Hill People Gear Tarahumara vs. Nordace Urban Max
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 | Nordace Urban Max |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| 2 | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 0 | Opening | 1 |
| back | Passport | Y |
| N | Passthrough | Y |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| removable | Hip Belt | N |
| Y | Sternum Strap | N |
| Inside | ||
| N | Laptop | 15in |
| 2 | Main Compartments | 1 |
| N | Organizer | Y |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 2, side | Water Bottle Holder | N |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 500d Cordura | Polyester |
Nordace Urban Max
| Capacity | 20 L |
| Weight | 1.05 kg |
| Dimensions | 43×30×18 cm |
| Airline fit | 95% |
| Price | $135 |
Key differences between the Hill People Gear Tarahumara and Nordace Urban Max
- Compression straps: 2 on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; No on the Nordace Urban Max.
- Opening: Other on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; Clamshell on the Nordace Urban Max.
- Passport pocket: Back on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; Yes on the Nordace Urban Max.
- Luggage passthrough: No on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; Yes on the Nordace Urban Max.
- Hip belt: Removable on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; No on the Nordace Urban Max.
- Sternum strap: Yes on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; No on the Nordace Urban Max.
- Laptop sleeve: No on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; 15in on the Nordace Urban Max.
- Main compartments: 2 on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; 1 on the Nordace Urban Max.
- Built-in organizer: No on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; Yes on the Nordace Urban Max.
- Water bottle pockets: 2, side on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; No on the Nordace Urban Max.
Both have: backpack straps, water resistant.
Which airlines take each bag as a carry-on
We checked both bags against the carry-on size limits of 189 airlines. 180 accept both. 1 accept only the Hill People Gear Tarahumara, and 0 accept only the Nordace Urban Max.
Only the Hill People Gear Tarahumara fits
Great Lakes Airlines.
Navigating the world of carry-on backpacks can be challenging. It is easy to get overwhelmed with all the different sizes, shapes, and brands available on the market. Today we're comparing two such backpacks: The Hill People Gear Tarahumara by Hill People Gear and the Nordace Urban Max by Nordace. Both these backpacks are in the league of their own, developed with attention to detail and a focus on user experience.
The Tarahumara backpack is a compact, sturdy, and versatile piece. Standing at 44 inches tall, it offers 16 liters of capacity which is ideal for light to moderate packing. Nevertheless, this doesn't mean it compromises on the quality. Made of 500D Cordura, it promises durability and long-lasting use. Although it lacks a laptop compartment, its compatibility with 100% of airlines makes it a great travel companion. It has been praised by users for its excellent build quality, convenient center zip, and being perfect for day hikes.
On the other hand, the Urban Max brings in some extra features with a slightly larger build. It is 30 inches tall with a capacity of 20 liters and crafted from Polyester. With a weight of 1.05 pounds, it's slightly heavier than the Tarahumara but counters this with an ergonomic design and memory foam back padding. This backpack also features a laptop compartment sized for a 15 inch laptop. However, it is compatible with 84% of airlines. Its user reviews highlight the comfort, large internal organization, weatherproof design, and its modern look.
- Dimensions:
- Tarahumara: 44" tall, 24" wide, 10" deep
- Urban Max: 30" tall, 18" wide, 43" deep
- Weight:
- Tarahumara: 0.7 pounds
- Urban Max: 1.05 pounds
- Capacity:
- Tarahumara: 16 liters
- Urban Max: 20 liters
- Airline compatibility:
- Tarahumara: 100%
- Urban Max: 84%
- Material:
- Tarahumara: 500D Cordura
- Urban Max: Polyester
- Laptop compartment:
- Tarahumara: Not available
- Urban Max: Fits a 15 inch laptop
In conclusion, while the Tarahumara seems ideal for those seeking a compact, durable, and reliable backpack that is great for light packing and air travel, the Urban Max might appeal more to those looking for added comfort, extra space, tech-friendly features, and sophisticated aesthetics. Both backpacks, nevertheless, are exceptional in their own right. Your ultimate choice would depend on your personal preferences and specific needs.