Bellroy Transit Backpack Plus vs. REI Co-op Trail 40
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Bellroy Transit Backpack Plus
| Capacity | 38 L |
| Weight | 1.5 kg |
| Dimensions | 55×38×24 cm |
| Airline fit | 19% |
| Price | $320 |
Feature by feature
| Bellroy Transit Backpack Plus | Feature | REI Co-op Trail 40 |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | 4 |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 1 | Opening | 1 |
| top | Passport | top |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| N | Hip Belt | Y |
| removable | Sternum Strap | removable |
| Inside | ||
| 16in | Laptop | N |
| 4 | Main Compartments | 5 |
| Y | Organizer | Y |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | Y |
| 2, side | Water Bottle Holder | 2, side |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| Baida Nylon | 210-denier ripstop nylon |
REI Co-op Trail 40
| Capacity | 40 L |
| Weight | 1.2 kg |
| Dimensions | 56×30×23 cm |
| Airline fit | 47% |
| Price | $130 |
Key differences between the Bellroy Transit Backpack Plus and REI Co-op Trail 40
- Compression straps: No on the Bellroy Transit Backpack Plus; 4 on the REI Co-op Trail 40.
- Hip belt: No on the Bellroy Transit Backpack Plus; Yes on the REI Co-op Trail 40.
- Laptop sleeve: 16in on the Bellroy Transit Backpack Plus; No on the REI Co-op Trail 40.
- Main compartments: 4 on the Bellroy Transit Backpack Plus; 5 on the REI Co-op Trail 40.
- Rain cover: No on the Bellroy Transit Backpack Plus; Yes on the REI Co-op Trail 40.
Both have: passport pocket, backpack straps, sternum strap, built-in organizer, water bottle pockets, 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. 10 accept only the Bellroy Transit Backpack Plus, and 63 accept only the REI Co-op Trail 40.
Only the Bellroy Transit Backpack Plus fits
Aer Lingus, Aeroflot, Aeromexico, Air Caraibes, Czech Airlines, Gol Linhas Aereas, Iberia, Interjet, Japan Airlines, Peach.
Only the REI Co-op Trail 40 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, Caribbean Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Cayman Airways, Cebu Pacific, China Airlines, China Southern, CommutAir, Conviasa, Copa Airlines, Croatia Air, 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.
Bellroy Transit Backpack Plus vs. REI Co-op Trail 40: which should you pack?
The REI Co-op Trail 40 carries 2L more than the Bellroy Transit Backpack Plus (38L vs. 40L), while the REI Co-op Trail 40 is the lighter pack at 1.2kg (vs. 1.5kg). For carry-on flexibility, the REI Co-op Trail 40 fits 47% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the REI Co-op Trail 40; if you want to travel lighter, the REI Co-op Trail 40 is the better call.