Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus vs. STM Prime
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 | STM Prime |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 4 | Opening | 0 |
| Y | Passport | top |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| N | Hip Belt | N |
| N | Sternum Strap | Y |
| Inside | ||
| 15in | Laptop | 13in |
| 1 | Main Compartments | 2 |
| N | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| N | Water Bottle Holder | 2, side |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| Venture-weave polyester and leather | Polyester |
STM Prime
| Capacity | 15 L |
| Weight | 0.7 kg |
| Dimensions | 42×26×13 cm |
| Airline fit | 96% |
| Price | $80 |
Key differences between the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus and STM Prime
- Opening: Top zip on the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus; Other on the STM Prime.
- Passport pocket: Yes on the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus; Top on the STM Prime.
- Sternum strap: No on the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus; Yes on the STM Prime.
- Laptop sleeve: 15in on the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus; 13in on the STM Prime.
- Main compartments: 1 on the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus; 2 on the STM Prime.
- Water bottle pockets: No on the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus; 2, side on the STM Prime.
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 47 accept only the STM Prime.
Only the STM Prime fits
Air Baltic, Air China, Air Malta, Air Niugini, Air Serbia, Air Seychelles, Air Tahiti, American Eagle, Asiana Airlines, ATA Airlines, Belavia, Blue Air, Bulgaria Air, China Eastern, easyJet, Emirates Airlines, Enter Air, Etihad Airways, flybe, Great Lakes Airlines, Gulf Air, Icelandair, InselAir, Juneyao Airlines, Luxair, Meridiana Fly, Nordwind Airlines, Oman Air, Qatar Airways, Ravn Alaska, 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.
The Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus and STM Prime are both popular carry-on backpack choices on today's market. They differ, however, in some notable areas. The Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus is a relatively larger option with a taller and wider build, measuring 21 inches tall and 30 inches wide as opposed to the STM Prime's 42 inches tall and 26 inches wide dimensions. Its depth, at 52” is cavernously greater than the Prime's 13 inches. The backpack's greater build also reflects in its weight and capacity. Weighing at 1 pound, the Classic Backpack Plus is heftier compared to the STM Prime’s lighter 0.7 pounds, and it offers a substantial 22 liters of capacity compared to the Prime's modest 15 liters.
- Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus is larger in size
- The Classic Backpack Plus weighs more
- The Bellroy backpack has a larger capacity
- The Classic Backpack Plus is compatible with less airlines
- The Bellroy backpack has a leather touch, while the STM Prime is all polyester
- The Classic Backpack Plus can fit larger laptops
- The Bellroy backpack has been praised for its aesthetics and functionality
The Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus's dimension and capacity make it an excellent choice for those who often find themselves needing to carry many items at a time. However, it should be noted that the size and weight might make it a bit of a hassle for petite individuals. Additionally, its compatibility rests at 65% of airlines, which means there's a 35% chance it might not be a suitable carry-on for a chosen flight. Despite this, reviews testify to its high-quality Venture-weave polyester and leather build and its excellent organizational features. The laptop compartment can comfortably accommodate a 15-inch laptop inside.
The STM Prime, on the other hand, proves to be a lighter and more compact solution for travel. It rocks a full Polyester construct, so if you're someone who prefers an all-fabric backpack, this is definitely worth considering. Its compatibility with 100% of airlines also makes it a safer bet for seamless travel. The STM Prime's laptop compartment is sized for a 13-inch laptop, which while being not as spacious as the Classic Backpack Plus's compartment, still works well for most laptop sizes commonly in use.
In conclusion, both the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus and the STM Prime offer unique strengths. The former, with its superior capacity and size, suggests a great option for those needing to carry a good deal of items, while the latter offers the convenience of a compact, lightweight, and universally airline-compatible backpack. Depending on your needs and preferences, both are exceptional carry-on backpacks that warrant consideration.