DSPTCH Gym/Work Pack vs. Ortlieb Vario
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
DSPTCH Gym/Work Pack
| Capacity | 25 L |
| Weight | 1.7 kg |
| Dimensions | 51×31×18 cm |
| Airline fit | 89% |
| Price | $160 |
Feature by feature
| DSPTCH Gym/Work Pack | Feature | Ortlieb Vario |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 4 | Opening | 2 |
| N | Passport | N |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | removable |
| N | Hip Belt | removable |
| Y | Sternum Strap | Y |
| Inside | ||
| 15in | Laptop | 15in |
| 1 | Main Compartments | 1 |
| Y | Organizer | Y |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 2 | Water Bottle Holder | 2 |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 1680D Ballistic Nylon with DWR coating | PS33 |
Key differences between the DSPTCH Gym/Work Pack and Ortlieb Vario
- Opening: Top zip on the DSPTCH Gym/Work Pack; Rolltop on the Ortlieb Vario.
- Backpack straps: Yes on the DSPTCH Gym/Work Pack; Removable on the Ortlieb Vario.
- Hip belt: No on the DSPTCH Gym/Work Pack; Removable on the Ortlieb Vario.
Both have: sternum strap, laptop sleeve, built-in organizer, 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. 169 accept both. 0 accept only the DSPTCH Gym/Work Pack, and 5 accept only the Ortlieb Vario.
Only the Ortlieb Vario fits
Air Niugini, Belavia, Etihad Airways, Great Lakes Airlines, Qatar Airways.
DSPTCH Gym/Work Pack vs. Ortlieb Vario: which should you pack?
The DSPTCH Gym/Work Pack carries 2L more than the Ortlieb Vario (25L vs. 23L), while the Ortlieb Vario is the lighter pack at 1.3kg (vs. 1.7kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Ortlieb Vario fits 92% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the DSPTCH Gym/Work Pack; if you want to travel lighter, the Ortlieb Vario is the better call.