Hill People Gear Tarahumara vs. Timbuk2 Command
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 | Timbuk2 Command |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| 2 | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 0 | Opening | 0 |
| back | Passport | top |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | |
| removable | Hip Belt | N |
| Y | Sternum Strap | removable |
| Inside | ||
| N | Laptop | 15in |
| 2 | Main Compartments | 5 |
| N | Organizer | Y |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 2, side | Water Bottle Holder | |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 500d Cordura | |
Key differences between the Hill People Gear Tarahumara and Timbuk2 Command
- Compression straps: 2 on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; No on the Timbuk2 Command.
- Passport pocket: Back on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; Top on the Timbuk2 Command.
- Hip belt: Removable on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; No on the Timbuk2 Command.
- Sternum strap: Yes on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; Removable on the Timbuk2 Command.
- Laptop sleeve: No on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; 15in on the Timbuk2 Command.
- Main compartments: 2 on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; 5 on the Timbuk2 Command.
- Built-in organizer: No on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; Yes on the Timbuk2 Command.
Both have: water resistant.
Which airlines take each bag as a carry-on
We checked both bags against the carry-on size limits of 189 airlines. 172 accept both. 9 accept only the Hill People Gear Tarahumara, and 0 accept only the Timbuk2 Command.
Only the Hill People Gear Tarahumara fits
Air Niugini, Air Tahiti, American Eagle, easyJet, Great Lakes Airlines, Gulf Air, Ravn Alaska, Regional Express, Virgin Australia.
Let's get things straight. We're dealing with two serious backpacks here - The Hill People Gear Tarahumara and the Timbuk2 Command. Both are sturdy suckers itching to accompany you on your next adventure. But they're also as different as night and day. The Tarahumara from Hill People Gear is a sleek compact bag, tailor-made for those who pack light and move quick. It has got a smaller capacity of 16 litres but compensates with a 0.7-pound weight that'll hardly make you feel its presence. As for toughness, it's made of 500D Cordura. The minimalist's pack for sure.
The Timbuk2 Command, on the other side, is bulkier and comes out on top in terms of storage space. It's a beast with a whopping 32-litre capacity. But don't worry, it won't break your back. At 1.1 pounds, it's still light, given the extra volume. It has a spot for a 15-inch laptop, a feature the Tarahumara lacks.
A quick comparison, folks:
• Size: Tarahumara (44" x 24" x 10") vs. Command (49" x 34" x 14"). • Weight: Tarahumara (.7 lbs) vs. Command (1.1 lbs). • Capacity: Tarahumara (16L) vs. Command (32L). • Laptop Slot: Tarahumara (0") vs. Command (15"). • Material: Tarahumara (500D Cordura) vs. Command (Unknown). • Airline Compatibility: Tarahumara (100%) vs. Command (98%).
So, enough with the specs. Let's tune in to what real users have to say. Reviewers hail the Tarahumara for its design, excellent build quality and well-executed simplicity. Despite its compact appearance, it pleasantly surprises users with its spacious interiors. Meanwhile, the Command gets a thumbs up for being a spacious workhorse with solid laptop cushioning. Its TSA-friendly nature and efficient pocket design are also appreciated.
In the end, it comes down to what you seek in a backpack. If you're a minimalist who values quality and simplicity, the Tarahumara is your go-to gear. But if you need a workhorse with a space for your laptop and lots of stuff, the Command is the one to command. And always remember, the right pack is one that fits your life, not the other way around. Choose wisely!