Hill People Gear Tarahumara vs. Patagonia Women's Refugio Backpack 26L
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 | Patagonia Women's Refugio Backpack 26L |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| 2 | Compression | Y |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 0 | Opening | 4 |
| back | Passport | N |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| removable | Hip Belt | N |
| Y | Sternum Strap | Y |
| Inside | ||
| N | Laptop | 15in |
| 2 | Main Compartments | 2 |
| N | Organizer | Y |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 2, side | Water Bottle Holder | 2 |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 500d Cordura | 630-denier 100% nylon, 450-denier 100% polyester (56% recycled) ripstop |
Patagonia Women's Refugio Backpack 26L
| Capacity | 26 L |
| Weight | 601 kg |
| Dimensions | 43.18×29.21×20.31 cm |
| Airline fit | 76% |
| Price | $89 |
Key differences between the Hill People Gear Tarahumara and Patagonia Women's Refugio Backpack 26L
- Compression straps: 2 on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; Yes on the Patagonia Women's Refugio Backpack 26L.
- Opening: Other on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; Top zip on the Patagonia Women's Refugio Backpack 26L.
- Passport pocket: Back on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; No on the Patagonia Women's Refugio Backpack 26L.
- Hip belt: Removable on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; No on the Patagonia Women's Refugio Backpack 26L.
- Laptop sleeve: No on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; 15in on the Patagonia Women's Refugio Backpack 26L.
- Built-in organizer: No on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; Yes on the Patagonia Women's Refugio Backpack 26L.
- Water bottle pockets: 2, side on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; 2 on the Patagonia Women's Refugio Backpack 26L.
Both have: backpack straps, 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. 143 accept both. 38 accept only the Hill People Gear Tarahumara, and 0 accept only the Patagonia Women's Refugio Backpack 26L.
Only the Hill People Gear Tarahumara fits
Air Baltic, Air China, Air Malta, Air Niugini, Air Serbia, Air Seychelles, Air Tahiti, Asiana Airlines, ATA Airlines, Belavia, Blue Air, Bulgaria Air, China Eastern, easyJet, Emirates Airlines, Enter Air, flybe, Great Lakes Airlines, Icelandair, InselAir, Juneyao Airlines, Luxair, Meridiana Fly, Nordwind Airlines, Royal Brunei Airlines, Ryanair, S7, Shandong Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, Sun Express, TAP Air Portugal, TAROM, Tianjin Airlines (A320 & E190), TUI, Ukraine International, VIM Airlines (Closed), Volotea, Xiamen.
The Hill People Gear Tarahumara and the Patagonia Women's Refugio Backpack 26L are both quality carry-on backpacks, but they serve different needs. The Tarahumara is compact and featherlight, weighing just 0.7 pounds. It's notably durable with a 500D Cordura construction that promises to last you a lifetime. With a 16-liter capacity, it's just spacious enough for solo hikers going for day hikes or EDC (Everyday Carry) users looking for a streamlined solution. One standout feature is its 100% airline compatibility. However, it does not have a laptop compartment.
On the other hand, the Refugio backpack, although catered to women, is a versatile travel companion. This backpack is larger, with a 26-liter capacity and a laptop compartment that fits up to a 15-inch laptop. It excels in its lightness for this size category and thoughtful organization aids. Though, it falls short on airline compatibility with just 68% rating. Made from a blend of nylon and polyester, this backpack is sturdy enough to endure everyday wear and tear, along with various outdoor adventures.
Summary Points:
- Size: Tarahumara is smaller at 44" x 24" x 10". Refugio is more spacious at 20.31" x 29.21" x 43.18".
- Weight: Tarahumara weighs 0.7 lbs. Refugio weighs 1.32 lbs.
- Capacity: Tarahumara's capacity is 16 liters. Refugio has a larger capacity at 26 liters.
- Airline Compatibility: Tarahumara is compatible with all airlines. Refugio is compatible with about 68% of airlines.
- Material: Tarahumara is made of 500D Cordura. Refugio is fashioned from nylon and polyester.
- Laptop compartment: Tarahumara lacks this feature. Refugio has a compartment that accommodates up to 15" laptops.
Reviewers praise the Tarahumara for its stout build and simple yet efficient design. It's lauded for its interior spaciousness, despite its relatively compact exterior. Users have found it comfortable and non-bulky for different activities, including biking. In contrast, the Refugio is appreciated for its lightweight and outdoorsy features. Reviewers also commend it for its clever organizing system and travel-friendly functions like a laptop compartment and special pockets for gadgets.
The Tarahumara and Refugio backpacks both have their strengths. If you're after a compact, well-made daypack, the Tarahumara is an excellent pick. For travelers, especially the ladies in search of a mid-sized, lightweight backpack with ample organization features, the Refugio presents a solid choice.