---
url: "https://onebag.travel/compare/cb7ihqmtrf/hill-people-gear-tarahumara/zqzrpkswnp/mec-trail-24/"
title: "Hill People Gear Tarahumara versus MEC Trail 24 - One Bag Travel"
description: "Comparison of the Hill People Gear Tarahumara and MEC Trail 24 carry-on travel backpacks."
source: "https://onebag.travel/compare/cb7ihqmtrf/hill-people-gear-tarahumara/zqzrpkswnp/mec-trail-24/"
---
1.  [Home](https://onebag.travel/)
2.  [Carry-On Travel Backpacks](https://onebag.travel/carryons/)
3.  Hill People Gear Tarahumara vs. MEC Trail 24

# Hill People Gear Tarahumara vs. MEC Trail 24

Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.

## [Hill People Gear Tarahumara](https://onebag.travel/carryon/cb7ihqmtrf/hill-people-gear-tarahumara/)

by [Hill People Gear](https://onebag.travel/carryons/?brands=Hill People Gear)

![Front facing view of the Hill People Gear Tarahumara](https://res.cloudinary.com/obt/image/upload/c_fill,w_400/v1601599547/carryons/hillpeoplehama_vpq4ho.webp)

<table class="table table-sm cmp-spec mt-2"><tbody><tr><td>Capacity</td><td>16 L</td></tr><tr><td>Weight</td><td>0.7 kg</td></tr><tr><td>Dimensions</td><td>43×23×10 cm</td></tr><tr><td>Airline fit</td><td>96%</td></tr><tr><td>Price</td><td>$175</td></tr></tbody></table>

## 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 |

<table class="cmp-material"><tbody><tr><td colspan="2">Material</td></tr><tr><td>500d Cordura</td><td>Polyurethane-coated Polyester</td></tr></tbody></table>

## [MEC Trail 24](https://onebag.travel/carryon/zqzrpkswnp/mec-trail-24/)

![Front facing view of the MEC Trail 24](https://res.cloudinary.com/obt/image/upload/c_fill,w_400/carryons/yxzw59ujkcmsalunv93r)

<table class="table table-sm cmp-spec mt-2"><tbody><tr><td>Capacity</td><td>24 L</td></tr><tr><td>Weight</td><td>4.3 kg</td></tr><tr><td>Dimensions</td><td>47×28×21 cm</td></tr><tr><td>Airline fit</td><td>75%</td></tr></tbody></table>

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?