DEFY The Rover Backpack vs Ortlieb Messenger-Bag Pro
The DEFY The Rover Backpack is 40L and 2.04kg4.5lb; the Ortlieb Messenger-Bag Pro is 39L and 1.95kg4.3lb. The Ortlieb Messenger-Bag Pro is 0.09kg0.2lb lighter. The Ortlieb Messenger-Bag Pro costs $163 less. The DEFY The Rover Backpack fits the carry-on limit of 30 of 36 major airlines and the Ortlieb Messenger-Bag Pro fits 18; under the seat, 0 and 0 of 26.
| Spec | DEFY The Rover Backpack | Ortlieb Messenger-Bag Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $388 | $225Best |
| Volume | 40L | 39L |
| Weight | 2.04kg4.5lb | 1.95kg4.3lbBest |
| Carry-on compliance | 83%Best | 50% |
| Personal-item compliance | 0% | 0% |
| Dimensions | 33×50.8×22.9cm13×20×9in | 50×39×15.5cm19.5×15.5×6in |
| Laptop | 15" | sleeve, size not published |
| Opening | two oversized YKK AquaGuard zips across the top, front and back zip pockets | Roll-top, roll closure |
| Warranty | No fixed term | 5 years |
| Organizer | Yes | Yes |
| Shoe compartment | No | No |
| Hydration sleeve | No | No |
| Frame sheet | No | No |
| Water-resistant | No | Yes |
| Rain cover | No | No |
| MOLLE | Yes | No |
| Hip belt | No | Yes |
| Sternum strap | Insert sold separately | Yes |
| Load lifters | No | No |
| Shoulder strap | Removable | No |
| Luggage pass-through | Yes | No |
| Camera compartment | No | No |
| Bike-ready | No | Yes |
| Material | 1050D MIL-SPEC ballistic nylon exterior, 1000D water-resistant silver CORDURA lining | PVC-coated polyester (pd620), PVC-coated Cordura (ps620c) |
| Last checked | 2026-10 | 2026-10 |
Where their airline fit differs
| Airline | Limit | DEFY The Rover Backpack | Ortlieb Messenger-Bag Pro |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Arabia | Carry-on | Too big | Fits |
| Air France | Carry-on | Fits | Too big |
| Air India | Carry-on | Too big | Fits |
| AirAsia | Carry-on | Fits | Too big |
| Alaska Airlines | Carry-on | Fits | Too big |
| American Airlines | Carry-on | Fits | Too big |
| Avianca | Carry-on | Fits | Too big |
| Cebu Pacific | Carry-on | Fits | Too big |
| Delta Air Lines | Carry-on | Fits | Too big |
| Gol Linhas Aereas | Carry-on | Fits | Too big |
| IndiGo | Carry-on | Fits | Too big |
| JetBlue Airways | Carry-on | Fits | Too big |
| KLM | Carry-on | Fits | Too big |
| LATAM Airlines | Carry-on | Fits | Too big |
| Qantas | Carry-on | Fits | Too big |
| Ryanair | Carry-on | Too big | Fits |
| United Airlines | Carry-on | Fits | Too big |
| Vietjet Air | Carry-on | Fits | Too big |
| Vueling | Carry-on | Too big | Fits |
| WestJet | Carry-on | Fits | Too big |
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Specs come from each brand's own product page. Fit uses listed dimensions in any orientation. How we score carry-on fit.