ILE Apex XL vs. Cotopaxi Nazca 24L
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Feature by feature
| ILE Apex XL | Feature | Cotopaxi Nazca 24L |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 2 | Opening | 1 |
| N | Passport | N |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| N | Hip Belt | N |
| removable | Sternum Strap | Y |
| Inside | ||
| 16in | Laptop | 15in |
| 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 | 630D nylon/cotton canvas |
Cotopaxi Nazca 24L
| Capacity | 24 L |
| Weight | 1.33 kg |
| Dimensions | 50×27×14 cm |
| Airline fit | 92% |
| Price | $80 |
Key differences between the ILE Apex XL and Cotopaxi Nazca 24L
- Opening: Rolltop on the ILE Apex XL; Clamshell on the Cotopaxi Nazca 24L.
- Sternum strap: Removable on the ILE Apex XL; Yes on the Cotopaxi Nazca 24L.
- Laptop sleeve: 16in on the ILE Apex XL; 15in on the Cotopaxi Nazca 24L.
Both have: backpack straps, 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 Cotopaxi Nazca 24L.
Only the Cotopaxi Nazca 24L fits
Air Niugini, Belavia, Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways.
ILE Apex XL vs. Cotopaxi Nazca 24L: which should you pack?
The Cotopaxi Nazca 24L carries 6L more than the ILE Apex XL (18L vs. 24L), and the two are closely matched on weight. For carry-on flexibility, the Cotopaxi Nazca 24L fits 92% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the Cotopaxi Nazca 24L; if you want to travel lighter, the Cotopaxi Nazca 24L is the better call.