Hill People Gear Tarahumara vs. Aer Flight Pack
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 | Aer Flight Pack |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| 2 | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 0 | Opening | 1 |
| back | Passport | top |
| N | Passthrough | Y |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | hideable |
| removable | Hip Belt | N |
| Y | Sternum Strap | N |
| Inside | ||
| N | Laptop | 16in |
| 2 | Main Compartments | 4 |
| N | Organizer | Y |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 2, side | Water Bottle Holder | 1, side |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 500d Cordura | 1680D Cordura ballistic nylon |
Key differences between the Hill People Gear Tarahumara and Aer Flight Pack
- Compression straps: 2 on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; No on the Aer Flight Pack.
- Opening: Other on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; Clamshell on the Aer Flight Pack.
- Passport pocket: Back on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; Top on the Aer Flight Pack.
- Luggage passthrough: No on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; Yes on the Aer Flight Pack.
- Backpack straps: Yes on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; Hideable on the Aer Flight Pack.
- Hip belt: Removable on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; No on the Aer Flight Pack.
- Sternum strap: Yes on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; No on the Aer Flight Pack.
- Laptop sleeve: No on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; 16in on the Aer Flight Pack.
- Main compartments: 2 on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; 4 on the Aer Flight Pack.
- Built-in organizer: No on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; Yes on the Aer Flight Pack.
- Water bottle pockets: 2, side on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; 1, side on the Aer Flight Pack.
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. 178 accept both. 3 accept only the Hill People Gear Tarahumara, and 0 accept only the Aer Flight Pack.
Only the Hill People Gear Tarahumara fits
Air Tahiti, Great Lakes Airlines, Gulf Air.
With its classic design and robust make, the Hill People Gear Tarahumara stands tall and proud at 44 inches. Compact and light at just 0.7 pounds, it still offers a nice 16 liters of capacity - optimal for day hikers looking for a handy carry-on. It wears the 500D Cordura as a badge, promising quality and endurance. It's compatible with every airline out there, ticking a box for the jet setting lot. However, it lacks in laptop compartments, offering none to be precise.
On the other hand, we have the modern yet stately, Aer Flight Pack. With its impressive stature of 49 inches and a broader 33 inches width, it is a touch heavier at 1.3 pounds. But every extra pound offers ample room with its superior 23.6 liters of carrying capacity. The materials are top-notch too, boasting 1680D Cordura ballistic nylon. Almost hitting a home run with 98% airline compatibility, it scores big with a spacious 16 inch compartment for your work or entertainment on the go.
- Size: Tarahumara (44" x 24" x 10") vs Aer Flight Pack (49" x 33" x 14")
- Weight: Tarahumara (0.7 lbs) vs Aer Flight Pack (1.3 lbs)
- Capacity: Tarahumara (16 liters) vs Aer Flight Pack (23.6 liters)
- Airline Compatibility: Tarahumara (100%) vs Aer Flight Pack (98%)
- Material: Tarahumara (500D Cordura) vs Aer Flight Pack (1680D Cordura ballistic nylon)
- Laptop Compartment: Tarahumara (No) vs Aer Flight Pack (Yes, up to 16")
Based on the range of reviewers' insights, the Hill People Gear Tarahumara is a strong contender in the realm of carry-on backpacks. Hailed for its exquisite design and undeniable robustness, it's a bag to reckon. The HPG team is known for their hands-on customer service and swift responses. According to one reviewer, it is the perfect solution for a daypack and possesses surprising interior space despite its deceptively small appearance.
Of course, buying one boils down to users' specific needs and tastes. If day hiking is what you're after, the Hill People Gear Tarahumara would prove to be a worthy investment. It's light, durable, and offers straightforward access to the main compartment. On the other hand, if you're someone who likes to carry a tech gadget around, you might find the Aer Flight Pack with its laptop compartment more suitably equipped. Ultimately, both these packs are beautifully designed, promise longevity, and offer great storage solutions, making either a fantastic choice.