Hill People Gear Tarahumara vs. Ortlieb Messenger Bag

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

Hill People Gear Tarahumara

by Hill People Gear
Front facing view of the Hill People Gear Tarahumara
Capacity16 L
Weight0.7 kg
Dimensions43×23×10 cm
Airline fit96%
Price$175

Feature by feature

Storage
2 Compression N
None Expanded Capacity None
0 Opening 2
back Passport N
N Passthrough N
Carry
Y Backpack Y
removable Hip Belt removable
Y Sternum Strap removable
Inside
N Laptop N
2 Main Compartments 1
N Organizer N
Outside
× Hard Shell ×
N Rain-fly N
2, side Water Bottle Holder N
Y Water Resistant Y
Material
500d CorduraPD620, PS620C

Ortlieb Messenger Bag

by Ortlieb
Front facing view of the Ortlieb Messenger Bag
Capacity39 L
Weight1.3 kg
Dimensions50×39×15 cm
Airline fit59%
Price$140

Key differences between the Hill People Gear Tarahumara and Ortlieb Messenger 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. 111 accept both. 70 accept only the Hill People Gear Tarahumara, and 0 accept only the Ortlieb Messenger Bag.

Only the Hill People Gear Tarahumara fits

Aerolineas Argentinas, Air Asia, Air France, Air India, Air Macau, Air Mauritius, Air Niugini, Air Tahiti, Air Wisconsin, AirAsiaX, Alaska Airlines, Allegiant Air, American Airlines, American Eagle, Avianca , Bahamasair, Bangkok Airways, Biman Bangladesh, Boliviana de Aviacion, Cambodia Angkor Air, Cathay Pacific, Cayman Airways, Cebu Pacific, China Airlines, CommutAir, Conviasa, Copa Airlines, Delta Airlines, Dragonair, easyJet, Emirates Airlines, EVA Air, flybe, Garuda Indonesia, Great Lakes Airlines, Gulf Air, Hawaiian Airlines, Hong Kong Airlines, Indigo, InselAir, Jet Airways, jetBlue Airways, Jetstar Airways, Jetstar Asia, Kenya Airways, KLM, Kulula, LATAM , Liat Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Mango, Pakistan International, Qantas Airways, Qatar Airways, Ravn Alaska, Regional Express, Republic Airways, Royal Brunei Airlines, Scoot, Sky Airlines, Skywest, Inc., South African Airways, SriLankan Airlines, Tiger Airways, Trans States, United Airlines, Vietnam Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, Virgin Australia, WestJet.

The Hill People Gear Tarahumara backpack and the Ortlieb Messenger Bag are two Carry On bags that boast their unique characteristics and offer different perks to adventurous souls. If you're the type who likes to go ultralight on travel, the Hill People Gear Tarahumara might be your gig. It has a slim build with measurements of 44 inches in height, 24 inches in width, and 10 inches in depth; and it weighs in fairly light at only 0.7 pounds. The bag is constructed with quality 500D Cordura fabric-- sturdy and reliable for any off-beat trails. Its 16-litre capacity allows you to carry just enough for your hike without straining your back. Plus, it's airline-friendly, compatible with 100% of airlines.

Contrastingly, the Ortlieb Messenger Bag is for those who believe in "the more, the merrier". This bag towers with a height of 15 inches, spans 39 inches wide, and deepens at 50 inches, offering a generous space of up to 39 litres. Weighing twice as much as the Tarahumara, the 1.3-pound Ortlieb messenger bag proves its durability with its PD620 and PS620C construction. While the bag is only compatible with 63% of airlines, it still secures an ample amount of your necessities.

Here's a quick rundown of their differences:

Reviewers have said that the Tarahumara is "well designed, well executed, and well built", with many pointing out its perfect size for day hiking and its great build quality. On the other hand, the Ortlieb Messenger Bag is praised for being lightweight, durable, and completely waterproof. It's comfortable to use, even for extended periods of time. Ultimately, the choice boils down to your preferred style and travel needs. Either way, you'll be getting a great deal.