I took this bag as my only item for a 1.5 year trip, and I gotta say it's the goat. Honestly, I couldn't been more happy with it, for a one bag travel setup, it's killer. Huge recommend. The best thing actually is the volume. Any larger, and you'll never be able to fill it all without having an impractically heavy bag, which you just won't want to carry. It actually is quite a light bag for it's volume and how much you can carry. Seriously, you don't need more volume than this, its a very practical limit to set for yourself. If you're considering the 38l, I really urge you to consider the 28l. The neat thing about the volume is when it's empty, it's actually rather small. It just looks like a large backpack, that a dedicated commuter would have, it doesn't look like 'luggage'. I don't think you need to bring a second packable daypack with this bag. I had a sling that I used for most city exploring days, but on the days I did need more (or need to carry a laptop), I'd just leave all my heavy stuff at my accommodation and take off the sternum strap. With the sternum strap, I never had any issues with it popping off. There's a slightly thicker part on the top so you need to really push it past to take it off (at least on the black, it might be tighter with the thicker fabric). I do really like the rail system, because you can get it just right depending on the load, and it's removable. The magnet clasp also just feels dope. The 'tech pouch' slash pocket was great, just a nice way to keep all your laptop-related stuff organised in one place, mouse, charger, etc. The top slash pocket, yeah it's small but between the tech pouch, and the inner top pocket in the lid, which are all very accessible, I found I wasn't running out of space. I just raw dogged my sunglasses + airpods in there loose the whole time, never had any crushing issues. It does a great job at hoisting items 'up' the bag with these pockets, so the load is better distributed. I had the black colourway, and that fabric is crazy tough. I'm pretty sure it's thicker and heavier too. At one point I had a decorative pin I wanted to put on the bag, and I couldn't even get the needle part through the weave of the fabric. There's honestly no major wear on my bag after the 2 years I've had it. The zippers are also less shiny in the black. In terms of the pockets 'eating' into each other's space, I don't really view that as a functionality hit. The reality is any bag that you pack to the brim will struggle, and you don't really want to pack a bag to 100% volume. But the way the pockets share volume means you can accommodate weird items in a pinch, I fit a 1.5l bottle of gin in the side pockets one time. If everything had 'dedicated volume', I'd have had to unpack the main compartment, move everything around, etc. As for lack of luggage passthrough, I've never missed it. I think this bag is really designed very intentionally for somebody who's not checking roller luggage. If you do have roller luggage, don't take this bag - take something that's smaller and more intentionally a day bag. In terms of volume for checkin size, I didn't check it in once, never had anyone say anything. Let this comment be a message for you to get this bag.
One criticism I’d seen from other reviewers was that the straps were so silky smooth on this and the workpack and that they often worked loose, especially if the bag was heavy, and so they were having to cinch them back up into place multiple times per day; is that anything you’ve had an issues with?
Interesting, second time I've seen this concern. I haven't had that issue, and this bag was carried fully packed all over Germany and Jordan for 2+ weeks, plus several shorter weekend trips. The straps are seatbelt style which have a thick diameter but thinner width, which I agree seatbelt nylon tends to be smoother than other types of nylon straps. However this bag has a solid metal adjustor strap that I haven't seen an issue with slippage. I just tried testing this by pulling on the strap as hard as I could and can't get the strap to loosen at all. Not sure if this is an issue specifically with the Bellroy Workpack, but I haven't seen it be a problem on the Transit.
I have the smaller version and this has been true for me. Not too much when I get it on and tightened up but definitely when taking off and putting on those straps loosen way too easily. Sometimes, when really packed full, they will loosen even when I unintentionally put too much pressure on them like reaching across my body. A bit disappointing but I make it work and I have to say the bag is pretty amazing otherwise.
