Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus vs. REI Co-op Ruckpack 18
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 | REI Co-op Ruckpack 18 |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 4 | Opening | 0 |
| Y | Passport | side |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | |
| N | Hip Belt | removable |
| N | Sternum Strap | removable |
| Inside | ||
| 15in | Laptop | 15in |
| 1 | Main Compartments | 2 |
| N | Organizer | Y |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| N | Water Bottle Holder | |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| Venture-weave polyester and leather | 210-denier nylon ripstop |
REI Co-op Ruckpack 18
| Capacity | 18 L |
| Weight | 0.7 kg |
| Dimensions | 44×26×18 cm |
| Airline fit | 96% |
| Price | $65 |
Key differences between the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus and REI Co-op Ruckpack 18
- Opening: Top zip on the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus; Other on the REI Co-op Ruckpack 18.
- Passport pocket: Yes on the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus; Side on the REI Co-op Ruckpack 18.
- Hip belt: No on the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus; Removable on the REI Co-op Ruckpack 18.
- Sternum strap: No on the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus; Removable on the REI Co-op Ruckpack 18.
- Main compartments: 1 on the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus; 2 on the REI Co-op Ruckpack 18.
- Built-in organizer: No on the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus; Yes on the REI Co-op Ruckpack 18.
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. 134 accept both. 0 accept only the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus, and 47 accept only the REI Co-op Ruckpack 18.
Only the REI Co-op Ruckpack 18 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 is a solid choice for a variety of needs, be it for travel or everyday use. It stands 21 inches tall, 30 inches wide, and 52 inches deep with a weight of just 1 pound. Equipped with 22 liters of capacity, it's spacious enough for all your essentials. The attention to detail in its design is evident in its Venture-weave polyester and leather make, which gives it an impressive and sophisticated look. Plus, it's suitable for 65% of airlines. The laptop compartment can comfortably hold a 15-inch laptop, making it a great fit for professionals and students alike.
Meanwhile, the REI Co-op Ruckpack 18 lives up to its reputation as a reliable and durable backpack. With dimensions of 44 inches tall, 26 inches wide, and 18 inches deep, the Ruckpack has a slightly larger footprint compared to the Bellroy. Despite this, it's lightweight, tipping the scales at just 0.7 pounds. Moreover, it has an adequate capacity of 18 liters. With its 210-denier nylon ripstop material, you can rest assured about the tough build while the compatibility with all airlines is definitely a bonus. Like the Bellroy, the Ruckpack also has a 15-inch laptop compartment.
In terms of comparability:
- Size: The Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus is smaller than the REI Co-op Ruckpack 18
- Weight: The Bellroy is slightly heavier to the REI bag
- Capacity: The Bellroy offers larger capacity than the REI bag
- Material: Bellroy is made of Venture-weave polyester & leather while REI is made of 210-denier nylon ripstop
- Airline Compatibility: Bellroy is compatible with 65% of airlines, whereas the REI backpack is compatible with all airlines
- Laptop Compartment: Both bags can accommodate a 15-inch laptop
Looking at the overall user experiences, reviewers have praised the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus for its "excellent build and materials" and its suitability as an everyday carry for work. Plus, the Bellroy draws admiration due to its "clean aesthetic, lots of organization, and excellent build and materials" making it a favorite among designers due to its "sophisticated style and thoughtful design." On the other hand, the REI Co-op Ruckpack 18 has been commended as a "burly, functional" backpack, the perfect match for those in need of a top-loading crossover pack for work and play.
Deciding between the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus and the REI Co-op Ruckpack 18 is not a straightforward task. Both of them are excellent choices, each with unique strengths. The Bellroy is perfect for buyers looking for a sleek, stylish, and organized bag for everyday use and travel, while the REI is the perfect backpack for those needing durable and flexible equipment for their commutes and outdoor adventures. Ultimately, the choice will depend on your specific needs and preferences.