Hill People Gear Tarahumara vs. The North Face Borealis Backpack
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 | The North Face Borealis Backpack |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| S | Compression | S |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 0 | Opening | 4 |
| N | Passport | N |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| S | Backpack | S |
| R | Hip Belt | R |
| S | Sternum Strap | S |
| Inside | ||
| 0 | Laptop | 15 |
| 2 | Main Compartments | 3 |
| N | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 2 | Water Bottle Holder | 2 |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 500D Cordura | 600D Polyester Toile, 500D Nylon Oxford Slub, 420D Nylon, 210D Cordura® Nylon Ripstop, Polyester Jacquard Camo |
The North Face Borealis Backpack
| Capacity | 28 L |
| Weight | 1.22 kg |
| Dimensions | 50.2×33.7×24.8 cm |
| Airline fit | 47% |
| Price | $89 |
The Hill People Gear Tarahumara and The North Face Borealis Backpack are two top contenders in the carry-on backpack market. Each brings its unique features to the table, and it all boils down to every traveler's specific needs. The Tarahumara, standing at 44 inches, offers a lean and rugged design crafted from 500D Cordura material. It weighs a light 0.7 pounds and can accommodate 16 liters of your travel essentials. Its size and design make it compatible with 100% of airlines—giving you peace of mind in terms of compliance. However, it does not come with a laptop compartment, limiting its function for digital nomads and tech-centered travelers.
The Borealis, on the other hand, stands shorter at 24.8 inches but provides more expansive space, offering you 28 liters of storage. It is crafted from a combination of durable materials including 600D Polyester Toile, 500D Nylon Oxford Slub, 420D Nylon, 210D Cordura® Nylon Ripstop, and Polyester Jacquard Camo. Weighing 1.22 pounds, it's slightly heavier than the Tarahumara. A significant advantage is its laptop compartment that fits a 15-inch laptop. Airline compatibility sits at 47%, which can be a challenge depending on your itinerary.
-
Hill People Gear Tarahumara
- Size: 44 x 24 x 10 inches
- Weight: 0.7 pounds
- Capacity: 16 liters
- 100% airline compatible
- Material: 500D Cordura
- Laptop Compartment: None
-
North Face Borealis Backpack
- Size: 24.8 x 33.7 x 50.2 inches
- Weight: 1.22 pounds
- Capacity: 28 liters
- 47% airline compatible
- Material: 600D Polyester Toile, 500D Nylon Oxford Slub, 420D Nylon, 210D Cordura® Nylon Ripstop, Polyester Jacquard Camo
- Laptop Compartment: Fits a 15-inch laptop
Reviewers praised the Tarahumara for its superior build quality, ample space despite its compact size, and its perfect suitability for day hiking. The central zip, particularly, makes accessing the main compartment an easy task, offering added security.
In contrast, the Borealis earned recognition for its roomy interior, comfort, functionality, and color options. Reviewers noted the bag's FlexVent™ suspension system, making it incredibly comfortable for long wear. Its top-notch performance and value ratio even won it a Best Buy Award. The wide array of color options also gives users the flexibility to choose according to their preference.
In conclusion, if you're minimalist-leaning and less-tech entrusting — Tarahumara may be your solid ally. Yet, for those who require laptop compartments and bigger space, Borealis might be the better choice. Your choice should majorly swing on what requirements are more critical to your travel needs.