Our Verdict
Quality Eco-friendly materials. Versatile aesthetics. Equipped for travel.
The Bellroy Transit Backpack has the smart features you need in a variety of settings and occasions.
Our Verdict
Quality Eco-friendly materials. Versatile aesthetics. Equipped for travel.
The Bellroy Transit Backpack has the smart features you need in a variety of settings and occasions.
Our Verdict
Quality Eco-friendly materials. Versatile aesthetics. Equipped for travel.
The Bellroy Transit Backpack has the smart features you need in a variety of settings and occasions.
Pros
- Durable
Very sturdy and long lasting
- Eco-friendly material
Every time you wear your pack, you can do so knowing you are supporting a company that is committed to improving the environment.
- Great design
Full of useful features that make it perfect for urban commuting, an ideal overnight bag and a great flight companion.
- Smart organization
Variety of internal and external pockets to help organise and easily retrive your things.
- Comfortable
Straps and contoured back panel give you optimum comfort
- Travel friendly
The bag is sized to meet carry-on requirements, and fits under airplane seats quite well.
Cons
- On the expensive side
At well over $200, this backpack is not cheap.
- Not a large travel pack
At 28 liters, the bag is not suitable for long trips.
- Not suitable for all body frames
The curved back panel and straps are better suited for those with small body frame; those with a larger torso may find it uncomfortable.
Bellroy Transit Backpack Review
A good transit backpack must hit key notes: a refined style that works for work and casual setting. Easy access and protection of your items. And even after a long day, should be comfortable and easy to use.
The above is the baseline.
But to truly excel as a smart travel companion, a pack must do more.
The Bellroy Transit Backpack claims to nail that X-factor.
It’s spacious, organized and comfortable. But is the Bellroy Pack the real deal?
That’s why I have published this Bellroy Transit Backpack review – to help you determine whether or not the bag is worth the investment.
Let’s find out together, shall we?
Bellroy In A Snapshot
Bellroy was founded in 2010 by a group of four Australian designers namely Andrew Fallshaw, Hadrien Monloup, Lina Calabria and Matthew Fallshaw.
The Australian carry brand typically produce durable products that appeal to the minimalists and fashion forward alike.
Pair that with being environmentally sustainable and B Corporation certified, and you’ve got one helluva brand, doing so much right.
In case you’re wondering, the name ‘Bellroy’ is derived from the towns of Bells Beach and Fitzroy, where the company has offices.
Aside backpacks, the brand also produce carry accessories including ultra slim wallets, bags, pouches, phone cases and key covers.
You can find their products on the Bellroy website, Huckberry, Amazon, Zalora, amongst others.
The company’s website is https://bellroy.com/ and you can send a mail to their customer support at support@bellroy.com.
Now a detailed Bellroy Transit Backpack Review coming up.
Table of Contents
Design & Look
You just have to love the aesthetics of the Bellroy backpack.
It has a mature, streamlined appeal that works in both casual and professional environments alike.
If black just doesn’t do it for you, you’ll be happy to know that this pack is available in four other colors – marine blue, ink blue, charcoal and lunar.
Depending on your style and taste, you’re sure to find something you’d like.
Environmentally friendly too.
You can pick up this pack in different recycled fabrics depending on the color you choose—including recycled polyester, nylon, and even material made from plastic bottles. Eco-groovy, huh?
Well, if you are passionate about eco-friendly backpacks that are just as reliable, well-made and versatile for any occasion, check my detailed review on the 10 Best Ecofriendly backpacks.
In terms of the aesthetics, it’s minimalistic yet a teeny bit conspicuous. You’ll see a Bellroy brand markings on the front face of the bag and in the left shoulder straps.
When well full, the pack still looks compact.
Materials & Construction
If you are familiar with Bellroy bags, you’ll know that they come in a variety of different colours and the fabrics and materials differ depending on the colour you get.
The bellroy transit bag is no exception.
The Black colour is made with a durable nylon material; the Ink Blue spots a recycled Venture Weave polyester while the Charcoal bag is made with recycled soft-woven polyester.
The best part?
Bellroy materials are not only durable, but are environmentally sustainable and eco-friendly, helping to keep plastics out of landfill and oceans.
What’s more, the zippers are durable YKK AquaGuard with premium leather pulls, meaning they zip in a satisfying, and easy-to-pull manner.
The hardware is a combination of lightweight aluminum as well as ITW plastic for the shoulder straps and keychain.
In addition, the buckle is magnetic and easy to use even as the sternum strap has a comfortable feel.
Overall, the bag is well made with solid materials and is potentially a good value for your money.
Capacity & Organisation
This is one of the major places the Bellroy backpack excels – a perfect one-bag travel solution.
With a 28-liter capacity and some packing cubes, you’ll be able to fit 2-3 days’ worth of items as well as minimal tech gears.
What’s more, with a dimension of 21.3 x 15.3 x 7.1 inches, it can pass as a personal carry on item on major flights.
Outside Pockets and Compartments
There’s a front pocket with key clip to stash small items as well as a small pouch at the top near the handle for accessing sunglasses or hand sanitizer.
