Hill People Gear Tarahumara vs. Fjallraven Travel Pack
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 | Fjallraven Travel Pack |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| S | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 0 | Opening | 1 |
| N | Passport | Y |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| S | Backpack | H |
| R | Hip Belt | N |
| S | Sternum Strap | N |
| Inside | ||
| 0 | Laptop | 15 |
| 2 | Main Compartments | 2 |
| N | Organizer | Y |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 2 | Water Bottle Holder | 0 |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 500D Cordura | G-1000® HeavyDuty Eco: 65% polyester, 35% cotton |
Fjallraven Travel Pack
| Capacity | 35 L |
| Weight | 1.65 kg |
| Dimensions | 46×32×27 cm |
| Airline fit | 30% |
| Price | $225 |
The Hill People Gear Tarahumara and the Fjallraven Travel Pack are both top-notch carry-on backpacks, preferred by many for their durable designs and attention to travelers' needs. Yet, they each offer distinct features that make them stand out.
The Tarahumara backpack, by Hill People Gear, presents a minimalist and well-executed approach to design. This bag is admired for its sturdiness, simplicity, and impressively diminutive appearance - don't let it fool you though, as this bag can accommodate much more than it lets on. Despite tipping the scale at 0.7 pounds, a testament to its lightweight design, the Tarahumara offers a respectable 16 liters in capacity. This pack is also made of 500D Cordura material, adding a layer of durability and resistance to wear and tear. However, it's worth noting that there's no room for a laptop.
On the other hand, the Fjallraven Travel Pack sports a Scandinavian style and carries more weight and size. Despite this, it still stands out for its sleek design, and its wider capacity - at 35 liters - is unparalleled. The Travel Pack boasts the G-1000® HeavyDuty Eco fabric, a blend of 65% polyester and 35% cotton, which offers a strong resistance to everyday use, along with a timeless style suited to various contexts. Unlike the Tarahumara, the Fjallraven pack provides a compartment that can comfortably house a 15-inch laptop.
Comparison Points:
- Size: Tarahumara (44"x24"x10"), Fjallraven (27"x32"x46")
- Weight: Tarahumara (0.7 lbs), Fjallraven (1.65 lbs)
- Capacity: Tarahumara (16 liters), Fjallraven (35 liters)
- Airline Compatibility: Tarahumara (100%), Fjallraven (30%)
- Material: Tarahumara (500D Cordura), Fjallraven (G-1000® HeavyDuty Eco - 65% polyester, 35% cotton)
- Laptop Capability: Tarahumara (0 inch), Fjallraven (15 inches)
Both packs have been reviewed positively, and users praise them for their durability and design. But which one you should purchase really depends on your needs. If you're a day hiker looking for a reliable, lightweight pack with a convenient centre zip, the Tarahumara could be your bag. However, if you're someone who needs more space, values a comfy wear, and appreciates functional pockets, including a padded laptop compartment - the Fjallraven may be more your pace.