Kathmandu Katabatic 28L Pack vs. Deuter Trans Alpine 32 EL
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Kathmandu Katabatic 28L Pack
| Capacity | 28 L |
| Weight | 0.906 kg |
| Dimensions | 52×29×28 cm |
| Airline fit | 14% |
| Price | $120 |
Feature by feature
| Kathmandu Katabatic 28L Pack | Feature | Deuter Trans Alpine 32 EL |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | × |
| optional | Rain-fly | Y |
| 2 | Water Bottle Holder | 2 |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 100% Polyester | 210D PA, 600D PES |
Deuter Trans Alpine 32 EL
| Capacity | 32 L |
| Weight | 1.26 kg |
| Dimensions | 58×28×24 cm |
| Airline fit | 16% |
| Price | $150 |
Key differences between the Kathmandu Katabatic 28L Pack and Deuter Trans Alpine 32 EL
- Rain cover: Optional on the Kathmandu Katabatic 28L Pack; Yes on the Deuter Trans Alpine 32 EL.
Both have: compression straps, backpack straps, hip belt, sternum strap, 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. 27 accept both. 0 accept only the Kathmandu Katabatic 28L Pack, and 4 accept only the Deuter Trans Alpine 32 EL.
Only the Deuter Trans Alpine 32 EL fits
Conviasa, Frontier Airlines, PenAir, Southwest Airlines.
Kathmandu Katabatic 28L Pack vs. Deuter Trans Alpine 32 EL: which should you pack?
The Deuter Trans Alpine 32 EL carries 4L more than the Kathmandu Katabatic 28L Pack (28L vs. 32L), while the Kathmandu Katabatic 28L Pack is the lighter pack at 0.906kg (vs. 1.26kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Deuter Trans Alpine 32 EL fits 16% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the Deuter Trans Alpine 32 EL; if you want to travel lighter, the Kathmandu Katabatic 28L Pack is the better call.