Hill People Gear Tarahumara vs. MixedWorks Falcon S
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Hill People Gear Tarahumara
| Capacity | 16 L |
| Weight | 0.7 kg |
| Dimensions | 44×24×10 cm |
| Airline fit | 100% |
| Price | $125 |
Feature by feature
| Hill People Gear Tarahumara | Feature | MixedWorks Falcon S |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| S | Compression | S |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 0 | Opening | 2 |
| N | Passport | front |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| S | Backpack | S |
| R | Hip Belt | R |
| S | Sternum Strap | R |
| Inside | ||
| 0 | Laptop | 15 |
| 2 | Main Compartments | 2 |
| N | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 2 | Water Bottle Holder | 0 |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 500D Cordura | CORDURA® 1000 outer shell Waterproof X- Pac® liner YKK zippers and buckles |
MixedWorks Falcon S
| Capacity | 20 L |
| Weight | 1 kg |
| Dimensions | 50×30×18 cm |
| Airline fit | 98% |
| Price | $250 |
The Hill People Gear Tarahumara and the MixedWorks Falcon S are both high-quality carry on backpacks, but they differ significantly in several ways. Lovers of lightweight pack-gear would appreciate the Tarahumara; it weighs a negligible 0.7 pounds compared to the Falcon S's more robust 1 pound. However, the Falcon S pulls ahead with significantly larger dimensions, towering at 50 inches tall compared to the Tarahumara's 44 inches. This size difference translates to capacity - the Falcon S offers 20 liters of storage space, just slightly edging out the Tarahumara's 16 liters.
- Dimensions: Tarahumara - 44x24x10 inches, Falcon S - 50x30x18 inches
- Weight: Tarahumara - 0.7 pounds, Falcon S - 1 pound
- Capacity: Tarahumara - 16 liters, Falcon S - 20 liters
- Compatibility: Tarahumara - 100% of airlines, Falcon S - 98% of airlines
- Material: Tarahumara - 500D Cordura, Falcon S - CORDURA® 1000 outer shell with Waterproof X- Pac® liner, YKK zippers, and buckles
- Laptop Compartment Size: Tarahumara - 0 inches, Falcon S - 15 inches
A concerning omission from the Tarahumara is a discernible laptop compartment. It's a stark contrast to the Falcon S which can comfortably accommodate a 15 inch laptop. Where the Tarahumara triumphs though, is compatibility - unlike the Falcon S that reportedly is acceptable with 98% of airlines, the Tarahumara prides itself on 100% airline compatibility.
Material wise, both backpacks share the durable CORDURA® characteristic; however, the Falcon S is notably reinforced with a Waterproof X- Pac® liner, YKK zippers, and buckles, whereas the Tarahumara is made from a simpler 500D Cordura.
As per reviewers, both bags more than repay their investment. Despite their contrasts in design and material, their build quality and lifetime durability make them a reliable companion for any traveler looking for both function and style.