Bellroy Shift Backpack vs. Bellroy Apex 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 | Bellroy Apex Backpack |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 3 | Opening | 0 |
| 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 | 1 |
| N | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 1 | Water Bottle Holder | 1 |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| Venture-weave polyester | Recycled Baida Nylon and premium, environmentally certified leather |
Bellroy Apex Backpack
| Capacity | 26 L |
| Weight | 1.4 kg |
| Dimensions | 55×33×20 cm |
| Airline fit | 86% |
| Price | $449 |
Key differences between the Bellroy Shift Backpack and Bellroy Apex Backpack
- Opening: Top flap on the Bellroy Shift Backpack; Other on the Bellroy Apex Backpack.
Both have: backpack straps, sternum strap, laptop sleeve, water bottle pockets, 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. Every airline that takes one takes the other.
Bellroy Shift Backpack vs. Bellroy Apex Backpack: which should you pack?
The Bellroy Apex Backpack carries 4L more than the Bellroy Shift Backpack (22L vs. 26L), while the Bellroy Shift Backpack is the lighter pack at 1.25kg (vs. 1.4kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Bellroy Shift Backpack fits 86% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the Bellroy Apex Backpack; if you want to travel lighter, the Bellroy Shift Backpack is the better call.