I am one who tends to think Bellroy is a little overrated for the price, but I think they nailed this one. Impressive capacity for its weight, and the price is reasonable.
Bellroy charges a premium for aesthetic and tactile choices that many people just don’t value. They often aren’t a good choice for functionality-first buyers.
this is def on the more functional side for Bellroy (espesh in terms of capacity) but agreed that function-first buyers will likely gravitate towards other brands
I have a bellroy wallet that is the same for the last 5 years. Just looks aged as it should. Quality is insane so for price and how much it lasts, I wouldn't mind paying. This is a rare company that delivers, and I appreciate it as a consumer.
@@xiaoyu88 great call on their wallets, we are usually a bit more of a bag community (so a lot of the comments are from carry-addicts) but yes honorable mention for Bellroy wallets which are always well reviewed
Started watching the review of this bag on another channel because I liked the bag and couldn’t finish it because it wasn’t YOU doing the review. Then I saw your review notification and was so happy. Your style of review is amazing and I appreciate you and your channel.
The effort you and your team put into these reviews is remarkable. And your honest opinion with the pros and cons is much appreciated. Thanks, keep up the good work!
Would love to see this with water bottle pockets, load lifters and bottom attachments loops (to hand stuff below the pack, missed opportunity here). Great 1st gen product!
@@Medsas didn't they release an updated version of the Apex backpack after a few years? Or maybe it was similar but called different? I might be wrong though
I did see a video on Bellroy's YT channel with their designer saying they will be releasing a new backpack considering the comments and suggestions of this bag on around May 2025 so let's see 👏
Thanks for the honest review! I'll give this a shot as for 'light-travel' one-bag adventures I won't go over 7kg. At that weight I won't need load-lifter nor hip harness. In transit I don't need a bottle compartment. That is on my packable day-pack, which I always bring. Hoping for longevity.
I don’t hate the suitcase style. I like that side handle too. The flatness of this bag empty is really nice too. I’d be tempted a lot by that 38L one if I didn’t already have a bigger backpack. This one is really competing with the mlc or the allpa, just depends on styling preferences. I wonder about the material durability long term since it seems it’s a lighter material.
Solid point! I feel like the durability will be fine for the average traveler, but if you throw the bag around a ton then the abrasion might catch up with you a bit
Woohoo! Aaron is back with another bag review! I read your email, and I'm eagerly anticipating your review in the Sympl Commuter 20L as I'm considering downsizing for my EDC. 😀
Love the review Aaron. Regarding not having water bottle one can use A6 memobottle and store it in top storage pocket. It's no longer a con! It's not a deal breaker and tha bag will be as slim as possible. Kudos to slimness baby!!
another thing might be nowadays everyone carries slings. They definitely can accomodate water bottles and is much more intuitive to take them out. Btw can you do a review on longevity of water bottle pockets? They seem to be more prone to developing holes and what do you do with the bags once you have big holes with use? 😅
Wow! You had this review yesterday and I didn’t notice really until Bellroy sent me an email. Bellroy is really knocking it out of the park on coming out with some new cool products!
This is a very good choice for light-packed traveling. For me personally, the lack of the water bottle pocket won't bother me. I live in Germany and according to my experience, during traveling I will always buy the 0.75 liter or 1L, that I don't need to frequently buy water and stay hydrated. Most of the water bottle pockets (especially from Bellroy) is tough for big ones, so I would probably just put it inside the bag anyway, just need to make sure that it is not leaking. For 950g and such a slim backpack I won't bother that it doesn't have waist belt and load lifter, but I do concern: 1. It's the white color easily get dirty? 2. How is the durability of the loops that attach to the straps? When it's broken the whole bag is useless.
I could live without load lifters on the 30 (although would be preferred) but 38L bag without load lifters is a no-go for me. I definitely don’t need hip belts or anything, but load lifters make a big difference when you start to get to a packed out 35+ liters.
Hey Aaron! Thanks for all the great reviews. In the last days i found a Backpack that could be my favourite Travel-OneBag. The REI Co-Op Recycled 40l Ruckpack. Any chance for you to review this one, or the normal version, someday?
Great video, Aaron! I purchased Bellroy Transit 28L backpack a few days ago for EDC/travel. I chose it over Able Carry Max (thanks to your helpful videos). Do you think this Bellroy 30L Lite Travel Pack can be used as an EDC or should I stick with my Transit 28L?
I get an axiety attack every time I see you "pack", shoving large things into the bags 😂 Bellroy nailed the travel bag game with this one. My only con with this one is that it's a little bit flimsy (obviously due to its very nature of being LITE) and I imagine would get dirty quite fast from placing it on the floor. The plane's floor or other floors.
Sorry I couldn't purchase through your links, grabbed the Black F. offer from Bellroy... I got me the 30L clay colour option because of my previous experience with white. I bough the Bellroy Lite duffel bag and I love it, but it got dirty so fast in between my visits to the gym, using lockers that might not always get cleaned daily and so on. So... never white again in my case of use. Cannot deny the beauty though...
That top inside pocket looks useful. Like an integrated shoe pocket. I have been using an osprey one that is clamshell and isn't made anymore (quite old already). And I have a separate shoe pocket in one side always. I wonder about the comfort of this bag fully weighed though.
Thanks for the response. If I would replace my osprey, after going to different brands I think I'd land on the Cotopaxi allpa. I checked out evergoods (harness system doesn't deal well with heavier loads), goruck (amazing comfort but top heavy for weight limitations where I fly), aer (nice but again too heavy), tortuga being the final contender with Cotopaxi due to carry comfort, weight, and opening
Hit the nail on the head with the cons here, the bags are so close to being good but lack of a water bottle holder and missing harness elements are absolute deal breakers.
Second the water bottle pocket. So many people travel with a water bottle and the pockets can also be utilized for carrying other small gear. Such a miss on Bellroy’s part!
