Hill People Gear Tarahumara vs. Able Carry Max Backpack
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 | Able Carry Max Backpack |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| 2 | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 0 | Opening | 1 |
| back | Passport | top |
| N | Passthrough | Y |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| removable | Hip Belt | N |
| Y | Sternum Strap | hideable |
| Inside | ||
| N | Laptop | 17in |
| 2 | Main Compartments | 6 |
| N | Organizer | Y |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 2, side | Water Bottle Holder | 1, side |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 500d Cordura | X-Pac Fabric and Cordura 1000D Nylon Weight: 1.7kg xpac; 1.6 cordura ripstop |
Able Carry Max Backpack
| Capacity | 30 L |
| Weight | 1.7 kg |
| Dimensions | 52×32×20 cm |
| Airline fit | 88% |
| Price | $278 |
Key differences between the Hill People Gear Tarahumara and Able Carry Max Backpack
- Compression straps: 2 on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; No on the Able Carry Max Backpack.
- Opening: Other on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; Clamshell on the Able Carry Max Backpack.
- Passport pocket: Back on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; Top on the Able Carry Max Backpack.
- Luggage passthrough: No on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; Yes on the Able Carry Max Backpack.
- Hip belt: Removable on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; No on the Able Carry Max Backpack.
- Sternum strap: Yes on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; Hideable on the Able Carry Max Backpack.
- Laptop sleeve: No on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; 17in on the Able Carry Max Backpack.
- Main compartments: 2 on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; 6 on the Able Carry Max Backpack.
- Built-in organizer: No on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; Yes on the Able Carry Max Backpack.
- Water bottle pockets: 2, side on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; 1, side on the Able Carry Max Backpack.
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. 167 accept both. 14 accept only the Hill People Gear Tarahumara, and 0 accept only the Able Carry Max Backpack.
Only the Hill People Gear Tarahumara fits
Air Niugini, Air Tahiti, American Eagle, Belavia, easyJet, Etihad Airways, Great Lakes Airlines, Gulf Air, Oman Air, Qatar Airways, Ravn Alaska, Regional Express, Royal Jordanian, Virgin Australia.
When it comes to the ultimate carry-on backpack, two brands undeniably rise to the top: the Hill People Gear Tarahumara and the Able Carry Max Backpack. The Tarahumara guitar is the underdog of Hill People Gear, somewhat understated in design, yet made of the dependable 500D Cordura, a material synonymous with high durability and strength. It stands at 44 inches tall, 24 inches wide, and 10 inches deep, offering 16 liters of storage capacity, and weighs a negligible 0.7 pounds. The Tarahumara is commended for its lasting build quality and compact design, deemed perfect for day hiking where storage demands are minimal.
On the contrary, the Able Carry Max Backpack is a behemoth of a backpack, at 20 inches tall, 32 inches wide, and 52 inches deep, and weighs slightly more at 1.72 pounds. It offers an alluring 30-liter storage capacity, amiable for those longer haul flights. Constructed with the same attention to detail, the Max Backpack consists of a tougher 1000D Cordura Nylon, warranting a durable and longer lifespan. The backpack shines with its copious deep-pocketed compartments, a definitive selling point for the meticulously organized traveler.
- Dimensions & Weight (HPG vs AC): 44x24x10 & 0.7lb vs 20x32x52 & 1.72lbs
- Storage Capacity (HPG vs AC): 16L vs 30L
- Material (HPG vs AC): 500D Cordura vs 1000D Cordura Nylon
- Airline Compatibility (HPG vs AC): 100% vs 79%
- Laptop Compartment: Fits a 0-inch laptop vs a 16-inch laptop
- Reliability: Both constructed using durable materials targeted to last for a while
Visibly, the Tarahumara and Max Backpack run in different leagues, catering to distinct traveler types. Quotes pulled from several reviews highlight the Tarahumara's compact design and smart build, an ideal companion for simple, light travel. It excels in its unwavering quality and the convenience of its center zip. The Able Carry Max Backpack, in contrast, enamors with its architectural detailing and ample storage compartments, perfect for the stylish and spacious junkie.
In conclusion, the Hill People Gear Tarahumara and the Able Carry Max Backpack derive their olot on individual strength points. If you seek a sturdy, compact pack for day trips, the Tarahumara should top your list. But if storage and organization intrigue you, the Able Carry Max Backpack cannot be overlooked. Regardless of your choice, both these backpacks promise lasting builds, reliable materials, and longevity, essential traits for an imperturbable journey.