Bellroy Apex Backpack vs. Deuter UP Sydney
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 | Deuter UP Sydney |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 0 | Opening | 3 |
| N | Passport | N |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| N | Hip Belt | removable |
| 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 | 300D PES Ripstop, 500D rPES |
Deuter UP Sydney
| Capacity | 22 L |
| Weight | 0.88 kg |
| Dimensions | 50×30×16 cm |
| Airline fit | 92% |
| Price | $150 |
Key differences between the Bellroy Apex Backpack and Deuter UP Sydney
- Opening: Other on the Bellroy Apex Backpack; Top flap on the Deuter UP Sydney.
- Hip belt: No on the Bellroy Apex Backpack; Removable on the Deuter UP Sydney.
- Built-in organizer: No on the Bellroy Apex Backpack; Yes on the Deuter UP Sydney.
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 10 accept only the Deuter UP Sydney.
Only the Deuter UP Sydney fits
Air Niugini, Belavia, Etihad Airways, Liat Airlines, Oman Air, Qatar Airways, Royal Jordanian, Scoot, Tiger Airways, WestJet.
Bellroy Apex Backpack vs. Deuter UP Sydney: which should you pack?
The Bellroy Apex Backpack carries 4L more than the Deuter UP Sydney (26L vs. 22L), while the Deuter UP Sydney is the lighter pack at 0.88kg (vs. 1.4kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Deuter UP Sydney 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 Deuter UP Sydney is the better call.