ILE Apex XL vs. Bellroy Shift Backpack
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Feature by feature
| ILE Apex XL | 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 |
| N | Hip Belt | N |
| removable | Sternum Strap | removable |
| Inside | ||
| 16in | 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 | |
| Cordura, XPAC Sailcloth, or Waxed Canvas | 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 ILE Apex XL and Bellroy Shift Backpack
- Opening: Rolltop on the ILE Apex XL; Top flap on the Bellroy Shift Backpack.
- Laptop sleeve: 16in on the ILE Apex XL; 15in on the Bellroy Shift Backpack.
- Water bottle pockets: No on the ILE Apex XL; 1 on the Bellroy Shift Backpack.
Both have: backpack straps, sternum strap, 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. 7 accept only the ILE Apex XL, and 0 accept only the Bellroy Shift Backpack.
Only the ILE Apex XL fits
Great Lakes Airlines, Liat Airlines, Oman Air, Royal Jordanian, Scoot, Tiger Airways, WestJet.
ILE Apex XL vs. Bellroy Shift Backpack: which should you pack?
The Bellroy Shift Backpack carries 4L more than the ILE Apex XL (18L vs. 22L), and the two are closely matched on weight. For carry-on flexibility, the ILE Apex XL fits 90% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the Bellroy Shift Backpack; if you want to travel lighter, the Bellroy Shift Backpack is the better call.