Deuter AC Lite 24 vs Gregory Kiro 24
Quick take: The Deuter AC Lite 24 costs $10 less; the Gregory Kiro 24 is lighter (1.54 vs 2.05 lbs).
Which one to buy
At $110 for the Deuter and $120 for the Gregory, both 24 L with a rain cover in the box, the question is whether you want a frame holding the pack off your back or a lighter pack that hugs it. The Deuter AC Lite 24 hangs a suspended mesh on a spring steel frame for airflow. The Gregory Kiro 24 is frameless, with perforated foam against your back and a wrap-over harness, and it weighs 1.54 lbs to the Deuter's 2.05.
The Kiro also carries more on paper: Gregory rates it to 20 lbs against the AC Lite's 7-13 lbs, and that lower ceiling goes quickly once a camera joins water, lunch and layers. Without a frame, though, the Kiro's 20 lbs is the practical limit rather than a margin. The Deuter's suspended mesh, meanwhile, costs some usable depth inside.
Two details can settle it outright. The Kiro has no hydration sleeve, so if you drink from a bladder the Deuter is the one, even with its 2 L cap. And the Deuter is built around a 44-54 cm back length, while the Kiro is a single size you can only judge by trying it on. Heat and a hose favor the Deuter; everything else about a cool-weather day hike, from weight to load headroom, favors the Kiro.
Deuter AC Lite 24
Best if you use a hydration bladder or hike in hot weather and want a back panel that keeps air moving.
Gregory Kiro 24
For bottle carriers who want the lighter pack and a higher load rating, and are fine with foam against the back.
| Spec | Deuter AC Lite 24 | Gregory Kiro 24 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $110 | $120 |
| Rating | — | — |
| Type | Daypack | Daypack |
| Frame Type | Internal Frame | Frameless |
| Capacity | 24 L | 24 L |
| Weight | 2.05 lbs | 1.54 lbs |
| Max Load | 7-13 lbs (3-6 kg) | 20 lbs (9.1 kg) |
| Torso Fit | Fixed back length, fits 44-54 cm | One size |
| Material | 600D recycled PES with 210D recycled PA | 210D HD 37% recycled nylon with C0 DWR, 420D HD 40% recycled nylon |
| Back Panel | Aircomfort suspended mesh over flexi spring steel frame | Perforated 3D foam with printed mesh |
| Adjustable torso | No | No |
| Ventilated back | Yes | Yes |
| Raincover included | Yes | Yes |
| Hipbelt pockets | No | No |
| Removable lid | No | No |
| Hydration sleeve | Yes | No |
| Fits BV500 bear can | No | No |
| Warranty | Deuter lifetime repair policy | Gregory lifetime warranty |
Pros & cons
Deuter AC Lite 24
- ✓$110 for a suspended Aircomfort mesh back undercuts the Futura 23 by $40 for 1 L more.
- ✓930 g is 250 g lighter than the Futura 23 despite using the same back system.
- ✓Rain cover included, which is not standard at this price from most brands.
- ✓A dedicated smartphone pocket and glasses stow on the shoulder strap are genuinely useful touches.
- ✓50% recycled content with bluesign certification and PFAS-free DWR.
- ✓Pole attachments and gear loops make it more than a town bag.
- ✓Lifetime repair policy applies at the cheapest point in the range.
- ✗Hydration capacity is capped at 2 L, against 3 L on the Futura and Speed Lite Pro.
- ✗3-6 kg maximum load is low and easily exceeded with water and a camera.
- ✗600D polyester is heavy for the protection it offers compared with the Futura's X-Grid.
- ✗The 16 L size has no published weight.
- ✗The suspension gap costs usable depth on an already small pack.
- ✗The rigid curved frame is awkward to pack flat.
Gregory Kiro 24
- ✓1.54 lb, the lightest of Gregory's rain-cover-equipped daypacks.
- ✓Rain cover included, kept in its own zippered pocket under the top lid.
- ✓Perforated 3D foam breathes without the depth penalty of a suspended-mesh frame.
- ✓Wrap-over harness spreads the straps across the shoulders rather than hanging the pack from two points.
- ✓Three sizes from 20 to 28 L.
- ✓Gregory backs it for life.
- ✗Frameless, so the 20 lb rating is the practical limit rather than a conservative one.
- ✗$119.95 is $10 more than the Arrio 22, which adds an alloy frame and FreeSpan suspended mesh for the money.
- ✗An outlet is clearing units at $89.89, which usually signals a colorway or model-year change.
- ✗A single size with no way to adjust the torso.
Deuter AC Lite 24 vs Gregory Kiro 24: common questions
Can I use a hydration bladder in the Gregory Kiro 24?▾
It has no hydration sleeve, so plan on bottles. The Deuter AC Lite 24 has a sleeve, though it only takes a 2 L bladder.
Is a frameless pack like the Kiro 24 comfortable at 20 lbs?▾
Gregory rates it to 20 lbs, and with no frame that figure is the limit rather than a cushion. The Deuter is framed but rated only to 7-13 lbs, because its frame is there to suspend the mesh for airflow, not to haul load.
Why is the Kiro 24 on sale for less than $120?▾
An outlet is clearing units at $89.89, which usually signals a colorway or model-year change. If the current colors suit you, that price undercuts the Deuter by about $20.