Hill People Gear Tarahumara vs. ebags Professional Weekender

Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.

Hill People Gear Tarahumara

Front facing view of the Hill People Gear Tarahumara
Capacity16 L
Weight0.7 kg
Dimensions44×24×10 cm
Airline fit100%
Price$125

Feature by feature

Hill People Gear TarahumaraFeatureebags Professional Weekender
Storage
S Compression N
None Expanded Capacity None
0 Opening 1
N Passport Y
N Passthrough Y
Carry
S Backpack H
R Hip Belt R
S Sternum Strap R
Inside
0 Laptop 15
2 Main Compartments 0
N Organizer Y
Outside
× Hard Shell ×
N Rain-fly N
2 Water Bottle Holder 2
Y Water Resistant Y
Material
500D Cordura

ebags Professional Weekender

Front facing view of the ebags Professional Weekender
Capacity29 L
Weight1.4 kg
Dimensions45×33×21 cm
Airline fit99%
Price$90

The Hill People Gear Tarahumara and the Ebags Professional Weekender are two great picks if you're in the market for a reliable carry-on backpack. First up is the Tarahumara. Standing tall at 44 inches and boasting a 16-liter capacity, this backpack is built of sturdy 500D Cordura. With its compact size, you're looking at a bag well-suited for day trips, even a perfect hiking companion if you may. What's more, it's compatible with all airlines. The only bummer? It doesn’t come with a laptop compartment.

On the other hand, we have the Ebags Professional Weekender. This backpack is noticeably larger with a size of 21x33x45 inches and a whopping 29-litre capacity, almost twice that of the Tarahumara's. In addition, it has a laptop compartment that can snugly fit a 15-inch laptop. Constructed of tough yet lightweight material, it weighs double that of the Tarahumara, coming in at 1.4 pounds. It's almost universally airline-compatible, falling short by 1 percent.

Reviewers heap praise on the Tarahumara, with one saying it's a "well-designed, well-executed," bag that'll "last you a lifetime." They note its deceptive size, holding much more than its appearance would lead you to believe. It’s appreciated for its quality build materials and convenient center zip. In short? It's worth it if you value minimalism and longevity.

Meanwhile, for the Ebags Professional Weekender, travelers sing praises of its functional pockets and clamshell opening design which offers better access. The company's lifetime warranty is a definite plus and adds trust to the product. Its stowable straps add to its travel-oriented design, making it hassle-free when placing in overhead cabins or under airplane seats. So, if you're a frequent flyer looking for a bag designed with travel in mind, this is your best bet.