Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus vs. Matador Beast28 Packable 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 | Matador Beast28 Packable Backpack |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | 4 |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 4 | Opening | 1 |
| 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 | 2 |
| N | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| N | Water Bottle Holder | 2, side |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| Venture-weave polyester and leather | 210D Robic® high tenacity nylon, UTS coated, DWR finish |
Matador Beast28 Packable Backpack
| Capacity | 28 L |
| Weight | 0.7 kg |
| Dimensions | 56×28×18 cm |
| Airline fit | 47% |
| Price | $150 |
Key differences between the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus and Matador Beast28 Packable Backpack
- Compression straps: No on the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus; 4 on the Matador Beast28 Packable Backpack.
- Opening: Top zip on the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus; Clamshell on the Matador Beast28 Packable Backpack.
- Passport pocket: Yes on the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus; Top on the Matador Beast28 Packable Backpack.
- Hip belt: No on the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus; Removable on the Matador Beast28 Packable Backpack.
- Sternum strap: No on the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus; Removable on the Matador Beast28 Packable Backpack.
- Laptop sleeve: 15in on the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus; No on the Matador Beast28 Packable Backpack.
- Main compartments: 1 on the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus; 2 on the Matador Beast28 Packable Backpack.
- Water bottle pockets: No on the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus; 2, side on the Matador Beast28 Packable Backpack.
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. 88 accept both. 46 accept only the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus, and 1 accept only the Matador Beast28 Packable Backpack.
Only the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus fits
Aer Lingus, Aeroflot, Aerolineas Argentinas, Aeromexico, Air Canada, Air Caraibes, Air France, Air India, Air Mauritius, All Nipon Airways, ANA, Austrian, Azerbaijan Airlines, Boliviana de Aviacion, Brussels Airlines, Czech Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines, Eurowings, Fiji Airways, Flair Air, Gol Linhas Aereas, Iberia, Indigo, Interjet, Iran Air, Japan Airlines, Jet Airways, Kenya Airways, KLM, LATAM , Liat Airlines, LOT Polish, Lufthansa, Mahan Air, Mesa Airlines, Norwegian, Pakistan International, Peach, Porter Airlines, SAS Scandinavian, Scoot, Sky Airlines, Swiss Int'l Air Lines, Tiger Airways, Turkish Airlines, WestJet.
Only the Matador Beast28 Packable Backpack fits
Great Lakes Airlines.
Let's dive into the world of travel backpacks. Starting with size and weights, the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus measures an impressive 21 inches tall, 30 inches wide, and 52 inches deep, weighing in at a lightweight 1 pound. Comparatively, the Matador Beast28 Packable Backpack stands a little taller at 51 inches but slims down in terms of width and depth at 34 inches and 26 inches respectively. It tips the scales at a whopping 0.5 pounds. Both bags are airline friendly, however, with the Matador trumping the Bellroy at a 92% compatibility rate over 65%.
- The Bellroy measures 21 inches tall, 30 inches wide, and 52 inches deep
- The Matador measures 51 inches tall, 34 inches wide, 26 inches deep
- The Bellroy weighs 1 pound; the Matador weighs 0.5 pounds
- The Bellroy has a 65% airline compatibility rate, while the Matador flaunts 92% compatibility
The Bellroy ticks off all the checkboxes for a durable backpack with its composition of Venture-weave polyester and leather and houses a respectable 22-liter capacity. It caters well to the tech-savvy traveler with a 15-inch laptop compartment. Quality and design do not go unnoticed by its users. Reviewers rave about Bellroy’s sophistication and attention to detail, praising its balance of form and function. The Matador plays catch up with a water-resistant 500D PU-coated Ripstop Nylon fabric, though its 28-liter capacity and no laptop-specific compartment might be a letdown for some. Regardless, users appreciate the highly durable fabric and surprisingly spacious interior.
- The Bellroy is made of Venture-weave polyester and leather, the Matador is constructed with 500D PU-coated Ripstop Nylon
- The Bellroy houses a laptop slot for a 15-inch laptop, the Matador does not have a specific laptop compartment
- The Bellroy holds up to 22 liters, while the Matador holds up to 28 liters
In terms of user opinion, testimonials reflect the positives. Users of the Bellroy appreciate its exceptional craftsmanship, sleek design, and essential organization features. Matador users, on the other hand, value the high durability of the bag, its sizable storage in comparison to its appearance, and the versatile hydration pocket which can double as a laptop sleeve.
- Users find the Bellroy well-crafted with excellent materials, compact yet stylish, highly organized
- Users find the Matador durable and water-resistant, spacious, versatile with a dual-use hydration pocket
Whether you choose the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus or the Matador Beast28 Packable Backpack, either one has definite merits. Go for the Bellroy if you value superior organization and a sleek yet functional aesthetic. Opt for the Matador if your main concerns are versatility and durability. Each backpack delivers on different fronts, lending credence to the old adage: the best backpack is the one that suits your needs the most.