Hill People Gear Tarahumara vs. Fjallraven Vardag 28
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 | Fjallraven Vardag 28 |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| S | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 0 | Opening | 4 |
| N | Passport | N |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| S | Backpack | S |
| R | Hip Belt | N |
| 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 | 1 |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 500D Cordura | G-1000® HeavyDuty Eco S: 65% polyester, 35% cotton |
Fjallraven Vardag 28
| Capacity | 28 L |
| Weight | 0.59 kg |
| Dimensions | 44×32×16.5 cm |
| Airline fit | 83% |
| Price | $91 |
The Hill People Gear Tarahumara and the Fjallraven Vardag 28 are two standout choices for carry on backpacks, each bringing its own set of unique features to the table. The Tarahumara is a taller pack, standing at a striking 44 inches, and utilizes a 500D Cordura construction that ensures uncompromising sturdiness. It's a light option, coming in at just 0.7 pounds, but don't let its feathery weight fool you - this pack offers a solid 16 liters of storage capacity. Its airline compatibility is universal, which is a pleasant cherry on the top of a robust package.
By contrast, the Vardag 28 is a relatively wider but shorter pack at 16.5 inches, aimed at maximizing width and depth over height. The pack material is a blend of polyester and cotton, making it both durable and adaptable. The Vardag 28 slightly undercuts the Tarahumara in weight, by a marginal 0.11 pounds, and boasts a significant upgrade in volume at 28 liters. However, airline compatibility is a touch lower at 83% - something to remember depending on your flight preferences.
Here's a bullet point comparison of the two:
- Height: Hill People Gear Tarahumara - 44 inches, Fjallraven Vardag 28 - 16.5 inches
- Width: Hill People Gear Tarahumara - 24 inches, Fjallraven Vardag 28 - 32 inches
- Depth: Hill People Gear Tarahumara - 10 inches, Fjallraven Vardag 28 - 44 inches
- Weight: Hill People Gear Tarahumara - 0.7 pounds, Fjallraven Vardag 28 - 0.59 pounds
- Capacity: Hill People Gear Tarahumara - 16 liters, Fjallraven Vardag 28 - 28 liters
- Airline Compatibility: Hill People Gear Tarahumara - 100%, Fjallraven Vardag 28 - 83%
- Material: Hill People Gear Tarahumara - 500D Cordura, Fjallraven Vardag 28 - G-1000® HeavyDuty Eco S (65% polyester, 35% cotton)
- Laptop Compartment Size: Hill People Gear Tarahumara - 0 inches, Fjallraven Vardag 28 - 15 inches
Reviewers have been full of praise for both packs. The Hill People Gear Tarahumara has been heralded as 'stoutly built', 'well executed' and 'spacious'. Buyers consider its size perfect for day hiking, appreciate its sturdy construction and commend its center zip for a convenient and secure entry to its main compartment.
On the other hand, the Fjallraven Vardag 28 has been hailed for being eco-friendly and comfortable, with a useful pad and a separate padded laptop compartment. Its solid yet flexible build quality and the added comfort make this bag an appealing choice. Deciding between these two will come down to your personal preference, use-case scenario, and the specific features you're looking for in a backpack.