Hill People Gear Tarahumara vs. Lowe Alpine AT Lightflite Carry-on
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 | Lowe Alpine AT Lightflite Carry-on |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| 2 | Compression | |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 0 | Opening | 0 |
| back | Passport | top |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | hideable |
| removable | Hip Belt | N |
| Y | Sternum Strap | N |
| Inside | ||
| N | Laptop | |
| 2 | Main Compartments | 2 |
| N | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 2, side | Water Bottle Holder | |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 500d Cordura | |
Lowe Alpine AT Lightflite Carry-on
| Capacity | 40 L |
| Weight | 0.8 kg |
| Dimensions | 51×36×21 cm |
| Airline fit | 66% |
| Price | $110 |
The world of carry-on backpacks is vast and varied, with options ranging from minimalist to fully-kitted out. Two top contenders in the market are the Hill People Gear Tarahumara and the Lowe Alpine AT Lightflite Carry-on. Let's break them down.
The Hill People Gear Tarahumara is a true minimalist pack, designed for those who want a small, lightweight, but highly durable carry-on. Its measurements of 44x24x10 inches and a feather-lite weight of 0.7 pounds make it ideal for day hikes or other short trips. Despite its compact size, the bag delivers in terms of volume with a 16-liter capacity. Made from sturdy 500D Cordura, the Tarahumara has been praised for its simplicity, sturdiness, and "almost Tardis-like" interior space. One minor drawback is the lack of a laptop compartment, but for those seeking an uncomplicated daypack, the Tarahumara shines.
Comparatively, the Lowe Alpine AT Lightflite Carry-on goes bigger. It clocks in at 51x36x21 inches and weighs slightly more at 0.8 pounds. However, the added size and weight pay off with a significantly larger capacity of 40 liters. Despite its larger size, the AT Lightflite is still compatible with 98% of airlines. It does lack a laptop compartment like its Hill People Gear counterpart, but it has the size and volume to accommodate a variety of other items.
Here are some key points of comparison:
- Size: Hill People's Tarahumara is smaller and thus more portable, while Lowe Alpine's AT Lightflite is larger for extra storage.
- Weight: The Tarahumara is sightly lighter than the AT Lightflite, but both are under a pound.
- Capacity: AT Lightflite leads on this front with 40 liters, far outshining the Tarahumara's 16 liters.
- Compatibility: Both can board most flights, with Tarahumara edging out a slight lead by being compatible with 100% of airlines.
- Material: The Tarahumara is made from 500D Cordura.
- Laptop compartment: Neither bag features a laptop compartment.
So, which one should you choose? Well, it boils down to your needs. If you're eyeing a minimal yet robust daypack for short trips or hikes, the Hill People Gear Tarahumara is a safe bet. Its perfect size, excellent build quality and convenient center zip design have been well-received by professionals and users alike. But if you're the type who needs more space and doesn't mind a slightly heftier pack, then the Lowe Alpine AT Lightflite Carry-on should be on the top of your list.