ILE Apex XL vs. Ortlieb Velocity Design
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Feature by feature
| ILE Apex XL | Feature | Ortlieb Velocity Design |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| N | Water Bottle Holder | N |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| Cordura, XPAC Sailcloth, or Waxed Canvas | PD620, PS620C |
Ortlieb Velocity Design
| Capacity | 23 L |
| Weight | 0.88 kg |
| Dimensions | 50×30×16 cm |
| Airline fit | 92% |
| Price | $145 |
Key differences between the ILE Apex XL and Ortlieb Velocity Design
- Hip belt: No on the ILE Apex XL; Removable on the Ortlieb Velocity Design.
- Laptop sleeve: 16in on the ILE Apex XL; 15in on the Ortlieb Velocity Design.
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 Velocity Design.
Only the ILE Apex XL fits
Great Lakes Airlines.
Only the Ortlieb Velocity Design fits
Air Niugini, Belavia, Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways.
ILE Apex XL vs. Ortlieb Velocity Design: which should you pack?
The Ortlieb Velocity Design carries 5L more than the ILE Apex XL (18L vs. 23L), and the two are closely matched on weight. For carry-on flexibility, the Ortlieb Velocity Design fits 92% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the Ortlieb Velocity Design; if you want to travel lighter, the Ortlieb Velocity Design is the better call.