I've been looking for a lightweight and well-constructed backpack for carrying my laptop and other belongings when I travel or take my laptop on the go. Of course, a padded laptop pocket is a must, as well as other pockets for smaller items and plenty of room. I have found all that and more in Bellroy's Classic Backpack.
Price: $139Bottom line: Bellroy's Classic Backpack has nearly everything you'd want in a laptop bag.
The Good
- Streamlined and lightweight
- Padded laptop pocket
- iPad sleeve pocket
- Additional small interior and exterior pockets
- Nice size
- Professional-looking
- Padded back and straps designed for comfort
The Bad
- Pricey
- No water bottle pocket
No compromises
Bellroy Classic Backpack: What I like
I've been shopping for a good laptop backpack for a long time, but most on the market require some compromises. Bellroy's Classic Backpack doesn't compromise between functionality, style, and comfort. I cannot carry a heavy bag, and this one is lightweight and has just about every feature I could want.
There is a roomy, padded interior pocket for any brand laptop up to 15-inch. The bottom of the pocket is padded, which seems like an obvious must, but I have certainly seen laptop backpacks without any padding there. Additionally, there is a smaller sleeve pocket that easily houses an iPad. Inside the front portion, there is a small zippered pocket for accessories. On the outside, there is a tiny hidden pocket for valuables at the top near the grab handle.
The main section of the bag is plenty roomy. This is a 17L backpack, which certainly isn't the largest you can find, but it's a nice medium size. It measures 20 in x 14.5 in x 3 in / 490mm x 370mm x 70 mm. Bellroy makes both larger and smaller bags if this isn't the just-right size for you.
Bellroy's Classic Backpack has well-padded straps and back and is designed to hug the body so it's comfortable to wear even when it's packed. The bag is constructed from water-resistant nylon and highlighted with the environmentally certified premium top-grain leather that Bellroy is known for. The style is simple, streamlined, modern, and professional. It comes in six different colors: Mid Grey, Black, Ash, Ink Blue, Moss Grey, and Red Ochre.
Quality doesn't come cheap
Bellroy Classic Backpack: What I don't like
Unsurprisingly, a bag of this quality is not cheap. I think it's worth its price, but that's a decision each person has to make.
If I have any complaints about the design, it would be a lack of an exterior water bottle pocket. Of course, that would detract from the streamlined look, so perhaps that's intentional.
Overall great laptop backpack
Bellroy Classic Backpack: Bottom line
This is one high-quality laptop bag with plenty of features, style, quality, and comfort. With room for a 15-inch laptop, iPad, and much more, it's the perfect size for a day trip or airplane carry-on.
