Capacity describes a quantity, not an opening
A litre value does not tell you the width of a zipper opening, the shape of a rigid pocket or whether a passport sleeve can turn through an entry. Two bags with the same nominal volume can arrange that space differently.
Keep manufacturer-listed capacity as a specification. The method and included compartments should be marked unknown when the product page does not establish them.
Do not replace volume with an exterior box calculation
Multiplying three exterior dimensions gives a bounding-box volume. That includes space outside rounded corners and does not account for lining, padding, seams or pocket layout. It is not a measured usable capacity.
The reviewed Lite Sacoche record includes a 3.5 L manufacturer capacity; the Pacsafe GO record lists 2.5 L. These figures come from the product pages and are not CarryFacts measurements. They should not be back-calculated from their exterior dimensions.
Compare the load that matters
For a phone-and-passport bag, the relevant check is the actual combined arrangement and closure. For commuting, add the exact extra objects and test whether retrieval remains practical.
- Use identical objects and covers when comparing two bags.
- Record which compartments receive the load.
- Photograph full closure and the object arrangement.
- If a bag has spare volume but a blocked opening, report both facts.
Separate a capacity experiment from a use test
A future volume experiment should publish its filling material, method, compartments, rounding and repeatability. A loading test should publish the objects and closure result. Neither should silently stand in for the other.
Until a common method is documented, litre figures are a useful catalogue field with a method limitation. They are not enough to rank phone fit, comfort or practical organisation.
Sources and check dates
- Lite Sacoche — manufacturer listing ↗Checked 2026-10-14
- GO Anti-Theft Crossbody Bag — manufacturer listing ↗Checked 2026-10-14