Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus vs. Cabin Zero Varsity 26L

Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.

Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus

Front facing view of the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus
Capacity22 L
Weight1 kg
Dimensions52×30×21 cm
Airline fit71%
Price$179

Feature by feature

Bellroy Classic Backpack PlusFeatureCabin Zero Varsity 26L
Storage
N Compression N
None Expanded Capacity None
4 Opening 4
Y Passport N
N Passthrough N
Carry
Y Backpack Y
N Hip Belt N
N Sternum Strap N
Inside
15in Laptop
1 Main Compartments 1
N Organizer N
Outside
× Hard Shell ×
N Rain-fly N
N Water Bottle Holder N
Y Water Resistant Y
Material
Venture-weave polyester and leather600D Polyester

Cabin Zero Varsity 26L

Front facing view of the Cabin Zero Varsity 26L
Capacity26 L
Weight0.44 kg
Dimensions40×30×16 cm
Airline fit98%
Price$90

Key differences between the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus and Cabin Zero Varsity 26L

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. 134 accept both. 0 accept only the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus, and 52 accept only the Cabin Zero Varsity 26L.

Only the Cabin Zero Varsity 26L fits

Air Baltic, Air China, Air Malta, Air Niugini, Air Serbia, Air Seychelles, Air Tahiti, American Eagle, Asiana Airlines, ATA Airlines, Belavia, Blue Air, Bulgaria Air, China Eastern, easyJet, Emirates Airlines, Enter Air, Etihad Airways, flybe, Gulf Air, Icelandair, InselAir, Juneyao Airlines, LC PerĂº, Lion Air Group, Luxair, Meridiana Fly, Nordwind Airlines, Oman Air, Qatar Airways, Ravn Alaska, Regional Express, Royal Brunei Airlines, Royal Jordanian, Ryanair, S7, Shandong Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, Spring Airlines, Sun Express, TAP Air Portugal, TAROM, Tianjin Airlines (A320 & E190), TUI, Ukraine International, VIM Airlines (Closed), Virgin Australia, VivaColombia, Volaris, Volotea, Wizz Air, Xiamen.

The Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus and the Cabin Zero Varsity 26L are both considered carry-on backpacks; however, they host a number of differences that make them unique in their own individual ways. The Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus stands taller at 21 inches, compared to the Cabin Zero Varsity 26L which is only 16 inches tall. It also has a larger depth of 52 inches, while the Cabin Zero Varsity 26L measures 40 inches. Yet, when it comes to the weight, the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus is heavier, tipping the scale at 1 pound against the 0.44 pounds of the Cabin Zero Varsity 26L.

Here's a quick breakdown of their differences:

Digging a bit deeper into the material used, the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus advertises a phenomenal combination of Venture-weave polyester and leather, giving it a luxury feel. The Cabin Zero Varsity 26L chooses 600D Polyester that grants it durability and resistance to wear and tear. However, only the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus offers its users a laptop compartment designed to cater to a 15-inch laptop while its competition does not.

Undoubtedly, both backpacks bring a certain flair to the table. According to a reviewer, Bellroy's Classic Backpack Plus managed to strike an impressive balance between form and function, while nailing the details that designers thrive after. Its clean aesthetic and organized compartments certainly earned it a spot in the reviewer's collection. As for the Cabin Zero Varsity 26L, it's a reliable lightweight option brimming with extra storage capacity and great compatibility with airlines.