ILE Apex XL vs. Millican Smith 15L

Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.

ILE Apex XL

Capacity	18 L
Weight	0 kg
Dimensions	51×28×13 cm
Airline fit	90%
Price	$165

Feature by feature

ILE Apex XL	Feature	Millican Smith 15L
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	13in
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 15L

by Millican

Capacity	15 L
Weight	0.8 kg
Dimensions	45×28×10 cm
Airline fit	96%
Price	$115

Key differences between the ILE Apex XL and Millican Smith 15L

Passport pocket: No on the ILE Apex XL; Side on the Millican Smith 15L.
Hip belt: No on the ILE Apex XL; Removable on the Millican Smith 15L.
Laptop sleeve: 16in on the ILE Apex XL; 13in on the Millican Smith 15L.
Main compartments: 1 on the ILE Apex XL; 3 on the Millican Smith 15L.

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 11 accept only the Millican Smith 15L.

Only the Millican Smith 15L fits

Air Niugini, Air Tahiti, American Eagle, Belavia, easyJet, Etihad Airways, Gulf Air, Qatar Airways, Ravn Alaska, Regional Express, Virgin Australia.

ILE Apex XL vs. Millican Smith 15L: which should you pack?

The ILE Apex XL carries 3L more than the Millican Smith 15L (18L vs. 15L), and the two are closely matched on weight. For carry-on flexibility, the Millican Smith 15L fits 96% 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 15L is the better call.