Ortlieb Commuter Daypack City vs. Ortlieb Vario
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Ortlieb Commuter Daypack City
| Capacity | 21 L |
| Weight | 0.75 kg |
| Dimensions | 50×30×15.5 cm |
| Airline fit | 92% |
| Price | $160 |
Feature by feature
| Ortlieb Commuter Daypack City | Feature | Ortlieb Vario |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 0 | Opening | 2 |
| N | Passport | N |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | removable |
| removable | Hip Belt | removable |
| removable | Sternum Strap | Y |
| Inside | ||
| 15in | Laptop | 15in |
| 1 | Main Compartments | 1 |
| Y | Organizer | Y |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| N | Water Bottle Holder | 2 |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| PS33 | PS33 |
Key differences between the Ortlieb Commuter Daypack City and Ortlieb Vario
- Opening: Other on the Ortlieb Commuter Daypack City; Rolltop on the Ortlieb Vario.
- Backpack straps: Yes on the Ortlieb Commuter Daypack City; Removable on the Ortlieb Vario.
- Sternum strap: Removable on the Ortlieb Commuter Daypack City; Yes on the Ortlieb Vario.
- Water bottle pockets: No on the Ortlieb Commuter Daypack City; 2 on the Ortlieb Vario.
Both have: hip belt, laptop sleeve, built-in organizer, water resistant.
Which airlines take each bag as a carry-on
We checked both bags against the carry-on size limits of 189 airlines. 173 accept both. 0 accept only the Ortlieb Commuter Daypack City, and 1 accept only the Ortlieb Vario.
Only the Ortlieb Vario fits
Great Lakes Airlines.
Ortlieb Commuter Daypack City vs. Ortlieb Vario: which should you pack?
The Ortlieb Vario carries 2L more than the Ortlieb Commuter Daypack City (21L vs. 23L), while the Ortlieb Commuter Daypack City is the lighter pack at 0.75kg (vs. 1.3kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Ortlieb Commuter Daypack City fits 92% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the Ortlieb Vario; if you want to travel lighter, the Ortlieb Commuter Daypack City is the better call.