I’ve been wondering lately, is a water bottle pocket really necessary on an travel pack? I guess if you are using it for an edc also it is but if it’s strictly going to and from your destination with some lite(see what I did there) walking its not necessary imo. You can always throw it in the quick access pocket too 🤷♂️
@@AyuK-jm1qo great pick! I haven’t formally reviewed it on the channel but have tested one out a bit (on a limited basis) and it seems like a great bag
Wait, why isn’t there a clip of Margaret wearing the bag, her body size is a better reference for me, some packs looks great on you and that gives me false hopes until I see it on Margaret-and i know i will 100% be turtling it, since i’m even shorter than her
Hey Aaron! If you are able to, I would love to see a backpack review of the Stubble & Co "The Everyday Backpack." I've only seen a single review of this backpack by GearByOrlaigh. With your extensive expertise in the art of backpacks, you would be able to create a fantastic review that many people would want to see, especially because it is a bag with little to no video media coverage. In truth, I'm on the fence about getting the Aer City Pack Pro X-Pac or the Stubble & Co The Everyday Backpack. Having your first-hand thoughts would help me decide which to buy. Thanks!
i almost bought the 30L then i realized that it doesn't have an external pocket for water bottle. i think i will still stick with my aer go pack for now
We don’t really do comparison videos since they don’t perform very well, plus I don’t have that Patagonia pack unfortunately but I’m happy to answer any questions you have about the Bellroy 💪🏻
I have to say every bag review I’ve ever seen the water bottle pocket is focused on as if it were invented this morning. I’m sure a water bottle or flask could fit in the front zipper pocket of this awesome bag
ha yea, we reviewers do put a lot of emphasis on it, BUT reason being is we are pointing out things that are important to our community. If you look at the comments on this video, you'll see that water bottle holders are absolutely CRUCIAL for many people. It's really not that important for me personally, but it's important for me to focus on the things that are important to our community 💪
Im hoping to use this as a personal item under the seat bag as it looks quite squishy do you think it would be able to push through in the bag sizers at airports
I'm curious if this would make your Top 10 Travel Backpacks list if you made it today (last time summer 2024)? Especially, would it be in your top 3 with Aer Travel Pack 3 (Small?) and Able Carry Max? The weight really is impressive! I'm thinking of this (perhaps just 30 L) and packing a Aer Go Pack 3 inside it for day trips and hikes.
@@Nomads.Nation Sounds good! The materials just looks incredible. Actually the Aer Go Pack 2 and Bellroy Lite Travel Packs look very similar in material.
great alternative! Just a bit smaller and a bit of a different value proposition - much less packing space and is heavier, but also has a much more premium look and feel
Thanks. I'm looking at buying the Tortuga Lite 40L for $230 plus a packing cube on black Friday. It's a simple bag with no bells and whistles, which works for me 😂
Appreciate the in-depth review, Aaron! 💪 Is it possible for you to measure the torso length of both variants? Is the 38L longer than the 30L if you measure from the attachment point of the top of the harness to the bottom end of the back padding? Also really hoping you can consider including torso length when measuring bags in reviews. I'm a short female (5'1") and I know my torso size (17"), so I really look for this spec all the time when choosing bags!
thanks so much for your feedback! I'm traveling right now so can't measure them but be sure to reach out to Bellroy customer support and let us know what they say!
I usually clip to the outside of my bag my dog’s portable bowl after I finished giving him water. That way nothing inside my back gets wet. I appreciate the latch points for that 😂
Hello there, please anyone tell me about that 30L vs 38L backpack: does laptop compartment same size in 30L and 38L? I mean the zipper area, I'm afraid my Macbook air 15" can't fit with slim sleave case. Maybe in 38L model this area is bigger?
@@Nomads.Nation im really wondering how does the material feel in contrast to the transit backpack. looks like the lite version is abitmore flimsy compared to transit series. Is the transit series more rugged. Also transit series looks like it can stand up unlike lite series. Just wondering
@@ItsRainingDonkeys very different fabrics. Transit series uses ballistic nylon which is super durable, abrasion resistant, and has a smooth weave. Lite series uses a super lightweight ripstop to cut down on weight, it'll still be durable as the Transit just not as much. I don't recall how well either self stands as I am traveling and cannot check - I'd recommend asking Bellroy customer support as they can probably give you a super in-depth answer
Ugh this bag would be close to perfect for me if it had an external water bottle pocket or at least a way to clip one one. I guess you could use a carabiner, but what’s more frustrating is that they basically have a blank panel on the side that would be perfect for one. My only thinking is that they omitted it due to the laptop zipper being on the other side so if you use the luggage pass through you’d either be losing access to the laptop compartment or crushing your water bottle.
@@Nomads.Nation I don’t disagree, but not everyone travels with a laptop and those are included in practically every travel backpack. I’d argue those take up more valuable space from the main cavity and a lot of times they aren’t able to be repurposed to carry other gear.
@@ATTACKM4N agreed! I think there is a big opportunity for bag brands to make travel packs with no laptop compartments - I get asked for recs like this all the time
@@Nomads.Nation it would be a very risky endeavor since that’s a feature I think most have come to expect with a backpack, but I would be first in line to pick one of them up.
Excited to see a review for this bag as I’m looking for a 38ltr @nomads national: is it possible to also review the Cotopaxi 38ltr Allpa or better yet, a side by side showdown with this Bellroy
I actually love bellroy, but i've a problem with their sizes. How can this huge one bag travel (48x33x15) be 30l, while the transit workpack (in the store they put 51x38x16, but in other i have found 47x30x21) be 20l?
dimensions do not = literage. On paper it does, but the best way to measure capacity is with little plastic balls, which would explain why this bag has larger capacity (but having said that, it's still an art more than a science)
This looks good with no water bottle pocket. There's two huge front pockets, put your water bottle or whatever you are trying to store there. And look stylish Anyone needing a water bottle pocket, Cotopaxi makes a new version of their allpa with severely downgraded materials...but it has a water bottle pocket lol. I wonder if the quality has gotten any better for Cotopaxi. The stitching on my 35 allpa's shoulder strap ripped while pulling it out of the overhead bin at my destination: first time using it.
Decided to buy the new Bellroy Venture Travel and they are releasing this Lite version. Attempted to buy both. However, this Lite version, do u think the material will tear if its fully loaded? , Aron? Aer Travel Small is nice, I like to have many organisation but just look too Utility on a gal. Somehow Bellroy design is nice.
