Deuter Freerider 28 SL vs. Cabin Zero Military 36L

Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.

Deuter Freerider 28 SL

Front facing view of the Deuter Freerider 28 SL
Capacity28 L
Weight0.98 kg
Dimensions52×34×18 cm
Airline fit88%

Feature by feature

Deuter Freerider 28 SLFeatureCabin Zero Military 36L
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 15in
1 Main Compartments 1
Y Organizer N
Outside
× Hard Shell ×
N Rain-fly N
N Water Bottle Holder N
Y Water Resistant Y
Material
330D PA 6.6 Ripstop, 210D PA Ripstop1000 Denier nylon fabric

Cabin Zero Military 36L

Front facing view of the Cabin Zero Military 36L
Capacity36 L
Weight0.95 kg
Dimensions46×33×16 cm
Airline fit94%
Price$110

Key differences between the Deuter Freerider 28 SL and Cabin Zero Military 36L

Both have: compression straps, backpack straps, hip belt, sternum strap, water resistant.

Which airlines take each bag as a carry-on

We checked both bags against the carry-on size limits of 189 airlines. 167 accept both. 0 accept only the Deuter Freerider 28 SL, and 10 accept only the Cabin Zero Military 36L.

Only the Cabin Zero Military 36L fits

American Eagle, Belavia, easyJet, Etihad Airways, Oman Air, Qatar Airways, Ravn Alaska, Regional Express, Royal Jordanian, Virgin Australia.

Deuter Freerider 28 SL vs. Cabin Zero Military 36L: which should you pack?

The Cabin Zero Military 36L carries 8L more than the Deuter Freerider 28 SL (28L vs. 36L), while the Cabin Zero Military 36L is the lighter pack at 0.95kg (vs. 0.98kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Cabin Zero Military 36L fits 94% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the Cabin Zero Military 36L; if you want to travel lighter, the Cabin Zero Military 36L is the better call.