That would be interesting. It has a similar setup to the Dragonfly but with the rolltop. Its much larger but I bet more comfortable because it has a customizable carry syatem
A dedicated water bottle pocket was my requirement, and at first I thought pockets sharing spaces seems a flaw few months ago. I dismissed the side pockets as not useful design over functionality. Watching a lot backpack reviews and revisiting this bag, I understand the design. It is meant as a one bag travel. The shared pockets could be filled with bulkier edc after arriving, and still looks like a edc backpack. I think it even beats the popular ctd26. It’s cheaper, it packs more in the main compartment and looks sleeker. For 100 dollar less where I live, Transit 28 is worth even with small flaws.
It's a nice bag for sure, the packing style is just different. With the volume on the inside you have to be more intentional about where you put stuff.
Really love your review style. Would you recommend the Venture Ready Pack 26L Previous Edition for ~60% of the cost of the Transit Backpack? It's a bit smaller and no separate laptop compartment but the cost makes it worth it
Have you got any favorite packs that are designed to fit within the 18x14x8 frame? I have been looking, and oddly my favorite pack that fits those dimensions is the Jansport Hatchet - but it is of course not a high-end product like most of what you review, nor truly designed for travel packing...
Osprey 26+6, REI Commuter pack, and several bags by Cabin Zero fit personal size dimensions. Patagonia Mini MLC and ULA Dragonfly, Cotopaxi Allpa are both slightly long, Osprey Sojourn is slightly fat, but should fit if underpacked.
I was about to purchase the Aer TP 3 Small until I saw this review… Is the Bellroy a comfortable pack to wear when fully loaded up to the max? I’m worried if there are no load lifters or waist strap to ease the load on my back. It looks great, I’m not too fussed about the admin panel options or tech protection with the Aer, more the capacity and comfort so this could be the bag for me if it’s comfortable. Thoughts please.
The Transit 28 feels good with those size straps, they're smaller than the Aer, but I think the Aer straps are probably overkill for most smaller loads.
Similar setup as far as the general layout, panel style flap opening with a large main compartment. Dragonfly is more like a duffel style though and way simpler/lighter than the Bellroy. Dragonfly looks like a hiking backpack and Bellroy has a more stylish classic look. Bellroy has a much better well padded laptop compartment, where Dragonly is just a simple sleeve. Dragonlyfly = simple, minimalist, functional, lightweight. Bellroy Transit = Stylish, organized, durable, well padded laptop.
@@OneBagTravels Thanks for the reply! Tried the Aer TP3s and all the padding, organization taking up space of the main compartment wasn't really for me. Will be going for a more minimalist setup for my next trip!
You could do either, I don't think it would ruin the bag but there would be a mark there if you ever removed it. Another option is to use a magnetic patch. A magnet goes on the inside of the pack, which connects to a Velcro patch on the outside that you can stick any patch you want. I haven't tried these but they look cool, also you can transfer them easily between packs. Alpha One Niner sells a brand called Magne Patch but they are out of stock, I found another one Googling, but there are probably more companies out there. www.alphaoneniner.com/products/magnepatch-removable-magnetic-loop-patch?variant=42072770347237 acutabovecustoms.com/products/add-a-patch-extreme-magnetic-morale-patch-holder
I took this bag as my only item for a 1.5 year trip, and I gotta say it's the goat. Honestly, I couldn't been more happy with it, for a one bag travel setup, it's killer. Huge recommend.
The best thing actually is the volume. Any larger, and you'll never be able to fill it all without having an impractically heavy bag, which you just won't want to carry. It actually is quite a light bag for it's volume and how much you can carry. Seriously, you don't need more volume than this, its a very practical limit to set for yourself. If you're considering the 38l, I really urge you to consider the 28l.
The neat thing about the volume is when it's empty, it's actually rather small. It just looks like a large backpack, that a dedicated commuter would have, it doesn't look like 'luggage'. I don't think you need to bring a second packable daypack with this bag. I had a sling that I used for most city exploring days, but on the days I did need more (or need to carry a laptop), I'd just leave all my heavy stuff at my accommodation and take off the sternum strap.
