ILE Apex XL vs. Bellroy Classic Backpack
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Feature by feature
| ILE Apex XL | Feature | Bellroy Classic Backpack |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 2 | Opening | 4 |
| N | Passport | Y |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| N | Hip Belt | N |
| removable | Sternum Strap | N |
| Inside | ||
| 16in | Laptop | 16in |
| 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 | 00% recycled polyester & nylon |
Bellroy Classic Backpack
| Capacity | 20 L |
| Weight | 0.75 kg |
| Dimensions | 45×32×18 cm |
| Airline fit | 95% |
| Price | $139 |
Key differences between the ILE Apex XL and Bellroy Classic Backpack
- Opening: Rolltop on the ILE Apex XL; Top zip on the Bellroy Classic Backpack.
- Passport pocket: No on the ILE Apex XL; Yes on the Bellroy Classic Backpack.
- Sternum strap: Removable on the ILE Apex XL; No on the Bellroy Classic Backpack.
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 10 accept only the Bellroy Classic Backpack.
Only the ILE Apex XL fits
Great Lakes Airlines.
Only the Bellroy Classic Backpack fits
Air Tahiti, American Eagle, Belavia, easyJet, Etihad Airways, Gulf Air, Qatar Airways, Ravn Alaska, Regional Express, Virgin Australia.
ILE Apex XL vs. Bellroy Classic Backpack: which should you pack?
The Bellroy Classic Backpack carries 2L more than the ILE Apex XL (18L vs. 20L), and the two are closely matched on weight. For carry-on flexibility, the Bellroy Classic Backpack fits 95% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the Bellroy Classic Backpack; if you want to travel lighter, the Bellroy Classic Backpack is the better call.