Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus vs. Waterfield Bolt
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 | Waterfield Bolt |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 4 | Opening | 4 |
| Y | Passport | front |
| 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 | 2, side |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| Venture-weave polyester and leather | Durable waxed canvas OR 1050 Denier Ballistic nylon |
Waterfield Bolt
| Capacity | 17 L |
| Weight | 1.5 kg |
| Dimensions | 41×32×13 cm |
| Airline fit | 95% |
| Price | $370 |
Key differences between the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus and Waterfield Bolt
- Passport pocket: Yes on the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus; Front on the Waterfield Bolt.
- Luggage passthrough: No on the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus; Yes on the Waterfield Bolt.
- Main compartments: 1 on the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus; 3 on the Waterfield Bolt.
- Water bottle pockets: No on the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus; 2, side on the Waterfield Bolt.
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 Waterfield Bolt.
Only the Waterfield Bolt 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.
With an undeniably sleek design, the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus brings a sense of style to any adventure. Crafted with durable Venture-weave polyester and leather, the pack weighs in at a mere one pound, a notable feature for those who value lightness. It offers a generous 22-liter capacity and a dedicated compartment suitable for a 15-inch laptop, making it an accommodating choice for both students and professionals. Despite these characteristics, it should be noted that compatibility with airline requirements sits at 65%, which could be a drawback for frequent flyers.
On the other hand, the Waterfield Bolt, standing tall at 41 inches, offers a different take on the compact backpack concept. Weighing 1.5 pounds, this pack offers a slightly smaller overall capacity of 17 liters but matches the Bellroy model's ability to hold a 15-inch laptop. The Bolt distinguishes itself with its fabrication, as it's made of either sturdy waxed canvas or 1050 Denier Ballistic nylon. The Bolt truly excels in its compatibility with airline requirements, working well with a whopping 99% of airlines.
Here are the major differences between the two backpacks in bullet point form:
- The Bellroy is lighter, but the Bolt is taller and wider.
- The Bellroy has a larger capacity, but the Bolt is more airline compatible.
- The Bellroy is Venture-weave polyester and leather, while the Bolt is made of either waxed canvas or 1050 Denier Ballistic nylon.
- Both backpacks can fit a 15-inch laptop.
Finally, it's worth considering the reviews and praises. The Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus is lauded for its top-notch build and materials, balanced form and function, and wide-ranging suitability for work, school, and everyday use. It's also mentioned that the pack's clean aesthetic and organization make for happy daily usage. In contrast, reviewers rave about the Waterfield Bolt's timeless aesthetics, gold lining for easy viewing, and anti-sweat mesh back cushion for added comfort. It's described as a pack you could take anywhere, from the boardroom to the streets and pubs of London, highlighting its practical yet majestic design. The final decision is yours, but you can't go wrong with either choice; these backpacks both offer great functionality and style in their own ways.