With the sternum strap, I never had any issues with it popping off. There's a slightly thicker part on the top so you need to really push it past to take it off (at least on the black, it might be tighter with the thicker fabric). I do really like the rail system, because you can get it just right depending on the load, and it's removable. The magnet clasp also just feels dope.
The 'tech pouch' slash pocket was great, just a nice way to keep all your laptop-related stuff organised in one place, mouse, charger, etc. The top slash pocket, yeah it's small but between the tech pouch, and the inner top pocket in the lid, which are all very accessible, I found I wasn't running out of space. I just raw dogged my sunglasses + airpods in there loose the whole time, never had any crushing issues. It does a great job at hoisting items 'up' the bag with these pockets, so the load is better distributed.
I had the black colourway, and that fabric is crazy tough. I'm pretty sure it's thicker and heavier too. At one point I had a decorative pin I wanted to put on the bag, and I couldn't even get the needle part through the weave of the fabric. There's honestly no major wear on my bag after the 2 years I've had it. The zippers are also less shiny in the black.
In terms of the pockets 'eating' into each other's space, I don't really view that as a functionality hit. The reality is any bag that you pack to the brim will struggle, and you don't really want to pack a bag to 100% volume. But the way the pockets share volume means you can accommodate weird items in a pinch, I fit a 1.5l bottle of gin in the side pockets one time. If everything had 'dedicated volume', I'd have had to unpack the main compartment, move everything around, etc.
As for lack of luggage passthrough, I've never missed it. I think this bag is really designed very intentionally for somebody who's not checking roller luggage. If you do have roller luggage, don't take this bag - take something that's smaller and more intentionally a day bag. In terms of volume for checkin size, I didn't check it in once, never had anyone say anything.
Let this comment be a message for you to get this bag.
Good feedback, thanks for sharing your experience =)
Packing peanuts test an awesome way to test volume that I haven’t seen on any other channel!
Thanks, I think it works well too
One criticism I’d seen from other reviewers was that the straps were so silky smooth on this and the workpack and that they often worked loose, especially if the bag was heavy, and so they were having to cinch them back up into place multiple times per day; is that anything you’ve had an issues with?
Interesting, second time I've seen this concern. I haven't had that issue, and this bag was carried fully packed all over Germany and Jordan for 2+ weeks, plus several shorter weekend trips. The straps are seatbelt style which have a thick diameter but thinner width, which I agree seatbelt nylon tends to be smoother than other types of nylon straps. However this bag has a solid metal adjustor strap that I haven't seen an issue with slippage. I just tried testing this by pulling on the strap as hard as I could and can't get the strap to loosen at all. Not sure if this is an issue specifically with the Bellroy Workpack, but I haven't seen it be a problem on the Transit.
I have the smaller version and this has been true for me. Not too much when I get it on and tightened up but definitely when taking off and putting on those straps loosen way too easily. Sometimes, when really packed full, they will loosen even when I unintentionally put too much pressure on them like reaching across my body. A bit disappointing but I make it work and I have to say the bag is pretty amazing otherwise.
I have the same ‚problem’ on the smaller work version, but it’s not an issue for me personally, I don’t like tight straps 😊
At that size I still really like the Osprey 26+6. Just took it camping this weekend.
Such a nice little pack
It's a bit old, but I would love to see your thoughts on how the ULA Camino 2 stacks up to some of the more modern travel bags. Loved the video btw!
That would be interesting. It has a similar setup to the Dragonfly but with the rolltop. Its much larger but I bet more comfortable because it has a customizable carry syatem
A dedicated water bottle pocket was my requirement, and at first I thought pockets sharing spaces seems a flaw few months ago. I dismissed the side pockets as not useful design over functionality. Watching a lot backpack reviews and revisiting this bag, I understand the design.
