Hill People Gear Tarahumara vs. GORUCK GR2 34
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 | GORUCK GR2 34 |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| 2 | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 0 | Opening | 1 |
| back | Passport | front |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| removable | Hip Belt | N |
| Y | Sternum Strap | Y |
| Inside | ||
| N | Laptop | 17in |
| 2 | Main Compartments | 3 |
| N | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 2, side | Water Bottle Holder | N |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 500d Cordura | 1000D Cordura w/ 210D Back Panel |
Key differences between the Hill People Gear Tarahumara and GORUCK GR2 34
- Compression straps: 2 on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; No on the GORUCK GR2 34.
- Opening: Other on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; Clamshell on the GORUCK GR2 34.
- Passport pocket: Back on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; Front on the GORUCK GR2 34.
- Hip belt: Removable on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; No on the GORUCK GR2 34.
- Laptop sleeve: No on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; 17in on the GORUCK GR2 34.
- Main compartments: 2 on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; 3 on the GORUCK GR2 34.
- Water bottle pockets: 2, side on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; No on the GORUCK GR2 34.
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 GORUCK GR2 34.
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 is a beast of a carry-on backpack. Standing at 44 inches tall, this behemoth is one of the taller carry-on backpacks of its kind. With a weight of just 0.7 pounds, despite its larger size, it remains lightweight and easy to handle. With 16 liters of capacity, it can fit a decent amount of gear. The only downside is the lack of a laptop compartment.
On the other hand, the GORUCK GR2 34 takes the crown in terms of width and depth, running at 53 and 32 inches respectively. Its 23-inch depth is nearly double that of the Tarahumara, and it weighs more at 2.2 pounds. It steps up in the capacity department as well, with a hefty 34 liters. This allows it to fit more gear, plus it features a laptop compartment for up to a 17-inch device.
- The Hill People Gear Tarahumara is taller but lighter than the GORUCK GR2 34.
- The GORUCK GR2 34 is wider and deeper than the Hill People Gear Tarahumara.
- In terms of capacity, the GORUCK GR2 34 takes the lead with a 18 liter advantage.
- Unfortunately, the Hill People Gear Tarahumara doesn't feature a laptop compartment unlike the GORUCK GR2 34, which can fit up to a 17 inch laptop.
Both backpacks are highly appreciated by reviewers, for their durability and design. Many commend the Tarahumara's build quality, stating that it's a product that could last a lifetime, and praise its functional design. On the other hand, the GR2 is consistently rated as being nearly indestructible, topping it off with a lifetime warranty. It's also loved for its versatile and customizable design, thanks to the presence of MOLLE webbings.
Given their individual strengths, both the Hill People Gear Tarahumara and the GORUCK GR2 34 make for a good purchase. If you're searching for a lightweight and tall backpack, the Tarahumara is your choice. If a wider, deeper, and slightly heavier pack with greater capacity and a larger laptop compartment is what you're after, the GR2 would be a great fit.