ILE Apex XL vs. Ortlieb Commuter Daypack High Visibility
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Feature by feature
| ILE Apex XL | Feature | Ortlieb Commuter Daypack High Visibility |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | removable |
| Inside | ||
| 16in | Laptop | 15in |
| 1 | Main Compartments | 1 |
| N | Organizer | Y |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| N | Water Bottle Holder | N |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| Cordura, XPAC Sailcloth, or Waxed Canvas | PS50CX |
Ortlieb Commuter Daypack High Visibility
| Capacity | 21 L |
| Weight | 0.86 kg |
| Dimensions | 50×30×15.5 cm |
| Airline fit | 92% |
| Price | $250 |
Key differences between the ILE Apex XL and Ortlieb Commuter Daypack High Visibility
- Hip belt: No on the ILE Apex XL; Removable on the Ortlieb Commuter Daypack High Visibility.
- Laptop sleeve: 16in on the ILE Apex XL; 15in on the Ortlieb Commuter Daypack High Visibility.
- Built-in organizer: No on the ILE Apex XL; Yes on the Ortlieb Commuter Daypack High Visibility.
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. 169 accept both. 1 accept only the ILE Apex XL, and 4 accept only the Ortlieb Commuter Daypack High Visibility.
Only the ILE Apex XL fits
Great Lakes Airlines.
Only the Ortlieb Commuter Daypack High Visibility fits
Air Niugini, Belavia, Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways.
ILE Apex XL vs. Ortlieb Commuter Daypack High Visibility: which should you pack?
The Ortlieb Commuter Daypack High Visibility carries 3L more than the ILE Apex XL (18L vs. 21L), and the two are closely matched on weight. For carry-on flexibility, the Ortlieb Commuter Daypack High Visibility fits 92% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the Ortlieb Commuter Daypack High Visibility; if you want to travel lighter, the Ortlieb Commuter Daypack High Visibility is the better call.