Kathmandu Nowaki 32L Pack vs. Deuter Freerider Pro 32+ SL
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Kathmandu Nowaki 32L Pack
| Capacity | 32 L |
| Weight | 1.04 kg |
| Dimensions | 62×29×26 cm |
| Airline fit | 3% |
| Price | $200 |
Feature by feature
| Kathmandu Nowaki 32L Pack | Feature | Deuter Freerider Pro 32+ SL |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 3 | Opening | 4 |
| N | Passport | N |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| Y | Hip Belt | removable |
| Y | Sternum Strap | Y |
| Inside | ||
| N | Laptop | N |
| 1 | Main Compartments | 1 |
| Y | Organizer | Y |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| optional | Rain-fly | N |
| 2 | Water Bottle Holder | N |
| N | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 100% Polyester | 420D PA Ripstop Clear TPU, 330D PA 6.6 Ripstop |
Deuter Freerider Pro 32+ SL
| Capacity | 32 L |
| Weight | 1.26 kg |
| Dimensions | 56×35×18 cm |
| Airline fit | 46% |
| Price | $144 |
Key differences between the Kathmandu Nowaki 32L Pack and Deuter Freerider Pro 32+ SL
- Opening: Top flap on the Kathmandu Nowaki 32L Pack; Top zip on the Deuter Freerider Pro 32+ SL.
- Hip belt: Yes on the Kathmandu Nowaki 32L Pack; Removable on the Deuter Freerider Pro 32+ SL.
- Rain cover: Optional on the Kathmandu Nowaki 32L Pack; No on the Deuter Freerider Pro 32+ SL.
- Water bottle pockets: 2 on the Kathmandu Nowaki 32L Pack; No on the Deuter Freerider Pro 32+ SL.
- Water resistant: No on the Kathmandu Nowaki 32L Pack; Yes on the Deuter Freerider Pro 32+ SL.
Both have: backpack straps, sternum strap, 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. 5 accept both. 0 accept only the Kathmandu Nowaki 32L Pack, and 82 accept only the Deuter Freerider Pro 32+ SL.
Only the Deuter Freerider Pro 32+ SL fits
Aegean Airlines, Air Asia, Air Astana, Air Europa, Air Koryo, Air Macau, Air Nostrum, Air Tahiti Nui, Air Wisconsin, AirAsiaX, Alaska Airlines, Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Atlas Global, Avianca , Azul Linhas, Bahamasair, Bangkok Airways, Biman Bangladesh, British Airways, Cambodia Angkor Air, Caribbean Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Cebu Pacific, China Airlines, China Southern, CommutAir, Conviasa, Copa Airlines, Croatia Air, Cubana de Aviacion, Delta Airlines, Dragonair, EL AL, EVA Air, Finnair, Frontier Airlines, Garuda Indonesia, Hainan Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, Hong Kong Airlines, Iran Aseman Air, Jet2, jetBlue Airways, Jetstar Airways, Jetstar Asia, Korean Air, Kulula, Kuwait Air, Malaysia Airlines, Mango, Middle East Airlines, Monarch Airlines, Onur Air, PenAir, Philippine Airlines, Qantas Airways, Republic Airways, Royal Air Morocco, Saudi Arabian Airlines, Sichuan Airlines, SilkAir, Silver Airways, Singapore Airlines, Skywest, Inc., South African Airways, Southwest Airlines, SpiceJet, Spirit Airlines, SriLankan Airlines, Sun Country, TAAG Angola, TAM Airlines, Thai Airways, Trans States, Travel Service Airlines, United Airlines, Ural Airlines, Uzbekistan Air, Vietnam Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, WOW Airlines.
Kathmandu Nowaki 32L Pack vs. Deuter Freerider Pro 32+ SL: which should you pack?
The Kathmandu Nowaki 32L Pack carries the same capacity as the Deuter Freerider Pro 32+ SL (32L vs. 32L), while the Kathmandu Nowaki 32L Pack is the lighter pack at 1.04kg (vs. 1.26kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Deuter Freerider Pro 32+ SL fits 46% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the Kathmandu Nowaki 32L Pack; if you want to travel lighter, the Kathmandu Nowaki 32L Pack is the better call.