Ortlieb Velocity vs. Bellroy Shift Backpack
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 | Bellroy Shift Backpack |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 2 | Opening | 3 |
| N | Passport | N |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| removable | Hip Belt | N |
| removable | Sternum Strap | removable |
| Inside | ||
| 15in | Laptop | 15in |
| 1 | Main Compartments | 1 |
| N | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| N | Water Bottle Holder | 1 |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| PD620, PS620C | Venture-weave polyester |
Bellroy Shift Backpack
| Capacity | 22 L |
| Weight | 1.25 kg |
| Dimensions | 55×30×20 cm |
| Airline fit | 86% |
| Price | $169 |
Key differences between the Ortlieb Velocity and Bellroy Shift Backpack
- Opening: Rolltop on the Ortlieb Velocity; Top flap on the Bellroy Shift Backpack.
- Hip belt: Removable on the Ortlieb Velocity; No on the Bellroy Shift Backpack.
- Water bottle pockets: No on the Ortlieb Velocity; 1 on the Bellroy Shift Backpack.
Both have: backpack straps, sternum strap, laptop sleeve, water resistant.
Which airlines take each bag as a carry-on
We checked both bags against the carry-on size limits of 189 airlines. 163 accept both. 10 accept only the Ortlieb Velocity, and 0 accept only the Bellroy Shift Backpack.
Only the Ortlieb Velocity fits
Air Niugini, Belavia, Etihad Airways, Liat Airlines, Oman Air, Qatar Airways, Royal Jordanian, Scoot, Tiger Airways, WestJet.
Ortlieb Velocity vs. Bellroy Shift Backpack: which should you pack?
The Ortlieb Velocity carries 1L more than the Bellroy Shift Backpack (23L vs. 22L), while the Ortlieb Velocity is the lighter pack at 0.88kg (vs. 1.25kg). 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.