bellroy classic backpack plus v1 vs v2

Here is an outline of all changes that I was able to spot. That said, it has stayed secure throughout our testing, which is good. Straps have thicker and more rigid padding. When I first saw the product image, I was a little meh, but getting the bag in hand, I was surprised at the quality and style. Another surprise came from the fact that it was so much more comfortable to carry around. Made with durable, water-resistant recycled fabric, and soft microfiber trims. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. Sunglasses pocket with a soft lining and a longer zipper puller. Were also digging the soft, quilt-like lining material and ample padding that keep our laptops protected from scratches and daily damage. Don't subscribeAllReplies to my comments Notify me of followup comments via e-mail. My experience with Bellroy products is that they are very high quality, I think the backpack will handle everything you throw at it. Disclaimer: We take the measurements of the bag provided by the manufacturer and compare them to the allowance listed on airline websites. The brand claims this material is also water-resistant, and while we havent dropped it any puddles (yet), youll be fine in some drizzly weather. Its that good looking. 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. Keychain ring lash became longer too. For urban adventurers who want a dependable everyday companion. It imparts the same durability and water resistance as Cordura, without that rugged industrial feel. Ive got a a 13 MacBook and my iPad Air in there for reference, but Ive carried a 15 Thinkpad with no space issues: Youll also find a 5 by 9 flexible fabric pocket for your chargers and cables here, positioned at the top of the space for easy access. While it is pretty secure, Ive had the strap drop off once when I hit it by mistake. Swap of a water bottle pocket with papers section. This 4 by 12 pocket includes a ring that could be used for your keys or an attachment point for organizer pouches. I bought a v1 in a sale and it's been nice, but the sternum strap randomly fell off at some point and I had to buy a replacement from Bellroy. In terms of organization, the first pocket at your disposal can be found on the front flap. The bag is a smart-looking and ultra clean. This is because the leather is vegetable-tanned by gold-rated LWG (Leather Working Group) tanneries. 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! Im guessing they want to keep it low profile because an overstuffed backpack cant be sexy-looking. Hi there! When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. A slender back pad runs the length of the back of the bag, and includes an extra bit of lower padding for lumbar support. The primary material (called Venture weave) is supple with a nice texture. We also appreciate the durable metal hardware and plastic keepers that help manage excess strap, to keep us nice and #DangleFree. Never purchase bad gear again. Im not sure which is better, Im also 54 so I dont want anything too massive, but Im torn between the two lol! Alex Kwa is a Singaporeanproduct designer living in Tokyo. I do believe Bellroy offers a tote with a shoulder strap which would solve that problem. Good run-down, thanks - looks like a solid update. Your laptop rides in the padded rear compartment, closest to your back. 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. 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. See that shelf from the external view? Back padding became more rigid and has a divider split for ventilation. This pocket also has hi-viz internal lining. All content and graphical elements are Copyright 1997 - 2022 Julie Strietelmeier and The Gadgeteer. Theres a lot to love here as a work bag, a day-tripper, or a travel companion. The addition of a sternum strap helps stabilize your load and employ a unique magnetic clip design for easy connection and removal. Like the Bellroy Transit Backpack, this back panel has a natural contour that some team members have found pretty comfortable. 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. Then theres the main compartment. Its pretty sticky and doesnt have the same easy-to-grab leather pull that the other compartments do. 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. The best thing for me is that the bag is ultra-stylish, but not in a flashy way. The Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus is a comfortable, yet sophisticated option for your everyday carry, though we wish the organization was more optimized. 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. On the outside of the bag, there is a quick access compartment if you open the zip down the middle front of the bag. Theres no elastic keeper, so you will have to deal with some dangling strap if you max out the adjustment. The laptop compartment itself did not change, but its accessory pocket did. In your opinion, with all the things to carry, what would be better? While I could feel the pressure on my shoulders with my Synapse 25, this bags shoulder strap paddings and ergonomic, slightly curved lumbar padding make the bag feel much lighter than it actually is. 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. The papers compartment is rigid, not stretchy. When your bag is slinging off one shoulder, the direction of the zip is just the right orientation for you to easily unzip. Overall, weve found it to be pretty comfortable during testing, though some folks have mentioned that it feels stiff on a smaller frame. Venture Weave is a specially developed super-tight weave of polyester for extra durability and texture. Dual compartment carry in one streamlined backpack, for those who like a classic look with plenty of features. Im a big fan of that bag when I am traveling light. Do you know how to remove the sternum strap? Weve been keeping smaller items like a travel spork and a Tom Bihn Color Zipper Ghost Whale Organizer Pouch inside. No spam here, guaranteed. 