Hill People Gear Tarahumara vs. Matador Freerain32 Waterproof Packable Backpack
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 | Matador Freerain32 Waterproof Packable Backpack |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| S | Compression | S |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 0 | Opening | 2 |
| N | Passport | N |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| S | Backpack | S |
| R | Hip Belt | S |
| S | Sternum Strap | S |
| Inside | ||
| 0 | Laptop | 0 |
| 2 | Main Compartments | 2 |
| N | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 2 | Water Bottle Holder | 2 |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 500D Cordura | Waterproof 30D Cordura® ripstop nylon |
Matador Freerain32 Waterproof Packable Backpack
| Capacity | 32 L |
| Weight | 0.3 kg |
| Dimensions | 51×28×23 cm |
| Airline fit | 98% |
| Price | $95 |
The Hill People Gear Tarahumara backpack benchmarks itself against the needs of the committed day hiker. Its robust build quality, fabricated from 500D Cordura, vouches for a lifetime of use. With a 16-liter capacity, it hits the sweet spot for day hikes, fitting comfortably the belongings you'd need without making itself a burden. The object of particular note is the center zip, a user-friendly feature that ensures easy access to the main compartment while keeping it secure.
On the other hand, Matador's Freerain32 takes packability and excellent portability on its stride. It seems engineered primarily for those driven by itinerant impulse. Chief among its merits is its remarkably lightweight build; at 0.3 pounds, it's less than half the weight of the Tarahumara. Additionally, it does offer room for more stuff, boasting a capacity of 32 liters. Waterproof construction with 30D Cordura® ripstop nylon makes it an all-weather pack, keeping your gear dry even in the heaviest downpour.
Features Comparison:
- Size: Hill People Gear Tarahumara (44H x 24W x 10D), Matador Freerain32 (23H x 28W x 51D)
- Weight: Hill People Gear Tarahumara (0.7lbs), Matador Freerain32 (0.3lbs)
- Capacity: Hill People Gear Tarahumara (16l), Matador Freerain32 (32l)
- Compatibility: Hill People Gear Tarahumara (100% airlines compatibility), Matador Freerain32 (98% airlines compatibility)
- Material: Hill People Gear Tarahumara (500D Cordura), Matador Freerain32 (Waterproof 30D Cordura® ripstop nylon)
The reviews seem to mirror the same sentiment. For the Tarahumara, reviewers praise its reliable build quality, elegant simplicity, and surprising spaciousness despite its diminutive exterior. Meanwhile, the Matador Freerain32 amasses acclaim for its packability, fully waterproof construction and a design ethos that seems to value uncomplicated functionality.
In essence, the decision rests on the specific needs of the user. If lightweight packability and more capacity are what you're after, the Matador Freerain32 is just the ticket. However, if a solid, long-lasting build and perfect day-hiking size is your cup of tea, then the Tarahumara backpack from Hill People Gear is the choice to make.