The North Face Surge vs. Deuter Giga
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
The North Face Surge
| Capacity | 31 L |
| Weight | 1.3 kg |
| Dimensions | 51×31×18 cm |
| Airline fit | 89% |
| Price | $140 |
Feature by feature
| The North Face Surge | Feature | Deuter Giga |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| 2 | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 0 | Opening | 4 |
| front | Passport | top |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| removable | Hip Belt | removable |
| Y | Sternum Strap | Y |
| Inside | ||
| 15in | Laptop | 15in |
| 3 | Main Compartments | 3 |
| Y | Organizer | Y |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 2, side | Water Bottle Holder | 2, side |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 210D recycled nylon ripstop with non-PFC durable water-repellent (non-PFC DWR) finish | 300D ripstop polyester |
Key differences between the The North Face Surge and Deuter Giga
- Compression straps: 2 on the The North Face Surge; No on the Deuter Giga.
- Opening: Other on the The North Face Surge; Top zip on the Deuter Giga.
- Passport pocket: Front on the The North Face Surge; Top on the Deuter Giga.
Both have: backpack straps, hip belt, sternum strap, laptop sleeve, built-in organizer, water bottle pockets, water resistant.
Which airlines take each bag as a carry-on
We checked both bags against the carry-on size limits of 189 airlines. 169 accept both. 0 accept only the The North Face Surge, and 5 accept only the Deuter Giga.
Only the Deuter Giga fits
Belavia, Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways, Regional Express, Virgin Australia.
The North Face Surge vs. Deuter Giga: which should you pack?
The The North Face Surge carries 3L more than the Deuter Giga (31L vs. 28L), while the Deuter Giga is the lighter pack at 1kg (vs. 1.3kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Deuter Giga fits 92% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the The North Face Surge; if you want to travel lighter, the Deuter Giga is the better call.