GORUCK GR3 vs. Bellroy Transit Backpack Plus
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Feature by feature
| GORUCK GR3 | Feature | Bellroy Transit Backpack Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| 4 | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 1 | Opening | 1 |
| top | Passport | top |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| N | Hip Belt | N |
| removable | Sternum Strap | removable |
| Inside | ||
| 17in | Laptop | 16in |
| 4 | Main Compartments | 4 |
| N | Organizer | Y |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| N | Water Bottle Holder | 2, side |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 1000D Cordura w/ 210D Back Panel | Baida Nylon |
Bellroy Transit Backpack Plus
| Capacity | 38 L |
| Weight | 1.5 kg |
| Dimensions | 55×38×24 cm |
| Airline fit | 19% |
| Price | $320 |
Key differences between the GORUCK GR3 and Bellroy Transit Backpack Plus
- Compression straps: 4 on the GORUCK GR3; No on the Bellroy Transit Backpack Plus.
- Laptop sleeve: 17in on the GORUCK GR3; 16in on the Bellroy Transit Backpack Plus.
- Built-in organizer: No on the GORUCK GR3; Yes on the Bellroy Transit Backpack Plus.
- Water bottle pockets: No on the GORUCK GR3; 2, side on the Bellroy Transit Backpack Plus.
Both have: passport pocket, backpack straps, sternum strap, water resistant.
Which airlines take each bag as a carry-on
We checked both bags against the carry-on size limits of 189 airlines. 25 accept both. 60 accept only the GORUCK GR3, and 10 accept only the Bellroy Transit Backpack Plus.
Only the GORUCK GR3 fits
Air Asia, Air Europa, Air Koryo, Air Macau, Air Tahiti Nui, Air Wisconsin, AirAsiaX, Alaska Airlines, Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Avianca , Azul Linhas, Bahamasair, Bangkok Airways, Biman Bangladesh, Cambodia Angkor Air, Cathay Pacific, Cebu Pacific, China Airlines, China Southern, CommutAir, Conviasa, Copa Airlines, Cubana de Aviacion, Delta Airlines, Dragonair, EVA Air, Garuda Indonesia, Hainan Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, Hong Kong Airlines, Iran Aseman Air, jetBlue Airways, Jetstar Airways, Jetstar Asia, Korean Air, Kulula, Malaysia Airlines, Mango, Philippine Airlines, Qantas Airways, Republic Airways, Royal Air Morocco, Saudi Arabian Airlines, Sichuan Airlines, SilkAir, Silver Airways, Singapore Airlines, Skywest, Inc., South African Airways, SpiceJet, SriLankan Airlines, TAAG Angola, TAM Airlines, Trans States, United Airlines, Ural Airlines, Uzbekistan Air, Vietnam Airlines, Virgin Atlantic.
Only the Bellroy Transit Backpack Plus fits
Aer Lingus, Aeroflot, Aeromexico, Air Caraibes, Czech Airlines, Gol Linhas Aereas, Iberia, Interjet, Japan Airlines, Peach.
GORUCK GR3 vs. Bellroy Transit Backpack Plus: which should you pack?
The GORUCK GR3 carries 7L more than the Bellroy Transit Backpack Plus (45L vs. 38L), while the Bellroy Transit Backpack Plus is the lighter pack at 1.5kg (vs. 2.3kg). For carry-on flexibility, the GORUCK GR3 fits 45% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the GORUCK GR3; if you want to travel lighter, the Bellroy Transit Backpack Plus is the better call.