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 | Rehose Barrel |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 4 | Opening | 0 |
| Y | Passport | top |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| S | Backpack | |
| N | Hip Belt | N |
| N | Sternum Strap | R |
| Inside | ||
| 15 | Laptop | 15 |
| 1 | Main Compartments | 3 |
| N | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 0 | Water Bottle Holder | |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| Venture-weave polyester and leather | 1000D Cordura black500D Cordura colored lining |
| Capacity | 28 L |
| Weight | 0 kg |
| Dimensions | 51×30×21 cm |
| Airline fit | 98% |
| Price | $210 |
The Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus and the Rehose Barrel both are noteworthy carry-on backpack options worthy of any savvy traveler's attention. The Bellroy, crafted with a blend of Venture-weave polyester and leather, touts a sleek, minimalistic design which manages to be both practical and stylish. It is equipped with a handy laptop compartment compatible with a 15-inch laptop and boasts a respectable 22-liter capacity. Great for those who value aesthetics as much as function, one reviewer even praised it as having the best balance of form and function.
In contrast, the Rehose Barrel is a hardscrabble bag of pure grit made from 1000D Cordura black500D Cordura colored lining. With an impressive 28-liter capacity, it offers sizable storage paired with a rugged, robust appeal. Notably compatible with 98 percent of airlines, this backpack, also featuring a compartment for a 15-inch laptop, puts forward a tough, no-nonsense functionality that balances out its pragmatic presentation.
To summarize:
Just as Hemmingway made his greatness in brevity, so too shines the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus. It receives accolades for its excellent craftsmanship, minimalistic yet stylish design, and neat organization. However, the Rehose Barrel is justly admirable in its own right, with additional capacity and almost universal airline compatibility. While the Bellroy’s strengths lie in its design and style details, the Rehose plays to hardier functionality and increased storage. Ultimately, the choice between the two depends solely on the individual purchaser’s preference and needs.