Ortlieb Velocity Design vs. Bellroy Apex Backpack
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Ortlieb Velocity Design
| Capacity | 23 L |
| Weight | 0.88 kg |
| Dimensions | 50×30×16 cm |
| Airline fit | 92% |
| Price | $145 |
Feature by feature
| Ortlieb Velocity Design | 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 |
| removable | 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 |
| N | Water Bottle Holder | 1 |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| PD620, PS620C | 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 Ortlieb Velocity Design and Bellroy Apex Backpack
- Opening: Rolltop on the Ortlieb Velocity Design; Other on the Bellroy Apex Backpack.
- Hip belt: Removable on the Ortlieb Velocity Design; No on the Bellroy Apex Backpack.
- Water bottle pockets: No on the Ortlieb Velocity Design; 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. 10 accept only the Ortlieb Velocity Design, and 0 accept only the Bellroy Apex Backpack.
Only the Ortlieb Velocity Design fits
Air Niugini, Belavia, Etihad Airways, Liat Airlines, Oman Air, Qatar Airways, Royal Jordanian, Scoot, Tiger Airways, WestJet.
Ortlieb Velocity Design vs. Bellroy Apex Backpack: which should you pack?
The Bellroy Apex Backpack carries 3L more than the Ortlieb Velocity Design (23L vs. 26L), while the Ortlieb Velocity Design is the lighter pack at 0.88kg (vs. 1.4kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Ortlieb Velocity Design fits 92% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the Bellroy Apex Backpack; if you want to travel lighter, the Ortlieb Velocity Design is the better call.