Deuter Trans Alpine 28 SL vs. Deuter Freerider 28 SL
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Deuter Trans Alpine 28 SL
| Capacity | 28 L |
| Weight | 1.19 kg |
| Dimensions | 52×26×22 cm |
| Airline fit | 71% |
| Price | $145 |
Feature by feature
| Deuter Trans Alpine 28 SL | Feature | Deuter Freerider 28 SL |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| Y | Compression | Y |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 4 | Opening | 4 |
| N | Passport | N |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| Y | Hip Belt | Y |
| Y | Sternum Strap | Y |
| Inside | ||
| N | Laptop | N |
| 1 | Main Compartments | 1 |
| Y | Organizer | Y |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| Y | Rain-fly | N |
| 2 | Water Bottle Holder | N |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 210D PA, 600D PES | 330D PA 6.6 Ripstop, 210D PA Ripstop |
Key differences between the Deuter Trans Alpine 28 SL and Deuter Freerider 28 SL
- Rain cover: Yes on the Deuter Trans Alpine 28 SL; No on the Deuter Freerider 28 SL.
- Water bottle pockets: 2 on the Deuter Trans Alpine 28 SL; No on the Deuter Freerider 28 SL.
Both have: compression straps, backpack straps, hip belt, sternum strap, built-in organizer, water resistant.
Which airlines take each bag as a carry-on
We checked both bags against the carry-on size limits of 189 airlines. 133 accept both. 1 accept only the Deuter Trans Alpine 28 SL, and 34 accept only the Deuter Freerider 28 SL.
Only the Deuter Trans Alpine 28 SL fits
Great Lakes Airlines.
Only the Deuter Freerider 28 SL fits
Air Baltic, Air China, Air Malta, Air Serbia, Air Seychelles, Asiana Airlines, ATA Airlines, Blue Air, Bulgaria Air, China Eastern, Emirates Airlines, Enter Air, flybe, Icelandair, InselAir, Juneyao Airlines, Liat Airlines, Luxair, Meridiana Fly, Nordwind Airlines, Royal Brunei Airlines, Ryanair, S7, Shandong Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, Sun Express, TAP Air Portugal, TAROM, Tianjin Airlines (A320 & E190), TUI, Ukraine International, VIM Airlines (Closed), Volotea, Xiamen.
Deuter Trans Alpine 28 SL vs. Deuter Freerider 28 SL: which should you pack?
The Deuter Trans Alpine 28 SL carries the same capacity as the Deuter Freerider 28 SL (28L vs. 28L), while the Deuter Freerider 28 SL is the lighter pack at 0.98kg (vs. 1.19kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Deuter Freerider 28 SL fits 88% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the Deuter Trans Alpine 28 SL; if you want to travel lighter, the Deuter Freerider 28 SL is the better call.