Hill People Gear Tarahumara vs. Deuter XV 3
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 | Deuter XV 3 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Y |
| Inside | ||
| N | Laptop | 15in |
| 2 | Main Compartments | 1 |
| N | Organizer | Y |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | optional |
| 2, side | Water Bottle Holder | N |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 500d Cordura | 100% recycled fabrics, 600D PES |
Key differences between the Hill People Gear Tarahumara and Deuter XV 3
- Compression straps: 2 on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; No on the Deuter XV 3.
- Opening: Other on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; Rolltop on the Deuter XV 3.
- Passport pocket: Back on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; No on the Deuter XV 3.
- Laptop sleeve: No on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; 15in on the Deuter XV 3.
- Main compartments: 2 on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; 1 on the Deuter XV 3.
- Built-in organizer: No on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; Yes on the Deuter XV 3.
- Rain cover: No on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; Optional on the Deuter XV 3.
- Water bottle pockets: 2, side on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; No on the Deuter XV 3.
Both have: backpack straps, hip belt, sternum strap, water resistant.
Which airlines take each bag as a carry-on
We checked both bags against the carry-on size limits of 189 airlines. 166 accept both. 15 accept only the Hill People Gear Tarahumara, and 0 accept only the Deuter XV 3.
Only the Hill People Gear Tarahumara fits
Air Niugini, Air Tahiti, American Eagle, Belavia, easyJet, Etihad Airways, Great Lakes Airlines, Gulf Air, Oman Air, Qatar Airways, Ravn Alaska, Regional Express, Royal Jordanian, Virgin Australia, WestJet.
When it comes to carry on backpacks, the Hill People Gear Tarahumara and the Deuter XV 3 stand among the best options. However, both come with their own unique features that set them apart, making it crucial to narrow down what you need from a backpack before settling on one.
The Hill People Gear Tarahumara shines with its compact design, yet sizable 16-liter capacity. Despite only weighing 0.7 pounds, it's crafted from 500D Cordura, promising utmost durability. It's a sound choice for those seeking a convenient, robust backpack that perfectly suffices for a day of hiking. However, it lacks a sizable laptop compartment, so if your trip includes working on-the-go, this might not be your best bet.
On the other hand, the Deuter XV 3 is slightly larger with a 21-liter capacity and a weight of 1.04 pounds. This backpack is made of 100% recycled fabrics, 600D PES—making it an environmentally-friendly choice. It's also optimized for road warriors needing to pack their laptop, comfortably fitting up to a 15-inch model. However, its larger size has it falling short on airline compatibility compared to the Tarahumara, working with only 78% of airlines.
To summarize the key differences:
- The Hill People Gear Tarahumara is lighter at 0.7 pounds compared to Deuter XV 3's 1.04 pounds.
- The Hill People Gear Tarahumara measures 44x24x10 inches, while the Deuter XV 3 measures 20x30x54 inches.
- Deuter XV 3 offers a larger capacity at 21 liters compared to 16 liters of the Hill People Gear Tarahumara.
- Hill People Gear Tarahumara is more airline-compatible, working with 100% of airlines compared to Deuter XV 3's 78%.
- Deuter XV 3 fits a 15-inch laptop whereas the Hill People Gear Tarahumara does not offer a laptop compartment.
Notably, both backpacks have left users raving, expressing their satisfaction over durability, design, and overall comfort. Both backpacks boast excellent build quality, reliable materials, and efficient security and access options. The key is to pinpoint whether you prioritize a lightweight, fully airline-compatible backpack like the Tarahumara, or a decidedly eco-friendly, laptop-accommodating one like the Deuter XV 3.