Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus vs. Bellroy Shift Backpack
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 | Bellroy Shift Backpack |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 4 | Opening | 3 |
| Y | Passport | N |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| N | Hip Belt | N |
| N | Sternum Strap | removable |
| Inside | ||
| 15in | Laptop | 15in |
| 1 | Main Compartments | 1 |
| N | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| N | Water Bottle Holder | 1 |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| Venture-weave polyester and leather | Venture-weave polyester |
Bellroy Shift Backpack
| Capacity | 22 L |
| Weight | 1.25 kg |
| Dimensions | 55×30×20 cm |
| Airline fit | 86% |
| Price | $169 |
Key differences between the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus and Bellroy Shift Backpack
- Opening: Top zip on the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus; Top flap on the Bellroy Shift Backpack.
- Passport pocket: Yes on the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus; No on the Bellroy Shift Backpack.
- Sternum strap: No on the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus; Removable on the Bellroy Shift Backpack.
- Water bottle pockets: No on the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus; 1 on the Bellroy Shift Backpack.
Both have: backpack straps, 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. 130 accept both. 4 accept only the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus, and 33 accept only the Bellroy Shift Backpack.
Only the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus fits
Liat Airlines, Scoot, Tiger Airways, WestJet.
Only the Bellroy Shift Backpack fits
Air Baltic, Air China, Air Malta, Air Serbia, Air Seychelles, Asiana Airlines, ATA Airlines, Blue Air, Bulgaria Air, China Eastern, Emirates Airlines, Enter Air, flybe, Icelandair, InselAir, Juneyao Airlines, Luxair, Meridiana Fly, Nordwind Airlines, Royal Brunei Airlines, Ryanair, S7, Shandong Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, Sun Express, TAP Air Portugal, TAROM, Tianjin Airlines (A320 & E190), TUI, Ukraine International, VIM Airlines (Closed), Volotea, Xiamen.
We will be comparing two highly sought-after carry-on backpacks – the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus and the Bellroy Shift Backpack. Both are made by the same trusted company, Bellroy, who consistently deliver products that marry style with practicality. These two packs are no exception, with their sleek designs and ample storage space.
The Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus stands at 21 inches tall, 30 inches wide, and 52 inches deep. This bag also has a laptop compartment that can accommodate a 15-inch laptop—a must-have for any modern traveler. The overall capacity of the Classic Backpack Plus is 22 litres. Importantly, this backpack weighs only 1 pound and is made from a unique combination of Venture-weave polyester and rich leather. Its compatibility with 65% of airlines, plus its ergonomic design and easy organization, brings praise such as one reviewer's: “The Classic Backpack Plus from Bellroy has a clean aesthetic, lots of organization, and some excellent build and materials… well suited to be your everyday carry for work.”
Comparatively, the Bellroy Shift Backpack carries the same width and capacity as the Classic Backpack Plus, but is slightly taller and deeper—measuring at 20 inches tall and 55 inches deep. Also, it weighs a quarter pound more at 1.25 pounds and is entirely composed of Venture-weave polyester. Its laptop compartment fits a 15-inch laptop too, but this pack is compatible with a larger percentage of airlines, specifically 78%. Its adaptability has received commendations like one reviewer enthusing: “Elegant, practical and adaptable, the Bellroy Shift Backpack embraces changing needs and environments with ease.”
Now, let's bullet point and summarize the primary differences:
- Size: The Classic Backpack Plus is slightly smaller than the Shift Backpack.
- Weight: The Shift Backpack is marginally heavier than the Classic Backpack Plus.
- Material: The Classic Backpack Plus incorporates leather, whereas the Shift Backpack is purely Venture-weave polyester.
- Airline compatibility: The Shift Backpack is more widely accepted compared to the Classic Backpack Plus.
In conclusion, the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus and the Bellroy Shift Backpack are both top-quality carry-on backpacks that differ slightly in size, weight, material, and airline compatibility. Complementing work and leisure environments, these two packs provide varying levels of style and simplicity. The Classic Backpack Plus offers a leather and polyester amalgamation for a more executive aesthetic, while the Shift Backpack provides uniformity with its all-polyester construction. With a greater percentage of airline compatibility, the Shift Backpack edges out the Classic Backpack Plus. However, both packs deliver excellent storage capabilities, proving them as superb travel companions.