Ortlieb Velocity vs. ILE Apex XL
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Ortlieb Velocity
| Capacity | 23 L |
| Weight | 0.88 kg |
| Dimensions | 50×30×16 cm |
| Airline fit | 92% |
| Price | $135 |
Feature by feature
| Ortlieb Velocity | Feature | ILE Apex XL |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 2 | Opening | 2 |
| N | Passport | N |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| removable | Hip Belt | N |
| removable | Sternum Strap | removable |
| Inside | ||
| 15in | Laptop | 16in |
| 1 | Main Compartments | 1 |
| N | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| N | Water Bottle Holder | N |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| PD620, PS620C | Cordura, XPAC Sailcloth, or Waxed Canvas |
Key differences between the Ortlieb Velocity and ILE Apex XL
- Hip belt: Removable on the Ortlieb Velocity; No on the ILE Apex XL.
- Laptop sleeve: 15in on the Ortlieb Velocity; 16in on the ILE Apex XL.
Both have: backpack straps, 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. 169 accept both. 4 accept only the Ortlieb Velocity, and 1 accept only the ILE Apex XL.
Only the Ortlieb Velocity fits
Air Niugini, Belavia, Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways.
Only the ILE Apex XL fits
Great Lakes Airlines.
Ortlieb Velocity vs. ILE Apex XL: which should you pack?
The Ortlieb Velocity carries 5L more than the ILE Apex XL (23L vs. 18L), and the two are closely matched on weight. For carry-on flexibility, the Ortlieb Velocity fits 92% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the Ortlieb Velocity; if you want to travel lighter, the Ortlieb Velocity is the better call.