Ortlieb Velocity Design vs. Ortlieb Vario

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 DesignFeatureOrtlieb Vario
Storage
N Compression N
None Expanded Capacity None
2 Opening 2
N Passport N
N Passthrough N
Carry
Y Backpack removable
removable Hip Belt removable
removable Sternum Strap Y
Inside
15in Laptop 15in
1 Main Compartments 1
N Organizer Y
Outside
× Hard Shell ×
N Rain-fly N
N Water Bottle Holder 2
Y Water Resistant Y
Material
PD620, PS620C PS33

Ortlieb Vario

Front facing view of the Ortlieb Vario
Capacity23 L
Weight1.3 kg
Dimensions50×28×20 cm
Airline fit92%
Price$175

Key differences between the Ortlieb Velocity Design and Ortlieb Vario

Both have: hip belt, 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 Ortlieb Vario.

Only the Ortlieb Vario fits

Great Lakes Airlines.

Ortlieb Velocity Design vs. Ortlieb Vario: which should you pack?

The Ortlieb Velocity Design carries the same capacity as the Ortlieb Vario (23L vs. 23L), while the Ortlieb Velocity Design is the lighter pack at 0.88kg (vs. 1.3kg). 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.