Bellroy Apex Backpack vs. Timbuk2 Command
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 | Timbuk2 Command |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 0 | Opening | 0 |
| N | Passport | top |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | |
| N | Hip Belt | N |
| removable | Sternum Strap | removable |
| Inside | ||
| 15in | Laptop | 15in |
| 1 | Main Compartments | 5 |
| N | Organizer | Y |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 1 | Water Bottle Holder | |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| Recycled Baida Nylon and premium, environmentally certified leather | |
Key differences between the Bellroy Apex Backpack and Timbuk2 Command
- Passport pocket: No on the Bellroy Apex Backpack; Top on the Timbuk2 Command.
- Main compartments: 1 on the Bellroy Apex Backpack; 5 on the Timbuk2 Command.
- Built-in organizer: No on the Bellroy Apex Backpack; Yes on the Timbuk2 Command.
Both have: sternum strap, 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 9 accept only the Timbuk2 Command.
Only the Timbuk2 Command fits
Belavia, Etihad Airways, Liat Airlines, Oman Air, Qatar Airways, Royal Jordanian, Scoot, Tiger Airways, WestJet.
Bellroy Apex Backpack vs. Timbuk2 Command: which should you pack?
The Timbuk2 Command carries 6L more than the Bellroy Apex Backpack (26L vs. 32L), while the Timbuk2 Command is the lighter pack at 1.1kg (vs. 1.4kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Timbuk2 Command fits 91% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the Timbuk2 Command; if you want to travel lighter, the Timbuk2 Command is the better call.