Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus vs. Away The Backpack
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 | Away The Backpack |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 4 | Opening | 4 |
| Y | Passport | Y |
| N | Passthrough | Y |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| N | Hip Belt | N |
| N | Sternum Strap | N |
| Inside | ||
| 15in | Laptop | 15in |
| 1 | Main Compartments | 3 |
| N | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| N | Water Bottle Holder | 1 |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| Venture-weave polyester and leather | Nylon, leather |
Away The Backpack
| Capacity | 25.5 L |
| Weight | 1.3 kg |
| Dimensions | 44.5×31.5×18.2 cm |
| Airline fit | 95% |
| Price | $206 |
Key differences between the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus and Away The Backpack
- Luggage passthrough: No on the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus; Yes on the Away The Backpack.
- Main compartments: 1 on the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus; 3 on the Away The Backpack.
- Water bottle pockets: No on the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus; 1 on the Away The Backpack.
Both have: passport pocket, 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 Away The Backpack.
Only the Away The Backpack fits
Air Baltic, Air China, Air Malta, 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, 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 Away The Backpack occupy the same space in the spectrum of travel gear. Both strike a balance between style and utility, with a touch of luxury tossed into the mix. What sets these two apart is not just their look, but functionality and design elements that make them slightly unique in their own right. Let’s discuss the nitty-gritty.
The Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus is sized 21 x 30 x 52 inches, marginally smaller than the Away The Backpack (44.5 x 18.2 x 31.5”). Bellroy is all about versatility, evident from its compatibility with 65% of airlines. The minimal weight of 1 pound indicates the superior design of using Venture-weave polyester and leather for enhanced durability. The 22 liters of capacity and a safe space for your 15-inch laptop, coupled with great craftsmanship and ample organization, make it a robust choice for any traveler.
- Size: The Bellroy backpack is smaller.
- Weight: Bellroy is slightly lighter.
- Materials: Bellroy uses Venture-weave polyester and leather.
- Laptop compartment: Both can accommodate a 15-inch laptop.
- Airlines Compatibility: Away is compatible with more airlines.
- Craftsmanship: Bellroy is praised for its great craftsmanship and use of excellent materials.
- Design: Both backpacks have a stylish design, but Bellroy is noted for its sleek, minimalistic look.
On the flip side, the Away The Backpack is tad larger in a few dimensions (44.5 x 18.2 x 31.5”) and weighs a bit more at 1.3 pounds. Yet, its compatibility with 83% of airlines, and a slightly larger capacity of 25.5 liters, gives it an edge. Nylon and leather materials lend a premium and modern feel to the bag. The same laptop size is catered to, and the unique feature here is a hidden passport pocket in the back panel. Users have childrened the nicely padded straps which offer comfort during extended use.
Both backpacks serve their purpose with distinction and taste. Bellroy’s Classic Backpack Plus is all about minimalism, functionality, and versatile compatibility. The Away Backpack offers a slightly roomier alternative with a dash of hidden features, subtly indicating a modern, leisure design. The choice becomes a subjective one based on your preference for design, utility, and comfort.