Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus vs. MixedWorks Falcon S
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 | MixedWorks Falcon S |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | 2 |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 4 | Opening | 2 |
| Y | Passport | front |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| N | Hip Belt | removable |
| N | Sternum Strap | removable |
| Inside | ||
| 15in | Laptop | 15in |
| 1 | Main Compartments | 2 |
| 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 | CORDURA® 1000 outer shell Waterproof X- Pac® liner YKK zippers and buckles |
MixedWorks Falcon S
| Capacity | 20 L |
| Weight | 1 kg |
| Dimensions | 49×30×17 cm |
| Airline fit | 92% |
| Price | $320 |
Key differences between the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus and MixedWorks Falcon S
- Compression straps: No on the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus; 2 on the MixedWorks Falcon S.
- Opening: Top zip on the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus; Rolltop on the MixedWorks Falcon S.
- Passport pocket: Yes on the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus; Front on the MixedWorks Falcon S.
- Hip belt: No on the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus; Removable on the MixedWorks Falcon S.
- Sternum strap: No on the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus; Removable on the MixedWorks Falcon S.
- Main compartments: 1 on the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus; 2 on the MixedWorks Falcon S.
Both have: backpack straps, laptop sleeve, 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 39 accept only the MixedWorks Falcon S.
Only the MixedWorks Falcon S fits
Air Baltic, Air China, Air Malta, Air Niugini, Air Serbia, Air Seychelles, Asiana Airlines, ATA Airlines, Belavia, Blue Air, Bulgaria Air, China Eastern, Emirates Airlines, Enter Air, Etihad Airways, flybe, Icelandair, InselAir, Juneyao Airlines, Luxair, Meridiana Fly, Nordwind Airlines, Oman Air, Qatar Airways, Royal Brunei Airlines, Royal Jordanian, Ryanair, S7, Shandong Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, Sun Express, TAP Air Portugal, TAROM, Tianjin Airlines (A320 & E190), TUI, Ukraine International, VIM Airlines (Closed), Volotea, Xiamen.
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:
- Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus measures 21x30x52 inches, MixedWorks Falcon S measures 50x30x18 inches.
- Both weigh a pound, with Bellroy offering 22L of capacity to the Falcon's 20L.
- The Bellroy is made of Venture-weave polyester and leather, while Falcon S uses Cordura 1000, waterproof X-Pac® liner, and YKK accessories.
- Both packs accommodate a 15-inch laptop.
- Bellroy is accepted by 65% of airlines, whereas Falcon takes the cake with 98% compatibility.
- While both backpacks have received positive reviews, Bellroy gets extra points for its aesthetic and function balance, while Falcon S stands out for its build quality and comfort.
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.