Bellroy Shift Backpack vs. Able Carry Daybreaker
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 | Able Carry Daybreaker |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 1 | Water Bottle Holder | 1 |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| Venture-weave polyester | XPAC Fabric or Cordura Nylon |
Able Carry Daybreaker
| Capacity | 25 L |
| Weight | 0.58 kg |
| Dimensions | 50×26×19 cm |
| Airline fit | 92% |
| Price | $126 |
Key differences between the Bellroy Shift Backpack and Able Carry Daybreaker
- Opening: Top flap on the Bellroy Shift Backpack; Top zip on the Able Carry Daybreaker.
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 11 accept only the Able Carry Daybreaker.
Only the Able Carry Daybreaker fits
Air Niugini, Belavia, Etihad Airways, Great Lakes Airlines, Liat Airlines, Oman Air, Qatar Airways, Royal Jordanian, Scoot, Tiger Airways, WestJet.
Bellroy Shift Backpack vs. Able Carry Daybreaker: which should you pack?
The Able Carry Daybreaker carries 3L more than the Bellroy Shift Backpack (22L vs. 25L), while the Able Carry Daybreaker is the lighter pack at 0.58kg (vs. 1.25kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Able Carry Daybreaker fits 92% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the Able Carry Daybreaker; if you want to travel lighter, the Able Carry Daybreaker is the better call.