Hill People Gear Tarahumara vs. Chrome Rostov
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 | Chrome Rostov |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| 2 | Compression | 2 |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 0 | Opening | 0 |
| back | Passport | front |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| removable | Hip Belt | N |
| Y | Sternum Strap | removable |
| Inside | ||
| N | Laptop | 15in |
| 2 | Main Compartments | 2 |
| N | Organizer | Y |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 2, side | Water Bottle Holder | 1, side |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 500d Cordura | Abrasion resistant 1050d nylon exterior 1680d ballistic nylon bottom panel |
Chrome Rostov
| Capacity | 23 L |
| Weight | 0.9 kg |
| Dimensions | 47×31×16 cm |
| Airline fit | 92% |
| Price | $115 |
Key differences between the Hill People Gear Tarahumara and Chrome Rostov
- Passport pocket: Back on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; Front on the Chrome Rostov.
- Hip belt: Removable on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; No on the Chrome Rostov.
- Sternum strap: Yes on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; Removable on the Chrome Rostov.
- Laptop sleeve: No on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; 15in on the Chrome Rostov.
- Built-in organizer: No on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; Yes on the Chrome Rostov.
- Water bottle pockets: 2, side on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; 1, side on the Chrome Rostov.
Both have: compression straps, 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. 174 accept both. 7 accept only the Hill People Gear Tarahumara, and 0 accept only the Chrome Rostov.
Only the Hill People Gear Tarahumara fits
Air Niugini, Air Tahiti, American Eagle, easyJet, Great Lakes Airlines, Gulf Air, Ravn Alaska.
The Hill People Gear Tarahumara backpack is a solid option for day hiking enthusiasts and serious travelers. Weighing only 0.7 pounds, it barely adds any additional load, allowing you to pack more for the journey. It offers 16 liters of space, which is ingeniously designed to accommodate day-to-day necessities. To bolster its durability, this pack uses 500D Cordura material, known for its toughness and resistance to tears and abrasion. However, one downside might be its laptop compartment size, which is 0 inches; it can't accommodate laptops.
On the other hand, the Chrome Rostov backpack offers more versatility, given its larger overall dimensions and weight. It stands 47 inches tall, with a width of 31 inches, and a depth of 16 inches. At 0.9 pounds, it runs a bit heavier than the Tarahumara. However, it makes up for this by boasting a larger carrying capacity - 23 liters. The Rostov is crafted from Abrasion-resistant 1050d nylon exterior 1680d ballistic nylon bottom panel, promising both durability and resistance to wear. Unlike its counterpart, the Rostov has a designated space for a 15-inch laptop, making it a go-to choice for digital nomads.
Key points to compare:
- The Hill People Gear Tarahumara is smaller, lighter, and suitable for basic needs (16 liters; 0.7 pounds).
- The Chrome Rostov offers a larger carrying capacity (23 liters) and can accommodate a laptop thanks to its 15-inch laptop compartment. However, it is slightly heavier at 0.9 pounds.
- Materialwise, the Tarahumara is fabricated from 500D Cordura, whereas the Rostov from Abrasion-resistant 1050d nylon exterior 1680d ballistic nylon bottom panel.
- In terms of airline compatibility, the Tarahumara triumphs with 100% compatibility, compared to Rostov's 98%.
Reviewers have praised the Hill People Gear Tarahumara as a well-designed, robust pack that will last a lifetime, and is always ready for any adventure. Its small size doesn't compromise its capacity, making it the most efficient solution to day backpacking. However, a clear letdown is its lack of a proper laptop compartment.
In conclusion, both backpacks are great picks, each with their strengths and minor weaknesses. The Tarahumara packs reliability, convenience, and quality materials into a smaller frame, perfect for day hiking. Simultaneously, the Rostov prioritizes versatility by offering a larger capacity and welcoming the modern age with a laptop compartment, making it suitable for a broad variety of users. Depends on individual packing needs and preferences, both have potential to be an ideal companion for your next journey.