Bellroy Apex Backpack vs. Ryu Flex Pack 20L
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 | Ryu Flex Pack 20L |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 0 | Opening | 4 |
| N | Passport | N |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| N | Hip Belt | N |
| removable | Sternum Strap | removable |
| Inside | ||
| 15in | Laptop | 15in |
| 1 | Main Compartments | 1 |
| N | Organizer | Y |
| 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 | 100% nylon with silicone coating and Polygiene® finish |
Key differences between the Bellroy Apex Backpack and Ryu Flex Pack 20L
- Opening: Other on the Bellroy Apex Backpack; Top zip on the Ryu Flex Pack 20L.
- Built-in organizer: No on the Bellroy Apex Backpack; Yes on the Ryu Flex Pack 20L.
Both have: backpack straps, sternum strap, 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 14 accept only the Ryu Flex Pack 20L.
Only the Ryu Flex Pack 20L fits
American Eagle, Belavia, easyJet, Etihad Airways, Liat Airlines, Oman Air, Qatar Airways, Ravn Alaska, Regional Express, Royal Jordanian, Scoot, Tiger Airways, Virgin Australia, WestJet.
Bellroy Apex Backpack vs. Ryu Flex Pack 20L: which should you pack?
The Bellroy Apex Backpack carries 6L more than the Ryu Flex Pack 20L (26L vs. 20L), and the two are closely matched on weight. For carry-on flexibility, the Ryu Flex Pack 20L fits 94% 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.