It is meant as a one bag travel. The shared pockets could be filled with bulkier edc after arriving, and still looks like a edc backpack.
I think it even beats the popular ctd26. It’s cheaper, it packs more in the main compartment and looks sleeker. For 100 dollar less where I live, Transit 28 is worth even with small flaws.
It's a nice bag for sure, the packing style is just different. With the volume on the inside you have to be more intentional about where you put stuff.
Really love your review style. Would you recommend the Venture Ready Pack 26L Previous Edition for ~60% of the cost of the Transit Backpack? It's a bit smaller and no separate laptop compartment but the cost makes it worth it
For an everyday pack or small travel bag that seems like a great deal
Great review, thank you! Do you prefer this Bellroy bag or the Cabin Zero Military 28, speaking of pure functions and performance?
Pure function and performance I'd go Bellroy. Cabin Zero Military is great but much more minimalist and basic.
Can you please review the new Bellroy Lite Travel Pack 30L? Ty
Oh yes, I saw that, looks amazing. It's on my list to review soon
Would you say that this is bigger or smaller than the Able Carry Max side by side? Thanks!
Able Carry Max seems a little larger
@@OneBagTravelshello which one good ?! 28liter or 38 liter for travel airport
Once again great review
Thanks!
Have you got any favorite packs that are designed to fit within the 18x14x8 frame? I have been looking, and oddly my favorite pack that fits those dimensions is the Jansport Hatchet - but it is of course not a high-end product like most of what you review, nor truly designed for travel packing...
Osprey 26+6, REI Commuter pack, and several bags by Cabin Zero fit personal size dimensions. Patagonia Mini MLC and ULA Dragonfly, Cotopaxi Allpa are both slightly long, Osprey Sojourn is slightly fat, but should fit if underpacked.
I was about to purchase the Aer TP 3 Small until I saw this review… Is the Bellroy a comfortable pack to wear when fully loaded up to the max? I’m worried if there are no load lifters or waist strap to ease the load on my back. It looks great, I’m not too fussed about the admin panel options or tech protection with the Aer, more the capacity and comfort so this could be the bag for me if it’s comfortable. Thoughts please.
The Transit 28 feels good with those size straps, they're smaller than the Aer, but I think the Aer straps are probably overkill for most smaller loads.
What can you say about this bag vs the ULA ultra dragonfly?
Similar setup as far as the general layout, panel style flap opening with a large main compartment. Dragonfly is more like a duffel style though and way simpler/lighter than the Bellroy. Dragonfly looks like a hiking backpack and Bellroy has a more stylish classic look. Bellroy has a much better well padded laptop compartment, where Dragonly is just a simple sleeve. Dragonlyfly = simple, minimalist, functional, lightweight. Bellroy Transit = Stylish, organized, durable, well padded laptop.
@@OneBagTravels Thanks for the reply! Tried the Aer TP3s and all the padding, organization taking up space of the main compartment wasn't really for me.
Will be going for a more minimalist setup for my next trip!
Can I put an iron on/sew on or even a velcro patch at the front? Not sure if the bag will get damaged..
You could do either, I don't think it would ruin the bag but there would be a mark there if you ever removed it. Another option is to use a magnetic patch. A magnet goes on the inside of the pack, which connects to a Velcro patch on the outside that you can stick any patch you want. I haven't tried these but they look cool, also you can transfer them easily between packs. Alpha One Niner sells a brand called Magne Patch but they are out of stock, I found another one Googling, but there are probably more companies out there.
www.alphaoneniner.com/products/magnepatch-removable-magnetic-loop-patch?variant=42072770347237
acutabovecustoms.com/products/add-a-patch-extreme-magnetic-morale-patch-holder
Did you have any issues with the straps loosening in their own?
No hasn't happened to me
How much does it weigh empty?
2.4 lbs (1.1 kg)
@@OneBagTravelsyikes! Thanks.