Hill People Gear Tarahumara vs. Cotopaxi Cusco 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 | Cotopaxi Cusco Backpack 26L |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| 2 | Compression | N |
| 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 | 1 |
| N | Organizer | Y |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 2, side | Water Bottle Holder | 2 |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 500d Cordura | 100% repurposed 600D polyester |
Cotopaxi Cusco Backpack 26L
| Capacity | 26 L |
| Weight | 0.7 kg |
| Dimensions | 53×33×23 cm |
| Airline fit | 70% |
| Price | $110 |
Key differences between the Hill People Gear Tarahumara and Cotopaxi Cusco Backpack 26L
- Compression straps: 2 on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; No on the Cotopaxi Cusco Backpack 26L.
- Opening: Other on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; Top zip on the Cotopaxi Cusco Backpack 26L.
- Passport pocket: Back on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; No on the Cotopaxi Cusco Backpack 26L.
- Hip belt: Removable on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; No on the Cotopaxi Cusco Backpack 26L.
- Laptop sleeve: No on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; 15in on the Cotopaxi Cusco Backpack 26L.
- Main compartments: 2 on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; 1 on the Cotopaxi Cusco Backpack 26L.
- Built-in organizer: No on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; Yes on the Cotopaxi Cusco Backpack 26L.
- Water bottle pockets: 2, side on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; 2 on the Cotopaxi Cusco 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. 132 accept both. 49 accept only the Hill People Gear Tarahumara, and 0 accept only the Cotopaxi Cusco Backpack 26L.
Only the Hill People Gear Tarahumara fits
Air Baltic, Air China, Air Malta, Air Niugini, Air Serbia, Air Seychelles, Air Tahiti, American Eagle, Asiana Airlines, ATA Airlines, Belavia, Blue Air, Bulgaria Air, China Eastern, easyJet, Emirates Airlines, Enter Air, Etihad Airways, flybe, Great Lakes Airlines, Gulf Air, Icelandair, InselAir, Juneyao Airlines, Liat Airlines, Luxair, Meridiana Fly, Nordwind Airlines, Oman Air, Pakistan International, Qatar Airways, Ravn Alaska, Regional Express, Royal Brunei Airlines, Royal Jordanian, Ryanair, S7, Shandong Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, Sun Express, TAP Air Portugal, TAROM, Tianjin Airlines (A320 & E190), TUI, Ukraine International, VIM Airlines (Closed), Virgin Australia, Volotea, Xiamen.
The Hill People Gear Tarahumara comes from a reputable brand known for its robust and ergonomic design solutions in the outdoor gear category. The bag stands tall at 44 inches, with a width and depth of 24 and 10 inches respectively. Weighing in at a mere 0.7 pounds, this pack doesn't hold back in delivering a noteworthy 16 liters of packing capacity. Notably, this backpack offers universal airline compatibility, making it a reliable travel companion. The construction flaunts a 500D Cordura fabric, ensuring durability and ruggedness. Nonetheless, it is worth noting that it lacks a laptop compartment, something commonly sought after in a backpack.
On the other hand, we have the Cotopaxi Cusco Backpack 26L, a sustainably made backpack showcasing Cotopaxi's signature bright and colourful aesthetic. With dimensions of 23 by 33 by 53 inches, it’s a larger backpack compared to the Tarahumara, bringing about an increased capacity of 26 liters. Just like the Tarahumara, the Cusco weighs 0.7 pounds, striking a balance between size and weight. However, compatibility with airlines descends to only 65%. The materials advertise a 100% repurposed 600D polyester constituting its build. Unlike the Tarahumara, Cusco features a laptop compartment, accommodating a laptop up to 15 inches.
The comparison between the Tarahumara and the Cusco summarily presents the following key dichotomies:
- Size: Tarahumara (44x24x10 inches) vs. Cusco (23x33x53 inches)
- Compatibility: Tarahumara (compatible with 100% of airlines) vs. Cusco (compatible with 65% of airlines)
- Materials: Tarahumara (Made of 500D Cordura) vs. Cusco (Made of 100% repurposed 600D polyester)
- Laptop Compartment: Tarahumara (No laptop compartment) vs. Cusco (Laptop compartment for a 15 inch laptop)
- Capacity: Tarahumara (16 liters of capacity) vs. Cusco (26 liters of capacity)
The reviewers' accounts depict an evident consensus; each backpack serves its purpose wonderfully within the constraints of its design. The Tarahumara is lauded for its sturdy build and spacious main compartment despite the modest exterior. The Cusco, with its laptop sleeve and organizational features, earns applause as an everyday backpack. Notable were the Cusco's durable water-resistant canvas material, the comfort and the versatility it offers, enabling it to transition gracefully between work, school and outdoor trips.
In conclusion, the decision between the Hill People Gear Tarahumara and the Cotopaxi Cusco 26L is a choice of preference and particular needs. If a durable, compact and airline-friendly backpack is what you seek, the Tarahumara stands as a strong contender. However, if you prioritize a laptop compartment, more packing space, and value sustainable production, then the Cotopaxi Cusco 26L may well be worth your consideration.