That said, both pockets are not organized for easy access and they are quite small – so don’t expect to fit a ton of stuff there.
But I like a pack with provision for water bottle pocket, and this bag has two of these! One is located outside and the other is inside the pack, both hidden.
They do, however, lack the perfect amount of stretch and depth to accommodate a big flask. Not only that, when you stuff in your bottle or umbrella, it eats into the space available in the main compartment.
Laptop compartment
You have a sleeve for storing your 15-inch laptop in the back panel.
Importantly, the sleeve is padded and protected in the bottom. This helps protect your gear against hard impacts if you drop the pack by accident.
Behind the laptop slit is a zippered pocket where you can store your other tech accessories like charger, USB drive etc.
However, if your main compartment is fully stuffed, it would eat into the laptop space and makes bringing it out a bit difficult.
Inside Pockets & Compartment
The inside is one ‘big bucket’ with compression straps to help secure your items.
And there’s also a big zippered pocket to organize clothing (shirts) and a smaller pocket for your socks or other accessories.
One area this pack falls short is in its inability to allow over-stuffing. Since it lacks elasticity, the shape would distort or may even rip at the seam if care is not taken.
But if you want something bigger, there’s the Bellroy Backpack with 38L capacity that can take more items.
Another drawback is the lack of hip belt. A hip belt is designed to take weight off your shoulders when your pack is very heavy.
Although this bag isn’t heavy, it would have been a nice addition, particularly for those with back problem.
But it gets better with the addition of magnetic sternum strap and padded top handles which enable you to carry the pack easily.
Price
The Belroy Transit backpack is expensive!
But the good thing about this high-end piece is that you can trust it to last for years.
If you are price sensitive, you can always shop around. Alternatively, just wait till there is a sale when you are likely to pick it up at a bargain price.
Warranty
Usually, expensive bags carry longer warranty, but that is not really the case with the Bellroy packs.
The brand offers only a 3-year limited warranty.
And yet, the warranty isn’t too exciting either.
It only covers manufacturer’s damages.
What that mean is that, normal wear and tear, accidents, transportation damages and misuse from your end as the user aren’t covered by the warranty.
You can find out more about Bellroy Warranty policy here.
Alternative to consider- Bellroy Transit Backpack Plus 38L
Do you like the features of the Bellroy bag but just wished it had a bigger capacity? Say no more.
The Bellroy Transit Backpack Plus is an upgraded version of the original Bellroy Transit Backpack but bigger (38L).
The organization and design are basically the same– the only noteworthy difference is the bigger capacity and hip belt addition to help distribute weight.
Why it’s better?
If you’re going away for more days or venturing on a more adventurous trip, this bag should be your new go-to.
It comes in multiple colors of black, marine blue, charcoal as well as lunar models.
Oh, it’s decidedly travel-friendly — and stylish too.
Final Thoughts
Having a decent quality backpack when traveling or even commuting is a must.
Finding one with eco-friendly features is an added bonus.
The Bellroy Transit Backpack is designed to meet your every travel need, while simultaneously boasting a sustainable brand.
If you have any questions, comments, or just want to say hi – please do so in the comments below.
I’d love to hear from you and help out any way I can.
This article is not sponsored in any way by any company. This backpack has been independently selected by myself and my team. And the only thing I receive is a small commission from the Amazon affiliate program if you buy any of them through the links and buttons on this page. It doesn’t cost you a penny. But it really helps me out as this money goes to paying for maintaining the website, editing software, my time, team and everything else that goes into preparing this post.
6 thoughts on “Bellroy Transit Backpack Review 28L (A dependable urban companion)”
The traveling industry may have slowed down in certain countries due to the pandemic, but in the same way it slowed down it will certainly skyrocket once travelling restrictions are lifted and already started skyrocketing in certain countries where the restrictions are lifted.
People can’t wait to start travelling again after being trapped indoors for so long, so I am sure your website promoting travel accessories will enjoy a lot of attention real soon.
I like the social proof you included in the article and me personally will rather pay a bit more for quality. As the saying goes. You get for what you pay for.
Wishing you the very best of success with your travel accessories business!
Hey Schalk,
True say – the travel sector has been hammered by COVID-19 this year but people are gradually beginning to find ways to live with the virus.
Still, thank you for your encouraging comments.
Cheers
Femi
Hello, this is a great article, I found those backpack very nice organized. They look like they have a good capacity for your thing to put in. My daughter is looking for one like this I’m going to share this on my Facebook where she can go and read about it.
Thank you for sharing
Lyne
Hi Lyne,
Good to read that you fancy the article and pack so much that you are prepared to share it with your daughter on your FB page. Great stuff:)
Cheers
Femi
Omg! This is so expensive. And I have found that it doesn’t have that many features as the other ones u have reviewed. Maybe AER would be a better deal.
Yes Aparna – this backpack will make a dent to your pocket – but it makes up for it with all the special features and it’s eco-friendly credentials.
But if a reasonable price is a key factor for you, then you can check out the Everane ReNew Transit backpack – it’s not as stylish but it’s affordable and eco-friendly.
Cheers
femi