Ortlieb Velocity vs. Millican Smith 18L
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 | Millican Smith 18L |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 2 | Opening | 2 |
| N | Passport | side |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| removable | Hip Belt | removable |
| removable | Sternum Strap | removable |
| Inside | ||
| 15in | Laptop | 15in |
| 1 | Main Compartments | 3 |
| N | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| N | Water Bottle Holder | N |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| PD620, PS620C | Weatherproof Bionic Canvas |
Millican Smith 18L
| Capacity | 18 L |
| Weight | 0.9 kg |
| Dimensions | 50×28×10 cm |
| Airline fit | 92% |
| Price | $130 |
Key differences between the Ortlieb Velocity and Millican Smith 18L
- Passport pocket: No on the Ortlieb Velocity; Side on the Millican Smith 18L.
- Main compartments: 1 on the Ortlieb Velocity; 3 on the Millican Smith 18L.
Both have: backpack straps, hip belt, 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. 173 accept both. 0 accept only the Ortlieb Velocity, and 1 accept only the Millican Smith 18L.
Only the Millican Smith 18L fits
Great Lakes Airlines.
Ortlieb Velocity vs. Millican Smith 18L: which should you pack?
The Ortlieb Velocity carries 5L more than the Millican Smith 18L (23L vs. 18L), while the Ortlieb Velocity is the lighter pack at 0.88kg (vs. 0.9kg). 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.