Hill People Gear Tarahumara vs. Eagle Creek Global Companion 40L
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Hill People Gear Tarahumara
| Capacity | 16 L |
| Weight | 0.7 kg |
| Dimensions | 43×23×10 cm |
| Airline fit | 96% |
| Price | $175 |
Feature by feature
| Hill People Gear Tarahumara | Feature | Eagle Creek Global Companion 40L |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| 2 | Compression | Y |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 0 | Opening | 1 |
| back | Passport | N |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| removable | Hip Belt | Y |
| Y | Sternum Strap | Y |
| Inside | ||
| N | Laptop | 17in |
| 2 | Main Compartments | 1 |
| N | Organizer | Y |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | hideable |
| 2, side | Water Bottle Holder | 2 |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 500d Cordura | 450D Geo Ripstop, Bi-Tech™, 600D Helix™ Poly |
Eagle Creek Global Companion 40L
| Capacity | 40 L |
| Weight | 1.93 kg |
| Dimensions | 55×35×20 cm |
| Airline fit | 86% |
| Price | $159 |
Key differences between the Hill People Gear Tarahumara and Eagle Creek Global Companion 40L
- Compression straps: 2 on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; Yes on the Eagle Creek Global Companion 40L.
- Opening: Other on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; Clamshell on the Eagle Creek Global Companion 40L.
- Passport pocket: Back on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; No on the Eagle Creek Global Companion 40L.
- Hip belt: Removable on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; Yes on the Eagle Creek Global Companion 40L.
- Laptop sleeve: No on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; 17in on the Eagle Creek Global Companion 40L.
- Main compartments: 2 on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; 1 on the Eagle Creek Global Companion 40L.
- Built-in organizer: No on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; Yes on the Eagle Creek Global Companion 40L.
- Rain cover: No on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; Hideable on the Eagle Creek Global Companion 40L.
- Water bottle pockets: 2, side on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; 2 on the Eagle Creek Global Companion 40L.
Both have: backpack straps, sternum strap, water resistant.
Which airlines take each bag as a carry-on
We checked both bags against the carry-on size limits of 189 airlines. 162 accept both. 19 accept only the Hill People Gear Tarahumara, and 0 accept only the Eagle Creek Global Companion 40L.
Only the Hill People Gear Tarahumara fits
Air Niugini, Air Tahiti, American Eagle, Belavia, Cayman Airways, easyJet, Etihad Airways, Great Lakes Airlines, Gulf Air, Liat Airlines, Oman Air, Qatar Airways, Ravn Alaska, Regional Express, Royal Jordanian, Scoot, Tiger Airways, Virgin Australia, WestJet.
If you're on the market for a quality carry-on backpack, the Tarahumara by Hill People Gear and the Global Companion 40L by Eagle Creek are two viable options you should consider. From size, weight, and capacity to material and airline compatibility, there are significant differences between the two packs that may sway your decision.
The Tarahumara stands tall and slender at 44 inches, well-fitted for fitting in overhead compartments on 100% of airlines. A featherweight among backpacks, it scales only 0.7 pounds when empty. Yet, with its 16 liters of capacity and durable 500D Cordura construction, it’s a tough, reliable choice for light travel. As for features, the Tarahumara lacks a laptop compartment, but reviewers rave about its design, build quality, and ability to comfortably carry several items.
- Size: The Tarahumara (44" x 24" x 10") is taller but less bulky than the Global Companion (20" x 55" x 35").
- Weight: The Tarahumara (0.7 pounds) is drastically lighter than the Global Companion (1.93 pounds).
- Capacity: The Global Companion (40 liters) offers more than double the space of the Tarahumara (16 liters).
- Compatibility with Airlines: The Tarahumara is compatible with 100% of airlines versus 77% for the Global Companion.
- Material: Two different approaches. The Tarahumara uses 500D Cordura while the Global Companion is made of 450D Geo Ripstop, Bi-Tech™, and 600D Helix™ Poly.
- Laptop Compartment: Only the Global Companion can accommodate a laptop, fitting up to a 17 inch model.
On the flip side, the Global Companion by Eagle Creek, although more substantial in weight at 1.93 pounds, generously offers 40 liters of carrying capacity. Although it's compatible with fewer airlines (77%), its dimensions still allow it to be used as a carry-on for most flights. Made from a blend of 450D Geo Ripstop, Bi-Tech™, and 600D Helix™ Poly materials, you can rest assured of its resistance to weather and wear. A bonus is the laptop compartment, comfortably accommodating a 17-inch laptop. Reviewers laud its durability, comfort, and great organization features.
In conclusion, both bags offer solid advantages. The Tarahumara caters to those seeking a lightweight, slim, and durable carry-on for lighter travel. Conversely, the Global Companion hooks individuals wanting more capacity, a laptop-friendly design, and high degree of organization. Either choice will serve you well.