Deuter Gigant vs. Tom Bihn Brain Bag
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Feature by feature
| Deuter Gigant | Feature | Tom Bihn Brain Bag |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| 2 | Compression | 4 |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 4 | Opening | 4 |
| top | Passport | top |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| removable | Hip Belt | removable |
| Y | Sternum Strap | removable |
| Inside | ||
| 17in | Laptop | N |
| 6 | Main Compartments | 6 |
| Y | Organizer | Y |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 2, side | Water Bottle Holder | 1, side |
| N | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 300D PES Ripstop, PFAS free | 525 Ballistic Nylon |
Tom Bihn Brain Bag
| Capacity | 36 L |
| Weight | 1.3 kg |
| Dimensions | 46×36×23 cm |
| Airline fit | 66% |
| Price | $240 |
Key differences between the Deuter Gigant and Tom Bihn Brain Bag
- Compression straps: 2 on the Deuter Gigant; 4 on the Tom Bihn Brain Bag.
- Sternum strap: Yes on the Deuter Gigant; Removable on the Tom Bihn Brain Bag.
- Laptop sleeve: 17in on the Deuter Gigant; No on the Tom Bihn Brain Bag.
- Water bottle pockets: 2, side on the Deuter Gigant; 1, side on the Tom Bihn Brain Bag.
- Water resistant: No on the Deuter Gigant; Yes on the Tom Bihn Brain Bag.
Both have: passport pocket, backpack straps, hip belt, built-in organizer.
Which airlines take each bag as a carry-on
We checked both bags against the carry-on size limits of 189 airlines. 124 accept both. 13 accept only the Deuter Gigant, and 1 accept only the Tom Bihn Brain Bag.
Only the Deuter Gigant fits
Aerolineas Argentinas, Air France, Air India, Air Mauritius, Boliviana de Aviacion, Cayman Airways, Indigo, Jet Airways, Kenya Airways, KLM, LATAM , Pakistan International, Sky Airlines.
Only the Tom Bihn Brain Bag fits
Ravn Alaska.
Deuter Gigant vs. Tom Bihn Brain Bag: which should you pack?
The Tom Bihn Brain Bag carries 4L more than the Deuter Gigant (32L vs. 36L), while the Deuter Gigant is the lighter pack at 1.1kg (vs. 1.3kg). 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 Tom Bihn Brain Bag; if you want to travel lighter, the Deuter Gigant is the better call.