Hill People Gear Tarahumara vs. Eagle Creek Wayfinder 40L
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 | Eagle Creek Wayfinder 40L |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| S | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 0 | Opening | 4 |
| N | Passport | N |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| S | Backpack | S |
| R | Hip Belt | H |
| S | Sternum Strap | S |
| Inside | ||
| 0 | Laptop | 17 |
| 2 | Main Compartments | 1 |
| N | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | R |
| 2 | Water Bottle Holder | 2 |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 500D Cordura | 300D Dual-Diamond Heather Ripstop, 500D Poly RPVB Coating |
Eagle Creek Wayfinder 40L
| Capacity | 40 L |
| Weight | 1.17 kg |
| Dimensions | 53×35.5×21 cm |
| Airline fit | 60% |
| Price | $130 |
The Hill People Gear Tarahumara is one beast of a backpack. Its dimensions and weight speak of a bag that students, adventurers, and even the everyday commuter can count on. With its 44 inches height, 24 inches width, and a depth of 10 inches, the Tarahumara is hence noticeably taller than the Eagle Creek Wayfinder 40L's mere 21 inches. Despite this imposing size, the Tarahumara is lighter, weighing in at just 0.7 pounds, overshadowing the Wayfinder's respectable 1.17 pounds. But while the Tarahumara might lead the charge in size and weight, it's left eating the Wayfinder's dust in terms of capacity. This backpack only has a 16-liter volume, leaving it far behind the Wayfinder, with its roomy 40 liters of potential packing magic.
What might be considered a saving grace for the Tarahumara, however, is its universal compatibility with airlines. Unlike the Wayfinder, which only scores a 60% compatibility rate, the Tarahumara proves itself travel-ready with a stunning 100% compatibility rate. This is quite an important detail to consider for frequent flyers and globe trotters.
Comparison Summary:
- Size: The Tarahumara (44" x 24" x 10") is taller than the Wayfinder (21" x 53" x 35.5").
- Weight: The Tarahumara (0.7lbs) is lighter than the Wayfinder (1.17lbs).
- Capacity: The Wayfinder (40L) outshines the Tarahumara (16L).
- Airline compatibility: The Tarahumara wins with a 100% rate, with the Wayfinder trailing at 60%.
Reviewers commend the design and build quality of the Hill People Gear Tarahumara, heralding it as a sturdy bag that can withstand daily use. Its durability comes from its 500D Cordura build, significantly tougher compared to the 300D Dual-Diamond Heather Ripstop and 500D Poly RPVB Coating of the Wayfinder. To compensate for its lighter build, however, the Wayfinder offers a laptop compartment that can accommodate a 17 inch device, while the Tarahumara's compartment can't host a laptop of any size.
Yet, despite the varying pros and cons, potential buyers get to hear this much-appreciated verdict from reviewers: both the Hill People Gear Tarahumara and the Eagle Creek Wayfinder 40L are resilient, reliable, and worthy of your consideration. From its everyday usability to its massive interior space, the Tarahumara is hailed as an enduring solution for backpackers. Meanwhile, Eagle Creek Wayfinder is celebrated for its outstanding budget-friendly versatility, comfort, and organizational structure unmatched by its counterpart, even if it does wander a bit between the travel pack and bookbag categories.