Wave Booster Rolltop Backpack vs. Bellroy Apex Backpack
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Wave Booster Rolltop Backpack
| Capacity | 35 L |
| Weight | 0.8 kg |
| Dimensions | 51×31×20 cm |
| Airline fit | 89% |
| Price | $150 |
Feature by feature
| Wave Booster Rolltop Backpack | Feature | Bellroy Apex Backpack |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 2 | Opening | 0 |
| N | Passport | N |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| N | Hip Belt | N |
| removable | Sternum Strap | removable |
| Inside | ||
| 15in | Laptop | 15in |
| 2 | Main Compartments | 1 |
| N | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 2, side | Water Bottle Holder | 1 |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| Cordura 420D Packcloth | 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 Wave Booster Rolltop Backpack and Bellroy Apex Backpack
- Opening: Rolltop on the Wave Booster Rolltop Backpack; Other on the Bellroy Apex Backpack.
- Main compartments: 2 on the Wave Booster Rolltop Backpack; 1 on the Bellroy Apex Backpack.
- Water bottle pockets: 2, side on the Wave Booster Rolltop Backpack; 1 on the Bellroy Apex 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. 6 accept only the Wave Booster Rolltop Backpack, and 0 accept only the Bellroy Apex Backpack.
Only the Wave Booster Rolltop Backpack fits
Liat Airlines, Oman Air, Royal Jordanian, Scoot, Tiger Airways, WestJet.
Wave Booster Rolltop Backpack vs. Bellroy Apex Backpack: which should you pack?
The Wave Booster Rolltop Backpack carries 9L more than the Bellroy Apex Backpack (35L vs. 26L), while the Wave Booster Rolltop Backpack is the lighter pack at 0.8kg (vs. 1.4kg). 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.