Bellroy Apex Backpack vs. Able Carry Daybreaker
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 | Able Carry Daybreaker |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 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 | XPAC Fabric or Cordura Nylon |
Able Carry Daybreaker
| Capacity | 25 L |
| Weight | 0.58 kg |
| Dimensions | 50×26×19 cm |
| Airline fit | 92% |
| Price | $126 |
Key differences between the Bellroy Apex Backpack and Able Carry Daybreaker
- Opening: Other on the Bellroy Apex Backpack; Top zip on the Able Carry Daybreaker.
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 11 accept only the Able Carry Daybreaker.
Only the Able Carry Daybreaker 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. Able Carry Daybreaker: which should you pack?
The Bellroy Apex Backpack carries 1L more than the Able Carry Daybreaker (26L vs. 25L), while the Able Carry Daybreaker is the lighter pack at 0.58kg (vs. 1.4kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Able Carry Daybreaker fits 92% 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 Able Carry Daybreaker is the better call.