Hill People Gear Tarahumara vs. MixedWorks Falcon M

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 TarahumaraFeatureMixedWorks Falcon M
Storage
S Compression N
None Expanded Capacity None
0 Opening 2
N Passport N
N Passthrough N
Carry
S Backpack S
R Hip Belt O
S Sternum Strap S
Inside
0 Laptop 15
2 Main Compartments 1
N Organizer N
Outside
× Hard Shell ×
N Rain-fly N
2 Water Bottle Holder 0
Y Water Resistant Y
Material
500D CorduraCORDURA® 1000 outer shell

MixedWorks Falcon M

Front facing view of the MixedWorks Falcon M
Capacity27 L
Weight1.25 kg
Dimensions54×34×19 cm
Airline fit79%
Price$271

The Tarahumara from Hill People Gear is designed for durability and prolonged use. The pack's construction features 500D Cordura, making it sturdy and reliable for any adventure. With its 16-liter capacity, it can carry daily essentials, although it doesn’t have room for a laptop. Moreover, at 0.7 pounds, it is a lightweight option that won't weigh you down while hiking or traveling. It fits handily within the size restrictions of all airlines, making it a reliable travel companion. The Tarahumara has solid approval from reviewers, praised for its sturdy construction, lifetime usability, and compact yet capacious design that works well for day trips.

On the other hand, the MixedWorks Falcon M was built with urban style and flexible access in mind. Crafted from a tougher CORDURA® 1000 outer shell, it is robust enough to endure rigorous commuting or day-to-day activities. The Falcon M offers a generous 27 liters of storage and a padded pouch for a 15-inch laptop, ticking the box for significant carry requirements. However, it is only compatible with 79% of airlines due to its larger dimensions. Reviewers frequently complement the bag's convenience due to its side zippered access and customizable design.

Here's a simple bullet-point summary of the two:

Choosing between these two packs depends on your specific needs and preferences. The Tarahumara is a perfect choice if you're looking for a lightweight and compact pack for day hiking or if you're a frequent flyer demanding 100% airline compatibility. However, its lack of a laptop compartment might be a deal-breaker for others.

In contrast, the Falcon M suits better those who must carry more larger items daily, such as a hefty laptop. Although it has a more considerable size and weight and less airline compatibility, it comes with numerous add-on options, which provides flexibility. To sum it up, both the Tarahumara from Hill People Gear and the Falcon M from MixedWorks cater to different types of users based on their specific needs and preferences.