Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
| Capacity | 22 L |
| Weight | 1 kg |
| Dimensions | 52×30×21 cm |
| Airline fit | 65% |
| Price | $179 |
| Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus | Feature | Nomatic Travel Pack |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 4 | Opening | 1 |
| Y | Passport | N |
| N | Passthrough | Y |
| Carry | ||
| S | Backpack | H |
| N | Hip Belt | N |
| N | Sternum Strap | S |
| Inside | ||
| 15 | Laptop | 15 |
| 1 | Main Compartments | 4 |
| N | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 0 | Water Bottle Holder | 1 |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| Venture-weave polyester and leather | Kodra 500D Tarpaulin |
| Capacity | 20 L |
| Weight | 1.6 kg |
| Dimensions | 47×30×13 cm |
| Airline fit | 98% |
| Price | $220 |
If you're in the market for a carry on backpack, the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus and the Nomatic Travel Pack are two contenders that demand your attention. Both have significant pros that make them excellent choices for a variety of travelers. The Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus comes in slightly larger at 21 inches tall, 30 inches wide, and 52 inches deep, and weighs in at a modest 1 pound. Made of a quality venture-weave polyester and leather, this pack offers style, durability, and importantly, a laptop compartment fitting a 15 inch laptop. An apt review captures its essence, "The Classic Backpack Plus from Bellroy has a clean aesthetic, lots of organization and some excellent build and materials...well suited to be your everyday carry for work."
On the other hand, the Nomatic Travel Pack cuts a sleeker profile at 47 inches tall, 30 inches wide, and 13 inches deep. Also, fit for a 15 inch laptop, it's a touch heavier at 1.6 pounds, but the additional weight rewards with tons of features, including hideaway straps, hidden pockets and magnetic water bottle handles. Made from Kodra 500D Tarpaulin, this pack ensures waterproof protection. A reviewer sums up, "Extremely slick and smooth look with some extra styling makes this bag visually stand out from the crowd."
Both these backpacks have their unique strengths and weaknesses. Here's a quick rundown:
Ultimately, your choice between the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus and the Nomatic Travel Pack will depend on your particular needs. If you prefer longevity and stylistic versatility, the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus's use of high-quality materials and its sophisticated design make it an excellent pick. If you need something more functional and easy to use, the Nomatic Travel Pack's thoughtful features and compact form make it a standout choice. But really, you can't go wrong with either of these top-tier carry on backpacks.