Hill People Gear Tarahumara vs. Cabin Zero Military 36L
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 | Cabin Zero Military 36L |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| S | Compression | S |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 0 | Opening | 4 |
| N | Passport | N |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| S | Backpack | S |
| R | Hip Belt | S |
| 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 | 1000 Denier nylon fabric |
Cabin Zero Military 36L
| Capacity | 36 L |
| Weight | 0.95 kg |
| Dimensions | 46×33×16 cm |
| Airline fit | 82% |
| Price | $110 |
When it comes to backpacks for carry-on, two stand out - the Hill People Gear Tarahumara and the Cabin Zero Military 36L. Both exhibit superior craftsmanship and excellent material quality, but they are not interchangeable. Each has unique features designed for specific needs, musing their dimensions, weight, capacity, and airline compatibility among others.
The Tarahumara by Hill People Gear stands at 44 inches tall, 24 inches wide, and 10 inches deep. Its lightness, weighing only 0.7 pounds, makes it very easy to carry around. On the other hand, the Military 36L by Cabin Zero presents a more compact form, being 16 inches tall, 33 inches wide, 46 inches deep, and just a bit heavier at 0.95 pounds. While both bags are made from durable fabrics - 500D Cordura for Tarahumara and 1000 Denier nylon fabric for Military 36L - they differ in capacity and airline compatibility. The Tarahumara provides 16 liters of packing space and is 100% airline-compatible, while the Military 36L offers more than double the capacity at 36 liters, but is compatible with 82% of airlines.
In summary, the key differences between the two bags are:
- Dimensions: Tarahumara is taller and narrower, while Military 36L is wider and deeper.
- Weight: Tarahumara is slightly lighter at 0.7 pounds, compared to Military 36L's 0.95 pounds.
- Capacity: Military 36L offers over double the capacity of the Tarahumara.
- Airline Compatibility: Tarahumara is compatible with all airlines, while Military 36L accommodates 82%.
- Material: Tarahumara is made from 500D Cordura, while Military 36L is made of 1000 Denier nylon fabric.
- Laptop compartment: Military 36L can accommodate a laptop up to 15", Tarahumara doesn't accommodate a laptop.
Now, let's dig deeper into users' experiences. Reviewers commend both backpacks for their durability and comfort. Many of them agreed that the Tarahumara by Hill People Gear is "well executed, and built to last a lifetime," asserting that its size is perfect for day hiking, and that "it’s interior space is almost like the vacuously spacious Tardis." On the other hand, the Military 36L by Cabin Zero was praised for being comfortable, lightweight, and tough. Owners spoke highly of the "great harness system," "a superb warranty lasting up to 10 years," and noted it's great as a "lightweight carry-on that’s comfortable and affordable."
When buying a backpack, it all depends on personal preferences and the intended use. Are you a minimalist, preferring to travel light and are concerned about airline compatibility? Then the Tarahumara is right for you. On the other hand, should you require more capacity, a laptop compartment, and don't mind the compatibility with fewer airlines? Then the Military 36L is your best bet. Both are phenomenal bags that won't disappoint.