Ortlieb Messenger Bag vs. ILE Transit 25L
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Ortlieb Messenger Bag
| Capacity | 39 L |
| Weight | 1.3 kg |
| Dimensions | 50×39×15 cm |
| Airline fit | 59% |
| Price | $140 |
Feature by feature
| Ortlieb Messenger Bag | Feature | ILE Transit 25L |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 2 | Opening | 2 |
| N | Passport | N |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| removable | Hip Belt | removable |
| removable | Sternum Strap | removable |
| Inside | ||
| N | Laptop | 16in |
| 1 | Main Compartments | 1 |
| N | Organizer | Y |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| N | Water Bottle Holder | 2 |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| PD620, PS620C | Durable Cordura, waxed canvas, or XPAC sailcloth exterior |
ILE Transit 25L
| Capacity | 25 L |
| Weight | 2 kg |
| Dimensions | 50.8×30.5×15.2 cm |
| Airline fit | 89% |
| Price | $220 |
Key differences between the Ortlieb Messenger Bag and ILE Transit 25L
- Laptop sleeve: No on the Ortlieb Messenger Bag; 16in on the ILE Transit 25L.
- Built-in organizer: No on the Ortlieb Messenger Bag; Yes on the ILE Transit 25L.
- Water bottle pockets: No on the Ortlieb Messenger Bag; 2 on the ILE Transit 25L.
Both have: backpack straps, hip belt, sternum strap, water resistant.
Which airlines take each bag as a carry-on
We checked both bags against the carry-on size limits of 189 airlines. 109 accept both. 2 accept only the Ortlieb Messenger Bag, and 60 accept only the ILE Transit 25L.
Only the Ortlieb Messenger Bag fits
Belavia, Etihad Airways.
Only the ILE Transit 25L fits
Aerolineas Argentinas, Air Asia, Air France, Air India, Air Macau, Air Mauritius, Air Wisconsin, AirAsiaX, Alaska Airlines, Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Avianca , Bahamasair, Bangkok Airways, Biman Bangladesh, Boliviana de Aviacion, Cambodia Angkor Air, Cathay Pacific, Cayman Airways, Cebu Pacific, China Airlines, CommutAir, Conviasa, Copa Airlines, Delta Airlines, Dragonair, Emirates Airlines, EVA Air, flybe, Garuda Indonesia, Hawaiian Airlines, Hong Kong Airlines, Indigo, InselAir, Jet Airways, jetBlue Airways, Jetstar Airways, Jetstar Asia, Kenya Airways, KLM, Kulula, LATAM , Liat Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Mango, Pakistan International, Qantas Airways, Republic Airways, Royal Brunei Airlines, Scoot, Sky Airlines, Skywest, Inc., South African Airways, SriLankan Airlines, Tiger Airways, Trans States, United Airlines, Vietnam Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, WestJet.
Ortlieb Messenger Bag vs. ILE Transit 25L: which should you pack?
The Ortlieb Messenger Bag carries 14L more than the ILE Transit 25L (39L vs. 25L), while the Ortlieb Messenger Bag is the lighter pack at 1.3kg (vs. 2kg). For carry-on flexibility, the ILE Transit 25L fits 89% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the Ortlieb Messenger Bag; if you want to travel lighter, the Ortlieb Messenger Bag is the better call.