Hill People Gear Tarahumara vs. Deuter XV 3 SL
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 | Deuter XV 3 SL |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| 2 | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 0 | Opening | 2 |
| back | Passport | N |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| removable | Hip Belt | hideable |
| Y | Sternum Strap | Y |
| Inside | ||
| N | Laptop | 15in |
| 2 | Main Compartments | 1 |
| N | Organizer | Y |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | optional |
| 2, side | Water Bottle Holder | N |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 500d Cordura | 600D PES, 100% recycled fabrics |
Key differences between the Hill People Gear Tarahumara and Deuter XV 3 SL
- Compression straps: 2 on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; No on the Deuter XV 3 SL.
- Opening: Other on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; Rolltop on the Deuter XV 3 SL.
- Passport pocket: Back on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; No on the Deuter XV 3 SL.
- Hip belt: Removable on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; Hideable on the Deuter XV 3 SL.
- Laptop sleeve: No on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; 15in on the Deuter XV 3 SL.
- Main compartments: 2 on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; 1 on the Deuter XV 3 SL.
- Built-in organizer: No on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; Yes on the Deuter XV 3 SL.
- Rain cover: No on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; Optional on the Deuter XV 3 SL.
- Water bottle pockets: 2, side on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; No on the Deuter XV 3 SL.
Both have: backpack straps, sternum strap, water resistant.
Which airlines take each bag as a carry-on
We checked both bags against the carry-on size limits of 189 airlines. 166 accept both. 15 accept only the Hill People Gear Tarahumara, and 0 accept only the Deuter XV 3 SL.
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, WestJet.
The Hill People Gear Tarahumara is a lean, efficient beast of a backpack; built for maximum use with minimal waste. Its rugged 500D Cordura construction exudes a kind of quiet confidence that lets you know it's prepared for whatever you can throw at it. With a surprisingly spacious interior for such a compact size, as one reviewer raved, it is almost Tardis-like in its capacity. This is a bag built for versatility, the dextrous utility of the main compartment being a particular standout. That said, while its austerity is a strength, it also means no space for a laptop. But hey, nothing's perfect, right?
Compared to the Hill People Gear Tarahumara, the Deuter XV 3 SL is the padded luxury car of carry-on backpacks. It’s noticeably heavier even if only by about a third of a pound, which you might appreciate is due to all its bells and whistles. Made from 100% recycled fabrics, it boasts a roomier 21 liters capacity and a secure compartment for your 15” laptop. It loves you carrying it too, featuring the SL carry system specially designed for women's body sizes and the superior comfort of the Deuter Airstripes system. However, it's not airline friendly; at least with about 22% of them.
Here’s how they both stack up:
- Hill People Gear Tarahumara measures 44" x 24" x 10", Deuter XV 3 SL is more compact at 20" x 30" x 54"
- The former weighs 0.7 pounds, the latter is slightly heavier at 1.03 pounds.
- Hill People Gear Tarahumara can carry 16 liters, Deuter XV 3 SL has a capacity of 21 liters.
- The former is made of 500D Cordura, the latter is crafted from 600D PES, 100% recycled fabrics.
- Hill People Gear Tarahumara is 100% airline-friendly, Deuter XV 3 SL isn't quite there at 78%.
From a casual hiker to a committed urbanite, both the Hill People Gear Tarahumara and the Deuter XV 3 SL have a lot to offer, each catering to very different needs. The former's simplicity, durability, and compatibility make it the ideal choice for those with a minimalist streak, or for anyone that requires a straightforward, solidly built pack. Feed it your daily essentials; watch cap, keys, favorite novel, and watch it work.
The Deuter XV 3 SL, on the other hand, brings a degree of sophistication and attention to detail that sophisticates might prefer. Its SL and Airstripes systems provide an unparallel level of comfort and fit, and its separate laptop compartment strikes a fine balance between utility and organization. Just keep an eye on those airline compatibilities when you make plans for your next big adventure.