All horizontal zippers changed direction. Still does not stand, but better looking IMHO. These were both minor issues in my testing, but important to note as you are considering this bag. Disclaimer: We take the measurements of the bag provided by the manufacturer and compare them to the allowance listed on airline websites. While not as minimal as, say, the Veliance Nomin Pack, its is definitely more than minimal enough for your average digital nomad. If youre not a fan of letting your stuff free float in your pack, you can always incorporate some pouches or packing cubes for even more segmentation. If you have lots of backpacks, purses, wallets, etc and are ashamed to admit it this sub is for you! Reproduction in whole or in part, in any form or medium, without express written permission of The Gadgeteer, is prohibited. My God, this is a beautiful bag. The magnetic Woojin buckle has taken some getting used to, but more on that later. You can also subscribe without commenting. The sophisticated style and thoughtful design make it the perfect bag for every day carry. Front pocket space expanded to the right of the zipper, creating a bit of extra space. The pocket for a hydration bottle (or even a bottle of wine!) Way to keep it eco-groovy, Bellroy. This 4 by 12 pocket includes a ring that could be used for your keys or an attachment point for organizer pouches. It is very annoying and I just want to remove them from my bag. The papers compartment is rigid, not stretchy. If you regularly carry a laptop and the assortment of office essentials, youre going to love the simplicity and usability of this bag. Im not sure which is better, Im also 54 so I dont want anything too massive, but Im torn between the two lol! Your email address will not be published. I think that depends on personal preference. Against the back wall, you have a slant pocket that you can use to store a water bottle, as theres not a spot for one on the outside of the bag. Wide, thinly padded shoulder straps are contoured to hug your body. But you sorta just hook it together and it stays that way with a magnet. Curious about the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus but unsure? The inside features some soft, stretchy mesh that can much more easily stretch to fit the larger frequently-used gear that didnt work in the vertical quick-grab pocket, like your phone. Thanks for the detailed comparison!! I put a bunch of pouches that I use to group certain types of everyday carry as well as my sunglasses case in there. Heres a look at the pocket from the inside of the bag: Now check this out. He enjoys good food, has an unhealthy obsession with the clothing brand Supreme and ironically am interested in a minimalist and simple life. Sunglasses pocket zipper got a long zipper puller, it is much easier to open it than in v1 (unless you added an extended pull to v1's zipper yourself of course). While polyester is slightly less durable than nylon, this special weave is more than enough for the purpose of this bag, which is daily carry. They sink to the bottom and take some searching to find when you need them. The contents are the views and opinions of the author(s) and/or associates. This strap doesnt feel as secure as one that permanently fastens to the pack, but also doesnt feel so loose that were concerned about losing itand its attachment makes it easy to remove and stow away if/when you dont need it. I constantly dabble in gadgets and technology, with a particular interest in bags & EDC products, cooking, and creative tools. I actually forgot about it, but both my wife and I own the same backpack and yes we both had our sternum straps falling off at some time. Made with durable, water-resistant recycled fabric, and premium, eco-tanned leather Z Grills Cruiser 200A portable pellet grill and smoker review meat heaven! Bellroy agreed to send us replacement as "one off exception" though for free, maybe due to us having the issue on two backpacks at once. Its a great choice to pair with the style of this bag. Classy. Another surprise came from the fact that it was so much more comfortable to carry around. Im not a big fan of totes because I tend to carry quite a bit of stuff. Theres also a handle at the top made with the same smooth, folded seat belt-like material as the shoulder straps. My particular "ranger green" color fabric feels just a bit more "plasticky" than the one on the black one, but I like it overall. Most brands just fold this material, and thats itbut on this handle, youll notice some leather which again, works as a nice, bright accent. Youll find leather accents in all the right places. Also, I took off the leather brand label in the middle: it's easy to unpick the stitches, and it gives the bag a cleaner look. Harder line in the middle of v1 created main compartment visibility issues. This pocket stretches most of the length of the pack and has some gusseted fabric at the end, which adds some extra space. The v2 pack is spec'ed at 24l vs 22l for v1. Thats