Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
| Capacity | 22 L |
| Weight | 1 kg |
| Dimensions | 52×30×21 cm |
| Airline fit | 65% |
| Price | $179 |
| Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus | Feature | MixedWorks Falcon S |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | S |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 4 | Opening | 2 |
| Y | Passport | front |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| S | Backpack | S |
| N | Hip Belt | R |
| N | Sternum Strap | R |
| Inside | ||
| 15 | Laptop | 15 |
| 1 | Main Compartments | 2 |
| N | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 0 | Water Bottle Holder | 0 |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| Venture-weave polyester and leather | CORDURA® 1000 outer shell Waterproof X- Pac® liner YKK zippers and buckles |
| Capacity | 20 L |
| Weight | 1 kg |
| Dimensions | 50×30×18 cm |
| Airline fit | 98% |
| Price | $250 |
On one side of the carry-on backpack quandary, you have the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus. Tall, wide, with plenty of depth, it's a substantial piece that doesn't shy away from its 22 liters of capacity. Made from a hefty combo of Venture-weave polyester and leather, it's a backpack that thrives under the daily grind – whether commuting to work or globetrotting during a weekend. It fits comfortably under 65% of airline seats, making it a trusty travel companion. Thoughtful design details like a laptop compartment that, with ease, houses a 15-inch machine, warrant steady thumbs-up from users. Reviewers unanimously vouch for its fantastic build quality, sleek aesthetics, and well-thought organization.
On the other side, we have the robust MixedWorks Falcon S. While not as big as its Bellroy counterpart, it still offers a generous 20-liter capacity and a fairly similar-sized compartment for your laptop. What's impressive is its compatibility with 98% of airlines – a feature that avid travelers would find gratifying. The Falcon S's craftsmanship, featuring a Cordura 1000 outer shell with a waterproof X-Pac liner and YKK zippers and buckles, is nothing short of impeccable. Users particularly love the comfort its straps provide, the quick-access side zippered main compartment, and the efficient suspension system.
To succinctly summarize:
After a side-by-side analysis, it's clear that both these backpacks have a lot to offer. Weighing in the advantages, it's essential to consider what you prioritize in a good carry-on. The Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus shines in its ability to balance style and function. It's the backpack that you would proudly sling over your shoulders on a Monday morning or walking into an important meeting.
On the other hand, the MixedWorks Falcon S is built for extremes and always ready for an adventure. Its premium materials, robust construction, and comfort-focused designs make it your go-to bag for any travel – from drawing-room settings to scaling mountain trails. Both are excellent choices in their own right, a true testament that a good backpack is more than just a means to lug your stuff around.