Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus vs. Briggs & Riley Medium Cargo 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 | Briggs & Riley Medium Cargo Backpack |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 4 | Opening | 4 |
| Y | Passport | Y |
| N | Passthrough | Y |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| N | Hip Belt | N |
| N | Sternum Strap | N |
| Inside | ||
| 15in | Laptop | 15in |
| 1 | Main Compartments | 1 |
| N | Organizer | Y |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| N | Water Bottle Holder | 1 |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| Venture-weave polyester and leather | 1600D ballistic nylon outer fabric |
Briggs & Riley Medium Cargo Backpack
| Capacity | 27.3 L |
| Weight | 1.2 kg |
| Dimensions | 45.5×34.5×20.5 cm |
| Airline fit | 74% |
| Price | $329 |
Key differences between the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus and Briggs & Riley Medium Cargo Backpack
- Luggage passthrough: No on the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus; Yes on the Briggs & Riley Medium Cargo Backpack.
- Built-in organizer: No on the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus; Yes on the Briggs & Riley Medium Cargo Backpack.
- Water bottle pockets: No on the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus; 1 on the Briggs & Riley Medium Cargo Backpack.
Both have: passport pocket, 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. 133 accept both. 1 accept only the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus, and 6 accept only the Briggs & Riley Medium Cargo Backpack.
Only the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus fits
Cayman Airways.
Only the Briggs & Riley Medium Cargo Backpack fits
American Eagle, Etihad Airways, Oman Air, Qatar Airways, Ravn Alaska, Royal Jordanian.
When it comes to carry-on-fare, both Bellroy's Classic Backpack Plus and Briggs & Riley's Medium Cargo Backpack put up a respectable showing. Bellroy mandatorily marks your presence with its classy aesthetic, and copious room for picky organization, thanks to leveraged high-quality venture-weave polyester and leather. Cognizant of the modern traveller's essential-tech, it features a snug compartment for a 15" laptop. Meanwhile, the Medium Cargo from Briggs & Riley appears sturdy and versatile, constructed from 1600D ballistic nylon outer fabric; it harbors the same laptop-compartment spec. Notably, this backpack's girth offers up a slight edge, an extra 5.3 liters of storage space over Bellroy’s 22-liter capacity.
Here, the comparative cliffnotes:
- Both bags adequately shelter a 15" laptop.
- Slight edge to Briggs & Riley's Medium Cargo Backpack in the size department, measuring larger dimensions and weighing a trifle more than Bellroy's model.
- Closer still in carry-on compatibility, with Briggs taking a minor victory, compatible with 66% of airlines against Bellroy's 65%.
- Striking divergence in the material, Bellroy uses Venture-weave polyester and leather while Briggs leverages 1600D ballistic nylon outer fabric.
The legions of reviewers don't hold back on praises when discussing these two warrior-bags. Bellroy's Classic Backpack Plus cinches high marks for its excellent craftsmanship, neat aesthetics, and uber-functionality. One reviewer even hinted at a potential rise in blood pressure, attributed to the model's meticulous attention to detail. On the other hand, Briggs & Riley's Medium Cargo carved its unique niche. This robust backpack implements RFID tech to keep your sensitive goodies safe from digital pilfering, and its ventilation from the back padding ensures a comfy carry. Another cause for pause is the considered inclusion of leather detailing and a customizable leather nameplate; the Briggs model is topping the charts with its premium feel.
Both bags demonstrate respectable quality and serve as a fetching and functional accessory for any traveler, be it a classy professional cruising for business or a hip student swaying to the beat of fashionable functionality. However, the premium feel of Briggs & Riley's Medium Cargo nudged with ample capacity may tip the scales for those seeking to invest in durability and extra room. Yet, hankering for sleek design and attention to fine detailing? Bellroy's Classic Backpack Plus earns its place with bravado.