences and requirements.