Ortlieb Velocity vs. Bellroy Apex 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 Apex Backpack |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 2 | Opening | 0 |
| 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 | Recycled Baida Nylon and premium, environmentally certified leather |
Bellroy Apex Backpack
| Capacity | 26 L |
| Weight | 1.4 kg |
| Dimensions | 55×33×20 cm |
| Airline fit | 86% |
| Price | $449 |
Key differences between the Ortlieb Velocity and Bellroy Apex Backpack
- Opening: Rolltop on the Ortlieb Velocity; Other on the Bellroy Apex Backpack.
- Hip belt: Removable on the Ortlieb Velocity; No on the Bellroy Apex Backpack.
- Water bottle pockets: No on the Ortlieb Velocity; 1 on the Bellroy Apex 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 Apex 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 Apex Backpack: which should you pack?
The Bellroy Apex Backpack carries 3L more than the Ortlieb Velocity (23L vs. 26L), while the Ortlieb Velocity is the lighter pack at 0.88kg (vs. 1.4kg). 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 Bellroy Apex Backpack; if you want to travel lighter, the Ortlieb Velocity is the better call.