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. 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. Press J to jump to the feed. But it really comes down to personal preference. I was impressed, to say the least, by my first impressions. The weight distribution is better and the form factor is more flexible. We cant take it out and keep it handy on our desks like a tech pouch, but we appreciate it nonetheless. It has a horseshoe-style opening but one that unzips almost the full length of the pack, so you get some nice visibility of whats inside. Everything is easy to get to if youre running into meetings or the coffee shop, and the slim profile is great for running lean. Just because a bag is listed as carry-on compliant here doesn't mean that the airline will interpret it that way. Follow him @alexkwa on Instagram. The detail work is excellent, right up there with carry icons like Tom Bihn. Way to keep it eco-groovy, Bellroy. Thanks to him for this very informative analysis and we look forward to more content from his neck of the urban jungle. We got to know this pocket pretty well on the Transit Backpack. 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. There isnt a single detail that isnt overbuilt, reinforced and trimmed to perfection. Thanks for the detailed review! Sure, nothing "life changing". 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. Super useful thanks. This site is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. I need to carry a 15.9" laptop as well as a 12.9" iPad Pro as was wondering if you thought they would both be able to fit (with the iPad in the main compartment of course, maybe the 'papers sleeve'?)? Will be keeping it as my daily bag. My particular "ranger green" color fabric feels just a bit more "plasticky" than the one on the black one, but I like it overall. Front pocket space expanded to the right of the zipper, creating a bit of extra space. The mesh cant really be seen through and is there for its elasticity so you can open it wider when putting in larger objects. Learn more. Maybe it was a bad batch. Right near the top, there is a deep pocket, that has a very fine mesh on the top area. The Classic Backpack Plus was designed as a daily carry bag. Heat can build up back there on a warm day. The sternum strap is connected to the bag by a clip mechanism, where you just clip it on a groove on the strap of the bag. Style-oriented bags can get expensive pretty quickly. The also offer the totepack, which has backpack straps. Way less happy with my V2 than V1, unfortunately. As far as capacity goes its just about right for a daypack with a bit of room for extras. Theres an elastic pocket at the base that will take an oversized water bottle (I have a Contigo bottle in there in the pic): On the inside front panel of the main compartment is a multipurpose storage pocket that also uses a bit of design magic to optimize the space. 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. I usually dont like a my backpacks fabric being rough but this somehow just works. is nicely tucked inside the bag for that streamlined look, but it will eat up a lot of usable space. Given the quality of the bag, youre getting huge value for the dollar. 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. (Did the same with my Sling, where the label gets in the way of the front zipper.). I have the Yoda tattoo to prove it. In the open part of the main compartment, there is a slot to put your water bottle in. Price: $179.00 Where to buy:Bellroy web site and Amazon Source: The sample of this product was provided by Bellroy. Save time. We wouldve preferred if this pocket were split into two for better segmentation and ease of access. The v2 pack is spec'ed to be 50gr lighter than v1. Its pretty addictive to use. You can also subscribe without commenting. 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. I know it'll fit my laptop, but how well do you think it would hold books and notebooks? If you regularly carry a laptop and the assortment of office essentials, youre going to love the simplicity and usability of this bag. Due to new bottom/front panel construction it is mostly gone now. They are opening right to left in v1 and left to right in v2. 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? We recommend switching to Edge, Chrome, Safari, or Firefox. 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. While the bag comes in four colors, ash, black, neon cabernet, its no mystery which color I got. Polyester itself is waterproof, but weaving it together into a fabric will result in air gaps that allow water to go through. Be the first to get our new guides & reviews. Ive been interested in it bit was worried the size of it would be to large for my frame. At Urbancred, we focus on finding your gear to help keep you going. Reproduction in whole or in part, in any form or medium, without express written permission of The Gadgeteer, is prohibited. Once to twice a month. If youre looking for another spot to keep stuff handy, theres also a quick-grab pocket at the very top of the bag. Although we appreciate the fabric welt over the zipper that adds some water resistance and a clean look. The contents are the views and opinions of the author(s) and/or associates. 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. Even though the front of the bag is visually split into two, only the left side of the bag has a quick access pocket. 