Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus Second Edition Review

Hello guys, today we’re going to be reviewing one of Bellroy’s best-selling backpacks, The Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus Second Edition. There are three size choices: 16L, 20L, and 24L.

In addition, this backpack comes in different colors; Black, Bronze, Ranger Green, and Saltbush. Different colors are made with different materials.

We went with the bronze color and that’s the one we tested.

At a glance

• Padded Sleeve that fits up to a 16” laptop.
• Easy access pouch for tech accessories.
• Separate zip access to the laptop and tech section.
• Quick-access front zip pocket, with a built-in key clip.
• Water resistant, soft-lined pocket on top for sunglasses or other accessories.
• Internal mesh zip pocket for valuables.
• Padded back panels with lumbar support.
• Contoured, rolled-edge shoulder straps for all-day comfort.
• Secure, adjustable sternum strap
• 3-Year Warranty

Buy the Bellroy Classic Plus Backpack

Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus Second Edition Review

Let’s dive into details and see what one of Bellroy’s best-sellers has to offer.

Outside the Bag

The exterior of the bag is made out of water resistant, recycled fabric. The material is not hard, but it does feel like that heavy nylon material that’s not so comfortable to touch. However, it does get the job done as it is water resistant. I have taken it out in a light drizzle and had I no issues with any of the stuff inside.

It features sleek looking shoulder straps, with seat belt-like material and decent spongy padding which feel pretty comfortable and smooth. Additionally, there are some aluminum and plastic hardware on the shoulder straps that help manage excess strap and keep the bag firm. You also get a little bit of leather on the top handle. This pack comes with some chunky YKK zippers with easy-to-grab leather pulls.

The backpack features a really well-built harness system that is really comfortable. It uses a rolled edge that feels like it’s got some sort of padding – no major complains here. This is coupled with molded back panels and lumbar support for comfort and breathability. I’ve worn it for hours and even rode a bike while wearing it and have barely felt any major discomfort.

Inside of the bag

There are four pockets that you can access from the outside of the bag: the main compartment, a laptop compartment, a front zip pocket, and a quick access pocket.

Sunglasses Pocket

Along the top you find a small hidden quick access soft-lined pocket. Bellroy designates this pocket for sunglasses, but you can also fit some small accessories in there.

Laptop compartment

Zoom In/Out

Still at the top, a wide mouth with an Aqua-guard zip leads you into the laptop compartment. This wide mouth also gives you access to an inside pocket that is just above the laptop compartment. This pocket is designated for all your Tech gear and can even fit the Bellroy Tech Kit (kind of). I found it really useful for the organization of tech components like cables, earbuds, power bricks etc. However, like I said, a fully loaded Bellroy tech kit barely fits, and I wish this pocket was bigger.

Front Zip – Quick Access Pocket

Zoom In/Out

At the front of the bag, there a somewhat hidden compartment. The zipper for this compartment opens vertically. This is the main quick access compartment of the bag. It has a built-in key clip inside. I mostly used this pocket to carry my tools; like my #EDC. It was fairly easy to access; you just swing your bag, open the zip, and you’re in.

Main compartment

Lastly, we’ve got the main compartment. It features a nice double zip that’s protected by a flap at the top. The flap does make it a little harder to open the zippers and it does take some getting used to. However, they do help prevent moisture or dust from getting it.

Zoom In/Out

Inside the main compartment you find some more compartments. There’s a small pocket next to the laptop compartment for storing things like books, pens, folders, iPads etc. Right next to that, you’ve got the main space of the bag for things like clothes and shoes. This makes up the majority of the bag’s capacity. On the flap side of the bag, you get a stretch mesh pocket that really flexes to suit your needs.

My Take

I really love the bag’s distribution. You have pockets right at the top, pockets at the middle and pockets at the bottom. This means that when fully packed, the weight is well distributed. I also love the materials and the general make, look and feel of the bag. It is comfortable and I wouldn’t complain much about that.

However, I do feel like the organization would have been better. For example, the front zip pocket should have better organization like a place to hold pens, phones, tools, and other stuff.

Who is this bag for?

Zoom In/Out

In my opinion, the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus Second Edition bag is great for students, urban work/travel environments, or just general EDC. It’s a good combination of tech and other physical items like books, papers, a set of clothes and shoes.

If you’re looking for a great travel bag or more personalized needs like camera or drones, this might not be the best bag for you. This one is more geared to that Everyday Carrier.

Click the link below to check current price and/or purchase this awesome backpack.

Thanks for your time. I really hope you found this useful. Let us know how this review made you feel via the reactions section. Last but not least, feel free to check out More Backpack Reviews Here.