Hill People Gear Tarahumara vs. Exped Serac 35
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 | Exped Serac 35 |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| S | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 0 | Opening | 2 |
| 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 Cordura | 400 D HD ripstop nylon, TPU film laminated, 10'000 mm water column |
The Hill People Gear Tarahumara and the Exped Serac 35 are both robust and reliable carry-on backpack options. They come from reputable manufacturers, both promise longevity, and each provides distinctly unique features to meet a variety of traveller requirements.
The Tarahumara by Hill People Gear stands out for its simplicity and compactness. Being portable and lightweight at just 0.7 pounds, it provides 16 litres of capacity—a practical choice for day hiking and daily commuting. Despite its considerably small size, it maximizes storage with a design that reviewers praised as “spacious despite its diminutive exterior appearance.” Furthermore, its 100% airline compatibility makes it a hassle-free travel companion. The Tarahumara’s sturdy and durable 500D Cordura construction guarantees a long-lasting pack. While it doesn't offer space for a laptop, this pack makes up for it with its utility and durability.
Meanwhile, the Exped Serac 35 advertises strength with its 400D HD ripstop nylon laminated with TPU film—an incredibly strong build that ensures its water resistance up to a 10,000 mm water column. It more than doubles Tarahumara's capacity at 35 liters, accommodating more gear for those who need it. However, this added size means the Serac 35 is compatible with fewer airlines (only 30%). At 0.82 pounds, it's slightly heavier but still categorizes as lightweight. Like the Tarahumara, it doesn’t include a laptop compartment, but reviewers appreciated its robustness and multitude of attachment points for outdoor gear, making it a trustworthy partner for alpine adventures.
Here are the key comparison points:
- Dimensions: Tarahumara (44x24x10 inches) vs Serac 35 (23x30x62 inches)
- Weight: Tarahumara (0.7 pounds) vs Serac 35 (0.82 pounds)
- Capacity: Tarahumara (16 liters) vs Serac 35 (35 liters)
- Airline Compatibility: Tarahumara (100%) vs Serac 35 (30%)
- Material: Tarahumara (500D Cordura) vs Serac 35 (400D HD ripstop nylon)
- Laptop Compartment: Both Packs have a 0-inch laptop compartment
In summary, both the Hill People Gear Tarahumara and the Exped Serac 35 make for excellent carry-on backpacks. The Tarahumara is compact, lightweight and durable, ideal for those who travel light and prefer a straightforward, fuss-free pack. On the other hand, the Serac 35 with its excellent weatherproofing and larger storage, shines out as the companion of choice for more adventurous souls. Ultimately, your selection between these two packs would ride on your personal needs and adventure preferences.