If this Bellroy travel bag is what you're looking for, you should check out the Kathmandu Litehaul Carry On v3 (38L). It's another Australian brand. It's got more features than the Bellroy and fits a 17" laptop. It also has a concealed water bottle pocket, shoulder load lifters, hip belt, detachable shoulder strap, and matches the Bellroy in terms of stowable straps, sternum strap, luggage passthrough, and external attachment points. Price is AU$300 but Kathmandu are notorious for having 40% off sales all the time (like, seriously... you're an idiot if you don't wait) so price is frequently AU$180 (~US$122).
Hello, Love your videos! I need some suggestions for a backpack that weights less than 1.2 kg, that has good organisation and internal + external pockets, sternum strap and external water bottle holders. I want it for every day and travel. I have a toddler so I need to carry many little things. 26l up. What would be ultra cool is a backpack that looks like 20l or less but can extend to 25-28 or so but I dont think that exists so it doesnt need to do that. Standing up would be a great plus. I have the patagonia refugio 30l. I like its weight and color, but it really doesnt have any organisation so thats a drawback. I like - the northface surge but northface usually feels very rigid and people said the backpanel is poking them. - the tom bihn synapse 25 for the organisation but 25 is a tad little and no external water bottle holder. - the bellroy backpacks for their pockets but they all dont have weight lifters and water holders are mostly on the inside. Ideal would be a backpack that doesnt look huge but has the capacity to staff stuff in. Practical. I need organisation but not at the cost of weight. Price doesnt matter but weight and organisation do.
I also carry a lot for me 16-inch MacBook Pro 15-inch MacBook Air XL hoodie Medium-size tech pouch Logitech MX Master 3S PD 36R flashlight Anker Prime 200 Watt portable charger My keys Deodorant Hairbrush Toiletry size lotion bottle Wallet Pocket knife Extra Apple Watch band Apple polishing cloth Apple MagSafe puck sometimes an Under Armour hat Yeti 32-ounce rumble Airtag All of this fits in the 22L Bellroy venture pack that isn’t even sold anymore
Tav runs a marketing company called Pink Door, but Nomads Nation and Fyro are two of his biggest clients... we even share an office together! This week Margaret wanted to take time to focus on editing, so we got Tav behind the camera for the first time in a while for a NN review... so much fun haha
that depends on so many factors, what airline, what ticket, what country, the mood of the person at the front desk, etc. I'd recommend checking the dimensions of the bag and the policies of the airlines youll be traveling on
Different styles of travel imo. If I’m doing a quick weekend trip, def the Venture as it’s more sleek and streamlined. But if I’m needing to pack a lot more stuff then the capacity of this bag is far superior
What i also like about bellroy is their fantastic customer service. People have nothing but raved about their after sales service! So that budget price is really worth it. 😊 I am surprised how companies even make profit with such budget prices. I wish they were priced even more, also please review more expensive backpacks. I am tired of these budget reviews. /s Great review mate BTW.
Cotopaxi downgraded the materials on the new versions. Removed the hidden pocket but added a very prominent pocket on the top front. Cotopaxi is a hard pass
They are light! Excellent review and video. I guess the trade off with weight is the loss in shape and the consistent ability to stand - I feel this is not a bag to be compared to an Aer type travel backpack - this looks like a different category travel backpack which maximizes weight, carry capacity over shape and silhouette. On the matter of load lifters, on some bags they feel especially helpful if you pack out a bag and it does not have a waist belt. This also varies depending on the sturdiness of the suspension straps.
Agree. Bellroy has other premium ranges that compare with the American greats, with heavier weight fabrics, foams and organisation - which makes them as heavy as other premium brands. However the Asia Pacific (Australia, New Zealand, Asia) is Notorious for air carriers with 7kg limits and I’m grateful this Australian brand has a Lite range that specifically caters for this region; by removing the layers and foams and interfacings and organisation panels and reduced zips and hardware. I wish other brands would develop Lite ranges… or perhaps they will, with other airlines starting to crack down on Carry on with new rules and regulations…
@@Nomads.Nation On the Bellroy Venture Travel Pack 26L review, responded by saying this would be up in a few days, was hours later. Was like, he lied, but it's a good lie!!! 😁
The side laptop access, with the front side access pocket and the front top access pocket, and also access to the top internal pocket without having to open the main compartment completely - could you suggest other backpacks that have a similar configuration? I would really like to check them out. I do like the suitcase style opening along the long edge. Wishing EG implemented this in their CTB series.
@@Nomads.Nation that was the reason for my thought on the "inspiration" behind this series from Bellroy. The similarity cannot be discounted. Surely, there are many backpacks that have side access for the laptop, but nothing that has all the other pockets so thought out for ease of access in the same orientation as in the CPL or CTB series from Evergoods. Even the internal bottom pocket on the lid has the opening on that same side so as to provide access without opening up the main zipper completely. That is what I admire in their design philosophy.
The mesh material on the back pad and straps is a no go for me all that style does is shred your tshirts up, it's one thing no one talks about that is common on so many backpacks
@@Nomads.Nation have a close look at some of your t-shirts and you may see damage, some bags with that mesh style chew up your shirts badly, the mesh is used to create hold but with a decently loaded bag everything is moving around with each step and so eats into your clothing
@@Nomads.Nation at home we have Belroy pouches, 3 of their slings, one backpack for daily use with an internal water bottle that is practical in crowded public transportation. So I think I’m part of their audience. I was now watching your (very nicely done) video to find a new large travel backpack with water bottle….today using my trusty Goruck GR2 34L Kaidan 2.0 edition but lacking a sternum strap and an external water bottle. It will no be a Belroy backpack and I will have to spend even more time on the channel to watch your few videos I have not yet seen 😅
3:30 I watch the video just to see if they are water resistant and it's not rated as such, and you did not teat them for it, not gonna consider thise backpack if it ain't water proof
we don't do in-depth water review testing, we'll just spray some water on the bag to showcase, and basically every fabric in the world can handle that. If you want a TRULY waterproof bag you are going to have to buy a scuba diving bag
I apologise if this is not the majority thinking or what youtube expects, but I find the new «coming up» section highly annoying. I know that it is what is recommended by youtube and tons of channels are doing it, but when I see it I just kind of faze out and click skip forward right away since I know it’s some cogntive hack the channel is doing to me. I know this is just one voice of many and you’re free to do what you want but I personally wish you wouldn’t include them. Anyways great video, love Bellroy!
