Ortlieb Velocity vs. Wave Booster Rolltop 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 | Wave Booster Rolltop Backpack |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 15in |
| 1 | Main Compartments | 2 |
| N | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| N | Water Bottle Holder | 2, side |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| PD620, PS620C | Cordura 420D Packcloth |
Wave Booster Rolltop Backpack
| Capacity | 35 L |
| Weight | 0.8 kg |
| Dimensions | 51×31×20 cm |
| Airline fit | 89% |
| Price | $150 |
Key differences between the Ortlieb Velocity and Wave Booster Rolltop Backpack
- Hip belt: Removable on the Ortlieb Velocity; No on the Wave Booster Rolltop Backpack.
- Main compartments: 1 on the Ortlieb Velocity; 2 on the Wave Booster Rolltop Backpack.
- Water bottle pockets: No on the Ortlieb Velocity; 2, side on the Wave Booster Rolltop 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. 169 accept both. 4 accept only the Ortlieb Velocity, and 0 accept only the Wave Booster Rolltop Backpack.
Only the Ortlieb Velocity fits
Air Niugini, Belavia, Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways.
Ortlieb Velocity vs. Wave Booster Rolltop Backpack: which should you pack?
The Wave Booster Rolltop Backpack carries 12L more than the Ortlieb Velocity (23L vs. 35L), while the Wave Booster Rolltop Backpack is the lighter pack at 0.8kg (vs. 0.88kg). 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 Wave Booster Rolltop Backpack; if you want to travel lighter, the Wave Booster Rolltop Backpack is the better call.