Hill People Gear Tarahumara vs. Exped Verglas 30

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 TarahumaraFeatureExped Verglas 30
Storage
S Compression S
None Expanded Capacity None
0 Opening 3
N Passport N
N Passthrough N
Carry
S Backpack S
R Hip Belt R
S Sternum Strap S
Inside
0 Laptop 0
2 Main Compartments 1
N Organizer N
Outside
× Hard Shell ×
N Rain-fly N
2 Water Bottle Holder 0
Y Water Resistant Y
Material
500D Cordura210 D Robic HD Ripstop Nylon Carbonate PU, 2'500 mm water column

Exped Verglas 30

Front facing view of the Exped Verglas 30
Capacity30 L
Weight1.5 kg
Dimensions55×30×21 cm
Airline fit63%
Price$195

When searching for a carry-on backpack, both functionality and durability are vital. Two options worthy of consideration are the Hill People Gear Tarahumara and the Exped Verglas 30. Both of these packs offer unique features tailored to different needs, whether you're an urban traveler or an outdoor enthusiast. The Tarahumara, standing at 44 inches tall, 24 inches wide, and 10 inches deep, is compact and lightweight at 0.7 pounds. On the other hand, the Verglas 30, with dimensions of 21 inches tall, 30 inches wide, and 55 inches deep, offers a bit more space, but comes in heavier at 1.5 pounds.

Both backpacks come highly recommended from users in various reviews. "It’s a well designed, well executed, well built bag that’ll last you a lifetime," one reviewer touted about the Tarahumara, while another focused on its carrying capacity despite the small size. Comparatively, the Exped Verglas garnered accolades as the "most weatherproof backpack of 2021", with reviewers noting its flawless performance even under challenging Alaskan conditions.

Of course, your final decision will depend on what you value in a backpack. The Hill People Gear Tarahumara boasts a great build quality that is hardy, well designed, and extremely airline friendly, while the Exped Verglas 30 shines in its high durability, weatherproof material, and abundance of attachment points for additional gear. Nonetheless, both backpacks will serve you well on your adventures, whether they take you to the city or the open trail.