Deuter Gigant vs. Deuter Gigant SL
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Feature by feature
| Deuter Gigant | Feature | Deuter Gigant SL |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| 2 | Compression | Y |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 4 | Opening | 4 |
| top | Passport | N |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| removable | Hip Belt | removable |
| Y | Sternum Strap | Y |
| Inside | ||
| 17in | Laptop | 17in |
| 6 | Main Compartments | 3 |
| Y | Organizer | Y |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | optional |
| 2, side | Water Bottle Holder | 1 |
| N | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 300D PES Ripstop, PFAS free | 300D PES Ripstop |
Key differences between the Deuter Gigant and Deuter Gigant SL
- Compression straps: 2 on the Deuter Gigant; Yes on the Deuter Gigant SL.
- Passport pocket: Top on the Deuter Gigant; No on the Deuter Gigant SL.
- Main compartments: 6 on the Deuter Gigant; 3 on the Deuter Gigant SL.
- Rain cover: No on the Deuter Gigant; Optional on the Deuter Gigant SL.
- Water bottle pockets: 2, side on the Deuter Gigant; 1 on the Deuter Gigant SL.
- Water resistant: No on the Deuter Gigant; Yes on the Deuter Gigant SL.
Both have: backpack straps, hip belt, sternum strap, laptop sleeve, 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. 137 accept both. Every airline that takes one takes the other.
Deuter Gigant vs. Deuter Gigant SL: which should you pack?
The Deuter Gigant carries the same capacity as the Deuter Gigant SL (32L vs. 32L), while the Deuter Gigant SL is the lighter pack at 1.08kg (vs. 1.1kg). 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 SL is the better call.