Bellroy Shift Backpack vs. Ryu Flex Pack 20L

Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.

Bellroy Shift Backpack

Front facing view of the Bellroy Shift Backpack
Capacity22 L
Weight1.25 kg
Dimensions55×30×20 cm
Airline fit86%
Price$169

Feature by feature

Bellroy Shift BackpackFeatureRyu Flex Pack 20L
Storage
N Compression N
None Expanded Capacity None
3 Opening 4
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 Y
Outside
× Hard Shell ×
N Rain-fly N
1 Water Bottle Holder 1
Y Water Resistant Y
Material
Venture-weave polyester100% nylon with silicone coating and Polygiene® finish

Ryu Flex Pack 20L

by RYU
Front facing view of the Ryu Flex Pack 20L
Capacity20 L
Weight0 kg
Dimensions46×31×18 cm
Airline fit94%
Price$98

Key differences between the Bellroy Shift Backpack and Ryu Flex Pack 20L

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. 0 accept only the Bellroy Shift Backpack, and 14 accept only the Ryu Flex Pack 20L.

Only the Ryu Flex Pack 20L fits

American Eagle, Belavia, easyJet, Etihad Airways, Liat Airlines, Oman Air, Qatar Airways, Ravn Alaska, Regional Express, Royal Jordanian, Scoot, Tiger Airways, Virgin Australia, WestJet.

Bellroy Shift Backpack vs. Ryu Flex Pack 20L: which should you pack?

The Bellroy Shift Backpack carries 2L more than the Ryu Flex Pack 20L (22L vs. 20L), and the two are closely matched on weight. For carry-on flexibility, the Ryu Flex Pack 20L fits 94% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the Bellroy Shift Backpack; if you want to travel lighter, the Bellroy Shift Backpack is the better call.