North Face Recon vs. Deuter Giga
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
North Face Recon
| Capacity | 30 L |
| Weight | 1.2 kg |
| Dimensions | 49×30×19 cm |
| Airline fit | 92% |
| Price | $110 |
Feature by feature
| North Face Recon | Feature | Deuter Giga |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| 4 | 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 North Face Recon and Deuter Giga
- Compression straps: 4 on the North Face Recon; No on the Deuter Giga.
- Opening: Other on the North Face Recon; Top zip on the Deuter Giga.
- Passport pocket: Front on the North Face Recon; 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. 172 accept both. 1 accept only the North Face Recon, and 2 accept only the Deuter Giga.
Only the North Face Recon fits
Air Niugini.
Only the Deuter Giga fits
Regional Express, Virgin Australia.
North Face Recon vs. Deuter Giga: which should you pack?
The North Face Recon carries 2L more than the Deuter Giga (30L vs. 28L), while the Deuter Giga is the lighter pack at 1kg (vs. 1.2kg). For carry-on flexibility, the North Face Recon fits 92% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the North Face Recon; if you want to travel lighter, the Deuter Giga is the better call.