Deuter Giga vs. Deuter Giga SL
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Feature by feature
| Deuter Giga | Feature | Deuter Giga SL |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | N |
| 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 | ||
| 15in | Laptop | 17in |
| 3 | Main Compartments | 1 |
| Y | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | removable |
| 2, side | Water Bottle Holder | 2 |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 300D ripstop polyester | 300D PES Ripstop |
Key differences between the Deuter Giga and Deuter Giga SL
- Passport pocket: Top on the Deuter Giga; No on the Deuter Giga SL.
- Laptop sleeve: 15in on the Deuter Giga; 17in on the Deuter Giga SL.
- Main compartments: 3 on the Deuter Giga; 1 on the Deuter Giga SL.
- Built-in organizer: Yes on the Deuter Giga; No on the Deuter Giga SL.
- Rain cover: No on the Deuter Giga; Removable on the Deuter Giga SL.
- Water bottle pockets: 2, side on the Deuter Giga; 2 on the Deuter Giga SL.
Both have: 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. 174 accept both. Every airline that takes one takes the other.
Deuter Giga vs. Deuter Giga SL: which should you pack?
The Deuter Giga carries the same capacity as the Deuter Giga SL (28L vs. 28L), while the Deuter Giga SL is the lighter pack at 0.96kg (vs. 1kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Deuter Giga fits 92% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the Deuter Giga; if you want to travel lighter, the Deuter Giga SL is the better call.