Hill People Gear Tarahumara vs. Deuter Giga EL
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 | Deuter Giga EL |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 17 |
| 2 | Main Compartments | 1 |
| N | Organizer | Y |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | R |
| 2 | Water Bottle Holder | 2 |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 500D Cordura | 300D PES Ripstop |
When it comes to carry-on backpacks, the Hill People Gear Tarahumara and the Deuter Giga EL stand apart from the rest. Each possesses unique features and advantages making them worthy contenders for your travel needs. The Tarahumara, as stated in its reviews, is commended for its design and durability, but most remarkably, for its surprisingly spacious interior. With its robust 500D Cordura fabric and a weight of just 0.7 pounds, it's a lightweight, durable option that's compatible with 100% of airlines. It keeps things simple with a 16-liter capacity and despite not having a laptop compartment, this pack is perfect for day hiking or for carrying the essentials plus a bit more.
On the other hand, the Deuter Giga EL boasts of excellent organization with an Extra Long (EL) model for taller individuals and a document compartment to keep your papers neat. Unlike the Tarahumara, the Giga EL includes a laptop compartment accommodating up to a 17-inch laptop, perfect for business travelers or digital nomads. Additionally, it incorporates the Airstripe back system, ensuring a secure fit and ventilation for your back. It's slightly heavier at 1.05 pounds and larger with a 32-liter capacity but maintains compatibility with 79% of airlines. The Giga EL utilizes 300D PES Ripstop material, guaranteeing its durability and longevity.
Let's summarize the comparison in this list:
- Tarahumara is 44 inches tall, 24 inches wide, and 10 inches deep while Giga EL is 20 inches tall, 33 inches wide, and 51 inches deep.
- Tarahumara weighs 0.7 pounds, compared to Giga EL's 1.05 pounds.
- Tarahumara has 16 liters of capacity, Giga EL offers 32 liters.
- Tarahumara is compatible with 100% of airlines and Giga EL with 79%.
- Tarahumara is made of 500D Cordura, while Giga EL uses 300D PES Ripstop.
- Tarahumara does not accommodate a laptop, but the Giga EL provides space for a 17-inch laptop.
Before sealing the deal, be sure to consider each backpack's unique advantages. If you're planning a day hike or require a light carry-on for those quick trips, the Tarahumara is perfect, thanks to its size, build quality, and central zip for easy access. But if you're a digital nomad or frequently travel for work, the Giga EL's laptop compartment, document pouch, and impressive organization make it a brilliant match for your needs. And if you're tall, check out the Extra Long (EL) version of the Giga. No matter which you choose, both these packs were designed with long-lasting quality in mind — you can't really go wrong.