why the super-tight weave of this particular material is key to increasing the water resistance. As far as capacity goes its just about right for a daypack with a bit of room for extras. Follow him @alexkwa on Instagram. Given the quality of the bag, youre getting huge value for the dollar. On the top part of the inside of this compartment, there is also another mesh zipper pocket that is probably designed for your laptop accessories. It wouldnt be a Bellroy bag without their wordmark and owl logo debossed into some leather. All the reviews I've been able to find have been for the v1 so this comparison has been great! Get access to brief summaries of our reviews so you can browse and make decisions more efficiently. The layout is so well executed, however, that I am OK with foregoing the extra capacity for the streamlined style and excellent usability. Never purchase bad gear again. Hi there! The carry rig is really comfortable. If youre hauling a lot of gear or your needs change regularly, however, a backpack is always a better choice in the long run. At Urbancred, we focus on finding your gear to help keep you going. Tom Bihn Color Zipper Ghost Whale Organizer Pouch, Hydro Flask Standard-Mouth Water Bottle with Flex Cap 21 oz, Osprey Transporter Global Carry-On Review, Pacsafe X SLNT Anti-Theft Backpack Review, Top quick-grab pocket is difficult to unzip, False bottom in laptop compartment is small, Separate compartment for laptop and tech gear, Back panel is contoured for a more comfortable carry, The top pocket zipper is a little stiff and tricky to access quickly, Enjoying the look & feel of this bagaesthetically, its mature & sleek, Vertical pocket seems a little slim at timesfitting in a larger phone takes some finesse. Right near the top, there is a deep pocket, that has a very fine mesh on the top area. This site is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. The shoulder straps have some decent, spongey padding that weve found to be pretty comfortable during testing. Bellroy is asking for return shipping as well. All content and graphical elements are Copyright 1997 - 2022 Julie Strietelmeier and The Gadgeteer. Overall, weve found it to be pretty comfortable during testing, though some folks have mentioned that it feels stiff on a smaller frame. I have the Yoda tattoo to prove it. If like bags of any kind this sub is for you! This pocket is so hidden, that I didnt spot it after a whole day using it. This bag has given me quite a bit of pleasant surprises. Shipping cost and delivery times will be calculated at checkout. After transferring all my belongings from my Synapse 25, I could clearly feel that the way the organization was designed made it feel a lot more spacious, despite being 3 liters lesser in volume. If you have any specific questions - let me know, happy to answer them. Because of this, and in general, we recommend keeping your laptop in a protective case. No spam here, guaranteed. Bellroy products are warranted to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for three years from original date of purchase when used under normal conditions and for the purpose intended. Sure, nothing "life changing". Plus, its AquaGuard zipper keeps everything protected from those sudden showers or accidental spills you might encounter. Polyester itself is waterproof, but weaving it together into a fabric will result in air gaps that allow water to go through. I need a decent amount of space as Ill be carrying a MacBook, iPad, 2-3 textbooks, a lunch and smaller things like chargers and such! Take a gander at this in-depth review by Alex Kwa, a product designer living in Japan. Interior pocket became smaller in length but wider at the top, all its surface is fronted by the mesh/stretchy material (in v1 there was a part of the pocket going below the mesh/stretchy area). The whole build, however, is tight and compact. Thats really impressive. On the insides, there is a brownish sand color lining, that surprisingly looked a lot more elegant than I expected, even though I tend to favor black unfairly. Youll also find locking collars to manage those extra strappy bits on the adjustment straps. Super useful thanks. This compartment is also secured with an AquaGuard zipper for added water resistance, which works a little smoother than the one on the top quick-grab pocket as it has those easy-to-grab pullswe always appreciate this safety integration when it comes to our tech. I have a lot of backpacks, but this sits very high on the list. Note that its anchored to the rear panel of the main compartment under the hood, so that doesnt get in your way when rummaging in the bag: The second external compartment is on the front face of the bag, accessed by a vertical zip. If youre looking for an upgrade to that bargain backpack youve been hauling around, this is one that should be on your short list. Its much smaller than quick access pocket in front. Pack Hacker is reader-supported. It also adds a bit of flair to the contemporary