5 EDC tools that you can wear as jewelry! All in all I loved pretty much every change to the bag, which fixed some of my griefs with v1 and improved some of the others I was not aware needed an improvement :) It is really a well thought through evolution of v1, not a revolution. This versatile all-rounder is built for weekends or work days, in a scaled-down size that holds what you need, without excess. If like you to constantly talk about bag designs then this sub is for you! My God, this is a beautiful bag. The material is rough to the touch and there is a very interesting texture to it. Your email address will not be published. As I mentioned before, the grownup style of the bag makes it ideal as a briefcase replacement. REVIEW Thats how I would describe the newBellroy Classic Plus Backpack. 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. All the zippers are from the obvious choice, the one, and only YKK. Get access to brief summaries of our reviews so you can browse and make decisions more efficiently. 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? Then you have lots of free space inside to store your larger items, like a keyboard, which weve been keeping inside the Roost Minimalist Keyboard Sleeve. On top of the bag, there is another quick-access pocket. 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. Interestingly enough, after I put replacement straps on - never had issues with them again. If I am not using a backpack, I prefer a briefcase-style bag or messenger to manage the weight better. The leather used to accent the bag is called environmentally-certified leather by Bellroy. Its also less easy to access (but still really awesome) because the zipper doesnt have a zipper pull like the pocket in front. I'm currently debating between getting the Classic (20L) and the Classic Plus 2E (24L). I should note that, while the bag is extremely comfortable to carry, theres no back channel to promote air circulation. The Bellroy Classic Plus is rated at a 22 liter capacity, which seems about right based on my normal loadout. Whether youre new to the daypack world or looking to upgrade your current bag, the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus is one to consider. Its made with the same mesh material but is also much shallower. Some ITW, Woojin, and metal hardware also make an appearance on the Classic Backpack Plus, most of which have been working smoothly. It was able to fit my 15-inch Macbook Pro, way more snug than my other backpacks, leaving you never feeling like it would ever fall out. I also see this bag as an excellent traveling companion or day-tripper. Ive seen the name pop up a few times here and there, but never quite with the same fan following as brands likeGoruckorTom Bihn. This not only creates an interesting style element, but it also makes it easier to get into the depths of the space. The contents are the views and opinions of the author(s) and/or associates. box deliveries will automatically be sent by regular shipping. Even as a user experience designer myself, I was impressed. Pack Hacker is reader-supported. The sophisticated style and thoughtful design make it the perfect bag for every day carry. Also, keep in mind that if you pack this pocket and the front vertical pocket out but not the main compartment, the bag will look a little awkwardthe top will appear bulky, and the bottom panel will pull upward, causing it to look like a mushroom that Super Mario would eat to power up. By signing up, you are consenting to our privacy policy but you can opt out at any time. This pocket stretches most of the length of the pack and has some gusseted fabric at the end, which adds some extra space. On top of the vegetable-tanning which gives a beautiful finish that develops a beautiful patina over time, some chrome-tanning element is required to make it more durable, softer and looking new for longer. Wide, thinly padded shoulder straps are contoured to hug your body. :) Seems to have decent space for books, I think I would be able to fit my books back in college days. It also got hi-viz internal lining. Bowers & Wilkins PI7 in-ear true wireless headphones review definitely worth the wait, Twelve South SurfacePad for iPhone 12 review, North St. Check out ALEXKWA.com for more of his in-depth analysis on minimalism, carry and more. I think that depends on personal preference. Check out the sleek profile: The combination of upscale materials and leather accents make this a bag that does high-end casual style right. You also dont have any mesh for added breathability, so that dreaded Swamp Back can make an appearance if youre wearing this thing in warmer weather. Plus, its AquaGuard zipper keeps everything protected from those sudden showers or accidental spills you might encounter. While not as minimal as, say, the Veliance Nomin Pack, its is definitely more than minimal enough for your average digital nomad. Since a few years ago, Ive startedwearing only black. 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. While I generally prefer there to be no branding on my belongings at all, Im generally accepting if the branding is either very subtle or look really rad. If you have any specific questions - let me know, happy to answer them. 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. The sternum strap also has a unique design. If youre carrying your world on your back every day, this probably isnt the best choice for you. The main compartment is much more spacious than I expected. I think its mainly because of the ingenious use of stretch pockets, so pockets only take up as much space as their contents. Its mesh, and we quite like the feel of itits stretchy and slightly see-through. YKK zips are used throughout, with Aquaguard zips on the external entry points for extra water resistance. This review is a Pack Hacker Pro Community Pick! The Bellroy Classic Plus Backpack is a finely-tuned bag thats dialed in for the daily commuter. Theres a dedicated key leash inside, also. All products and trademarks are the property of their respective owners. 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). 