Air Tahiti - Advice Please

We're flying from Tahiti to Bora Bora. One backpack (a normal work-style backpack) and then a carry on suitcase (conforms to typical carry-on sizes).

We have 2 options:

1. Show up to the gate with both, hope they don't make us gate-check one of the two, and if they do, risk the "limited release' gate-check and fee
2. Check the carry-on suitcase when arriving at airport, and roll-up just with a backpack

On a typical North American flight, both carry-ons would make it in the cabin no problem. But I've read Air Tahiti is strict.

Thoughts?