Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus vs. Millican Smith 18L
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 | Millican Smith 18L |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 4 | Opening | 2 |
| Y | Passport | side |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| N | Hip Belt | removable |
| N | Sternum Strap | removable |
| Inside | ||
| 15in | Laptop | 15in |
| 1 | Main Compartments | 3 |
| N | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| N | Water Bottle Holder | N |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| Venture-weave polyester and leather | Weatherproof Bionic Canvas |
Millican Smith 18L
| Capacity | 18 L |
| Weight | 0.9 kg |
| Dimensions | 50×28×10 cm |
| Airline fit | 92% |
| Price | $130 |
Key differences between the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus and Millican Smith 18L
- Opening: Top zip on the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus; Rolltop on the Millican Smith 18L.
- Passport pocket: Yes on the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus; Side on the Millican Smith 18L.
- Hip belt: No on the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus; Removable on the Millican Smith 18L.
- Sternum strap: No on the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus; Removable on the Millican Smith 18L.
- Main compartments: 1 on the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus; 3 on the Millican Smith 18L.
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 40 accept only the Millican Smith 18L.
Only the Millican Smith 18L 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.
When it comes to finding the perfect carry on backpack, Bellroy's Classic Backpack Plus and Millican's Smith 18L are two standouts. Between them, they cover all the bases a traveler could need.
The Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus distinguishes itself with a clean, professional aesthetic. Built with Venture-weave polyester and leather, the robust backpack stands tall at 21 inches and comfortably houses a 15 inch laptop. With a holding capacity of 22 liters, and weighing in at only 1 pound, it provides ample space without weighing you down. The organization does not disappoint either, with myriad pockets to keep your items sorted. However, confidence in its compatibility with airlines may waver at 65%.
The Millican Smith 18L, on the other hand, cuts a smaller profile at 51 inches high, but compensates with an impressively light weight of 0.9 pounds. Crafted with weatherproof Bionic Canvas, the backpack equally accommodates a 15-inch laptop. Despite a lesser capacity of 18 liters, the 99% airline compatibility reassures a hassle-free journey. The eco-friendly design and comfortable padding only enhance the appeal.
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Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus
- Height: 21 inches
- Width: 30 inches
- Depth: 52 inches
- Weight: 1 pound
- Capacity: 22 liters
- Airline compatibility: 65%
- Materials: Venture-weave polyester and leather
-
Millican Smith 18L
- Height: 51 inches
- Width: 28 inches
- Depth: 15 inches
- Weight: 0.9 pound
- Capacity: 18 liters
- Airline compatibility: 99%
- Materials: Weatherproof Bionic Canvas
Pleasing aesthetics, excellent craftsmanship and a powerful functionality define the Bellroy Backpack Plus. It can slip seamlessly into different environments, thanks to its sleek, minimalistic design. For those environmentally conscious and comfort focused, the Millican Smith 18L shines as the better option. The highlight being the use of recycled materials in its creation, the timeless design and the robust padding for a comfortable carry.
In essence, the perfect carry on backpack hinges on personal preference and your unique needs. Both the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus and the Millican Smith 18L have a lot to bring to the table, making for a tough, yet rewarding, decision.