ALPAKA Essential Backpack (16L) vs Hill People Gear Tarahumara Pack (TH)
The ALPAKA Essential Backpack (16L) is 16L and 0.7kg1.5lb; the Hill People Gear Tarahumara Pack (TH) is 16L and 0.7kg1.5lb. They weigh the same. The ALPAKA Essential Backpack (16L) costs $91 less. The ALPAKA Essential Backpack (16L) fits the carry-on limit of 36 of 36 major airlines and the Hill People Gear Tarahumara Pack (TH) fits 36; under the seat, 7 and 10 of 26.
| Spec | ALPAKA Essential Backpack (16L) | Hill People Gear Tarahumara Pack (TH) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $109Best | $200 |
| Volume | 16L | 16L |
| Weight | 0.7kg1.5lb | 0.7kg1.5lb |
| Carry-on compliance | 100% | 100% |
| Personal-item compliance | 27% | 38%Best |
| Dimensions | 44×29×15cm17.5×11.5×6in | 43×23×10cm17×9×4in |
| Laptop | 16" | n/a |
| Bottle pockets | 1 | 2 |
| Compression straps | n/a | 2 |
| Opening | wide-opening zip main compartment | Top-loading, Top-loading main compartment under a zippered hood |
| Warranty | Lifetime | No fixed term |
| Organizer | Yes | No |
| Shoe compartment | No | No |
| Hydration sleeve | No | Yes |
| Frame sheet | No | No |
| Water-resistant | Yes | No |
| Rain cover | No | No |
| MOLLE | No | No |
| Hip belt | No | No |
| Sternum strap | No | No |
| Load lifters | No | No |
| Shoulder strap | No | Yes |
| Luggage pass-through | Yes | No |
| Camera compartment | No | No |
| Material | Axoflux 210D ripstop nylon exterior; Axoflux X-Grid 150D ripstop polyester interior; YKK zippers | 500D nylon construction |
| Last checked | 2026-09 | 2026-09 |
Where their airline fit differs
| Airline | Limit | ALPAKA Essential Backpack (16L) | Hill People Gear Tarahumara Pack (TH) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Canada | Personal item | Too big | Fits |
| JetBlue Airways | Personal item | Too big | Fits |
| United Airlines | Personal item | Too big | Fits |
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Specs come from each brand's own product page. Fit uses listed dimensions in any orientation. How we score carry-on fit.