ILE Apex XL vs. Ortlieb Velocity High Visibility
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Feature by feature
| ILE Apex XL | Feature | Ortlieb Velocity High Visibility |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 2 | Opening | 2 |
| N | Passport | N |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| N | Hip Belt | removable |
| removable | Sternum Strap | removable |
| Inside | ||
| 16in | Laptop | N |
| 1 | Main Compartments | 1 |
| N | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| N | Water Bottle Holder | N |
| Y | Water Resistant | N |
| Material | |
| Cordura, XPAC Sailcloth, or Waxed Canvas | PS50CX |
Ortlieb Velocity High Visibility
| Capacity | 23 L |
| Weight | 0.75 kg |
| Dimensions | 50×30×16 cm |
| Airline fit | 92% |
| Price | $175 |
Key differences between the ILE Apex XL and Ortlieb Velocity High Visibility
- Hip belt: No on the ILE Apex XL; Removable on the Ortlieb Velocity High Visibility.
- Laptop sleeve: 16in on the ILE Apex XL; No on the Ortlieb Velocity High Visibility.
- Water resistant: Yes on the ILE Apex XL; No on the Ortlieb Velocity High Visibility.
Both have: backpack straps, sternum strap.
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 4 accept only the Ortlieb Velocity High Visibility.
Only the ILE Apex XL fits
Great Lakes Airlines.
Only the Ortlieb Velocity High Visibility fits
Air Niugini, Belavia, Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways.
ILE Apex XL vs. Ortlieb Velocity High Visibility: which should you pack?
The Ortlieb Velocity High Visibility carries 5L more than the ILE Apex XL (18L vs. 23L), and the two are closely matched on weight. For carry-on flexibility, the Ortlieb Velocity High Visibility fits 92% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the Ortlieb Velocity High Visibility; if you want to travel lighter, the Ortlieb Velocity High Visibility is the better call.