Hill People Gear Tarahumara vs. Patagonia Women's Black Hole® Pack 23L

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
Dimensions43×23×10 cm
Airline fit96%
Price$175

Feature by feature

Hill People Gear TarahumaraFeaturePatagonia Women's Black Hole® Pack 23L
Storage
2 Compression N
None Expanded Capacity None
0 Opening 4
back Passport N
N Passthrough N
Carry
Y Backpack N
removable Hip Belt N
Y Sternum Strap Y
Inside
N Laptop 15in
2 Main Compartments 1
N Organizer Y
Outside
× Hard Shell ×
N Rain-fly N
2, side Water Bottle Holder 2
Y Water Resistant Y
Material
500d Cordura300-denier 100% postconsumer recycled polyester ripstop, 200-denier 100% recycled polyester

Patagonia Women's Black Hole® Pack 23L

Front facing view of the Patagonia Women's Black Hole® Pack 23L
Capacity23 L
Weight0.58 kg
Dimensions50.8×27.94×16.4 cm
Airline fit90%
Price$129

The Hill People Gear Tarahumara and the Patagonia Women's Black Hole® Pack 23L are both exceptional as carry on backpacks, but they offer distinct features and experiences for different kinds of travelers. The Tarahumara is a powerful mix of hardiness and functionality. With its dimensions of 44 inches by 24 by 10, this 0.7-pound pack gives you 16 liters of capacity. Notably, it's made from 500D Cordura, a reliable material known for its durability. This backpack is compatible with 100% of airlines, an impressive feature for frequent flyers. One standout point is that, despite it's strong build and considerable size, it does not have a laptop compartment.

The Patagonia Women's Black Hole® Pack 23L, on the other hand, presents itself as a more eco-friendly and lightweight option. It measures 16.4 inches by 27.94 by 50.8, and weighs in at a slightly lighter 0.58 pounds. It surpasses the Tarahumara in terms of capacity, offering 23 liters of space. It's made from 300-denier 100% postconsumer recycled polyester ripstop, 200-denier 100% recycled polyester - an eco-conscious choice for the environmentally aware traveler. And, as an added convenience for the tech-savvy backpacker, it can fit a 15-inch laptop. However, be mindful that this backpack is compatible with only 80% of airlines.

In a nutshell, here are the key differences between the two:

Ultimately, these backpacks have been praised by their users. The Tarahumara is applauded for its size, perfect for day hiking; its great build quality from reliable materials; and its center zip, which offers both security and convenience for accessing the main compartment. On the flip side, the Black Hole has been lauded for its women-specific design features, its lightweight yet highly durable material, its stellar organization, and its use of recycled and socially responsible raw materials. Both are remarkable packs, certainly - the decision you make simply depends upon your personal needs and preferences.