Hill People Gear Tarahumara vs. Patagonia Black Hole® Mini MLC® 26L
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 | Patagonia Black Hole® Mini MLC® 26L |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| S | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 0 | Opening | 1 |
| N | Passport | N |
| N | Passthrough | Y |
| Carry | ||
| S | Backpack | H |
| R | Hip Belt | N |
| S | Sternum Strap | S |
| Inside | ||
| 0 | Laptop | 15 |
| 2 | Main Compartments | 2 |
| N | Organizer | Y |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 2 | Water Bottle Holder | 0 |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 500D Cordura | 300-denier 100% postconsumer recycled polyester ripstop, 100% recycled polyester |
Patagonia Black Hole® Mini MLC® 26L
| Capacity | 26 L |
| Weight | 1.2 kg |
| Dimensions | 50×32×16 cm |
| Airline fit | 81% |
| Price | $169 |
The Hill People Gear Tarahumara is a lean, mean, compact carrying machine built with the discerning traveler in mind. Crafted from 500D Cordura, this is a backpack that’s built to last under even the most extreme conditions. In terms of size, the Tarahumara is 44 inches tall, 24 inches wide, and a slim 10 inches deep. Quite impressively for its compact design, it offers a 16-liter capacity. As far as the weight is concerned, this backpack is significantly lighter than one might expect, weighing in at just 0.7 pounds. Its compatibility factor with air travel is a full 100%, truly a feather in its cap.
The Patagonia Black Hole® Mini MLC® 26L throws its hat in the ring as a serious contender, not to be overlooked. Made from 300-denier 100% post-consumer recycled polyester ripstop, 100% recycled polyester, the Patagonia offers exceptional durability while still remaining environmentally-friendly. Measuring 16 inches tall, 50 inches wide, and 32 inches deep, it dwarfs the Tarahumara slightly in the size department. It tips the scales slightly heavier than the Tarahumara at 1.2 pounds, but counters with an impressive 26-litres of storage capacity. However, the compatibility factor falls short of the Tarahumara, being suitable for 81% of airlines.
Now let's have a bullet point comparison:
- Size: Tarahumara (44”x24”x10”) vs. Patagonia (16”x50”x32”)
- Weight: Tarahumara (0.7 lb) vs. Patagonia (1.2 lb)
- Capacity: Tarahumara (16L) vs. Patagonia (26L)
- Airline compatibility: Tarahumara (100%) vs. Patagonia (81%)
- Material: Tarahumara (500D Cordura) vs. Patagonia (300D 100% postconsumer recycled polyester ripstop, 100% recycled polyester)
- Laptop compatibility: Tarahumara (0-inch laptop) vs. Patagonia (15-inch laptop)
Both the Tarahumara and the Patagonia have received high praise from reviewers who applaud their build quality, versatility, and durable materials. Where the Tarahumara shines is in its simple, elegant design and user-friendly center zip compartment. In contrast, the Patagonia’s selling points include its diverse carrying options (duffel bag, messenger bag, or backpack), and its ‘Ironclad Guarantee’ which speaks volumes about the confidence the makers have in their product.
In conclusion, both the Hill People Gear Tarahumara and the Patagonia Black Hole® Mini MLC® 26L are excellent carry-on options that offer a blend of durability, utility, and style. Whichever backpack you choose, either would make a great travel companion for your next adventure.