Hill People Gear Tarahumara vs. MEC Trail 24
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 | MEC Trail 24 |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| 2 | Compression | |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 0 | Opening | 0 |
| back | Passport | N |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | |
| removable | Hip Belt | |
| Y | Sternum Strap | |
| Inside | ||
| N | Laptop | |
| 2 | Main Compartments | 1 |
| N | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | |
| 2, side | Water Bottle Holder | 2 |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 500d Cordura | Polyurethane-coated Polyester |
MEC Trail 24
| Capacity | 24 L |
| Weight | 4.3 kg |
| Dimensions | 47×28×21 cm |
| Airline fit | 75% |
Key differences between the Hill People Gear Tarahumara and MEC Trail 24
- Passport pocket: Back on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; No on the MEC Trail 24.
- Main compartments: 2 on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; 1 on the MEC Trail 24.
- Water bottle pockets: 2, side on the Hill People Gear Tarahumara; 2 on the MEC Trail 24.
Both have: water resistant.
Which airlines take each bag as a carry-on
We checked both bags against the carry-on size limits of 189 airlines. 141 accept both. 40 accept only the Hill People Gear Tarahumara, and 0 accept only the MEC Trail 24.
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, flybe, Gulf Air, Icelandair, InselAir, Juneyao Airlines, Luxair, Meridiana Fly, Nordwind Airlines, Ravn Alaska, 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), Volotea, Xiamen.
The Hill People Gear Tarahumara and the MEC Trail 24 are both top contenders in the carry-on backpack game. Let's level the playing field first - both packs are well-built using quality materials. The Tarahumara, named after a Mexican tribe known for their long-distance running abilities, is constructed from 500D Cordura, ensuring durability and toughness. The MEC Trail 24, on the other hand, sports a Polyurethane-coated Polyester exterior, ensuring water resistance while remaining lightweight.
The Tarahumara eases itself into a niche perfect for day hikers - weighing only 0.7 pounds with a 16-liter capacity, it has received praise for its perfect size, excellent build quality, and the convenience of the center zip. The Trail 24, contrary to its name, boasts a larger 24-liter capacity and weighs in at a hefty 4.3 pounds - ideal for those who prefer extra space but don't mind the added weight.
Here's our quick-fire comparison:
- Height: Tarahumara (44 in), MEC Trail (21 in)
- Width: Tarahumara (24 in), MEC Trail (28 in)
- Depth: Tarahumara (10 in), MEC Trail (47 in)
- Weight: Tarahumara (0.7 lbs), MEC Trail (4.3 lbs)
- Capacity: Tarahumara (16 L), MEC Trail (24 L)
- Airline Compatibility: Tarahumara (100%), MEC Trail (68%)
- Material: Tarahumara (500D Cordura), MEC Trail (Polyurethane-coated Polyester)
- Laptop Compartment: Tarahumara (Yes), MEC Trail (No)
High praise has been littered about the Tarahumara, with one reviewer saying, "It’s a well-designed, well-executed, and well-built bag that’ll last you a lifetime." Standing out as a potentially lifetime companion, the Tarahumara is touted as the "best overall solution" to the day-pack question.
The MEC Trail 24, while lacking a laptop compartment, appeals to a different crowd - those seeking greater capacity. It's a formidable opponent, but may fall short in comparison if airline compatibility is a key deciding factor for your travels. Whether you're a light packer or not, these packs' unique strengths cater to all. Don't be fooled by the Tarahumara's slim profile – like a Tardis, it boasts a surprisingly roomy interior. So, where does your allegiance lie? Are you a Tarahumara speedster or a MEC Trail powerhouse?