thanks for the feedback! Since introducing this part of the videos we've noticed a higher retention rate and many people like the 'teaser' element of if, but the good news is if it's not your cup of tea you can just fast forward past it. Thanks for your support!
ha, I pick and choose my consumer-addictions carefully. Pens are something I know I could be obsessed with, which is exactly why I am terrified to learn more 😂
After lugging around my Goruck Slick GR2 40L that weighs for pounds this backpack is giving my back a boner. The fact that the material has some give makes it look like its way easier to really shove things into compared to other heavy travel packs
yea dude the capacity of the bag was kinda mind-blowing. The fabric won't be anywhere near as abrasion-resistant as a GORUCK bag, but I don't think the average traveler really needs 1000D Cordura
Do you want to help me build a game-changing backpack? 👉🏼 nomadsnation.com/building-a-backpack
I am one who tends to think Bellroy is a little overrated for the price, but I think they nailed this one. Impressive capacity for its weight, and the price is reasonable.
Bellroy charges a premium for aesthetic and tactile choices that many people just don’t value.
They often aren’t a good choice for functionality-first buyers.
this is def on the more functional side for Bellroy (espesh in terms of capacity) but agreed that function-first buyers will likely gravitate towards other brands
I have a bellroy wallet that is the same for the last 5 years. Just looks aged as it should. Quality is insane so for price and how much it lasts, I wouldn't mind paying. This is a rare company that delivers, and I appreciate it as a consumer.
@@xiaoyu88 great call on their wallets, we are usually a bit more of a bag community (so a lot of the comments are from carry-addicts) but yes honorable mention for Bellroy wallets which are always well reviewed
Still overpriced. $200+ for a bag(s) with no load lifters (or option waist belts). Pass.
Started watching the review of this bag on another channel because I liked the bag and couldn’t finish it because it wasn’t YOU doing the review. Then I saw your review notification and was so happy. Your style of review is amazing and I appreciate you and your channel.
Thank you so much for that! We try to go above and beyond with our reviews to provide as much value as possible 💪🏻
The effort you and your team put into these reviews is remarkable. And your honest opinion with the pros and cons is much appreciated. Thanks, keep up the good work!
So glad to hear you are getting value from our videos - more epic reviews coming soon!!
Would love to see this with water bottle pockets, load lifters and bottom attachments loops (to hand stuff below the pack, missed opportunity here). Great 1st gen product!
i dont think bellroy does gens sadly… check out the podcast aaron did with them…
@@Medsas didn't they release an updated version of the Apex backpack after a few years? Or maybe it was similar but called different? I might be wrong though
@@BenjaminJcqt i think they make silent revisions, but no big "2.0, 3.0" etc. like other brands
I did see a video on Bellroy's YT channel with their designer saying they will be releasing a new backpack considering the comments and suggestions of this bag on around May 2025 so let's see 👏
Thanks for the honest review! I'll give this a shot as for 'light-travel' one-bag adventures I won't go over 7kg. At that weight I won't need load-lifter nor hip harness. In transit I don't need a bottle compartment. That is on my packable day-pack, which I always bring. Hoping for longevity.
be sure to use our link and let us know what you think about the bag after testing for a few weeks!
I don’t hate the suitcase style. I like that side handle too. The flatness of this bag empty is really nice too. I’d be tempted a lot by that 38L one if I didn’t already have a bigger backpack. This one is really competing with the mlc or the allpa, just depends on styling preferences. I wonder about the material durability long term since it seems it’s a lighter material.
Solid point! I feel like the durability will be fine for the average traveler, but if you throw the bag around a ton then the abrasion might catch up with you a bit
For a travel bag need the water bottle holder but love the look and lightness
100
You're my go-to reviewer, man. Super good stuff. Excited for the Fyro project as well.
@@stefanexplores much appreciated!!
Woohoo! Aaron is back with another bag review! I read your email, and I'm eagerly anticipating your review in the Sympl Commuter 20L as I'm considering downsizing for my EDC. 😀
Let’s goooo!
Finally a fairly-priced Bellroy bag that I can get behind. Curious to see if you end up reviewing the new Allpa 28s-I'm torn between this and that!
hoping to review the Allpa eventually!
Love the review Aaron. Regarding not having water bottle one can use A6 memobottle and store it in top storage pocket. It's no longer a con! It's not a deal breaker and tha bag will be as slim as possible. Kudos to slimness baby!!
Sleek and streamlined for the win!
another thing might be nowadays everyone carries slings. They definitely can accomodate water bottles and is much more intuitive to take them out. Btw can you do a review on longevity of water bottle pockets? They seem to be more prone to developing holes and what do you do with the bags once you have big holes with use? 😅
@@tipxtv good call and great idea!
It’s crazy how mesmerized i was by a backpack review. Nice job :)
shoutout to our editing team for taking our reviews to the next level!
Wow! You had this review yesterday and I didn’t notice really until Bellroy sent me an email. Bellroy is really knocking it out of the park on coming out with some new cool products!
For sure!
Can you use small locks on the zippers of the main compartment and laptop compartment to secure contents when you leave the bag in hotel?
don't have the bag with me so can't say for sure, I'd recommend reaching out to Bellroy to ask
This is a very good choice for light-packed traveling. For me personally, the lack of the water bottle pocket won't bother me. I live in Germany and according to my experience, during traveling I will always buy the 0.75 liter or 1L, that I don't need to frequently buy water and stay hydrated. Most of the water bottle pockets (especially from Bellroy) is tough for big ones, so I would probably just put it inside the bag anyway, just need to make sure that it is not leaking. For 950g and such a slim backpack I won't bother that it doesn't have waist belt and load lifter, but I do concern:
1. It's the white color easily get dirty?
2. How is the durability of the loops that attach to the straps? When it's broken the whole bag is useless.
white color will get dirty very easily (like on any white bag). Not sure about the loops, but seem strong to me
I could live without load lifters on the 30 (although would be preferred) but 38L bag without load lifters is a no-go for me. I definitely don’t need hip belts or anything, but load lifters make a big difference when you start to get to a packed out 35+ liters.
