Hill People Gear Tarahumara vs. Bellroy Transit Backpack Plus
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 | Bellroy Transit Backpack Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| 2 | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 0 | Opening | 1 |
| back | Passport | top |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| removable | Hip Belt | N |
| Y | Sternum Strap | removable |
| Inside | ||
| N | Laptop | 16in |
| 2 | Main Compartments | 4 |
| N | Organizer | Y |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 2, side | Water Bottle Holder | 2, side |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 500d Cordura | Baida Nylon |
Bellroy Transit Backpack Plus
| Capacity | 38 L |
| Weight | 1.5 kg |
| Dimensions | 55×38×24 cm |
| Airline fit | 19% |
| Price | $320 |
Key differences between the Hill People Gear Tarahumara and Bellroy Transit Backpack Plus
- Compression straps: 2 on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; No on the Bellroy Transit Backpack Plus.
- Opening: Other on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; Clamshell on the Bellroy Transit Backpack Plus.
- Passport pocket: Back on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; Top on the Bellroy Transit Backpack Plus.
- Hip belt: Removable on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; No on the Bellroy Transit Backpack Plus.
- Sternum strap: Yes on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; Removable on the Bellroy Transit Backpack Plus.
- Laptop sleeve: No on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; 16in on the Bellroy Transit Backpack Plus.
- Main compartments: 2 on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; 4 on the Bellroy Transit Backpack Plus.
- Built-in organizer: No on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; Yes on the Bellroy Transit Backpack Plus.
Both have: backpack straps, water bottle pockets, water resistant.
Which airlines take each bag as a carry-on
We checked both bags against the carry-on size limits of 189 airlines. 35 accept both. 146 accept only the Hill People Gear Tarahumara, and 0 accept only the Bellroy Transit Backpack Plus.
Only the Hill People Gear Tarahumara fits
Aerolineas Argentinas, Air Asia, Air Baltic, Air Canada, Air China, Air Europa, Air France, Air India, Air Koryo, Air Macau, Air Malta, Air Mauritius, Air Niugini, Air Serbia, Air Seychelles, Air Tahiti, Air Tahiti Nui, Air Wisconsin, AirAsiaX, Alaska Airlines, All Nipon Airways, Allegiant Air, American Airlines, American Eagle, ANA, Asiana Airlines, ATA Airlines, Austrian, Avianca , Azerbaijan Airlines, Azul Linhas, Bahamasair, Bangkok Airways, Belavia, Biman Bangladesh, Blue Air, Boliviana de Aviacion, Brussels Airlines, Bulgaria Air, Cambodia Angkor Air, Caribbean Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Cayman Airways, Cebu Pacific, China Airlines, China Eastern, China Southern, CommutAir, Conviasa, Copa Airlines, Croatia Air, Cubana de Aviacion, Delta Airlines, Dragonair, easyJet, Emirates Airlines, Enter Air, Ethiopian Airlines, Etihad Airways, Eurowings, EVA Air, Fiji Airways, Flair Air, flybe, Garuda Indonesia, Great Lakes Airlines, Gulf Air, Hainan Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, Hong Kong Airlines, Icelandair, Indigo, InselAir, Iran Air, Iran Aseman Air, Jet Airways, jetBlue Airways, Jetstar Airways, Jetstar Asia, Juneyao Airlines, Kenya Airways, KLM, Korean Air, Kulula, LATAM , Liat Airlines, LOT Polish, Lufthansa, Luxair, Mahan Air, Malaysia Airlines, Mango, Meridiana Fly, Mesa Airlines, Nordwind Airlines, Norwegian, Oman Air, Pakistan International, Philippine Airlines, Porter Airlines, Qantas Airways, Qatar Airways, Ravn Alaska, Regional Express, Republic Airways, Royal Air Morocco, Royal Brunei Airlines, Royal Jordanian, Ryanair, S7, SAS Scandinavian, Saudi Arabian Airlines, Scoot, Shandong Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, Sichuan Airlines, SilkAir, Silver Airways, Singapore Airlines, Sky Airlines, Skywest, Inc., South African Airways, SpiceJet, SriLankan Airlines, Sun Express, Swiss Int'l Air Lines, TAAG Angola, TAM Airlines, TAP Air Portugal, TAROM, Tianjin Airlines (A320 & E190), Tiger Airways, Trans States, TUI, Turkish Airlines, Ukraine International, United Airlines, Ural Airlines, Uzbekistan Air, Vietnam Airlines, VIM Airlines (Closed), Virgin Atlantic, Virgin Australia, Volotea, WestJet, Xiamen.
When it comes to carry-on backpacks, two models that stand out are the Hill People Gear Tarahumara by Hill People Gear and the Bellroy Transit Backpack Plus by Bellroy. The Tarahumara measures 44 inches tall, 24 inches wide, and 10 inches deep, making it a comfortable fit for most airline regulations. On the other hand, the Bellroy Transit Backpack Plus, significantly larger at 24 inches tall, 38 inches wide, and 55 inches deep, may pose some limitations to compatibility with airline standards.
Comparing the two, here are the bullet points that highlight their differences:
- Tarahumara is significantly lighter at 0.7 pounds, compared to the Bellroy's weight of 1.5 pounds
- Tarahumara offers 16 liters of capacity, while the Bellroy packs in a substantial 38 liters
- While the Tarahumara is compatible with all airlines, Bellroy restricts usage to 32% of airlines
- Tarahumara is made of tough 500D Cordura, while the Bellroy combines Polyester, Nylon, and Leather
- Tarahumara doesn't provide a laptop compartment, Bellroy comfortably accommodates a 15-inch laptop
In terms of reviews, the Tarahumara scores highly for its durability and simplicity. It's praised for looking compact while actually offering ample room to fit daily essentials, and even some additional space. The Bellroy Transit Backpack Plus, on the other hand, is greatly commended for its minimal aesthetic and organization. It's not only resoundingly comfortable to use, thanks to ample padding, but also appeals with its stylish, sleek design.
Why should you purchase either of these bags? Well, the Tarahumara is perfect for day hiking offering excellent build quality and a secure zip for easy access. Bellroy Transit Backpack Plus, however, stands out for its comfortable design, excellent organization, and eco-friendly construct. All in all, both these bags have their unique strengths and appeal to different kinds of travelers. Decide based on your exact use-case and preference. Regardless of the choice, rest assured you will be investing in a quality product built to last.