Hill People Gear Tarahumara vs. Mission Workshop "The Vandal"
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Hill People Gear Tarahumara
| Capacity | 16 L |
| Weight | 0.7 kg |
| Dimensions | 44×24×10 cm |
| Airline fit | 100% |
| Price | $125 |
Feature by feature
| Hill People Gear Tarahumara | Feature | Mission Workshop "The Vandal" |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| S | Compression | S |
| None | Expanded Capacity | 64L |
| 0 | Opening | 3 |
| N | Passport | N |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| S | Backpack | S |
| R | Hip Belt | O |
| S | Sternum Strap | S |
| Inside | ||
| 0 | Laptop | 17 |
| 2 | Main Compartments | 3 |
| N | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 2 | Water Bottle Holder | 0 |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 500D Cordura | HT500 Black, MultiCam Cordura |
Mission Workshop "The Vandal"
| Capacity | 29 L |
| Weight | 2 kg |
| Dimensions | 54×39×16 cm |
| Airline fit | 92% |
| Price | $370 |
When it comes to carry on backpacks, the Hill People Gear Tarahumara and Mission Workshop "The Vandal" make a compelling comparison. The Tarahumara, standing at 44 inches tall, 24 inches wide, and 10 inches deep, is compact and lightweight at 0.7 pounds; its 16 liters of storage is optimally sized for most airline travels. The Vandal, comparatively a behemoth, has dimensions of 16 inches tall, 54 inches wide, and 39 inches deep; its 2-pound weight accommodates up to 29 liters of baggage, although its size might not work with all airlines. These distinct sizes lend themselves to totally different usages.
To recap:
- Hill People Gear Tarahumara: 44" tall, 24" wide, 10" deep, weighs 0.7 pounds, 16 liters of capacity, 100% airline compatibility
- Mission Workshop "The Vandal": 16" tall, 54" wide, 39" deep, weighs 2 pounds, 29 liters of capacity, 92% airline compatibility
Material construction is another crucial point of divergence. The Tarahumara is made of 500D Cordura, a long-lasting material known for its durability; interestingly, this bag does not have a laptop compartment. The Vandal, however, boasts the use of HT500 Black and MultiCam Cordura and includes a laptop compartment that can house a 17-inch laptop. Each bag offers distinguished perks to the specific needs of individual travelers.
To summarize:
- Hill People Gear Tarahumara: 500D Cordura, no laptop compartment
- Mission Workshop "The Vandal": HT500 Black, MultiCam Cordura, 17" laptop compartment
Feedback from several reviewers reaffirms that the Tarahumara is an excellently designed, robust bag promising longevity. Its size and simplicity make it versatile for a range of tasks. The Vandal, by contrast, is hailed as a hardworking, rugged, expandable backpack; its feature for rapid access to small essentials is appreciated, along with its exceptional design that is commended for both everyday use and sizable needs like grocery shopping or gym trips. A big selling point of the Vandal is its weatherproof nature that promises to keep your belongings safe, come what may.
In conclusion:
- Hill People Gear Tarahumara: Excellent design and durability, perfect size for day hiking, convenient center zip access
- Mission Workshop "The Vandal": Expandable storage, quick access pockets, weatherproof, suitable for daily use and larger loads.
Ultimately, your choice between the two depends on your specific needs. If you're a minimalist traveler frequently visiting airport lounges, the Tarahumara is your best bet. But if you're after a high-capacity, multipurpose everyday carrier, nothing beats the Mission Workshop "The Vandal".