💪
I can see the 30L as an everyday work bag for myself. I carry extra clothes with me to work every day.
thats a big EDC, but if you carry a ton of stuff it could work great
Hey Aaron!
Thanks for all the great reviews.
In the last days i found a Backpack that could be my favourite Travel-OneBag.
The REI Co-Op Recycled 40l Ruckpack.
Any chance for you to review this one, or the normal version, someday?
I’ll be sure to add it to our wish list!
I am actually surprised at the price. Usually Bellroy is overpriced. The 30 L looks awesome and good price point. Only missing a water bottle pocket.
agreed on both points!
That 30l closing was seriously impressive
@@crazycrazysnakeman oh yea. This thing packs
Great video, Aaron! I purchased Bellroy Transit 28L backpack a few days ago for EDC/travel. I chose it over Able Carry Max (thanks to your helpful videos).
Do you think this Bellroy 30L Lite Travel Pack can be used as an EDC or should I stick with my Transit 28L?
Thanks mate! I think the Transit 28 is a much better EDC so I’d stick with that
always love your videos and review! another great one Aaron
Thanks so much!!
I get an axiety attack every time I see you "pack", shoving large things into the bags 😂 Bellroy nailed the travel bag game with this one. My only con with this one is that it's a little bit flimsy (obviously due to its very nature of being LITE) and I imagine would get dirty quite fast from placing it on the floor. The plane's floor or other floors.
Gotta really push the bag to its limits or it’s not a thorough review!
Shame about the lack of bottle pockets.
Presumably a water bottle would fit quite comfortably in that front side-acres pocket, though?
yes, 100%
Could you do some Code of Bell Reviews? Like the X-Pod and X-PAK evo?
they have been on our wish list for a while, hopefully soon!
Sorry I couldn't purchase through your links, grabbed the Black F. offer from Bellroy... I got me the 30L clay colour option because of my previous experience with white. I bough the Bellroy Lite duffel bag and I love it, but it got dirty so fast in between my visits to the gym, using lockers that might not always get cleaned daily and so on. So... never white again in my case of use. Cannot deny the beauty though...
no worries! and yea, white fabrics are gorgeous but holy hot damn do they get dirty fast - on all bags
Hoping for some more color options. Con for me, not a deal breaker. What if I want to match my sling to my bag?!?!
Magic marker? lol
that opening shot was pretty cool
😍
That top inside pocket looks useful.
Like an integrated shoe pocket.
I have been using an osprey one that is clamshell and isn't made anymore (quite old already).
And I have a separate shoe pocket in one side always.
I wonder about the comfort of this bag fully weighed though.
I was pretty impressed with the shoulder straps and back panel (although a waist belt and load lifters would have helped elevate it a bit)
Thanks for the response.
If I would replace my osprey, after going to different brands I think I'd land on the Cotopaxi allpa.
I checked out evergoods (harness system doesn't deal well with heavier loads), goruck (amazing comfort but top heavy for weight limitations where I fly), aer (nice but again too heavy), tortuga being the final contender with Cotopaxi due to carry comfort, weight, and opening
Hit the nail on the head with the cons here, the bags are so close to being good but lack of a water bottle holder and missing harness elements are absolute deal breakers.
Second the water bottle pocket. So many people travel with a water bottle and the pockets can also be utilized for carrying other small gear. Such a miss on Bellroy’s part!
I will say that the bag looks very sleek as is, but agreed that it's going to be a big miss for many ppl
@@Nomads.Nation for sure, love the weight and look + it looks like it packs out great for the size.
Yeah I think I might be getting one. I was so close to pulling the trigger on the Tortuga Lite but 40L is just way too much. This 30L is on point.
I’ve been wondering lately, is a water bottle pocket really necessary on an travel pack? I guess if you are using it for an edc also it is but if it’s strictly going to and from your destination with some lite(see what I did there) walking its not necessary imo. You can always throw it in the quick access pocket too 🤷♂️
Is there something like this one, but with the water bottle holder and these weight things on the straps?
At this weight? Not that I know of. If you are cool with heavier then check out Tortuga travel backpacks
@@Nomads.Nation what about the dragonfly 30?
@@AyuK-jm1qo great pick! I haven’t formally reviewed it on the channel but have tested one out a bit (on a limited basis) and it seems like a great bag
Wait, why isn’t there a clip of Margaret wearing the bag, her body size is a better reference for me, some packs looks great on you and that gives me false hopes until I see it on Margaret-and i know i will 100% be turtling it, since i’m even shorter than her
she wasn't able to make it to this shoot, so had to do the shot solo, sry!
Hey Aaron! If you are able to, I would love to see a backpack review of the Stubble & Co "The Everyday Backpack." I've only seen a single review of this backpack by GearByOrlaigh. With your extensive expertise in the art of backpacks, you would be able to create a fantastic review that many people would want to see, especially because it is a bag with little to no video media coverage.
In truth, I'm on the fence about getting the Aer City Pack Pro X-Pac or the Stubble & Co The Everyday Backpack. Having your first-hand thoughts would help me decide which to buy. Thanks!
I'll be sure to add it to our wish list!
Love review, have aer travel pack3 small, like the Bellroy only because it's liter which one would you prefer overall
both are great, I think I'd give slight preference to Aer though
i almost bought the 30L then i realized that it doesn't have an external pocket for water bottle. i think i will still stick with my aer go pack for now
Yea that’s a deal breaker for many
Can we please get a comparison video Patagonia mlc mini 30L vs Bellroy lite travel pack 30L. Thanks
We don’t really do comparison videos since they don’t perform very well, plus I don’t have that Patagonia pack unfortunately but I’m happy to answer any questions you have about the Bellroy 💪🏻
I can forgive the missing water bottle holder but how does a travel backpack not include a sleeve for a tablet?
