Bellroy Apex Backpack vs. Tarion XH Hardshell Camera Backpack
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Bellroy Apex Backpack
| Capacity | 26 L |
| Weight | 1.4 kg |
| Dimensions | 55×33×20 cm |
| Airline fit | 86% |
| Price | $449 |
Feature by feature
| Bellroy Apex Backpack | Feature | Tarion XH Hardshell Camera Backpack |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | Y |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 0 | Opening | 0 |
| N | Passport | N |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| N | Hip Belt | N |
| removable | Sternum Strap | Y |
| Inside | ||
| 15in | Laptop | 15in |
| 1 | Main Compartments | 2 |
| N | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | ✓ |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 1 | Water Bottle Holder | 1 |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| Recycled Baida Nylon and premium, environmentally certified leather | Polyester & PVA Hardshell |
Tarion XH Hardshell Camera Backpack
| Capacity | 11.5 L |
| Weight | 1.58 kg |
| Dimensions | 47×27.5×18 cm |
| Airline fit | 93% |
| Price | $80 |
Key differences between the Bellroy Apex Backpack and Tarion XH Hardshell Camera Backpack
- Compression straps: No on the Bellroy Apex Backpack; Yes on the Tarion XH Hardshell Camera Backpack.
- Sternum strap: Removable on the Bellroy Apex Backpack; Yes on the Tarion XH Hardshell Camera Backpack.
- Main compartments: 1 on the Bellroy Apex Backpack; 2 on the Tarion XH Hardshell Camera Backpack.
- Hard shell: No on the Bellroy Apex Backpack; Yes on the Tarion XH Hardshell Camera Backpack.
Both have: backpack straps, laptop sleeve, water bottle pockets, 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. 0 accept only the Bellroy Apex Backpack, and 13 accept only the Tarion XH Hardshell Camera Backpack.
Only the Tarion XH Hardshell Camera Backpack fits
Air Niugini, Belavia, Etihad Airways, Great Lakes Airlines, Liat Airlines, Oman Air, Qatar Airways, Regional Express, Royal Jordanian, Scoot, Tiger Airways, Virgin Australia, WestJet.
Bellroy Apex Backpack vs. Tarion XH Hardshell Camera Backpack: which should you pack?
The Bellroy Apex Backpack carries 14.5L more than the Tarion XH Hardshell Camera Backpack (26L vs. 11.5L), while the Bellroy Apex Backpack is the lighter pack at 1.4kg (vs. 1.58kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Tarion XH Hardshell Camera Backpack fits 93% 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 Bellroy Apex Backpack is the better call.