Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus vs. SwissGear Getaway Weekend 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 | SwissGear Getaway Weekend Backpack |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | 2 |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 4 | Opening | 1 |
| Y | Passport | top |
| N | Passthrough | Y |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| N | Hip Belt | N |
| N | Sternum Strap | N |
| Inside | ||
| 15in | Laptop | 15in |
| 1 | Main Compartments | 4 |
| N | Organizer | Y |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| N | Water Bottle Holder | 1, side |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| Venture-weave polyester and leather | |
SwissGear Getaway Weekend Backpack
| Capacity | 26 L |
| Weight | 1 kg |
| Dimensions | 46×28×20 cm |
| Airline fit | 95% |
| Price | $70 |
Key differences between the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus and SwissGear Getaway Weekend Backpack
- Compression straps: No on the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus; 2 on the SwissGear Getaway Weekend Backpack.
- Opening: Top zip on the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus; Clamshell on the SwissGear Getaway Weekend Backpack.
- Passport pocket: Yes on the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus; Top on the SwissGear Getaway Weekend Backpack.
- Luggage passthrough: No on the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus; Yes on the SwissGear Getaway Weekend Backpack.
- Main compartments: 1 on the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus; 4 on the SwissGear Getaway Weekend Backpack.
- Built-in organizer: No on the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus; Yes on the SwissGear Getaway Weekend Backpack.
- Water bottle pockets: No on the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus; 1, side on the SwissGear Getaway Weekend 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. 134 accept both. 0 accept only the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus, and 45 accept only the SwissGear Getaway Weekend Backpack.
Only the SwissGear Getaway Weekend Backpack fits
Air Baltic, Air China, Air Malta, Air Niugini, Air Serbia, Air Seychelles, American Eagle, Asiana Airlines, ATA Airlines, Belavia, Blue Air, Bulgaria Air, China Eastern, easyJet, Emirates Airlines, Enter Air, Etihad Airways, flybe, Great Lakes Airlines, 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.
Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus vs SwissGear Getaway Weekend Backpack
Among the many luggage options available, the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus by Bellroy and the SwissGear Getaway Weekend Backpack by SwissGear are two phenomenal backpacks suitable for short-term travel.
For carry-on travelers, the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus enters the fray with an assertive weight of just 1 pound and dimensions of 21” tall, 30” wide, and 52” deep. Its compact size, however, belies a generous 22-liter capacity. Crafted from Venture-weave polyester and leather, the bag exudes quality, and its capacity to house a 15” laptop adds to its practicality. However, it's worth noting that its size renders it compatible with only 65% instead of Airlines.
On the other hand, the SwissGear Getaway Weekend Backpack swings higher with 100% airline compatibility due to its size at 46” tall, 28” wide, and 21” deep. Weighing the same as its counterpart, it astonishes with a higher capacity of 26 liters while providing the same laptop compatibility. The alluringly urban and slim aesthetic design of this bag is difficult to ignore.
Quick Comparison:
- Bellroy is 21-HT,30-WD, 52-DP; SwissGear is 46-HT, 28-WD, 21-DP
- Both weigh 1lb
- Bellroy has 22-liter capacity; SwissGear has 26
- Bellroy compatible with 65% airlines, SwissGear with 100%
- Both fit a 15-inch laptop
- Bellroy made of Venture-Weave polyester and leather
- SwissGear has urban and slim aesthetic design
On the whole, these backpacks invite varying views. For those who value craftsmanship and appreciate a sleek, minimalistic yet stylish design, Bellroy’s offer of excellent materials and lots of organization might be the way to go. Alternatively, for travelers who find the split-case packing design practical and want a comfortable harness system with good ventilation, SwissGear delivers beautifully. It all boils down to personal preferences and travel style.