Exped Torrent 20 vs. Ortlieb Messenger Bag
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Feature by feature
| Exped Torrent 20 | Feature | Ortlieb Messenger Bag |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 2 | Opening | 2 |
| N | Passport | N |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| removable | Hip Belt | removable |
| Y | Sternum Strap | removable |
| Inside | ||
| 13in | Laptop | N |
| 1 | Main Compartments | 1 |
| N | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| N | Water Bottle Holder | N |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 840 D Oxford nylon, TPU film laminate, >10'000 mm water column | PD620, PS620C |
Ortlieb Messenger Bag
| Capacity | 39 L |
| Weight | 1.3 kg |
| Dimensions | 50×39×15 cm |
| Airline fit | 59% |
| Price | $140 |
Key differences between the Exped Torrent 20 and Ortlieb Messenger Bag
- Sternum strap: Yes on the Exped Torrent 20; Removable on the Ortlieb Messenger Bag.
- Laptop sleeve: 13in on the Exped Torrent 20; No on the Ortlieb Messenger Bag.
Both have: backpack straps, hip belt, water resistant.
Which airlines take each bag as a carry-on
We checked both bags against the carry-on size limits of 189 airlines. 111 accept both. 63 accept only the Exped Torrent 20, and 0 accept only the Ortlieb Messenger Bag.
Only the Exped Torrent 20 fits
Aerolineas Argentinas, Air Asia, Air France, Air India, Air Macau, Air Mauritius, Air Niugini, Air Wisconsin, AirAsiaX, Alaska Airlines, Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Avianca , Bahamasair, Bangkok Airways, Biman Bangladesh, Boliviana de Aviacion, Cambodia Angkor Air, Cathay Pacific, Cayman Airways, Cebu Pacific, China Airlines, CommutAir, Conviasa, Copa Airlines, Delta Airlines, Dragonair, Emirates Airlines, EVA Air, flybe, Garuda Indonesia, Great Lakes Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, Hong Kong Airlines, Indigo, InselAir, Jet Airways, jetBlue Airways, Jetstar Airways, Jetstar Asia, Kenya Airways, KLM, Kulula, LATAM , Liat Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Mango, Pakistan International, Qantas Airways, Qatar Airways, Republic Airways, Royal Brunei Airlines, Scoot, Sky Airlines, Skywest, Inc., South African Airways, SriLankan Airlines, Tiger Airways, Trans States, United Airlines, Vietnam Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, WestJet.
Exped Torrent 20 vs. Ortlieb Messenger Bag: which should you pack?
The Ortlieb Messenger Bag carries 19L more than the Exped Torrent 20 (20L vs. 39L), while the Exped Torrent 20 is the lighter pack at 0.98kg (vs. 1.3kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Exped Torrent 20 fits 92% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the Ortlieb Messenger Bag; if you want to travel lighter, the Exped Torrent 20 is the better call.