Hill People Gear Tarahumara vs. Exped Mountain Pro 40 Women

Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.

Hill People Gear Tarahumara

Front facing view of the Hill People Gear Tarahumara
Capacity16 L
Weight0.7 kg
Dimensions44×24×10 cm
Airline fit100%
Price$125

Feature by feature

Hill People Gear TarahumaraFeatureExped Mountain Pro 40 Women
Storage
S Compression N
None Expanded Capacity None
0 Opening 4
N Passport N
N Passthrough N
Carry
S Backpack S
R Hip Belt R
S Sternum Strap S
Inside
0 Laptop 0
2 Main Compartments 1
N Organizer N
Outside
× Hard Shell ×
N Rain-fly N
2 Water Bottle Holder 0
Y Water Resistant Y
Material
500D Cordura420 D Oxford nylon, PU coated, 3'000 mm water column

Exped Mountain Pro 40 Women

Front facing view of the Exped Mountain Pro 40 Women
Capacity40 L
Weight0.2 kg
Dimensions62×29×24 cm
Airline fit89%
Price$190

When it comes to carry-on backpacks, it's hard to beat the trusty Hill People Gear Tarahumara. With its stout build and elegant simplicity, it packs a punch by managing to fit seemingly endless amounts of gear into its 16-liter capacity. Reviewers love it for its size - just right for a day hike and can comfortably fit a jacket, keys, books, and items. Don't let its petite exterior fool you, its interior is a surprisingly spacious Tardis. Its construction uses a 500D Cordura material guaranteeing you that it's going to last you a lifetime. The highlight of this backpack is its center zip, which makes accessing the main compartment both easy and secure.

On the other hand, we have the Exped Mountain Pro 40 Women backpack. She's lightweight, yet durable at a mere 0.2 pounds. Made of 420 D Oxford nylon PU coated, it claims a 3'000 mm water column, showcasing its impressive weatherproofing abilities. This pack was designed with women in mind, providing a shorter back system for comfort. The Exped can handle a lot, with its 40-liter capacity and numerous attachment points for outdoor gears. Another notable feature is a removable, weatherproof document bag for your valuables.

Here's the rundown:

As with anything, choosing between the Hill People Gear Tarahumara and the Exped Mountain Pro 40 Women ultimately comes down to personal preference. Each backpack has its charm. The Tarahumara is the trusty companion that manages to do just about anything you need in a day's work. And the Exped Mountain Pro 40, built for the female adventurer, offers comfort, durability, weatherproofing, and lots of storage and attachment points for your outdoor adventures. The choice depends on what your needs are and how you plan to use the bag. Either way, both bags are hard to go wrong with. They're everything you'd want in a carry-on backpack - robust, practical, comfortable. Make a pick based on your lifestyle and enjoy the journey ahead.