Hill People Gear Tarahumara vs. GORUCK GR3
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 | GORUCK GR3 |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| 2 | Compression | 4 |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 0 | Opening | 1 |
| back | Passport | top |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| removable | Hip Belt | N |
| Y | Sternum Strap | removable |
| Inside | ||
| N | Laptop | 17in |
| 2 | Main Compartments | 4 |
| N | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 2, side | Water Bottle Holder | N |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 500d Cordura | 1000D Cordura w/ 210D Back Panel |
Key differences between the Hill People Gear Tarahumara and GORUCK GR3
- Compression straps: 2 on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; 4 on the GORUCK GR3.
- Opening: Other on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; Clamshell on the GORUCK GR3.
- Passport pocket: Back on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; Top on the GORUCK GR3.
- Hip belt: Removable on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; No on the GORUCK GR3.
- Sternum strap: Yes on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; Removable on the GORUCK GR3.
- Laptop sleeve: No on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; 17in on the GORUCK GR3.
- Main compartments: 2 on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; 4 on the GORUCK GR3.
- Water bottle pockets: 2, side on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; No on the GORUCK GR3.
Both have: backpack straps, water resistant.
Which airlines take each bag as a carry-on
We checked both bags against the carry-on size limits of 189 airlines. 85 accept both. 96 accept only the Hill People Gear Tarahumara, and 0 accept only the GORUCK GR3.
Only the Hill People Gear Tarahumara fits
Aer Lingus, Aeroflot, Aerolineas Argentinas, Aeromexico, Air Baltic, Air Canada, Air Caraibes, Air China, Air France, Air India, Air Malta, Air Mauritius, Air Niugini, Air Serbia, Air Seychelles, Air Tahiti, All Nipon Airways, American Eagle, ANA, Asiana Airlines, ATA Airlines, Austrian, Azerbaijan Airlines, Belavia, Blue Air, Boliviana de Aviacion, Brussels Airlines, Bulgaria Air, Caribbean Airlines, Cayman Airways, China Eastern, Croatia Air, Czech Airlines, easyJet, Emirates Airlines, Enter Air, Ethiopian Airlines, Etihad Airways, Eurowings, Fiji Airways, Flair Air, flybe, Gol Linhas Aereas, Great Lakes Airlines, Gulf Air, Iberia, Icelandair, Indigo, InselAir, Interjet, Iran Air, Japan Airlines, Jet Airways, Juneyao Airlines, Kenya Airways, KLM, LATAM , Liat Airlines, LOT Polish, Lufthansa, Luxair, Mahan Air, Meridiana Fly, Mesa Airlines, Nordwind Airlines, Norwegian, Oman Air, Pakistan International, Peach, Porter Airlines, Qatar Airways, Ravn Alaska, Regional Express, Royal Brunei Airlines, Royal Jordanian, Ryanair, S7, SAS Scandinavian, Scoot, Shandong Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, Sky Airlines, Sun Express, Swiss Int'l Air Lines, TAP Air Portugal, TAROM, Tianjin Airlines (A320 & E190), Tiger Airways, TUI, Turkish Airlines, Ukraine International, VIM Airlines (Closed), Virgin Australia, Volotea, WestJet, Xiamen.
If you're in the market for a rugged, reliable carry-on backpack, you'd be hard-pressed to do better than the Hill People Gear Tarahumara or the GORUCK GR3. The Tarahumara, a small but mighty compact pack, comes in at 44 inches tall, 24 inches wide, and just 10 inches deep. It weighs a mere 0.7 pounds and offers a respectable 16 liters of carry capacity. Its 500D Cordura construction guarantees durability, but do note that it lacks a laptop compartment.
On the other hand, the GORUCK GR3 is decidedly larger and more suitable for individuals needing copious amount of carry space. Measuring 23 inches tall, 36 inches wide, and a whopping 56 inches deep, it accounts for a 45 liter capacity. This pack weighs in at 2.3 pounds and is fashioned from 1000D Cordura, a step up from the Tarahumara in terms of material toughness. The standout feature here is, of course, its laptop compartment that can comfortably accommodate a 17 inch device.
Comparison Pointers:
- Dimensions: Hill People Gear Tarahumara (44" tall, 24" wide, 10" deep) vs GORUCK GR3 (23" tall, 36" wide, 56" deep)
- Weight: Hill People Gear Tarahumara (0.7 pounds) vs GORUCK GR3 (2.3 pounds)
- Capacity: Hill People Gear Tarahumara (16 liters) vs GORUCK GR3 (45 liters)
- Airline compatibility: Hill People Gear Tarahumara (100%) vs GORUCK GR3 (97%)
- Material: Hill People Gear Tarahumara (500D Cordura) vs GORUCK GR3 (1000D Cordura)
- Laptop compartment: Hill People Gear Tarahumara (No) vs GORUCK GR3 (Yes, can fit a 17" laptop)
Based on customer reviews, both packs have their merits. Users of the Tarahumara appreciate its compact size for day trips, and its center zip for convenient, secured access to main compartment. The GORUCK GR3 earns praise for its extreme durability and versatility, the velcro interior aiding in organization, and its comfortable usage even when loaded to the brim.
So, here's the crux: choose the Hill People Gear Tarahumara if you prioritize lightweight, compact size, and straightforward access to your belongings. If you find yourself needing more space, value greater durability, need a laptop compartment, and prefer organization assistance, then the GORUCK GR3 is your bag of choice. It all depends on your distinct travel demands and preferences. Happy gearing!