Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus vs. Hill People Gear Umlindi
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 | Hill People Gear Umlindi |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | Y |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 4 | Opening | 4 |
| Y | Passport | N |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| N | Hip Belt | removable |
| 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 leather | 500d Cordura |
Hill People Gear Umlindi
| Capacity | 23 L |
| Weight | 1.3 kg |
| Dimensions | 49×28×17 cm |
| Airline fit | 92% |
| Price | $220 |
Key differences between the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus and Hill People Gear Umlindi
- Compression straps: No on the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus; Yes on the Hill People Gear Umlindi.
- Passport pocket: Yes on the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus; No on the Hill People Gear Umlindi.
- Hip belt: No on the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus; Removable on the Hill People Gear Umlindi.
- Sternum strap: No on the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus; Yes on the Hill People Gear Umlindi.
- Laptop sleeve: 15in on the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus; No on the Hill People Gear Umlindi.
- Main compartments: 1 on the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus; 2 on the Hill People Gear Umlindi.
- Water bottle pockets: No on the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus; 2 on the Hill People Gear Umlindi.
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 Hill People Gear Umlindi.
Only the Hill People Gear Umlindi 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.
Let's talk backpacks, namely the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus on one side and the Hill People Gear Umlindi on the other. Both are impressive options for carry-ons, but their strengths lie in different aspects. The Bellroy Classic offers a sleek combination of venture-weave polyester and leather, measuring up at a solid 21" x 30" x 52" and weighing only a pound. Not to mention, its clean, modern design is sure to attract the eye. Something that's been praised by reviewers across the board. This Bellroy baby also steps up with a generous capacity of 22 liters and a nifty laptop compartment capable of housing a 15 incher.
The Hill People Gear Umlindi, on the other hand, sports a rugged, ready-for-anything 500d Cordura body. It's a tad heavier at 1.3 pounds, but still highly manageable. It's also noticeably taller, coming in at 49" x 28" x 17", and offers a slightly larger capacity at 23 liters. The Umlindi's compatibility with 99% of airlines is certainly noteworthy, but come laptop accommodations and it draws a blank. Still, it's been hailed as "a great pack for all-round outdoor use", with a uniquely effective harness system.
Summary of Differences:
- The Bellroy Classic comes in venture-weave polyester and leather, while the Hill People Gear Umlindi is made of 500d Cordura.
- The Bellroy Classic measures 21" x 30" x 52", while the Hill People Gear Umlindi measures 49" x 28" x 17".
- The Bellroy Classic is lighter at 1 pound; the Hill People Gear Umlindi is slightly heavier at 1.3 pounds.
- The Bellroy Classic offers a laptop compartment fitting a 15-inch laptop; the Hill People Gear Umlindi has no laptop compartment.
- The Bellroy Classic is compatible with 65% of airlines; the Hill People Gear Umlindi is compatible with 99% of airlines.
Great craftsmanship resonates from both these backpacks. The Bellroy Classic scores with its elegant aesthetic and excellent organization, making it a hit for anyone seeking a versatile everyday carry for work. The Hill People Gear Umlindi attests to an exceptional compression strap system and a unique harness structure for load distribution - a backpack that can take on the rough and tumble of outdoor adventures or a light hunting trip. I suppose the deciding factor really boils down to your lifestyle. Also, it never hurts to have more than one great backpack.