ILE Apex XL vs. Millican Smith 18L
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Feature by feature
| ILE Apex XL | Feature | Millican Smith 18L |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 2 | Opening | 2 |
| N | Passport | side |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| N | Hip Belt | removable |
| removable | Sternum Strap | removable |
| 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 | Weatherproof Bionic Canvas |
Millican Smith 18L
| Capacity | 18 L |
| Weight | 0.9 kg |
| Dimensions | 50×28×10 cm |
| Airline fit | 92% |
| Price | $130 |
Key differences between the ILE Apex XL and Millican Smith 18L
- Passport pocket: No on the ILE Apex XL; Side on the Millican Smith 18L.
- Hip belt: No on the ILE Apex XL; Removable on the Millican Smith 18L.
- Laptop sleeve: 16in on the ILE Apex XL; 15in on the Millican Smith 18L.
- Main compartments: 1 on the ILE Apex XL; 3 on the Millican Smith 18L.
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. 170 accept both. 0 accept only the ILE Apex XL, and 4 accept only the Millican Smith 18L.
Only the Millican Smith 18L fits
Air Niugini, Belavia, Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways.
ILE Apex XL vs. Millican Smith 18L: which should you pack?
The ILE Apex XL carries the same capacity as the Millican Smith 18L (18L vs. 18L), and the two are closely matched on weight. For carry-on flexibility, the Millican Smith 18L fits 92% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the ILE Apex XL; if you want to travel lighter, the Millican Smith 18L is the better call.