Ah yes, good point. Yours is the only comment asking about a tablet sleeve though, so maybe it’s a bit more of a niche feature
I have to say every bag review I’ve ever seen the water bottle pocket is focused on as if it were invented this morning. I’m sure a water bottle or flask could fit in the front zipper pocket of this awesome bag
ha yea, we reviewers do put a lot of emphasis on it, BUT reason being is we are pointing out things that are important to our community. If you look at the comments on this video, you'll see that water bottle holders are absolutely CRUCIAL for many people. It's really not that important for me personally, but it's important for me to focus on the things that are important to our community 💪
Im hoping to use this as a personal item under the seat bag as it looks quite squishy do you think it would be able to push through in the bag sizers at airports
Totally depends on the airline but it’s a squishy bag for sure
Have you ever thought of reviewing Thule brand bags? They seem to have an extensive selection of bags
Thule is probably the #1 brand we get requests for that we haven’t reviewed yet - hoping to start getting some of their gear soon
I'm curious if this would make your Top 10 Travel Backpacks list if you made it today (last time summer 2024)? Especially, would it be in your top 3 with Aer Travel Pack 3 (Small?) and Able Carry Max? The weight really is impressive! I'm thinking of this (perhaps just 30 L) and packing a Aer Go Pack 3 inside it for day trips and hikes.
It could make my list! Love the weight and how well it packs out, and is at a solid price point
@@Nomads.Nation Sounds good! The materials just looks incredible. Actually the Aer Go Pack 2 and Bellroy Lite Travel Packs look very similar in material.
The clips are ideal for inflatable solar led lamps
Niche use case but very true
Just found you're base HK backpack reviewer! support!
thank you! 🇭🇰
Please keep doing the xps17 cutouts! helps alot for understanding laptop sizing
will do!!
Hey Aron! Waiting for Sympl Commuter Pack review! Keep up good work 🔥
its finished! just needs to be optimized and will be live in a few days :)
Always a great content. I was expecting Bellroy Transit Backpack as one of the alternatives. What do you think when comparing them?
great alternative! Just a bit smaller and a bit of a different value proposition - much less packing space and is heavier, but also has a much more premium look and feel
What about the Tortuga Lite 40L Backpack? Would that be a better alternative choice?
great alternative!
Thanks. I'm looking at buying the Tortuga Lite 40L for $230 plus a packing cube on black Friday. It's a simple bag with no bells and whistles, which works for me 😂
@@mikeg2916 do it, great deal for an amazing bag
thanks for the review, do you feel the straps are ok for people with wide shoulders? this was the con raised by pack hacker… thanks 😂
I do, but can't 100% say for sure as I am a smaller dude
Appreciate the in-depth review, Aaron! 💪
Is it possible for you to measure the torso length of both variants? Is the 38L longer than the 30L if you measure from the attachment point of the top of the harness to the bottom end of the back padding?
Also really hoping you can consider including torso length when measuring bags in reviews. I'm a short female (5'1") and I know my torso size (17"), so I really look for this spec all the time when choosing bags!
thanks so much for your feedback! I'm traveling right now so can't measure them but be sure to reach out to Bellroy customer support and let us know what they say!
I usually clip to the outside of my bag my dog’s portable bowl after I finished giving him water. That way nothing inside my back gets wet. I appreciate the latch points for that 😂
Makes sense! 🐶
Hello there, please anyone tell me about that 30L vs 38L backpack:
does laptop compartment same size in 30L and 38L? I mean the zipper area, I'm afraid my Macbook air 15" can't fit with slim sleave case. Maybe in 38L model this area is bigger?
You know Bellroy has a dedicated customer support team that would likely be smitten to help you answer this question!
cant decide if i want the white or black in the 30L :(
Go black. White gets so dirty so fast.
can you do a comparison of the lite travel series with the transit backpack series. theyre quite comparable
Thanks for your suggestion! We don’t really do ‘versus’ videos like these, but im happy to help answer anyway I can if you have any specific questions
@@Nomads.Nation im really wondering how does the material feel in contrast to the transit backpack. looks like the lite version is abitmore flimsy compared to transit series. Is the transit series more rugged. Also transit series looks like it can stand up unlike lite series. Just wondering
@@ItsRainingDonkeys very different fabrics. Transit series uses ballistic nylon which is super durable, abrasion resistant, and has a smooth weave. Lite series uses a super lightweight ripstop to cut down on weight, it'll still be durable as the Transit just not as much. I don't recall how well either self stands as I am traveling and cannot check - I'd recommend asking Bellroy customer support as they can probably give you a super in-depth answer
@@Nomads.Nation thank you!!! Well enough answer!
They'll add the water bottler holders/hip belt in v2.
Solid prediction - we’ll see!
Ugh this bag would be close to perfect for me if it had an external water bottle pocket or at least a way to clip one one. I guess you could use a carabiner, but what’s more frustrating is that they basically have a blank panel on the side that would be perfect for one. My only thinking is that they omitted it due to the laptop zipper being on the other side so if you use the luggage pass through you’d either be losing access to the laptop compartment or crushing your water bottle.
not everyone cares about traveling with a water bottle, but its def a deal-breaker for many
@@Nomads.Nation I don’t disagree, but not everyone travels with a laptop and those are included in practically every travel backpack. I’d argue those take up more valuable space from the main cavity and a lot of times they aren’t able to be repurposed to carry other gear.
@@ATTACKM4N agreed! I think there is a big opportunity for bag brands to make travel packs with no laptop compartments - I get asked for recs like this all the time
@@Nomads.Nation it would be a very risky endeavor since that’s a feature I think most have come to expect with a backpack, but I would be first in line to pick one of them up.
Looks nice, but I'll stick to my Aer Travel Pack 3 Small X-pac.
It's heavier but built like a tank with great weather resistance.
oh yea that weather resistance is great
Excited to see a review for this bag as I’m looking for a 38ltr
@nomads national: is it possible to also review the Cotopaxi 38ltr Allpa or better yet, a side by side showdown with this Bellroy
We don’t have any plans to do any Cotopaxi reviews yet, but hoping to soon!!
@@Nomads.Nation : Hi! Forgotten to ask: how water resistant is the material?
@@MrGolliz not sure tbh, it will def have some water resistant properties, but how much I can't say for sure without some rigorous testing
I actually love bellroy, but i've a problem with their sizes. How can this huge one bag travel (48x33x15) be 30l, while the transit workpack (in the store they put 51x38x16, but in other i have found 47x30x21) be 20l?
dimensions do not = literage. On paper it does, but the best way to measure capacity is with little plastic balls, which would explain why this bag has larger capacity (but having said that, it's still an art more than a science)
I wondering where you can buy a trip insurance.
