Kifaru Checkpoint vs. Bellroy Transit Backpack
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Kifaru Checkpoint
| Capacity | 28 L |
| Weight | 1.4 kg |
| Dimensions | 51×28×23 cm |
| Airline fit | 71% |
| Price | $350 |
Feature by feature
| Kifaru Checkpoint | Feature | Bellroy Transit Backpack |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 1 | Opening | 1 |
| top | Passport | top |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| N | Hip Belt | N |
| Y | Sternum Strap | Y |
| Inside | ||
| 16in | Laptop | 16in |
| 3 | Main Compartments | 4 |
| Y | Organizer | Y |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 2, side | Water Bottle Holder | 2, side |
| N | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 500D Cordura | Baida Nylon |
Bellroy Transit Backpack
| Capacity | 28 L |
| Weight | 1.1 kg |
| Dimensions | 53×36×19 cm |
| Airline fit | 81% |
| Price | $250 |
Key differences between the Kifaru Checkpoint and Bellroy Transit Backpack
- Main compartments: 3 on the Kifaru Checkpoint; 4 on the Bellroy Transit Backpack.
- Water resistant: No on the Kifaru Checkpoint; Yes on the Bellroy Transit Backpack.
Both have: passport pocket, backpack straps, sternum strap, laptop sleeve, built-in organizer, water bottle pockets.
Which airlines take each bag as a carry-on
We checked both bags against the carry-on size limits of 189 airlines. 120 accept both. 15 accept only the Kifaru Checkpoint, and 33 accept only the Bellroy Transit Backpack.
Only the Kifaru Checkpoint fits
Aerolineas Argentinas, Air France, Air India, Air Mauritius, Boliviana de Aviacion, Cayman Airways, Great Lakes Airlines, Indigo, Jet Airways, Kenya Airways, KLM, LATAM , Oman Air, Royal Jordanian, Sky Airlines.
Only the Bellroy Transit Backpack fits
Air Baltic, Air China, Air Malta, Air Serbia, Air Seychelles, Asiana Airlines, ATA Airlines, Blue Air, Bulgaria Air, China Eastern, Emirates Airlines, Enter Air, Icelandair, Juneyao Airlines, Liat Airlines, Luxair, Meridiana Fly, Nordwind Airlines, Pakistan International, Royal Brunei Airlines, Ryanair, S7, Shandong Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, Sun Express, TAP Air Portugal, TAROM, Tianjin Airlines (A320 & E190), TUI, Ukraine International, VIM Airlines (Closed), Volotea, Xiamen.
Kifaru Checkpoint vs. Bellroy Transit Backpack: which should you pack?
The Kifaru Checkpoint carries the same capacity as the Bellroy Transit Backpack (28L vs. 28L), while the Bellroy Transit Backpack is the lighter pack at 1.1kg (vs. 1.4kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Bellroy Transit Backpack fits 81% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the Kifaru Checkpoint; if you want to travel lighter, the Bellroy Transit Backpack is the better call.