Bellroy Shift Backpack vs. Wave Booster Rolltop Backpack
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Bellroy Shift Backpack
| Capacity | 22 L |
| Weight | 1.25 kg |
| Dimensions | 55×30×20 cm |
| Airline fit | 86% |
| Price | $169 |
Feature by feature
| Bellroy Shift Backpack | Feature | Wave Booster Rolltop Backpack |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 3 | Opening | 2 |
| N | Passport | N |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| N | Hip Belt | N |
| removable | Sternum Strap | removable |
| Inside | ||
| 15in | Laptop | 15in |
| 1 | Main Compartments | 2 |
| N | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 1 | Water Bottle Holder | 2, side |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| Venture-weave polyester | Cordura 420D Packcloth |
Wave Booster Rolltop Backpack
| Capacity | 35 L |
| Weight | 0.8 kg |
| Dimensions | 51×31×20 cm |
| Airline fit | 89% |
| Price | $150 |
Key differences between the Bellroy Shift Backpack and Wave Booster Rolltop Backpack
- Opening: Top flap on the Bellroy Shift Backpack; Rolltop on the Wave Booster Rolltop Backpack.
- Main compartments: 1 on the Bellroy Shift Backpack; 2 on the Wave Booster Rolltop Backpack.
- Water bottle pockets: 1 on the Bellroy Shift Backpack; 2, side on the Wave Booster Rolltop Backpack.
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. 163 accept both. 0 accept only the Bellroy Shift Backpack, and 6 accept only the Wave Booster Rolltop Backpack.
Only the Wave Booster Rolltop Backpack fits
Liat Airlines, Oman Air, Royal Jordanian, Scoot, Tiger Airways, WestJet.
Bellroy Shift Backpack vs. Wave Booster Rolltop Backpack: which should you pack?
The Wave Booster Rolltop Backpack carries 13L more than the Bellroy Shift Backpack (22L vs. 35L), while the Wave Booster Rolltop Backpack is the lighter pack at 0.8kg (vs. 1.25kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Wave Booster Rolltop Backpack fits 89% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the Wave Booster Rolltop Backpack; if you want to travel lighter, the Wave Booster Rolltop Backpack is the better call.