Safety wing or Genki are usually my go-to’s
This looks good with no water bottle pocket. There's two huge front pockets, put your water bottle or whatever you are trying to store there. And look stylish
Anyone needing a water bottle pocket, Cotopaxi makes a new version of their allpa with severely downgraded materials...but it has a water bottle pocket lol. I wonder if the quality has gotten any better for Cotopaxi. The stitching on my 35 allpa's shoulder strap ripped while pulling it out of the overhead bin at my destination: first time using it.
I've never reviewed a Cotopaxi, hoping to soon
Decided to buy the new Bellroy Venture Travel and they are releasing this Lite version. Attempted to buy both. However, this Lite version, do u think the material will tear if its fully loaded?
, Aron? Aer Travel Small is nice, I like to have many organisation but just look too Utility on a gal. Somehow Bellroy design is nice.
no, I do not think it will tear, it's a very strong fabric
@Nomads.Nation Thanks Aron. Will decide on 30L or 38L now
If this Bellroy travel bag is what you're looking for, you should check out the Kathmandu Litehaul Carry On v3 (38L). It's another Australian brand.
It's got more features than the Bellroy and fits a 17" laptop. It also has a concealed water bottle pocket, shoulder load lifters, hip belt, detachable shoulder strap, and matches the Bellroy in terms of stowable straps, sternum strap, luggage passthrough, and external attachment points.
Price is AU$300 but Kathmandu are notorious for having 40% off sales all the time (like, seriously... you're an idiot if you don't wait) so price is frequently AU$180 (~US$122).
great rec!
Is this suitable for edc use? Not full loaded, but just laptop and some powerbanks and chargers and stuff?
way too big for that in my opinion
How is it compares to the Transit BP (28L)? 🤔
we did a full review on the Transit, be sure to check it out!
Hello, Love your videos! I need some suggestions for a backpack that weights less than 1.2 kg, that has good organisation and internal + external pockets, sternum strap and external water bottle holders. I want it for every day and travel. I have a toddler so I need to carry many little things. 26l up. What would be ultra cool is a backpack that looks like 20l or less but can extend to 25-28 or so but I dont think that exists so it doesnt need to do that. Standing up would be a great plus.
I have the patagonia refugio 30l. I like its weight and color, but it really doesnt have any organisation so thats a drawback.
I like
- the northface surge but northface usually feels very rigid and people said the backpanel is poking them.
- the tom bihn synapse 25 for the organisation but 25 is a tad little and no external water bottle holder.
- the bellroy backpacks for their pockets but they all dont have weight lifters and water holders are mostly on the inside.
Ideal would be a backpack that doesnt look huge but has the capacity to staff stuff in. Practical. I need organisation but not at the cost of weight. Price doesnt matter but weight and organisation do.
check out the ULA Dragonfly, I haven't reviewed it yet but should check many of your boxes
God damn, bellroy is releasing a lot of stuff this year
yea they goin HAM
my everyday carry requires a lot probably too much. So this might every day bag for me.
I also carry a lot for me
16-inch MacBook Pro
15-inch MacBook Air
XL hoodie
Medium-size tech pouch
Logitech MX Master 3S
PD 36R flashlight
Anker Prime 200 Watt portable charger
My keys
Deodorant
Hairbrush
Toiletry size lotion bottle
Wallet
Pocket knife
Extra Apple Watch band
Apple polishing cloth
Apple MagSafe puck
sometimes an Under Armour hat
Yeti 32-ounce rumble
Airtag
All of this fits in the 22L Bellroy venture pack that isn’t even sold anymore
💪
Oh nice, Tav is back. I thought he'd left the team.
Tav runs a marketing company called Pink Door, but Nomads Nation and Fyro are two of his biggest clients... we even share an office together! This week Margaret wanted to take time to focus on editing, so we got Tav behind the camera for the first time in a while for a NN review... so much fun haha
how does pack stack up against the Cotopaxi 28L?
Haven’t ever reviewed a Cotopaxi so can’t say for sure
Why no water bottle holder 😭
To keep the bag lighter weight and sleeker looking
Will the 38l fully packed (not over packed) pass as a carryon, or will it necessary to check it?
that depends on so many factors, what airline, what ticket, what country, the mood of the person at the front desk, etc. I'd recommend checking the dimensions of the bag and the policies of the airlines youll be traveling on
If I can travel with a 35L Pakt as a personal item, I would bet an underpacked 38L Bellroy would be fine.
@@arlencarlson for sure! assuming it meets the requirements of the airline you are flying on 💪
would you prefer this in 30l or the venture travel?
Different styles of travel imo. If I’m doing a quick weekend trip, def the Venture as it’s more sleek and streamlined. But if I’m needing to pack a lot more stuff then the capacity of this bag is far superior
What i also like about bellroy is their fantastic customer service. People have nothing but raved about their after sales service! So that budget price is really worth it. 😊
I am surprised how companies even make profit with such budget prices. I wish they were priced even more, also please review more expensive backpacks. I am tired of these budget reviews.
/s
Great review mate BTW.
l.o.l.
@@Nomads.Nation I hope you know what /s means 😭
By the way as usual a great detailed review Aaron
@@mokisan yes if you've watched my channel you should know I'm very fluent in sarcasm ;)
@@Nomads.Nation 🙏
If I’m cross shopping this, I’ll go with the new allpa 28.
💪
Cotopaxi downgraded the materials on the new versions. Removed the hidden pocket but added a very prominent pocket on the top front. Cotopaxi is a hard pass
I love the stow away straps. Was looking at the Cotopaxi 28. They’ve discontinued that feature.
U did 30L. But Can the 38L hold a 17” laptop? Thx.
not sure, I'd recommend asking Bellroy customer support. Be sure to let us know what they say!
Bro we need the Airback bag review man, second comment by the way
🥈
They are light! Excellent review and video. I guess the trade off with weight is the loss in shape and the consistent ability to stand - I feel this is not a bag to be compared to an Aer type travel backpack - this looks like a different category travel backpack which maximizes weight, carry capacity over shape and silhouette. On the matter of load lifters, on some bags they feel especially helpful if you pack out a bag and it does not have a waist belt. This also varies depending on the sturdiness of the suspension straps.
great analysis!
