ILE Apex XL vs. ILE Transit 25L
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Feature by feature
| ILE Apex XL | Feature | ILE Transit 25L |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 16in |
| 1 | Main Compartments | 1 |
| N | Organizer | Y |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| N | Water Bottle Holder | 2 |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| Cordura, XPAC Sailcloth, or Waxed Canvas | Durable Cordura, waxed canvas, or XPAC sailcloth exterior |
ILE Transit 25L
| Capacity | 25 L |
| Weight | 2 kg |
| Dimensions | 50.8×30.5×15.2 cm |
| Airline fit | 89% |
| Price | $220 |
Key differences between the ILE Apex XL and ILE Transit 25L
- Hip belt: No on the ILE Apex XL; Removable on the ILE Transit 25L.
- Built-in organizer: No on the ILE Apex XL; Yes on the ILE Transit 25L.
- Water bottle pockets: No on the ILE Apex XL; 2 on the ILE Transit 25L.
Both have: backpack straps, sternum strap, 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 0 accept only the ILE Transit 25L.
Only the ILE Apex XL fits
Great Lakes Airlines.
ILE Apex XL vs. ILE Transit 25L: which should you pack?
The ILE Transit 25L carries 7L more than the ILE Apex XL (18L vs. 25L), and the two are closely matched on weight. For carry-on flexibility, the ILE Apex XL fits 90% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the ILE Transit 25L; if you want to travel lighter, the ILE Transit 25L is the better call.