Kathmandu Solus Pack 20 vs. Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Kathmandu Solus Pack 20
| Capacity | 20 L |
| Weight | 0.42 kg |
| Dimensions | 47×28×19 cm |
| Airline fit | 93% |
| Price | $60 |
Feature by feature
| Kathmandu Solus Pack 20 | Feature | Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 4 | Opening | 4 |
| N | Passport | Y |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| N | Hip Belt | N |
| N | Sternum Strap | N |
| Inside | ||
| 15in | Laptop | 15in |
| 1 | Main Compartments | 1 |
| N | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| N | Water Bottle Holder | N |
| N | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 100% Polyester | Venture-weave polyester and leather |
Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus
| Capacity | 22 L |
| Weight | 1 kg |
| Dimensions | 52×30×21 cm |
| Airline fit | 71% |
| Price | $179 |
Key differences between the Kathmandu Solus Pack 20 and Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus
- Passport pocket: No on the Kathmandu Solus Pack 20; Yes on the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus.
- Water resistant: No on the Kathmandu Solus Pack 20; Yes on the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus.
Both have: backpack straps, laptop sleeve.
Which airlines take each bag as a carry-on
We checked both bags against the carry-on size limits of 189 airlines. 134 accept both. 42 accept only the Kathmandu Solus Pack 20, and 0 accept only the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus.
Only the Kathmandu Solus Pack 20 fits
Air Baltic, Air China, Air Malta, Air Niugini, Air Serbia, Air Seychelles, Asiana Airlines, ATA Airlines, Belavia, Blue Air, Bulgaria Air, China Eastern, Emirates Airlines, Enter Air, Etihad Airways, flybe, Great Lakes Airlines, Icelandair, InselAir, Juneyao Airlines, Luxair, Meridiana Fly, Nordwind Airlines, Oman Air, Qatar Airways, Regional Express, Royal Brunei Airlines, Royal Jordanian, Ryanair, S7, Shandong Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, Sun Express, TAP Air Portugal, TAROM, Tianjin Airlines (A320 & E190), TUI, Ukraine International, VIM Airlines (Closed), Virgin Australia, Volotea, Xiamen.
Kathmandu Solus Pack 20 vs. Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus: which should you pack?
The Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus carries 2L more than the Kathmandu Solus Pack 20 (20L vs. 22L), while the Kathmandu Solus Pack 20 is the lighter pack at 0.42kg (vs. 1kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Kathmandu Solus Pack 20 fits 93% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus; if you want to travel lighter, the Kathmandu Solus Pack 20 is the better call.