Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus vs. Tom Bihn Aeronaut 45L
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 Aeronaut 45L |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 4 | Opening | 1 |
| Y | Passport | side |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | hideable |
| N | Hip Belt | removable |
| N | Sternum Strap | removable |
| Inside | ||
| 15in | Laptop | N |
| 1 | Main Compartments | 5 |
| 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 | 1050 denier ballistic nylon OR ultralight 400d Halcyon/420d nylon ripstop 200 denier Halcyon/nylon ripstop fabric lining |
Tom Bihn Aeronaut 45L
| Capacity | 45 L |
| Weight | 1.4 kg |
| Dimensions | 56×36×23 cm |
| Airline fit | 45% |
| Price | $340 |
Key differences between the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus and Tom Bihn Aeronaut 45L
- Opening: Top zip on the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus; Clamshell on the Tom Bihn Aeronaut 45L.
- Passport pocket: Yes on the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus; Side on the Tom Bihn Aeronaut 45L.
- Backpack straps: Yes on the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus; Hideable on the Tom Bihn Aeronaut 45L.
- Hip belt: No on the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus; Removable on the Tom Bihn Aeronaut 45L.
- Sternum strap: No on the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus; Removable on the Tom Bihn Aeronaut 45L.
- Laptop sleeve: 15in on the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus; No on the Tom Bihn Aeronaut 45L.
- Main compartments: 1 on the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus; 5 on the Tom Bihn Aeronaut 45L.
Both have: water resistant.
Which airlines take each bag as a carry-on
We checked both bags against the carry-on size limits of 189 airlines. 85 accept both. 49 accept only the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus, and 0 accept only the Tom Bihn Aeronaut 45L.
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, Caribbean Airlines, Cayman Airways, Croatia Air, 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.
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:
- Bellroy Backpack Plus is 21x30x52 inches; Tom Bihn Aeronaut 45L is 56x36x24 inches
- Bellroy weighs 1lb; Tom Bihn weighs 1.4lb
- Bellroy has a capacity of 22 liters; Tom Bihn has a capacity of 45 liters
- Bellroy is compatible with 65% of airlines; Tom Bihn with 92% of airlines
- Bellroy made of Venture-weave polyester and leather and can fit a 15 inch laptop; Tom Bihn made of 1050 denier ballistic nylonOR ultralight 400d Halcyon/420d nylon ripstop and does not have a laptop compartment
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.