Kifaru Checkpoint vs. Deuter Gigant
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Kifaru Checkpoint
| Capacity | 28 L |
| Weight | 1.4 kg |
| Dimensions | 51×28×23 cm |
| Airline fit | 71% |
| Price | $350 |
Feature by feature
| Kifaru Checkpoint | Feature | Deuter Gigant |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | 2 |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 1 | Opening | 4 |
| top | Passport | top |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| N | Hip Belt | removable |
| Y | Sternum Strap | Y |
| Inside | ||
| 16in | Laptop | 17in |
| 3 | Main Compartments | 6 |
| Y | Organizer | Y |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 2, side | Water Bottle Holder | 2, side |
| N | Water Resistant | N |
| Material | |
| 500D Cordura | 300D PES Ripstop, PFAS free |
Key differences between the Kifaru Checkpoint and Deuter Gigant
- Compression straps: No on the Kifaru Checkpoint; 2 on the Deuter Gigant.
- Opening: Clamshell on the Kifaru Checkpoint; Top zip on the Deuter Gigant.
- Hip belt: No on the Kifaru Checkpoint; Removable on the Deuter Gigant.
- Laptop sleeve: 16in on the Kifaru Checkpoint; 17in on the Deuter Gigant.
- Main compartments: 3 on the Kifaru Checkpoint; 6 on the Deuter Gigant.
Both have: passport pocket, backpack straps, sternum strap, built-in organizer, water bottle pockets.
Which airlines take each bag as a carry-on
We checked both bags against the carry-on size limits of 189 airlines. 134 accept both. 1 accept only the Kifaru Checkpoint, and 3 accept only the Deuter Gigant.
Only the Kifaru Checkpoint fits
Great Lakes Airlines.
Only the Deuter Gigant fits
Etihad Airways, Pakistan International, Qatar Airways.
Kifaru Checkpoint vs. Deuter Gigant: which should you pack?
The Deuter Gigant carries 4L more than the Kifaru Checkpoint (28L vs. 32L), while the Deuter Gigant is the lighter pack at 1.1kg (vs. 1.4kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Deuter Gigant fits 72% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the Deuter Gigant; if you want to travel lighter, the Deuter Gigant is the better call.