Hill People Gear Tarahumara vs. Cotopaxi Allpa 35L

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 TarahumaraFeatureCotopaxi Allpa 35L
Storage
S Compression N
None Expanded Capacity None
0 Opening 4
N Passport Y
N Passthrough N
Carry
S Backpack H
R Hip Belt R
S Sternum Strap S
Inside
0 Laptop 15
2 Main Compartments 3
N Organizer Y
Outside
× Hard Shell ×
N Rain-fly N
2 Water Bottle Holder 0
Y Water Resistant Y
Material
500D Cordura1680D ballistic nylon paneling

Cotopaxi Allpa 35L

Front facing view of the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L
Capacity35 L
Weight1.5 kg
Dimensions51×30×20 cm
Airline fit80%
Price$200

Introducing two highly-rated contenders in the world of carry-on backpacks – the Hill People Gear Tarahumara and the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L. The Hill People Gear Tarahumara, known for its sturdy and convenient design, boasts a whopping 44 inches in height, 24 inches in width, and 10 inches in depth, at the barely-there weight of 0.7 pounds. This pack can hold 16 liters of your belongings, making it a trusty companion for day hikes. Crafted from 500D Cordura, the Tarahumara ensures durability while maintaining compatibility with 100% of airlines. However, one should be aware that it lacks the facility to safely carry a laptop.

On the opposite corner, we have the heavyweight champion – the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L, stepping into the ring with dimensions of 20 inches tall, 30 inches wide, and 32 inches deep while weighing in slightly heavier at 1.5 pounds. With more than double the capacity of the Tarahumara, the Allpa 35L can contain up to 35 liters of load. It's constructed from tough 1680D ballistic nylon paneling, providing enhanced durability. The Allpa 35L carries the ability to cradle a 15-inch laptop but falls short in the airline compatibility, fitting the criteria of 80% of them.

Here are the key differences in bullet points:

Many reviewers have applauded the Hill People Gear Tarahumara for its flawlessly executed design, promising to last a lifetime. According to these backpack enthusiasts, the Tarahumara outshines other packs in its simplicity and sturdy build, capable of holding more than one would assume from its exterior. However, on the other side of the fence, reviewers have also found themselves charmed by the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L's intuitive internal organization and comfort, making it an ideal choice for both urban and outdoorsy travelers, whether light and simple or packing heavy. In the end, your selection depends on your preferences and travel needs. But one thing's for sure, both these backpacks offer reliability and convenience, making them worthy contenders for your next adventure.