Hill People Gear Tarahumara vs. Exped Impulse 30
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 | Exped Impulse 30 |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| 2 | Compression | Y |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 0 | Opening | 4 |
| back | Passport | N |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| removable | Hip Belt | removable |
| Y | Sternum Strap | Y |
| Inside | ||
| N | Laptop | N |
| 2 | Main Compartments | 1 |
| N | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 2, side | Water Bottle Holder | 2 |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 500d Cordura | 210 D Robic HD Ripstop Nylon Carbonate PU, 2'500 mm water column |
Key differences between the Hill People Gear Tarahumara and Exped Impulse 30
- Compression straps: 2 on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; Yes on the Exped Impulse 30.
- Opening: Other on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; Top zip on the Exped Impulse 30.
- Passport pocket: Back on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; No on the Exped Impulse 30.
- Main compartments: 2 on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; 1 on the Exped Impulse 30.
- Water bottle pockets: 2, side on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; 2 on the Exped Impulse 30.
Both have: backpack straps, hip belt, 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. 130 accept both. 51 accept only the Hill People Gear Tarahumara, and 0 accept only the Exped Impulse 30.
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, Qatar Airways, Ravn Alaska, Regional Express, Royal Brunei Airlines, Royal Jordanian, Ryanair, S7, Scoot, Shandong Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, Sun Express, TAP Air Portugal, TAROM, Tianjin Airlines (A320 & E190), Tiger Airways, TUI, Ukraine International, VIM Airlines (Closed), Virgin Australia, Volotea, WestJet, Xiamen.
The Hill People Gear Tarahumara backpack is a sturdy, spacious, and well-reviewed carry-on that meets the guidelines of all airlines. Standing at 44 inches tall, this lightweight option weighs 0.7 pounds and offers 16 liters of storage capacity. Constructed from 500D Cordura material, it is robust enough to withstand the rigors of travel and promises longevity. However, the compartment designed for laptops doesn’t have the capacity to hold laptops of any size. Reviewers rave about its sleek design and durability, praising its extraordinary storage space. Its craftsmanship is so reputable it was likened to "the Tardis."
On the other hand, the Exped Impulse 30 backpack is regarded for its thoughtful design and versatility. Slightly smaller, it is 21 inches tall, wider at 30 inches, and has a deep dive of 55 inches details that might render it incompatible with some airlines' regulations. Even lighter, this case weighs in at zero pounds which makes it easy to travel with. It also offers nearly double the storage capacity, boasting a total of 30 liters. It is composed of sturdy and water-resistant 210D Robic HD Ripstop Nylon Carbonate PU that stands up against wear and tear. Despite its promising features, the Exped Impulse 30 has a laptop compartment that can’t hold a laptop of any size as well. Reviewers highlight its toughness in even the high mountains and its functionality in modern city life.
Comparison Summary
- The Hill People Gear Tarahumara is taller, lighter, made from stronger material, but has a smaller capacity than the Exped Impulse 30.
- The Exped Impulse 30 is wider and deeper, composed of water-resistant material, and has a greater capacity than the Hill People Gear Tarahumara.
- Both backpacks are compatible with airline regulations, but the Hill People Gear Tarahumara is accepted by 100% airlines while the Exped Impulse 30 is only approved by 63% of airlines.
- Neither bag is suitable for a laptop of any size.
In conclusion, shoppers looking for a superbly constructed, spacious, and universally-accepted carry-on bag should consider the Hill People Gear Tarahumara. Its quality materials, convenient center zip, and ideal dimensions for hiking are worth considering. Meanwhile, those prioritizing storage space, waterproof materials, and a removable hip belt may want to turn to the Exped Impulse 30 instead. Both bags impress in their areas of concentration, so the best decision depends on the individual's need and personal preferences.