Ortlieb Velocity Design vs. Millican Smith 15L
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 | Millican Smith 15L |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 13in |
| 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 15L
| Capacity | 15 L |
| Weight | 0.8 kg |
| Dimensions | 45×28×10 cm |
| Airline fit | 96% |
| Price | $115 |
Key differences between the Ortlieb Velocity Design and Millican Smith 15L
- Passport pocket: No on the Ortlieb Velocity Design; Side on the Millican Smith 15L.
- Laptop sleeve: 15in on the Ortlieb Velocity Design; 13in on the Millican Smith 15L.
- Main compartments: 1 on the Ortlieb Velocity Design; 3 on the Millican Smith 15L.
Both have: backpack straps, hip belt, sternum strap, 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 8 accept only the Millican Smith 15L.
Only the Millican Smith 15L fits
Air Tahiti, American Eagle, easyJet, Great Lakes Airlines, Gulf Air, Ravn Alaska, Regional Express, Virgin Australia.
Ortlieb Velocity Design vs. Millican Smith 15L: which should you pack?
The Ortlieb Velocity Design carries 8L more than the Millican Smith 15L (23L vs. 15L), while the Millican Smith 15L is the lighter pack at 0.8kg (vs. 0.88kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Millican Smith 15L fits 96% 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 Millican Smith 15L is the better call.