Bellroy Apex Backpack vs. Patagonia Arbor Lid Pack 28L
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 | Patagonia Arbor Lid Pack 28L |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 0 | Opening | 3 |
| 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 | 1 |
| N | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 1 | Water Bottle Holder | N |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| Recycled Baida Nylon and premium, environmentally certified leather | 600-denier 100% recycled polyester, 00-denier 100% recycled polyester |
Patagonia Arbor Lid Pack 28L
| Capacity | 28 L |
| Weight | 0.52 kg |
| Dimensions | 49×27×13 cm |
| Airline fit | 92% |
| Price | $101 |
Key differences between the Bellroy Apex Backpack and Patagonia Arbor Lid Pack 28L
- Opening: Other on the Bellroy Apex Backpack; Top flap on the Patagonia Arbor Lid Pack 28L.
- Sternum strap: Removable on the Bellroy Apex Backpack; Yes on the Patagonia Arbor Lid Pack 28L.
- Water bottle pockets: 1 on the Bellroy Apex Backpack; No on the Patagonia Arbor Lid Pack 28L.
Both have: backpack straps, 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. 163 accept both. 0 accept only the Bellroy Apex Backpack, and 11 accept only the Patagonia Arbor Lid Pack 28L.
Only the Patagonia Arbor Lid Pack 28L fits
Air Niugini, Belavia, Etihad Airways, Great Lakes Airlines, Liat Airlines, Oman Air, Qatar Airways, Royal Jordanian, Scoot, Tiger Airways, WestJet.
Bellroy Apex Backpack vs. Patagonia Arbor Lid Pack 28L: which should you pack?
The Patagonia Arbor Lid Pack 28L carries 2L more than the Bellroy Apex Backpack (26L vs. 28L), while the Patagonia Arbor Lid Pack 28L is the lighter pack at 0.52kg (vs. 1.4kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Patagonia Arbor Lid Pack 28L fits 92% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the Patagonia Arbor Lid Pack 28L; if you want to travel lighter, the Patagonia Arbor Lid Pack 28L is the better call.