Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus vs. Tom Bihn Brain Bag
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 | Tom Bihn Brain Bag |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | 4 |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 4 | Opening | 4 |
| Y | Passport | top |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| N | Hip Belt | removable |
| N | Sternum Strap | removable |
| Inside | ||
| 15in | Laptop | N |
| 1 | Main Compartments | 6 |
| 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 | 525 Ballistic Nylon |
Tom Bihn Brain Bag
| Capacity | 36 L |
| Weight | 1.3 kg |
| Dimensions | 46×36×23 cm |
| Airline fit | 66% |
| Price | $240 |
Key differences between the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus and Tom Bihn Brain Bag
- Compression straps: No on the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus; 4 on the Tom Bihn Brain Bag.
- Passport pocket: Yes on the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus; Top on the Tom Bihn Brain Bag.
- Hip belt: No on the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus; Removable on the Tom Bihn Brain Bag.
- Sternum strap: No on the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus; Removable on the Tom Bihn Brain Bag.
- Laptop sleeve: 15in on the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus; No on the Tom Bihn Brain Bag.
- Main compartments: 1 on the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus; 6 on the Tom Bihn Brain Bag.
- Built-in organizer: No on the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus; Yes on the Tom Bihn Brain Bag.
- Water bottle pockets: No on the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus; 1, side on the Tom Bihn Brain Bag.
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. 120 accept both. 14 accept only the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus, and 5 accept only the Tom Bihn Brain Bag.
Only the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus fits
Aerolineas Argentinas, Air France, Air India, Air Mauritius, Boliviana de Aviacion, Cayman Airways, Indigo, Jet Airways, Kenya Airways, KLM, LATAM , Liat Airlines, Pakistan International, Sky Airlines.
Only the Tom Bihn Brain Bag fits
Etihad Airways, Oman Air, Qatar Airways, Ravn Alaska, Royal Jordanian.
When it comes to carry on backpacks, both the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus and the Tom Bihn Brain Bag have strong points in their favor. If you're seeking a sturdy and well-crafted design, you may lean towards the Bellroy Classic. Meanwhile, the Tom Bihn's larger capacity and higher compatibility with airlines may make it the preferable choice for frequent travelers. Let's map out a detailed comparison.
- Size: The Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus stands at a modest 21x30x52 inches compared to Tom Bihn Brain Bag's larger measurement at 46x36x24 inches.
- Weight: The Bellroy tips the scale at a featherlight 1 pound, while the Tom Bihn gets close at 1.3 pounds.
- Capacity: The Tom Bihn Brain Bag offers a substantial space of 36 liters, significantly higher than Bellroy Classic's 22 liters.
- Airline Compatibility: Here the Tom Bihn shows off its ubiquitous nature, with 92% airline compatibility, leaving Bellroy trailing at 65%.
- Material: Venture-weave polyester and leather make up the Bellroy Classic, while the Tom Bihn takes a different approach with bluesign® certified Ballistic nylon, both inside and out.
- Laptop Compartment: A clear win for Bellroy, it hosts a laptop compartment that can accommodate a 15-inch laptop, while the Tom Bihn is not specified to hold a laptop.
The Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus is praised by reviewers for its attention to detail and its streamlined design. It stands out for its blend of aesthetics, practicality, and durability. Students and professionals alike will find its roomy compartments and its supportive structure useful.
Meanwhile, the Tom Bihn Brain Bag does not go unnoticed, earning a reputation for its robust build and substantial internal pockets. It is a bag that places functionality at its core, with comfort and versatility as its key strengths. It excels in long journeys due to its compatibility with a vast majority of airlines. Regardless of your preferences, both backpacks showcase great craftsmanship, thoughtful design, and practical features that could cater to your specific needs.