Hill People Gear Tarahumara vs. Eagle Creek Convertabrief
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 | Eagle Creek Convertabrief |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| 2 | Compression | Y |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 0 | Opening | 4 |
| back | Passport | Y |
| N | Passthrough | Y |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | hideable |
| removable | Hip Belt | N |
| Y | Sternum Strap | N |
| Inside | ||
| N | Laptop | 17in |
| 2 | Main Compartments | 1 |
| N | Organizer | Y |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 2, side | Water Bottle Holder | N |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 500d Cordura | Bi-Tech™ Heather, 1000D Helix™ Poly Twill |
Eagle Creek Convertabrief
| Capacity | 26.5 L |
| Weight | 1.41 kg |
| Dimensions | 45×32×20 cm |
| Airline fit | 95% |
| Price | $199 |
Key differences between the Hill People Gear Tarahumara and Eagle Creek Convertabrief
- Compression straps: 2 on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; Yes on the Eagle Creek Convertabrief.
- Opening: Other on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; Top zip on the Eagle Creek Convertabrief.
- Passport pocket: Back on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; Yes on the Eagle Creek Convertabrief.
- Luggage passthrough: No on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; Yes on the Eagle Creek Convertabrief.
- Backpack straps: Yes on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; Hideable on the Eagle Creek Convertabrief.
- Hip belt: Removable on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; No on the Eagle Creek Convertabrief.
- Sternum strap: Yes on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; No on the Eagle Creek Convertabrief.
- Laptop sleeve: No on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; 17in on the Eagle Creek Convertabrief.
- Main compartments: 2 on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; 1 on the Eagle Creek Convertabrief.
- Built-in organizer: No on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; Yes on the Eagle Creek Convertabrief.
- Water bottle pockets: 2, side on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; No on the Eagle Creek Convertabrief.
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. 179 accept both. 2 accept only the Hill People Gear Tarahumara, and 0 accept only the Eagle Creek Convertabrief.
Only the Hill People Gear Tarahumara fits
Air Niugini, Great Lakes Airlines.
Let's see how the Hill People Gear Tarahumara fares against the Eagle Creek Convertabrief. First, let's talk about size and weight. The Tarahumara, with its dimensions of 44 inches tall, 24 inches wide, and 10 inches deep is a relatively compact bag that's easy to carry - thanks to its weight of just 0.7 pounds. The Convertabrief, on the other hand, is significantly more robust at 20 inches tall, 45 inches wide, and 32 inches deep, and bears a weight of about 1.41 pounds.
Next, let's look at both backpacks' capacity and airline compatibility. While the Tarahumara offers a modest 16-liter capacity, it is compatible with 100% of airlines making it highly reliable. The Convertabrief offers a larger capacity with 26.5 liters, but falls slightly short in terms of airline compatibility - clocking in at 83%.
So, to sum up:
- Size and weight: Tarahumara (44x24x10 inch / 0.7 lbs) vs Convertabrief (20x45x32 inch / 1.41 lbs)
- Capacity: Tarahumara (16 liters) vs Convertabrief (26.5 liters)
- Airline compatibility: Tarahumara (100%) vs Convertabrief (83%)
We also have to compare the materials used and the laptops they can hold. The Tarahumara is made of durable 500D Cordura but does not have a laptop compartment. The Convertabrief is made of Bi-Tech™ Heather and 1000D Helix™ Poly Twill, and can fit a laptop up to 17 inches - a big plus for digital nomads.
Lastly, obtaining user reviews for both the bags gives us a better understanding of their hands-on experience. Reviewers praise the Tarahumara for its interior space, well-executed design, and durable materials, conjuring an image of a compact, hard-hitting pack for day-hiking. The Convertabrief, meanwhile, earns points for its versatility, vast storage space, and robust design - making it a top choice for frequent travelers.
So here's why customers do say you should buy the Tarahumara: it's perfect for day hikes, boasts great build quality from reliable materials, and has a center zip that is very convenient. As for buying the Convertabrief, customers vouch for its highly functional organization and diverse carrying options (briefcase, shoulder bag, or backpack). They also laud its great craftsmanship and durability, and it can even easily fit into an airplane's overhead bin or under the seat. With these facts laid out, which one earns your favor ultimately depends on your specific needs.