ILE Apex XL vs. DSPTCH Daypack
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Feature by feature
| ILE Apex XL | Feature | DSPTCH Daypack |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 2 | Opening | 4 |
| N | Passport | N |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| N | Hip Belt | N |
| removable | Sternum Strap | Y |
| Inside | ||
| 16in | Laptop | 16in |
| 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 | 1680D Ballistic Nylon with DWR coating |
DSPTCH Daypack
| Capacity | 22 L |
| Weight | 0.95 kg |
| Dimensions | 45.72×25.4×20.32 cm |
| Airline fit | 76% |
| Price | $198 |
Key differences between the ILE Apex XL and DSPTCH Daypack
- Opening: Rolltop on the ILE Apex XL; Top zip on the DSPTCH Daypack.
- Sternum strap: Removable on the ILE Apex XL; Yes on the DSPTCH Daypack.
- Built-in organizer: No on the ILE Apex XL; Yes on the DSPTCH Daypack.
Both have: backpack straps, laptop sleeve, water resistant.
Which airlines take each bag as a carry-on
We checked both bags against the carry-on size limits of 189 airlines. 137 accept both. 33 accept only the ILE Apex XL, and 6 accept only the DSPTCH Daypack.
Only the ILE Apex XL fits
Air Baltic, Air China, Air Malta, Air Serbia, Air Seychelles, Asiana Airlines, ATA Airlines, Blue Air, Bulgaria Air, China Eastern, Emirates Airlines, Enter Air, flybe, Icelandair, InselAir, Juneyao Airlines, Luxair, Meridiana Fly, Nordwind Airlines, Royal Brunei Airlines, Ryanair, S7, Shandong Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, Sun Express, TAP Air Portugal, TAROM, Tianjin Airlines (A320 & E190), TUI, Ukraine International, VIM Airlines (Closed), Volotea, Xiamen.
Only the DSPTCH Daypack fits
American Eagle, Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways, Ravn Alaska, Regional Express, Virgin Australia.
ILE Apex XL vs. DSPTCH Daypack: which should you pack?
The DSPTCH Daypack carries 4L more than the ILE Apex XL (18L vs. 22L), and the two are closely matched on weight. For carry-on flexibility, the ILE Apex XL fits 90% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the DSPTCH Daypack; if you want to travel lighter, the DSPTCH Daypack is the better call.