ILE Apex XL vs. Exped Torrent 20
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Feature by feature
| ILE Apex XL | Feature | Exped Torrent 20 |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 2 | Opening | 2 |
| N | Passport | N |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| N | Hip Belt | removable |
| removable | Sternum Strap | Y |
| Inside | ||
| 16in | Laptop | 13in |
| 1 | Main Compartments | 1 |
| N | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| N | Water Bottle Holder | N |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| Cordura, XPAC Sailcloth, or Waxed Canvas | 840 D Oxford nylon, TPU film laminate, >10'000 mm water column |
Key differences between the ILE Apex XL and Exped Torrent 20
- Hip belt: No on the ILE Apex XL; Removable on the Exped Torrent 20.
- Sternum strap: Removable on the ILE Apex XL; Yes on the Exped Torrent 20.
- Laptop sleeve: 16in on the ILE Apex XL; 13in on the Exped Torrent 20.
Both have: backpack straps, water resistant.
Which airlines take each bag as a carry-on
We checked both bags against the carry-on size limits of 189 airlines. 170 accept both. 0 accept only the ILE Apex XL, and 4 accept only the Exped Torrent 20.
Only the Exped Torrent 20 fits
Air Niugini, Belavia, Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways.
ILE Apex XL vs. Exped Torrent 20: which should you pack?
The Exped Torrent 20 carries 2L more than the ILE Apex XL (18L vs. 20L), and the two are closely matched on weight. For carry-on flexibility, the Exped Torrent 20 fits 92% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the Exped Torrent 20; if you want to travel lighter, the Exped Torrent 20 is the better call.