Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
| Capacity | 16 L |
| Weight | 0.7 kg |
| Dimensions | 44×24×10 cm |
| Airline fit | 100% |
| Price | $125 |
| Hill People Gear Tarahumara | Feature | Exped Whiteout 30 |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| S | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 0 | Opening | 2 |
| 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 | R |
| 2 | Water Bottle Holder | 0 |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 500D Cordura | Dyneema® composite fabric (150 D polyester face fabric, Dyneema® fiber grid, TPU film inside), 20'000 mm water column |
| Capacity | 30 L |
| Weight | 0.685 kg |
| Dimensions | 57×27×22 cm |
| Airline fit | 30% |
| Price | $279 |
Hill People Gear's Tarahumara and Exped's Whiteout 30 are both exceptional carry-on backpacks, yet they each excel in different areas. The Tarahumara is notably compact, making it the perfect companion for day hiking or casual day-to-day use. Despite its small stature, reviewers often remark on its surprisingly spacious interior, able to fit an abundance of daily essentials and even a jacket or two. The bag’s handy center zip is a winning feature, providing easy access to the main compartment while keeping your belongings secure. This backpack is also praised for its strong build quality and its use of reliable 500D Cordura materials—guaranteeing you a bag that will stand the test of time.
The Whiteout 30, on the other hand, is a behemoth of a backpack. With a whopping 30 litres of capacity, it's designed to hold all your outdoor gear with ease. It also pulls its weight in terms of durability, with its construction featuring a Dyneema® composite fabric and a 20,000 mm water column. This makes the Whiteout 30 fully waterproof and nearly indestructible, a dream come true for any alpinist or outdoor enthusiast. Its numerous attachment points ready for ice axes and ropes further enhance its propensity for outdoor adventures.
Despite the clear differences, both backpacks do share a few commonalities. Neither includes a laptop compartment and both receive high praise from their respective users. Reviewers of the Tarahumara consistently commend its simple, yet effective design and durable build. The Whiteout 30, on the other hand, is lauded for its extreme durability in harsh conditions and its simple, yet effective, white Dyneema design.
The choice between the Hill People Gear Tarahumara and the Exped Whiteout 30 depends largely on personal needs and preference. If you're in need of a sturdy daypack for casual use or day hiking, the Tarahumara should be high on your list. For hardcore adventurers facing day-long trips or extreme weather conditions, the Whiteout 30’s durability and vast capacity make it the superior choice. Either way, both backpacks provide a high-quality solution to your carry-on needs.