Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus vs. Tom Bihn Aeronaut 45L

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 fit65%
Price$179

Feature by feature

Bellroy Classic Backpack PlusFeatureTom Bihn Aeronaut 45L
Storage
N Compression N
None Expanded Capacity None
4 Opening 1
Y Passport N
N Passthrough N
Carry
S Backpack H
N Hip Belt R
N Sternum Strap R
Inside
15 Laptop 0
1 Main Compartments 5
N Organizer N
Outside
× Hard Shell ×
N Rain-fly N
0 Water Bottle Holder 0
Y Water Resistant Y
Material
Venture-weave polyester and leather1050 denier ballistic nylonOR ultralight 400d Halcyon/420d nylon ripstop 200 denier Halcyon/nylon ripstop fabric lining

Tom Bihn Aeronaut 45L

Front facing view of the Tom Bihn Aeronaut 45L
Capacity45 L
Weight1.4 kg
Dimensions56×36×24 cm
Airline fit92%
Price$295

Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus and Tom Bihn Aeronaut 45L are two excellent choices when it comes to carry on backpacks. They both sport impressive qualities, designed with travelers in mind.

The Bellroy Backpack Plus pulls ahead with its sleek, minimalistic design. It's perfect for daily use with a compact style that retains a fair amount of storage space at 22 liters. Weighting at only 1 pound, it's an easy carry-on that still manages to fit a 15 inch laptop in its internal compartment. It’s compatibility with a good 65% of airlines earns it a solid spot on the list. The quality of the Bellroy craftsmanship shines through via its venture-weave polyester and leather material, proving both durable and aesthetically pleasing.

Though, when it comes to an abundance of space and sturdy build, the Tom Bihn Aeronaut 45L takes the cake. At a sizeable 45 liters of capacity, it can store twice as much as the Bellroy. Albeit a bit heavy at 1.4 pounds, it nonetheless accommodates a vast array of travel essentials, and is more universally accepted, compatible with a much larger percentage of airlines (92%). Moreover, it's designed with 1050 denier ballistic nylon or ultralight 400d halcyon/420d nylon ripstop 200 denier halcyon/nylon ripstop fabric lining for its exterior, making it a formidable adversary in durability and resilience against wear and tear.

Here are the summary bullet points for comparison:

Rounding us off, we've seen what reviewers have to say about both bags. They have lauded the Bellroy Backpack Plus for its excellent craftsmanship and materials, and its balance of form and function, apt for both student and professional use. The Tom Bihn Aeronaut 45L, on the other hand, has earned praises for its durability, massive capacity, and water resistant features, resonating well with travelers seeking a robust bag with tons of space.