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. All zip pullers are bigger and more rigid. Its hidden by a fabric welt, which adds some nice security as well. If youre wondering what else we have to say after two weeks of testing, read on to find out. Contact support@bellroy.com, Cookies improve your experience by browsing our site you agree to our, All rights reserved %(year) Bellroy Pty Ltd, Updated version of our popular Classic Backpack, Padded iPad / A5 document pocket with pen slip, Front pocket and internal mesh zip pocket for valuables, Water-resistant top pocket for small phone and keys, Comfort shoulder straps, improved back padding system and quick grab handle, Water-resistant woven fabric, made from recycled plastic bottles, Made from sustainably produced fabric and environmentally certified leather, Water-resistant woven fabric, made from recycled nylon, Durable, water-resistant fabric made from 100% recycled PET bottles, Scaled-down size, for smaller frames or shorter days, Made with durable, water-resistant recycled fabric, and soft microfiber trims, Quick-access front zip pocket, with built-in key clip, Water-resistant, soft-lined sunglasses pocket on top, Contoured, rolled-edge shoulder straps for all-day comfort, Made with durable, water-resistant recycled fabric, and premium, eco-tanned leather, Separate zip access to laptop and tech section. Very clever. Added subtle Bellroy logo on the left shoulder strap. 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 pocket is designed so that it bellows into the main compartment, and doesnt cramp your laptop space. The way it works is not like the usual clips, where you have to press both sides to free the clip. In terms of capacity - I guess depends on how many books exactly you plan to carry? Most brands just fold this material, and thats itbut on this handle, youll notice some leather which again, works as a nice, bright accent. This site is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. First to hear news, deals, updates and more. He enjoys good food, has an unhealthy obsession with the clothing brand Supreme and ironically am interested in a minimalist and simple life. All products and trademarks are the property of their respective owners. This is the first time Ive heard of venture-weave polyester. Honestly the biggest thing making me go for v1 atm is the colours, the colours so far for v2 don't interest me. The quick-access pocket on the front of the bag is also another design point that I love. Altogether, were happy to report that it has held up well so far during testing. They sink to the bottom and take some searching to find when you need them. Ive been using as a daily carry bag to the office, and enjoy every moment of it (Im not obsessive, I swear). Bellroy is asking for return shipping as well. The bottom lost a hard line around it, became smoother with the front. Get your questions about the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus answered from our team and the Pro Community right here on the page. The strap secures via a magnetic Woojin buckle that takes some more fiddling to disengage than a regular buckle. The whole build, however, is tight and compact. Hello! 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. Weve been storing some medium-sized notebooks inside for safekeeping. 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. This shows that Bellroy knows their customers natural behavior well and have probably tested the bag sufficiently. Classy. All rights reserved. As expected from Bellroy, the bag is accented with high-quality leather they are known for, for that little bit of lux that a high-end urban commuter should have. When not in use, it lies nice and flat, so its out of the way and not taking up space. Whether the difference is worth extra money or not - it is a personal thing to decide. One nitpick we have is that the fabric on the upper part of these straps can move around some, but it hasnt been a huge deal. This bag has given me quite a bit of pleasant surprises. I can't tell if there is really a difference in volume. Unlike bags like theTom Bihn Synapse 25aimed at the hardcore traveler, this bag is aimed at the urban dweller going about his day. Since I was used to the configuration ofTOM BIHNs Synapse 25, I was wondering why there wasnt pockets on the right and bottom sections on the front of the bag. Because of this, and in general, we recommend keeping your laptop in a protective case. Were digging the premium look and feel of these accents as always, and appreciate their minimalist approach to branding. They do take it a step beyond for the laptop compartment and the top quick-access pocket with the waterproof Aquaguard zips to protect your precious gadgets. Were always happy to see YKK zippers on bags, and these ones are chunky. The Bellroy Classic Plus gets you high-end style, innovative design, and superb construction for under $200. Curious about the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus but unsure? 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. 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. Weve been able to fit up to a 15 laptop in here, no problem. Got a question? Sucks. Your email address will not be published. Last on the list is the dedicated laptop compartment. If you have lots of backpacks, purses, wallets, etc and are ashamed to admit it this sub is for you! Free shipping to the U.S. 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. They feel robust in hand and have soft, easy-to-grab leather pulls, which are a nice touch (and a Bellroy staple).

Marmot Avant Featherless Hoody, Preschool Musical Instruments, Coach Kleo Hobo In Colorblock, Carabiner With Roller, Double Sided Tape Screwfix, Lsa International Gio Tumbler, Pirelli P Zero Run Flat Vs Non Run Flat, Decommissioned Rail Cars For Sale, Target Hanes Socks Womens, Walmart Projector, 1080p,