look: Youve also got two concealed external pockets for your quick-grab items, hidden behind concealed zips built into the seams of the bag. I usually dont like a my backpacks fabric being rough but this somehow just works. No more meshed zipped pocket, a rigid "flap panel" pocket instead of it. As for material, this colorway is made with Bellroys Venture-weave polyester, which isnt very smooth in handrather, it has some rigidity that makes it feel nice and rugged. The pocket has some elastic that allows it to flex to a larger bottle, too, if need be. With the exception of the branding tag, the Classic Backpack Pluss material is kept the same throughout the front of the bag, so it looks cohesive and aesthetically whole. Your email address will not be published. Because the pocket is so high to the zipper of the laptop compartment itself I think it is as secure as the zipped one, but now access to it is much faster as you don't have to unzip yet another pocket. It also got hi-viz internal lining. Hi OP, just a question about the V1: what are the exact measurements on the base that they omitted in V2 (depth, in particular)? Alex Kwa is a Singaporeanproduct designer living in Tokyo. The Bellroy Classic Plus is rated at a 22 liter capacity, which seems about right based on my normal loadout. Hi-viz internal lining helps finding things faster. While Im never one to rely on my outfits for confidence, the bag does give a sort of quiet confidence and I feel proud carrying it around. We do wish this pocket was a little bigger, so it could better accommodate something like a phone, as weve found a large iPhone to be a tight fit. Classic may be in its name, but this pack has a design thats unique to itself. The v2 pack is spec'ed to be 50gr lighter than v1. Others found it to feel stiff, and as if the bag is pulling away from shouldersalmost to the point where load lifters feel necessary. Although, its unfortunately not as well suited for smaller items. Its usually hard to achieve a gold rating for these tanneries because of the high amount of electricity and water required for the process, but Bellroy has been particular about their responsibilities to the environment. This not only creates an interesting style element, but it also makes it easier to get into the depths of the space. Im guessing they want to keep it low profile because an overstuffed backpack cant be sexy-looking. Ive been using as a daily carry bag to the office, and enjoy every moment of it (Im not obsessive, I swear). (Did the same with my Sling, where the label gets in the way of the front zipper.). While this pocket can fit things like a cardholder or keys well, its narrow that it couldnt fit in my employee pass in its leather case. Weve been testing the Ink Blue colorway these last few weeks, and we like its semi-casual, semi-sophisticated vibe. However, some of you are on the fence, as only 65% gave this bags look the thumbs up, according to our Instagram poll. I know it'll fit my laptop, but how well do you think it would hold books and notebooks? While the bag comes in four colors, ash, black, neon cabernet, its no mystery which color I got. In an industry packed with household materials like Cordura and Ballistic Nylon, going with a unique fabric like this can be quite the risk, but at the same time could allow you to stand out from the crowd. Keychain ring lash became longer too. All products and trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Bottom does not have a hard line around it. Thanks to him for this very informative analysis and we look forward to more content from his neck of the urban jungle. Loving my neon v1 with florescent green zips and straps. If youre looking for another spot to keep stuff handy, theres also a quick-grab pocket at the very top of the bag. The supporting materials in the liners and pockets are just as good, and the finishing work throughout the bag is among the best Ive seen. 20.5 in x 11.8 in x 8.3 in (52.1 x 30 x 21.1 cm), Polyester, Leather, YKK Zippers, Woojin Hardware. Good run-down, thanks - looks like a solid update. At 22L, it can fit everything you need for a days work, an afternoon adventure, or even a quick overnight trip (if you pack minimally). They are opening right to left in v1 and left to right in v2. But it really comes down to personal preference. Do you know how to remove the sternum strap? Required fields are marked *. Due to new bottom/front panel construction it is mostly gone now. If youre wondering what else we have to say after two weeks of testing, read on to find out. I was a huge fan of the Bellroy Tote Pack last year, and the Classic Plus continues that tradition of amazing construction. You can throw your laptop block and charger inside or any other cords and cables you may have and get quicker and easier access to them. In your opinion, with all the things to carry, what would be better? Be the first to get our new guides & reviews. Got a question? The v1 is on sal3 for 115 instead of the 180 for the