ILE Default vs. ILE Flaptop
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
ILE Default
| Capacity | 25 L |
| Weight | 99 kg |
| Dimensions | 50.8×30.5×15.2 cm |
| Airline fit | 89% |
| Price | $240 |
Feature by feature
| ILE Default | Feature | ILE Flaptop |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| Y | Compression | Y |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 2 | Opening | 3 |
| N | Passport | Y |
| 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 |
| 2 | Water Bottle Holder | 2 |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| Durable 1000D Cordura, waxed canvas, or XPAC sailcloth exterior | 1000D Cordura |
ILE Flaptop
| Capacity | 32 L |
| Weight | 0 kg |
| Dimensions | 50.8×30.5×20.3 cm |
| Airline fit | 72% |
| Price | $280 |
Key differences between the ILE Default and ILE Flaptop
- Opening: Rolltop on the ILE Default; Top flap on the ILE Flaptop.
- Passport pocket: No on the ILE Default; Yes on the ILE Flaptop.
- Hip belt: Removable on the ILE Default; No on the ILE Flaptop.
Both have: compression straps, backpack straps, sternum strap, laptop sleeve, water bottle pockets, water resistant.
Which airlines take each bag as a carry-on
We checked both bags against the carry-on size limits of 189 airlines. 136 accept both. 33 accept only the ILE Default, and 0 accept only the ILE Flaptop.
Only the ILE Default fits
Air Baltic, Air China, Air Malta, Air Serbia, Air Seychelles, Asiana Airlines, ATA Airlines, Blue Air, Bulgaria Air, China Eastern, Emirates Airlines, Enter Air, flybe, Icelandair, InselAir, Juneyao Airlines, Luxair, Meridiana Fly, Nordwind Airlines, Royal Brunei Airlines, Ryanair, S7, Shandong Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, Sun Express, TAP Air Portugal, TAROM, Tianjin Airlines (A320 & E190), TUI, Ukraine International, VIM Airlines (Closed), Volotea, Xiamen.
ILE Default vs. ILE Flaptop: which should you pack?
The ILE Flaptop carries 7L more than the ILE Default (25L vs. 32L), and the two are closely matched on weight. For carry-on flexibility, the ILE Default fits 89% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the ILE Flaptop; if you want to travel lighter, the ILE Default is the better call.