Hill People Gear Tarahumara vs. ILE Flaptop
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 | ILE Flaptop |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| 2 | Compression | Y |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 0 | Opening | 3 |
| back | Passport | Y |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| removable | Hip Belt | N |
| Y | Sternum Strap | removable |
| Inside | ||
| N | Laptop | 15in |
| 2 | Main Compartments | 1 |
| N | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 2, side | Water Bottle Holder | 2 |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 500d Cordura | 1000D Cordura |
ILE Flaptop
| Capacity | 32 L |
| Weight | 0 kg |
| Dimensions | 50.8×30.5×20.3 cm |
| Airline fit | 72% |
| Price | $280 |
Key differences between the Hill People Gear Tarahumara and ILE Flaptop
- Compression straps: 2 on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; Yes on the ILE Flaptop.
- Opening: Other on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; Top flap on the ILE Flaptop.
- Passport pocket: Back on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; Yes on the ILE Flaptop.
- Hip belt: Removable on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; No on the ILE Flaptop.
- Sternum strap: Yes on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; Removable on the ILE Flaptop.
- Laptop sleeve: No on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; 15in on the ILE Flaptop.
- Main compartments: 2 on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; 1 on the ILE Flaptop.
- Water bottle pockets: 2, side on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; 2 on the ILE Flaptop.
Both have: backpack straps, water resistant.
Which airlines take each bag as a carry-on
We checked both bags against the carry-on size limits of 189 airlines. 136 accept both. 45 accept only the Hill People Gear Tarahumara, and 0 accept only the ILE Flaptop.
Only the Hill People Gear Tarahumara fits
Air Baltic, Air China, Air Malta, Air Niugini, Air Serbia, Air Seychelles, Air Tahiti, American Eagle, Asiana Airlines, ATA Airlines, Belavia, Blue Air, Bulgaria Air, China Eastern, easyJet, Emirates Airlines, Enter Air, Etihad Airways, flybe, Great Lakes Airlines, Gulf Air, Icelandair, InselAir, Juneyao Airlines, Luxair, Meridiana Fly, Nordwind Airlines, Qatar Airways, Ravn Alaska, Regional Express, Royal Brunei Airlines, Ryanair, S7, Shandong Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, Sun Express, TAP Air Portugal, TAROM, Tianjin Airlines (A320 & E190), TUI, Ukraine International, VIM Airlines (Closed), Virgin Australia, Volotea, Xiamen.
Starting off with the Hill People Gear Tarahumara by Hill People Gear, this pack measures 44 inches tall, 24 inches wide, and 10 inches deep. It features a lightweight construction, weighing roughly 0.7 pounds. With 16 liters of capacity, it's compatible with all airlines, making it a reliable travel companion. It's crafted from 500D Cordura, known for its durability and resistance to abrasions, tears, and scuffs. However, beware that the Tarahumara has a laptop compartment that isn't suitable for larger laptops.
Comparatively, the ILE Flaptop from Inside Line Equipment stands taller but narrower at 50.8 inches tall, 20.3 inches wide, and 30.5 inches deep. Despite claiming to weigh 0 pounds, it carries double the capacity of the Tarahumara at 32 liters. However, its compatibility with airlines takes a small hit, sitting at 66%. It's made of even tougher material, 1000D Cordura, offering a bit more protection. The Flaptop also offers an accommodating laptop compartment, fitting a 15-inch laptop comfortably.
Bulleted Comparison List
- The Tarahumara measures 44x24x10 inches while the Flaptop comes at 50.8x20.3x30.5 inches.
- The Tarahumara weighs in at 0.7 pounds; the Flaptop weight is immeasurable.
- The Tarahumara has a 16-liter capacity compared to the Flaptop’s 32 liters.
- The Tarahumara is compatible with 100% of airlines, the Flaptop only 66%.
- The Tarahumara is made of 500D Cordura; the Flaptop boasts 1000D Cordura.
- The Tarahumara has a 0-inch laptop compartment; the Flaptop fits a 15-inch laptop.
Reviewers had high praises for both packs. One reviewer commended the Tarahumara's design, execution, and build quality, adding that it would last a lifetime. Others agreed, calling it the best solution to a daypack and praising its capacity, allowing ample room for essentials despite its small exterior. On the other hand, the Flaptop was praised for its durability and ability to keep belongings safe in any weather condition. Detailed craftsmanship and functional organization were also mentioned, highlighting its ease of use on an everyday basis.
In conclusion, both packs offer a great option for their respective uses. The Hill People Gear Tarahumara aligns perfectly for day hiking, offering high build quality and reliable materials, and features a convenient center zip. Alternatively, the ILE Flaptop bags a weatherproof main compartment alongside excellent craftsmanship and functional organization making it a solid choice for those in rain-prone areas or looking for a more organized carry-on. Your preference will ultimately depend on your specific needs and requirements.