Ortlieb Velocity Design vs. Millican Smith 18L

Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.

Ortlieb Velocity Design

Front facing view of the Ortlieb Velocity Design
Capacity23 L
Weight0.88 kg
Dimensions50×30×16 cm
Airline fit92%
Price$145

Feature by feature

Ortlieb Velocity DesignFeatureMillican Smith 18L
Storage
N Compression N
None Expanded Capacity None
2 Opening 2
N Passport side
N Passthrough N
Carry
Y Backpack Y
removable Hip Belt removable
removable Sternum Strap removable
Inside
15in Laptop 15in
1 Main Compartments 3
N Organizer N
Outside
× Hard Shell ×
N Rain-fly N
N Water Bottle Holder N
Y Water Resistant Y
Material
PD620, PS620C Weatherproof Bionic Canvas

Millican Smith 18L

Front facing view of the Millican Smith 18L
Capacity18 L
Weight0.9 kg
Dimensions50×28×10 cm
Airline fit92%
Price$130

Key differences between the Ortlieb Velocity Design and Millican Smith 18L

Both have: backpack straps, hip belt, 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. 173 accept both. 0 accept only the Ortlieb Velocity Design, and 1 accept only the Millican Smith 18L.

Only the Millican Smith 18L fits

Great Lakes Airlines.

Ortlieb Velocity Design vs. Millican Smith 18L: which should you pack?

The Ortlieb Velocity Design carries 5L more than the Millican Smith 18L (23L vs. 18L), while the Ortlieb Velocity Design is the lighter pack at 0.88kg (vs. 0.9kg). 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 Ortlieb Velocity Design; if you want to travel lighter, the Ortlieb Velocity Design is the better call.