Hill People Gear Tarahumara vs. Vancropak Travel 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 | Vancropak Travel Backpack |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| S | Compression | S |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 0 | Opening | 1 |
| N | Passport | Y |
| N | Passthrough | |
| Carry | ||
| S | Backpack | H |
| R | Hip Belt | N |
| S | Sternum Strap | S |
| Inside | ||
| 0 | Laptop | 17 |
| 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 | Polyester Farbric |
Vancropak Travel Backpack
| Capacity | 40 L |
| Weight | 0.9 kg |
| Dimensions | 51×36×18 cm |
| Airline fit | 98% |
The Hill People Gear Tarahumara backpack is built for those who appreciate compactness and quality. It measures a mere 44 inches tall, 24 inches wide, and 10 inches deep, and you can forget that you have it strapped on your shoulders as it only weighs 0.7 pounds. This mini-beast, built with 500D Cordura, can hold up to 16 liters of content and is approved for use by all airlines. Its design is simple yet smart, featuring a center zip for easy access to the main compartment. However, it doesn't have a laptop compartment.
The Vancropak Travel Backpack, on the other hand, stands out in several ways, like its ample capacity and TSA approved zipper. It's significantly larger than the Tarahumara, measuring 18 inches tall, 36 inches wide, and 51 inches deep, but still remains light with a weight of 0.9 pounds. This polyester fabric backpack has the capacity to accommodate 40 liters of your travel essentials. It is compatible with 98% of airlines and unique with its ventilated back, ensuring you don't get sweaty after hours of carrying. Most impressively, this bag can comfortably house a 17-inch laptop in its dedicated compartment.
To summarize, the differences are:
- Size: Hill People Gear Tarahumara is smaller (44x24x10 inches) compared to Vancropak Travel Backpack (18x36x51 inches).
- Weight: Hill People Gear Tarahumara is slightly lighter (0.7 lbs) than the Vancropak Travel Backpack (0.9 lbs).
- Capacity: Hill People Gear Tarahumara has less capacity (16 liters) than the Vancropak Travel Backpack (40 liters).
- Material: Hill People Gear Tarahumara is made of 500D Cordura while the Vancropak Travel Backpack is made of Polyester Fabric.
- Laptop compartment: Only the Vancropak Travel Backpack has this feature, fitting up to a 17-inch laptop.
Backpacks are a personal preference; there isn't one that is inherently better than the other. If you're a minimalist who values quality over quantity, the Hill People Gear Tarahumara is for you. With a well-designed, sturdy built, and a size perfect for day hiking, you’ll have a bag that’ll last a lifetime.
For those who prefer modern conveniences like a laptop compartment and TSA-approved zipper, and don't mind some extra space and weight, the Vancropak Travel Backpack is worth considering. Its well-ventilated back ensures comfort even with extended use and it's a great budget pick.