Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus vs. Deuter Speedlite 20

Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.

Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus

Front facing view of the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus
Capacity22 L
Weight1 kg
Dimensions52×30×21 cm
Airline fit71%
Price$179

Feature by feature

Bellroy Classic Backpack PlusFeatureDeuter Speedlite 20
Storage
N Compression Y
None Expanded Capacity None
4 Opening 4
Y Passport top
N Passthrough N
Carry
Y Backpack Y
N Hip Belt hideable
N Sternum Strap Y
Inside
15in Laptop N
1 Main Compartments 2
N Organizer N
Outside
× Hard Shell ×
N Rain-fly N
N Water Bottle Holder 2
Y Water Resistant Y
Material
Venture-weave polyester and leather420D and 210D PA Nylon

Deuter Speedlite 20

Front facing view of the Deuter Speedlite 20
Capacity20 L
Weight0.3 kg
Dimensions49×26×19 cm
Airline fit92%
Price$75

Key differences between the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus and Deuter Speedlite 20

Both have: backpack straps, water resistant.

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. 0 accept only the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus, and 40 accept only the Deuter Speedlite 20.

Only the Deuter Speedlite 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, 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), Volotea, Xiamen.

When it comes to carry-on backpacks, the market can be quite crowded with options. I took the liberty of putting two packs up against each other for comparison's sake, the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus by Bellroy, and the Deuter Speedlite 20 by Deuter. Both of these packs boast promising features, materials, and sizes that cater to a wide range of carrying needs and preferences.

The Bellroy Classic, crafted out of Venture-weave polyester and leather, imparts a sense of quality and durability. It's a robust, sturdy bag that weighs in comparatively at a sturdy 1 pound. The bag is impressively roomy too, offering 22 liters of carrying capacity, comfortably designed to stash away a 15-inch laptop. Reviews have appreciated its clean aesthetics and excellent build, particularly its suitability for everyday work use.

On the other hand, the Deuter Speedlite 20 stands out for its extreme lightness, weighing only 0.3 pounds. Coupled with its V-design, distributing weight evenly to your shoulders, it offers unrivaled comfort. Made of 420D and 210D PA Nylon, it carries a simpler, more streamlined design, with a carrying capacity of 20 liters. It might not compartmentalize a laptop, but its praised ability to serve multiple outdoor adventures without compromising its lightweight stature exhibits versatility.

Here's a succinct comparison:

In essence, both backpacks each carry distinctive advantages. The Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus embodies a solid mix of style, functionality, and durability suited for daily office carry or students. Conversely, Deuter's lightweight Speedlite 20 shines for its uncomplicated, versatile design that effortlessly transforms from an airline personal item to a day hike companion. The decision depends on the specifics of what you are hoping to get out of the product at hand.