Hill People Gear Tarahumara vs. Arc'Teryx Granville 20
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 | Arc'Teryx Granville 20 |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| S | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 0 | Opening | 3 |
| N | Passport | N |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| S | Backpack | S |
| R | Hip Belt | N |
| S | Sternum Strap | S |
| Inside | ||
| 0 | Laptop | 15 |
| 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 Cordura | N400r-AC² nylon 6 ripstop |
Arc'Teryx Granville 20
| Capacity | 20 L |
| Weight | 1.3 kg |
| Dimensions | 52×32×18 cm |
| Airline fit | 79% |
| Price | $180 |
Let's start with the Hill People Gear Tarahumara. Noticeably taller and a bit narrower than its opponent, it stands 44 inches tall and 24 inches wide. Though only 10 inches in depth, it's surprisingly spacious with a carrying capacity of 16 liters. Coming in at 0.7 pounds, it is not burdening weight and would be beneficial for a day's worth of hiking or an adventure in the wild. Crafted with 500D Cordura material, the Tarahumara is kind of a backpack tough enough for the rough and rugged outdoors, and its compatibility with 100% of airlines speaks to its versatility. However, it has no space for your laptop—it's more suited for the explorer in you.
On the other-hand, the Arc'Teryx Granville 20 is a wider, more sizable option in terms of width and depth, measuring 18 inches tall, 32 inches wide, and a staggering 52 inches in depth. Despite its larger dimensions, it weighs in at an incredible 0 pounds, defying reason with its capacity to hold more without any added burden on your shoulders. Its carrying capacity amounts to 20 liters and its make is the resilient N400r-AC² nylon 6 ripstop, lending it a lasting durability. Though it may not be compatible with all airlines, it fits well with 80% of them. Its most captivating feature is the laptop compartment that can accommodate a 15-inch laptop, making it a great buy for the urban traveler or the digital nomad.
Here are the major differences broken down:
- Size: The Hill People Gear Tarahumara is notably taller and slim, while the Arc'Teryx Granville 20 tends to be wider and deeper.
- Weight: The Tarahumara weighs 0.7 pounds, while the Granville 20 weighs 0 pounds.
- Capacity: The Tarahumara has a capacity of 16 liters, whereas the Granville 20 holds up to 20 liters.
- Material: The Tarahumara is made of 500D Cordura, in contrast with the Granville 20's N400r-AC² nylon 6 ripstop material.
- Laptop Compartment: The Tarahumara lacks a laptop compartment, while the Granville 20 comfortably fits a 15-inch laptop.
- Airline Compatibility: The Tarahumara is 100% airline compatible, while the Granville 20 fits only 80% of airlines.
In terms of performance, both backpacks are acclaimed by users. Reviewers commend the Tarahumara for its design and build, praising its simplicity, functionality, and robustness—"a bag that'll last you a lifetime", according to one. The Granville 20, on the other hand, won the hearts of users who need to carry laptops, including professionals and students. Despite the Tarahumara's "vacuously spacious" interior and comfortable high ride on the back, those needing to carry tech would lean towards the Granville 20, which offers a more versatile solution, weatherproof, and a durable build that offers protection for those daily essentials.
For the avid hiker or adventurer, the Hill People Gear Tarahumara offers a reliable build, great security features and is perfect for day hiking. However, if a sleek design, comfort of use, and weather-protection are what you seek in your daily travels, then the Arc'Teryx Granville 20 makes a solid case. Choose the one that matters to you most.