Cotopaxi Cusco Backpack 26L vs. Deuter Giga EL
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Cotopaxi Cusco Backpack 26L
| Capacity | 26 L |
| Weight | 0.7 kg |
| Dimensions | 53×33×23 cm |
| Airline fit | 70% |
| Price | $110 |
Feature by feature
| Cotopaxi Cusco Backpack 26L | Feature | Deuter Giga EL |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 4 | Opening | 4 |
| N | Passport | N |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| N | Hip Belt | removable |
| Y | Sternum Strap | Y |
| Inside | ||
| 15in | Laptop | 17in |
| 1 | Main Compartments | 1 |
| Y | Organizer | Y |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | removable |
| 2 | Water Bottle Holder | 2 |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 100% repurposed 600D polyester | 300D PES Ripstop |
Key differences between the Cotopaxi Cusco Backpack 26L and Deuter Giga EL
- Hip belt: No on the Cotopaxi Cusco Backpack 26L; Removable on the Deuter Giga EL.
- Laptop sleeve: 15in on the Cotopaxi Cusco Backpack 26L; 17in on the Deuter Giga EL.
- Rain cover: No on the Cotopaxi Cusco Backpack 26L; Removable on the Deuter Giga EL.
Both have: backpack straps, 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. 132 accept both. 0 accept only the Cotopaxi Cusco Backpack 26L, and 37 accept only the Deuter Giga EL.
Only the Deuter Giga EL fits
Air Baltic, Air China, Air Malta, Air Serbia, Air Seychelles, Asiana Airlines, ATA Airlines, Blue Air, Bulgaria Air, China Eastern, Emirates Airlines, Enter Air, flybe, Icelandair, InselAir, Juneyao Airlines, Liat Airlines, Luxair, Meridiana Fly, Nordwind Airlines, Oman Air, Pakistan International, Royal Brunei Airlines, Royal Jordanian, Ryanair, S7, Shandong Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, Sun Express, TAP Air Portugal, TAROM, Tianjin Airlines (A320 & E190), TUI, Ukraine International, VIM Airlines (Closed), Volotea, Xiamen.
Cotopaxi Cusco Backpack 26L vs. Deuter Giga EL: which should you pack?
The Deuter Giga EL carries 6L more than the Cotopaxi Cusco Backpack 26L (26L vs. 32L), while the Cotopaxi Cusco Backpack 26L is the lighter pack at 0.7kg (vs. 1.05kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Deuter Giga EL fits 89% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the Deuter Giga EL; if you want to travel lighter, the Cotopaxi Cusco Backpack 26L is the better call.