v2 seems like really there is nothing life changing here to justify an extra 65, would you agree? You have a pocket inside thats similar to the front-flap pocket in the main compartment. The padding on the back and the straps are also smooth; while this does mean that youre not dealing with that scratchy mesh weave found on many packs, the shoulder straps can slip if you dont use the sternum strap. This mesh and bright blue lining offer both flexibility with what you can store and lots of visibility of whats inside when youre looking for a specific item. Hi, thank you for reviewing this bag but can I know youre height? Weve been storing some medium-sized notebooks inside for safekeeping. By signing up, you are consenting to our privacy policy but you can opt out at any time. It is sized perfectly for under-seat stowage and looks good enough that you can use it for business meetings in addition to sightseeing trips at your destination. There is literally just two slots, making an inverted T, on the front of the bag. The bottom lost a hard line around it, became smoother with the front. Were digging the premium look and feel of these accents as always, and appreciate their minimalist approach to branding. The Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus is a comfortable, yet sophisticated option for your everyday carry, though we wish the organization was more optimized. Very clever. In the v1 there is an issue, when you open up a main compartment, due to the way front panel folded it created a "fold"/"bottleneck" between upper part of the compartment and a bottom one, this reduced visibility and access into the bottom part of the main section. I dont actually think you would take the sternum strap on and off often, so I dont really think it was necessary to design it to be taken off so easily. If youre carrying your world on your back every day, this probably isnt the best choice for you. A slender back pad runs the length of the back of the bag, and includes an extra bit of lower padding for lumbar support. This pocket also has hi-viz internal lining. Looking to get a backpack for university! Tempest Chess Clock review This clock rocks! Whether youre new to the daypack world or looking to upgrade your current bag, the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus is one to consider. Bags Pioneer 12 Hip Pack review, mrBEAMS ReadyBright Home Power Outage System Review, PDA Panache Stylus for the Sony CLI NR70 Series Review. If I am not using a backpack, I prefer a briefcase-style bag or messenger to manage the weight better. The 6 deep main compartment is accessed by dual zips that, rather than set parallel to the vertical profile, are set at a reverse angle. This is because the leather is vegetable-tanned by gold-rated LWG (Leather Working Group) tanneries. This clip is similar to ones weve seen on other Bellroy bags, and our feelings are the sameit holds up well during use, but doesnt match the premium look and feel of the rest of the pack. Weve been able to fit up to a 15 laptop in here, no problem. Check out some of the fine details: The form factor is that of a top-loading pack, with two main compartments. Weve been keeping smaller items like a travel spork and a Tom Bihn Color Zipper Ghost Whale Organizer Pouch inside. The Classic Backpack Plus was designed as a daily carry bag. If blue just doesnt do it for you, youll be happy to know that this pack is available in lots of other colorways at the time of this review, so youre sure to find something that fits your style and use case. These straps are made with a sleek-looking seat belt-like material thats smooth in hand. It all depends on your frame and preferences, but its something note. The false bottom in this compartment is pretty slight, so youre not getting the added protection for your tech that you would if it were suspended higher up. All content and graphical elements are Copyright 1997 - 2022 Julie Strietelmeier and The Gadgeteer. It's kind of difficult to assess from the photos just how significant the difference in size is any chance you've got experience with the 20L Classic, too? If like you to constantly talk about bag designs then this sub is for you! This is the first time Ive heard of venture-weave polyester. Will be keeping it as my daily bag. Its also less easy to access (but still really awesome) because the zipper doesnt have a zipper pull like the pocket in front. The strap secures via a magnetic Woojin buckle that takes some more fiddling to disengage than a regular buckle. I was impressed, to say the least, by my first impressions. In my opinion, its also a relative bargain at a $179 price point. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. This should be used as a guideline rather than a rule. All rights reserved. Its mesh, and we quite like the feel of itits stretchy and slightly see-through. Hello! My experience with Bellroy products is that they are very high quality, I think the backpack will handle everything you throw at it.