Agree. Bellroy has other premium ranges that compare with the American greats, with heavier weight fabrics, foams and organisation - which makes them as heavy as other premium brands. However the Asia Pacific (Australia, New Zealand, Asia) is Notorious for air carriers with 7kg limits and I’m grateful this Australian brand has a Lite range that specifically caters for this region; by removing the layers and foams and interfacings and organisation panels and reduced zips and hardware. I wish other brands would develop Lite ranges… or perhaps they will, with other airlines starting to crack down on Carry on with new rules and regulations…
@@rebeccaw9656 as someone who has lived in Asia for the last 7 years I completely agree
@@rebeccaw9656 I wonder if there are new fabrics and fillers that are light but provide similar protection and shape
Few days, lies, but in a good way!!!! 🤣 Thanks for the review!!
🤔
@@Nomads.Nation On the Bellroy Venture Travel Pack 26L review, responded by saying this would be up in a few days, was hours later. Was like, he lied, but it's a good lie!!! 😁
@@emarti3419 ah gotcha!! glad we could give you a pleasant surprise 🫶
Seeing the main compartment is zippered up, it's more exclusively a travel bag and can't really double up as EDC
100%. They went very deliberate about the design with this bag - very travel oriented
Bellroy: thank you Evergoods for helping us design these Travel Lite backpacks.
c'mon, really? lol. This is a classic silhouette that has been used on so many bags, EG did not invent this
The side laptop access, with the front side access pocket and the front top access pocket, and also access to the top internal pocket without having to open the main compartment completely - could you suggest other backpacks that have a similar configuration? I would really like to check them out. I do like the suitcase style opening along the long edge. Wishing EG implemented this in their CTB series.
@@paraagshah4153 I can't think of any that have that exact same configuration
@@Nomads.Nation that was the reason for my thought on the "inspiration" behind this series from Bellroy. The similarity cannot be discounted. Surely, there are many backpacks that have side access for the laptop, but nothing that has all the other pockets so thought out for ease of access in the same orientation as in the CPL or CTB series from Evergoods. Even the internal bottom pocket on the lid has the opening on that same side so as to provide access without opening up the main zipper completely. That is what I admire in their design philosophy.
Best backpack at around $200? For a weeks vacation.
This is a fantastic pick
@Nomads.Nation awesome, thanks!
Another alternative for the big one that gets rid of those cons: Tortuga Travel Backpack Lite 40L
one of my all time faves 💪
Does it stand up on its own? Seems floppy.
Not very well no
Hey Aaron the 30L is a good consideration for my gal 😉
hell yea!
@@Nomads.Nation No bottle holders? She has me on my CTB26 😁😉
The mesh material on the back pad and straps is a no go for me all that style does is shred your tshirts up, it's one thing no one talks about that is common on so many backpacks
Interesting point. Not something I’ve ever had happen to me with a backpack but it’s something I’ll pay closer attention to in future reviews.
@@Nomads.Nation have a close look at some of your t-shirts and you may see damage, some bags with that mesh style chew up your shirts badly, the mesh is used to create hold but with a decently loaded bag everything is moving around with each step and so eats into your clothing
You could try folding your hoodie 😂😂
true dat
No water bottles, whyyyyyy ? 😢
Check the comments, most ppl agree with you but you’ll see there are many who prefer the bag this way… maybe Bellroy knows their audience!
@@Nomads.Nation at home we have Belroy pouches, 3 of their slings, one backpack for daily use with an internal water bottle that is practical in crowded public transportation. So I think I’m part of their audience.
I was now watching your (very nicely done) video to find a new large travel backpack with water bottle….today using my trusty Goruck GR2 34L Kaidan 2.0 edition but lacking a sternum strap and an external water bottle.
It will no be a Belroy backpack and I will have to spend even more time on the channel to watch your few videos I have not yet seen 😅
@@928ruf welcome to the community! If you have any questions shoot away - I'm always here to help :)
@@Nomads.Nation 🙏🏻
Gonna need that duct tape for the way Aaron packed these bags out. 😮😂
😂 😂
No water bottle holder? 👀 it’s a no from me.
You aren’t alone 💪🏻
no water bottle which is basic necessity. what a miss.
check the comments, not everyone agrees (but most do)
3:30 I watch the video just to see if they are water resistant and it's not rated as such, and you did not teat them for it, not gonna consider thise backpack if it ain't water proof
we don't do in-depth water review testing, we'll just spray some water on the bag to showcase, and basically every fabric in the world can handle that. If you want a TRULY waterproof bag you are going to have to buy a scuba diving bag
no water bottle holder = no buy
the hydro-homies have spoken!
Yes, I love me some handy dandy alcohol clipped in my pack/slings wherever I go.
🍻
I apologise if this is not the majority thinking or what youtube expects, but I find the new «coming up» section highly annoying. I know that it is what is recommended by youtube and tons of channels are doing it, but when I see it I just kind of faze out and click skip forward right away since I know it’s some cogntive hack the channel is doing to me. I know this is just one voice of many and you’re free to do what you want but I personally wish you wouldn’t include them. Anyways great video, love Bellroy!
thanks for the feedback! Since introducing this part of the videos we've noticed a higher retention rate and many people like the 'teaser' element of if, but the good news is if it's not your cup of tea you can just fast forward past it. Thanks for your support!
This is off topic. But you need better pen, Aaron. The current one is not on your backpacks level. It’s a misalliance.
ha, I pick and choose my consumer-addictions carefully. Pens are something I know I could be obsessed with, which is exactly why I am terrified to learn more 😂
@@Nomads.Nation join the ink side. You are right 100%. Though, I have no regrets as an addict.
@@morewings im terrified and excited at the same time haha
That have waterproof
🤔
You only need your bottle to leak once in your bag to never do it again
ptsd at its finest
Memba when North Face was considered expensive? LOL
lol seems like forever ago
After lugging around my Goruck Slick GR2 40L that weighs for pounds this backpack is giving my back a boner. The fact that the material has some give makes it look like its way easier to really shove things into compared to other heavy travel packs
yea dude the capacity of the bag was kinda mind-blowing. The fabric won't be anywhere near as abrasion-resistant as a GORUCK bag, but I don't think the average traveler really needs 1000D Cordura