Hill People Gear Tarahumara vs. Kathmandu Cotinga Kid's Pack
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 | Kathmandu Cotinga Kid's Pack |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| 2 | Compression | Y |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 0 | Opening | 4 |
| back | Passport | N |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| removable | Hip Belt | N |
| Y | Sternum Strap | N |
| Inside | ||
| N | Laptop | N |
| 2 | Main Compartments | 1 |
| N | Organizer | Y |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 2, side | Water Bottle Holder | 1 |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 500d Cordura | 100% Polyester |
Kathmandu Cotinga Kid's Pack
| Capacity | 20 L |
| Weight | 0.42 kg |
| Dimensions | 41×27×20.5 cm |
| Airline fit | 76% |
| Price | $60 |
Key differences between the Hill People Gear Tarahumara and Kathmandu Cotinga Kid's Pack
- Compression straps: 2 on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; Yes on the Kathmandu Cotinga Kid's Pack.
- Opening: Other on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; Top zip on the Kathmandu Cotinga Kid's Pack.
- Passport pocket: Back on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; No on the Kathmandu Cotinga Kid's Pack.
- Hip belt: Removable on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; No on the Kathmandu Cotinga Kid's Pack.
- Sternum strap: Yes on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; No on the Kathmandu Cotinga Kid's Pack.
- Main compartments: 2 on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; 1 on the Kathmandu Cotinga Kid's Pack.
- Built-in organizer: No on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; Yes on the Kathmandu Cotinga Kid's Pack.
- Water bottle pockets: 2, side on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; 1 on the Kathmandu Cotinga Kid's Pack.
Both have: backpack straps, water resistant.
Which airlines take each bag as a carry-on
We checked both bags against the carry-on size limits of 189 airlines. 144 accept both. 37 accept only the Hill People Gear Tarahumara, and 0 accept only the Kathmandu Cotinga Kid's Pack.
Only the Hill People Gear Tarahumara fits
Air Baltic, Air China, Air Malta, Air Niugini, Air Serbia, Air Seychelles, Air Tahiti, Asiana Airlines, ATA Airlines, Belavia, Blue Air, Bulgaria Air, China Eastern, easyJet, Emirates Airlines, Enter Air, flybe, Icelandair, InselAir, Juneyao Airlines, Luxair, Meridiana Fly, Nordwind Airlines, Royal Brunei Airlines, Ryanair, S7, Shandong Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, Sun Express, TAP Air Portugal, TAROM, Tianjin Airlines (A320 & E190), TUI, Ukraine International, VIM Airlines (Closed), Volotea, Xiamen.
The Hill People Gear Tarahumara and the Kathmandu Cotinga Kid's Pack are two popular carry on backpacks. Each a standout in its own right, they both appeal to those who appreciate a well-constructed bag ready for rugged adventures. The Tarahumara, true to the reputation of Hill People Gear, is meticulously designed and manufactured, crafted from 500D Cordura. The significant 44 inches height provides adequate space, while the 16 liter capacity ensures convenience for all your packing needs. A savvy choice for air travel, this pack is compatible with 100% of airlines.
On the other hand, the Cotinga Kid's Pack from Kathmandu is slightly more compact, standing at 20.5 inches tall, and is noticeably broader at 27 inches. Despite its smaller stature, its capacity is surprisingly greater at 20 liters. Fabricated from 100% Polyester, it is also feather-light at just 0.42 pounds, lessening load for the junior jet-setter. While it may not be universally accepted by all airlines, 68% compatibility rate attests to its generally acceptability.
- Size: The Tarahumara is noticeably taller, while the Cotinga Kid's Pack is broader.
- Weight: The Cotinga Kid's Pack is lighter, making it ideal for kids.
- Capacity: Despite its size, the Cotinga Kid's Pack offers larger capacity.
- Air travel compatibility: Tarahumara beats Cotinga Kid's Pack with universal acceptance.
- Material: The Tarahumara is made of 500D Cordura, while the Cotinga Kid's Pack uses 100% Polyester.
Reviewers have lavished praise on the Tarahumara, extolling it for its design, execution, build, size, and quality. The convenient center zip has been appreciated for its security and easy access. Conversely, the Cotinga Kid's Pack wins over critics due to its ergonomic harness, quality craftsmanship and functionality. The fact that it's made from recycled polyester also adds a feather in its sustainability cap.
Ultimately, both the Tarahumara and the Cotinga Kid's Pack tick off all the right boxes. The former makes a perfect companion for the serious traveler or outdoor enthusiast, while the latter is a great, environmentally-friendly choice for the young globetrotter.