Hill People Gear Tarahumara vs. Exped Mountain Pro 20
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 | Exped Mountain Pro 20 |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| S | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 0 | Opening | 3 |
| N | Passport | N |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| S | Backpack | S |
| R | Hip Belt | R |
| S | Sternum Strap | S |
| Inside | ||
| 0 | Laptop | 0 |
| 2 | Main Compartments | 1 |
| N | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 2 | Water Bottle Holder | 0 |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 500D Cordura | 420 D Oxford nylon, PU coated, 3'000 mm water column |
Exped Mountain Pro 20
| Capacity | 20 L |
| Weight | 1.12 kg |
| Dimensions | 50×29×17 cm |
| Airline fit | 81% |
| Price | $250 |
When you're talking about carry-on backpacks, the Hill People Gear Tarahumara and the Exped Mountain Pro 20 both climb the ranks. They're both compact, light, but also delivering on their respective promises. The Hill People Tarahumara, with its 16 liters of capacity, is a rigid and aesthetic pack, minimal but noticeable. Measuring at 44 inches tall, 24 inches wide, and a depth of 10 inches, it's a pack that isn't cumbersome. We're talking 0.7 pounds of weight, not heavy on the back in any manner. It can carry all your essentials with ease, living well up to its grand claim of airline compatibility. Keeping your shower-proof stuff secure with its 500D Cordura make, this guy is a trooper.
On the other side of the aisle is the Exped Mountain Pro 20, a slight notch bigger with 20 liters of capacity. It swings in at 17 inches tall, 29 inches wide, and 50 inches deep. A chunkier fellow at 1.12 pounds, it fares well in airline compatibility. The make of this one is a sturdy 420 D Oxford nylon, PU coated along with 3,000 mm water column for protection against those unexpected showers.
Here's a rundown:
- The Tarahumara is taller but slimmer, with the Mountain Pro broader.
- The Mountain Pro weighs more, but also provides more carrying capacity.
- Both serve well for travel but the Tarahumara has a higher airline compatibility.
- The Tarahumara is made of 500D Cordura and the Mountain Pro of 420 D Oxford nylon, both good for holding off the rain.
Reviewers of the Tarahumara have noted its great design and long-lasting build. Calling it "the best overall solution to the one-daypack question", they love its interior space and how the design is easy on the eyes. On the contrary, reviewers of the Mountain Pro 20 spoke highly of its professional backpack look, minimalist aesthetic, and its weatherproof construction.
About why to purchase them, the Tarahumara is ideal for day hiking; made of reliable materials, it's known for durability. One distinctive feature is its center zip, which proves convenient for both security and quick access. As for the Mountain Pro 20, it's the aesthetics, weatherproof durability, organization, and including a transparent, removable document bag for your valuables that reels customers in. In sum, both are solid picks for your carry-on backpack needs.