Hill People Gear Tarahumara vs. Deuter Trans Alpine 32 EL
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 | Deuter Trans Alpine 32 EL |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 0 |
| 2 | Main Compartments | 1 |
| N | Organizer | Y |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | S |
| 2 | Water Bottle Holder | 2 |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 500D Cordura | 210D PA, 600D PES |
Deuter Trans Alpine 32 EL
| Capacity | 32 L |
| Weight | 1.26 kg |
| Dimensions | 58×28×24 cm |
| Airline fit | 30% |
| Price | $150 |
The Hill People Gear Tarahumara and the Deuter Trans Alpine 32 EL are both top contenders in the carry-on backpack market. Though they may seem similar at first glance, closer examination reveals a number of key differences.
The Hill People Gear Tarahumara is the slimmer and lighter of the two, weighing in at a paltry 0.7 pounds. It stands proud at 44 inches with a width of 24 inches and a depth of 10 inches. Made of sturdy 500D Cordura, it's built to withstand the rigors of travel, and with a capacity of 16 liters, it's the perfect size for a day of hiking. One reviewer even hailed it as the best overall solution for a daypack, praising its simple yet elegant design and its surprisingly spacious interior.
Compare and contrast to the Deuter Trans Alpine 32 EL. This behemoth stands just 24 inches tall, but spreads out to 28 inches wide and a whopping 58 inches deep. It's slightly heavier than the Tarahumara at 1.26 pounds, but its larger frame allows it to hold twice the capacity at 32 liters. Although it loses out on airline compatibility (30% compared to the Tarahumara's 100%), its 210D PA and 600D PES material ensures it's robust enough to survive any airport's conveyor belt.
To summarize:
-
The Hill People Gear Tarahumara:
- Weighs 0.7 pounds.
- Is 44 inches tall, 24 inches wide, and 10 inches deep.
- Has a 16 liter capacity.
- Is made of 500D Cordura.
- Is compatible with 100% of airlines.
-
Deuter Trans Alpine 32 EL:
- Weighs 1.26 pounds.
- Is 24 inches tall, 28 inches wide, and 58 inches deep.
- Has a 32 liter capacity.
- Is Made of 210D PA, 600D PES.
- Is compatible with 30% of airlines.
In the end, your decision depends on your needs. If you want a light, compact backpack that can squeeze into any overhead compartment, then the Tarahumara is for you. On the other hand, if you're willing to sacrifice a little bit of convenience for extra packing space, then the Trans Alpine 32 EL could be the better option. As the reviewers said, either bag is a sturdy choice that will last you a lifetime.