Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus vs. Millican Smith 15L
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 | Millican Smith 15L |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 4 | Opening | 2 |
| Y | Passport | side |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| N | Hip Belt | removable |
| N | Sternum Strap | removable |
| Inside | ||
| 15in | Laptop | 13in |
| 1 | Main Compartments | 3 |
| 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 | Weatherproof Bionic Canvas |
Millican Smith 15L
| Capacity | 15 L |
| Weight | 0.8 kg |
| Dimensions | 45×28×10 cm |
| Airline fit | 96% |
| Price | $115 |
Key differences between the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus and Millican Smith 15L
- Opening: Top zip on the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus; Rolltop on the Millican Smith 15L.
- Passport pocket: Yes on the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus; Side on the Millican Smith 15L.
- Hip belt: No on the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus; Removable on the Millican Smith 15L.
- Sternum strap: No on the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus; Removable on the Millican Smith 15L.
- Laptop sleeve: 15in on the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus; 13in on the Millican Smith 15L.
- Main compartments: 1 on the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus; 3 on the Millican Smith 15L.
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. 134 accept both. 0 accept only the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus, and 47 accept only the Millican Smith 15L.
Only the Millican Smith 15L fits
Air Baltic, Air China, Air Malta, Air Niugini, Air Serbia, Air Seychelles, Air Tahiti, American Eagle, Asiana Airlines, ATA Airlines, Belavia, Blue Air, Bulgaria Air, China Eastern, easyJet, Emirates Airlines, Enter Air, Etihad Airways, flybe, Great Lakes Airlines, Gulf Air, Icelandair, InselAir, Juneyao Airlines, Luxair, Meridiana Fly, Nordwind Airlines, Oman Air, Qatar Airways, Ravn Alaska, Regional Express, 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), Virgin Australia, Volotea, Xiamen.
The Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus and the Millican Smith 15L are both fine pieces of travel gear. Each has its features that distinguish it from the other. The Bellroy Backpack Plus is a larger pack, providing a 22L capacity with its dimensions being 21 inches tall, 30 inches wide, and 52 inches deep. It's made of Venture-weave polyester and leather, providing a crisp and stylish look. It also boasts compatibility with 65% of airlines and includes a laptop compartment that snugly fits any 15-inch laptop.
The Millican Smith 15L carries an old-world charm with its rustic and timeless design. It's a smaller bag, at 45 inches tall, 28 inches wide, and 14 inches deep, fitting snugly into any overhead compartment. With its weatherproof Bionic Canvas material, it's also light, weighing just 0.8 pounds. Plus, it's compatible with 100% of airlines. Despite its compact nature, it houses a laptop pocket that can comfortably fit a 13-inch computer.
Here's a quick rundown of the key differences:
- The Bellroy Backpack is larger and offers more capacity at 22L compared to the Millican's 15L.
- The Bellroy has a dedicated 15-inch laptop pocket, while the Millican can only accommodate a 13-inch laptop.
- The Bellroy is compatible with 65% of airlines; Millican is compatible with all.
- The Bellroy is made of Venture-weave polyester and leather, while the Millican uses weatherproof Bionic Canvas.
- The Bellroy is heavier at 1 pound given its larger size. The Millican is lighter, weighing just 0.8 pounds.
Reviewers echo these specifications. Many find the Bellroy to perfectly balance form and function, with its neat aesthetics and plenty of organization, thanks to its excellent build and materials. It's especially popular among professionals, given its look. On the other hand, the Millican bag enjoys praises for its eco-friendliness, timeless design, and great internal organization. It also features a reflective strip and clip-on light facility, making it a fantastic choice if you plan to do some biking on your travels.
In conclusion, both backpacks present unique attributes and benefits. If you lean towards having more space and prefer a slick urban style, then the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus is the way to go. If you're looking for a compact, environmentally friendly bag, then the Millican Smith 15L should be your pick. Both bags, after all, manage to merge practicality and style in differing, yet proficient ways.