ILE Apex XL vs. Craghoppers Kiwi Classic Rolltop Backpack 20L
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Feature by feature
| ILE Apex XL | Feature | Craghoppers Kiwi Classic Rolltop Backpack 20L |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 2 | Opening | 2 |
| N | Passport | back |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| N | Hip Belt | N |
| removable | Sternum Strap | Y |
| Inside | ||
| 16in | Laptop | 16in |
| 1 | Main Compartments | 3 |
| N | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| N | Water Bottle Holder | 1, side |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| Cordura, XPAC Sailcloth, or Waxed Canvas | 100% recycled polyester |
Craghoppers Kiwi Classic Rolltop Backpack 20L
| Capacity | 20 L |
| Weight | 0.6 kg |
| Dimensions | 47×30×18 cm |
| Airline fit | 93% |
| Price | $90 |
Key differences between the ILE Apex XL and Craghoppers Kiwi Classic Rolltop Backpack 20L
- Passport pocket: No on the ILE Apex XL; Back on the Craghoppers Kiwi Classic Rolltop Backpack 20L.
- Sternum strap: Removable on the ILE Apex XL; Yes on the Craghoppers Kiwi Classic Rolltop Backpack 20L.
- Main compartments: 1 on the ILE Apex XL; 3 on the Craghoppers Kiwi Classic Rolltop Backpack 20L.
- Water bottle pockets: No on the ILE Apex XL; 1, side on the Craghoppers Kiwi Classic Rolltop Backpack 20L.
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. 169 accept both. 1 accept only the ILE Apex XL, and 6 accept only the Craghoppers Kiwi Classic Rolltop Backpack 20L.
Only the ILE Apex XL fits
Great Lakes Airlines.
Only the Craghoppers Kiwi Classic Rolltop Backpack 20L fits
Air Niugini, Belavia, Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways, Regional Express, Virgin Australia.
ILE Apex XL vs. Craghoppers Kiwi Classic Rolltop Backpack 20L: which should you pack?
The Craghoppers Kiwi Classic Rolltop Backpack 20L carries 2L more than the ILE Apex XL (18L vs. 20L), and the two are closely matched on weight. For carry-on flexibility, the Craghoppers Kiwi Classic Rolltop Backpack 20L fits 93% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the Craghoppers Kiwi Classic Rolltop Backpack 20L; if you want to travel lighter, the Craghoppers Kiwi Classic Rolltop Backpack 20L is the better call.