Hill People Gear Tarahumara vs. BURN 38L

Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.

Hill People Gear Tarahumara

Front facing view of the Hill People Gear Tarahumara
Capacity16 L
Weight0.7 kg
Dimensions44×24×10 cm
Airline fit100%
Price$125

Feature by feature

Hill People Gear TarahumaraFeatureBURN 38L
Storage
S Compression N
None Expanded Capacity None
0 Opening 2
N Passport N
N Passthrough N
Carry
S Backpack S
R Hip Belt S
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 2
Y Water Resistant Y
Material
500D CorduraDX 210d Ripstop Fabric

BURN 38L

Front facing view of the BURN 38L
Capacity38 L
Weight0.45 kg
Dimensions70×25×15 cm
Airline fit30%
Price$220

Let's start with the Hill People Gear Tarahumara. Despite its rather compact measurements of 44" in height, 24" in width, and 10" in depth, the Tarahumara is surprisingly spacious. Its 16-liter capacity provides enough room for the essentials, holding its contents well. Here's something noteworthy - the Tarahumara weighs in at a paltry 0.7 pounds. It's lightweight, robust, and entirely airline-friendly. Made of 500D Cordura, this backpack proves that sturdy material and polished design can coexist organically. Although it didn't come with a laptop compartment, it still rose to prominence in reviewers' praise due to its top-tier build quality and unmatched longevity.

On the other side of the spectrum, we have the BURN 38L by Mountain Laurel Designs. This backpack, noticeably wider than the Tarahumara, stands at a modest 15" in height with a whopping 70" depth, providing a commendable 38 liters of storage. It's lighter than its rival, weighing just 0.45 pounds, but sacrifices its compatibility with airlines, restricting it to only 30% of them. The BURN 38L is made of DX 210d Ripstop Fabric, adding robustness to its arsenal of features. Again, no laptop compartment here, but reviewers were quick to admire this bag's durability, performance, and the durability-to-weight ratio.

Here's a quick comparison for you:

In conclusion, the Hill People Gear Tarahumara and the BURN 38L, although similar in many ways, cater to different needs and preferences. The Tarahumara, with its lightweight design and 100% airline compatibility, might be the go-to choice for those who travel frequently and need a reliable, compact bag. Meanwhile, with its larger carrying capacity and stunning durability, the BURN 38L is a favorite for those tackling longer journeys and seeking a lasting companion. There's no right or wrong decision here, only the best decision for your needs. I hope you find the ideal backpack for your adventures. Happy travels!