Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus vs. Minaal Carry-On 2.0
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus
| Capacity | 22 L |
| Weight | 1 kg |
| Dimensions | 52×30×21 cm |
| Airline fit | 71% |
| Price | $179 |
Feature by feature
| Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus | Feature | Minaal Carry-On 2.0 |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 4 | Opening | 0 |
| Y | Passport | top |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | hideable |
| N | Hip Belt | N |
| N | Sternum Strap | Y |
| Inside | ||
| 15in | Laptop | 15in |
| 1 | Main Compartments | 4 |
| N | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | Y |
| N | Water Bottle Holder | 1 |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| Venture-weave polyester and leather | 600D Cordura |
Minaal Carry-On 2.0
| Capacity | 34 L |
| Weight | 1.4 kg |
| Dimensions | 56×36×21 cm |
| Airline fit | 46% |
| Price | $300 |
Key differences between the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus and Minaal Carry-On 2.0
- Opening: Top zip on the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus; Other on the Minaal Carry-On 2.0.
- Passport pocket: Yes on the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus; Top on the Minaal Carry-On 2.0.
- Backpack straps: Yes on the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus; Hideable on the Minaal Carry-On 2.0.
- Sternum strap: No on the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus; Yes on the Minaal Carry-On 2.0.
- Main compartments: 1 on the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus; 4 on the Minaal Carry-On 2.0.
- Rain cover: No on the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus; Yes on the Minaal Carry-On 2.0.
- Water bottle pockets: No on the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus; 1 on the Minaal Carry-On 2.0.
Both have: laptop sleeve, water resistant.
Which airlines take each bag as a carry-on
We checked both bags against the carry-on size limits of 189 airlines. 86 accept both. 48 accept only the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus, and 0 accept only the Minaal Carry-On 2.0.
Only the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus fits
Aer Lingus, Aeroflot, Aerolineas Argentinas, Aeromexico, Air Canada, Air Caraibes, Air France, Air India, Air Mauritius, All Nipon Airways, ANA, Austrian, Azerbaijan Airlines, Boliviana de Aviacion, Brussels Airlines, Cayman Airways, Croatia Air, Czech Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines, Eurowings, Fiji Airways, Flair Air, Gol Linhas Aereas, Iberia, Indigo, Interjet, Iran Air, Japan Airlines, Jet Airways, Kenya Airways, KLM, LATAM , Liat Airlines, LOT Polish, Lufthansa, Mahan Air, Mesa Airlines, Norwegian, Pakistan International, Peach, Porter Airlines, SAS Scandinavian, Scoot, Sky Airlines, Swiss Int'l Air Lines, Tiger Airways, Turkish Airlines, WestJet.
When talking about backpacks built for carry-on travel, we cannot ignore the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus and the Minaal Carry-On 2.0. Both packs offer a blend of sleek design elegantly paired with functional compartments; these are not your average pack mule bags. Yet, despite their shared brilliance, both cater to different user needs.
The Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus sports a clean and minimalistic design, melded seamlessly with Venture-weave polyester and leather. It's compact, weighing only 1 pound—however, this comes at a cost. The capacity is 22 liters. Sure, it may lack in volume, but it outshines in compatibility with 65% of airlines. A reporter well versed in backpacks reviewed it, "out of the bags I've reviewed, I'd say this has the best balance of form and function."
On the bigger side, we've got the Minaal Carry-On 2.0. It's built strong with 600D Cordura, a material made for portable havens. It's slightly heavier, weighing 1.4 pounds, but offers a roomy 34 liters of storage. Plus, it's 97% airline compatible—virtually a universal travel companion. One reviewer writes about it, "the Carry-on 2.0 stands out amongst its peers."
Here's how these backpacks stack up:
- Size: Bellroy (21 x 30 x 52 inches) | Minaal (56 x 36 x 21 inches)
- Weight: Bellroy (1 pound) | Minaal (1.4 pounds)
- Capacity: Bellroy (22 liters) | Minaal (34 liters)
- Airline Compatibility: Bellroy (65%) | Minaal (97%)
- Material: Bellroy (Venture-weave polyester and leather) | Minaal (600D Cordura)
- Laptop Compartment: Both can fit a 15 inch laptop
Both backpacks offer exceptional form and functionality. The Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus is more streamlined and sleek. It's an optimal companion for a typical day at work or a bustling student life. Meanwhile, the Minaal Carry-On 2.0 offers extra space and maximum compatibility. It fits right into the hands of a busy traveller or a digital nomad. Regardless of your preference, both backpacks demonstrate unmatched craftsmanship and quality.