Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus vs. Exped Skyline 15
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 | Exped Skyline 15 |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | 4 |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 4 | Opening | 1 |
| Y | Passport | front |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| N | Hip Belt | Y |
| N | Sternum Strap | Y |
| Inside | ||
| 15in | Laptop | N |
| 1 | Main Compartments | 4 |
| N | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | Y |
| N | Water Bottle Holder | 2, side |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| Venture-weave polyester and leather | 210D Robic HD Ripstop Nylon, PU Coated 1500mm |
Key differences between the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus and Exped Skyline 15
- Compression straps: No on the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus; 4 on the Exped Skyline 15.
- Opening: Top zip on the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus; Clamshell on the Exped Skyline 15.
- Passport pocket: Yes on the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus; Front on the Exped Skyline 15.
- Hip belt: No on the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus; Yes on the Exped Skyline 15.
- Sternum strap: No on the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus; Yes on the Exped Skyline 15.
- Laptop sleeve: 15in on the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus; No on the Exped Skyline 15.
- Main compartments: 1 on the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus; 4 on the Exped Skyline 15.
- Rain cover: No on the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus; Yes on the Exped Skyline 15.
- Water bottle pockets: No on the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus; 2, side on the Exped Skyline 15.
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 34 accept only the Exped Skyline 15.
Only the Exped Skyline 15 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, Great Lakes Airlines, 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.
The Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus and the Exped Skyline 15 both offer a compelling blend of functionality and style. The Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus demonstrates a keen attention to detail with its robust venture-weave polyester and leather construction. This pack is sizable, sporting dimensions of 21 x 30 x 52 inches, and a weight of just 1 pound. It can accommodate a 15-inch laptop and offers a generous volume of 22 liters. Notably, this backpack is compatible with 65% of airlines, making it a decent companion for frequent travelers.
The Exped Skyline 15, on the other hand, is a powerhouse in its own right. It boasts a slightly larger height of 53 inches, albeit with a narrower width and depth at 26 x 17 inches. This backpack is slightly heavier at 1.1 pounds, but offers an impressive compatibility with 99% of airlines. However, it offers a relatively less capacious volume of 15 liters. It is uniquely crafted from 210D Robic HD Ripstop Nylon, PU Coated 1500mm, signifying its durability. An interesting feature is the absence of a laptop compartment.
In terms of comparison, the two backpacks demonstrate differences in the following areas:
- Dimensions: Bellroy (21 x 30 x 52 inches), Exped (53 x 26 x 17 inches)
- Weight: Bellroy (1 lb), Exped (1.1 lb)
- Capacity: Bellroy (22 liters), Exped (15 liters)
- Airline Compatibility: Bellroy (65%), Exped (99%)
- Material: Bellroy (Venture-weave polyester and leather), Exped (210D Robic HD Ripstop Nylon)
- Laptop Compartment: Bellroy (Yes), Exped (No)
Reviewers have lauded the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus for its great craftsmanship, minimal yet stylish design, and superb organization. On the flip side, the Exped Skyline 15 has been hailed for its unique switchback suspension system, inclusion of a rain cover, and extensive organizational pockets. Despite difference in capacities and design details, both backpacks promise to offer functional value and durability. Your choice between the two will likely hinge upon personal preferences and specific needs. Maybe the Bellroy if you need a solid everyday work companion, or perhaps the Exped if you're going on rough outdoor adventures. At the end of the day, both backpacks can hold their own in their respective niches.