ILE Apex XL vs. Mission Workshop R6 Arkiv Field Pack
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Feature by feature
| ILE Apex XL | Feature | Mission Workshop R6 Arkiv Field Pack |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 2 | Opening | 2 |
| N | Passport | N |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| N | Hip Belt | N |
| removable | Sternum Strap | N |
| Inside | ||
| 16in | Laptop | 15in |
| 1 | Main Compartments | 3 |
| 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 | Black Waxed Canvas |
Mission Workshop R6 Arkiv Field Pack
| Capacity | 20.5 L |
| Weight | 1.4 kg |
| Dimensions | 46×31×13 cm |
| Airline fit | 94% |
| Price | $302 |
Key differences between the ILE Apex XL and Mission Workshop R6 Arkiv Field Pack
- Sternum strap: Removable on the ILE Apex XL; No on the Mission Workshop R6 Arkiv Field Pack.
- Laptop sleeve: 16in on the ILE Apex XL; 15in on the Mission Workshop R6 Arkiv Field Pack.
- Main compartments: 1 on the ILE Apex XL; 3 on the Mission Workshop R6 Arkiv Field Pack.
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. 169 accept both. 1 accept only the ILE Apex XL, and 8 accept only the Mission Workshop R6 Arkiv Field Pack.
Only the ILE Apex XL fits
Great Lakes Airlines.
Only the Mission Workshop R6 Arkiv Field Pack fits
American Eagle, Belavia, easyJet, Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways, Ravn Alaska, Regional Express, Virgin Australia.
ILE Apex XL vs. Mission Workshop R6 Arkiv Field Pack: which should you pack?
The Mission Workshop R6 Arkiv Field Pack carries 2.5L more than the ILE Apex XL (18L vs. 20.5L), and the two are closely matched on weight. For carry-on flexibility, the Mission Workshop R6 Arkiv Field Pack fits 94% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the Mission Workshop R6 Arkiv Field Pack; if you want to travel lighter, the Mission Workshop R6 Arkiv Field Pack is the better call.