Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus vs. Mountainsmith Divide
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 | Mountainsmith Divide |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 4 | Opening | 4 |
| Y | Passport | front |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| N | Hip Belt | removable |
| N | Sternum Strap | N |
| Inside | ||
| 15in | Laptop | 15in |
| 1 | Main Compartments | 4 |
| N | Organizer | Y |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| N | Water Bottle Holder | 2, side |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| Venture-weave polyester and leather | TC 20s 2x2 Waxed Canvas PU 210d Recycled Nylon SD Oxford PU |
Mountainsmith Divide
| Capacity | 16 L |
| Weight | 0.7 kg |
| Dimensions | 46×28×14 cm |
| Airline fit | 95% |
| Price | $90 |
Key differences between the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus and Mountainsmith Divide
- Passport pocket: Yes on the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus; Front on the Mountainsmith Divide.
- Hip belt: No on the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus; Removable on the Mountainsmith Divide.
- Main compartments: 1 on the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus; 4 on the Mountainsmith Divide.
- Built-in organizer: No on the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus; Yes on the Mountainsmith Divide.
- Water bottle pockets: No on the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus; 2, side on the Mountainsmith Divide.
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 45 accept only the Mountainsmith Divide.
Only the Mountainsmith Divide fits
Air Baltic, Air China, Air Malta, Air Niugini, Air Serbia, Air Seychelles, American Eagle, Asiana Airlines, ATA Airlines, Belavia, Blue Air, Bulgaria Air, China Eastern, easyJet, Emirates Airlines, Enter Air, Etihad Airways, flybe, Great Lakes Airlines, 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.
Bellroy’s Classic Backpack Plus and Mountainsmith’s Divide are two attractive choices for someone in search of an easy-to-carry everyday backpack. The Bellroy model offers more capacity with 22 liters, which could be a selling point for those needing a larger backpack. In contrast, the Mountainsmith Divide with a 15-liter capacity, while slightly smaller, may be favored for being lighter at a mere 0.8 pounds.
Visually, the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus exemplifies craftsmanship with its Venture-weave polyester and leather body. This backpack's clean aesthetic and organization make it a natural pick for both work and everyday use. Suiting a 15-inch laptop, it furnishes enough space for office gear or study material, making it ideal for professionals or students. However, in terms of airline compatibility, it loses out to its competitor, the Mountainsmith Divide.
Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus versus Mountainsmith Divide differences:
- Dimensions: 21"x30"x52" versus 44"x28"x14"
- Weight: 1 pound versus 0.8 pounds
- Capacity: 22 liters versus 15 liters
- Material: Venture-weave polyester and leather versus 610d CORDURA® HP 210d Nylon Heat Emboss Liner
- Airline compatibility: 65% versus 100%
- Laptop Compartment: Both fit a 15-inch laptop
Moving to the Mountainsmith Divide, it stands strong with 100% airline compatibility, which makes it a terrific choice for regular flyers. This backpack is also made from high-quality 610d CORDURA® HP 210d Nylon Heat Emboss Liner, known for its sturdiness and durability. Plus, the Divide, rather than using a simple design, provides clever pockets to keep belongings tidy.
To conclude, the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus shines in its larger capacity, aesthetic look, and choice material, but loses some favorability for frequent travelers due to its lower airline compatibility. Alternatively, the Mountainsmith Divide's advantage is its airline compatibility and quality, lightweight materials, albeit smaller in size. Each backpack has its unique qualities and appeals, and the choice depends on whether you prioritize capacity and style or travel compatibility and weight.