Bellroy Classic Weekender Review
Another 45L duffel from the gang at Bellroy - does this slimmed down version still have same great basics as the Weekender Plus?
Bellroy Classic Weekender Review Introduction
Bellroy just continues to expand its travel line in interesting ways. Their line of duffels are no exception to this trend. While Bellroy certainly makes some great travel packs (Transit Plus review here, FYI) - the main path they’ve chosen to walk down actually leans more heavily on duffels and totes. This is an interesting move and I would think speaks to the type of customers they have.
Bellroy in general focuses on more polished design aesthetics. More professional in my opinion. But hiding under the surface is actually a pretty strong fabric nerd of a company, too. So much so that many of their colorways are often different fabrics within the same line. All of their fabrics focus on sustainability as well.
Following the success of the Plus line and the Venture line, we’ve now got the Classic Weekender. A (You guessed it) “classic” duffel style carry bag that’s looking to help those with a more old world aesthetic gear up for their next trip.
This is my Bellroy Classic Weekender duffel bag review. I took it on a 3 day combo work/play trip to Washington DC, and this trip was by plane. I also took it home for Christmas, and this was a car based trip.
As always for full transparency, I purchased this bag with my own money. This review is not sponsored in any way, and the opinions are solely my own as always. I do use affiliate links which help to support the site if you decide to use them to make a purchase, but you’re under no obligation to do so and there’s no additional cost to you. Thanks for stopping by!
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Bellroy Classic Weekender Overview
What’s so classic about this bag anyway? Let us tell you.
This is a pure duffel bag style carry. No hidden backpack straps here. It does come with a shoulder strap, but that’s the point of a duffel. This is removable if you don’t like to travel that way. Overall volume is 45L so if you can’t fit what you need - it’s not the pack’s fault.
Generally speaking, this is a straightforward layout. Big mouthed opening for packing easily, quite a few different org pockets inside, as well as a big admin pocket on the front to take the place of a tech kit if you want (I still use mine). Keep in mind there is no laptop specific pocket here like on the Weekender Plus. I used my Matador laptop baselayer in this case.
Here are some design highlights from the website:
Clean, minimalist barrel shape
Snap-down ends allow wide-mouth packing
External quick-access pocket with key clip
Internal slip pockets for smaller items
Raised mesh zip pocket for valuables
Strong, rolled-edge webbing handles
Grab loops at each end
Detachable padded shoulder strap
Luggage pass-through
Storm flap protects main zip
The bag weighs 980g (so, lighter than the Plus version) and dimensions are 380 x 650 x 400mm.
This particular bag is made from 100% plastic bottles. For more on their fabric choices, rather than plagiarize an entire website I’ll link you to it. It’s good reading if you’re interested in nerding out on sustainable fabric choices: https://bellroy.com/our-materials.
Price is $189.00 USD which is actually a great price point for a bag of this quality and vs it’s competitors (including other Bellroy bags).
Bellroy Classic Weekender Features
Should be pretty short but sweet here - this bag has lots of features you’d expect but nothing breaking new ground.
Lots of organization choices both inside the bag and outside - with a number of different sized options for you to stuff your things into.
There’s a good key ring on the external pocket as well, and they improved on the quality of this which is good to see. Their old keyrings were pretty chintzy plastic.
Two snaps on each end actually help to compact the bag a little when snapped, but also allow you to really open the bag up when packing by expanding the opening. Yes, that's a design feature and a good one.
Pull handles on each end. Removable shoulder strap. Big, beefy zippers that work great. Storm Flap on the zipper but no water resistant zips overall. Quality hardware, lots of metal.
Worth noting the features this DOESN’T have - no water bottle pocket and no laptop sleeve. So, keep that in mind based on your style of travel.
The Good
The build and material choices on this bag as well as the dye color. I just love the feel of their material and how it looks in practice. This deep navy that I have is very classy looking, and is a really rich and vibrant navy vs. the more faded that you see in some New England preppy applications. Again, I found this very professional and classic looking.
I liked all the pockets and organizational bits and bobs here. This is something often lacking in duffel bags, and it was enough to give you some nice options without going all Nomatic on you and doing nothing but confusing you and helping you to lose items. (If you know, you know.)
While I did not use it, I liked that there was an option to use the shoulder strap. I just carried it around by the smaller loop-handles on top. I’m not sure what vibe I was going for, but it felt more cinematic to me that way. Bit of a gentleman traveler maybe? But, whatever you fancy here.
The overall space. While I think this is more than many travel enthusiasts need, it was great to not really have to sweat it out, even though I did not need the entirety of it. My packing cubes made it a breeze to stay organized.
Duffels are pretty handy if you don’t mind carrying them. This was a good shape for the small regional jets used on short haul routes and I had no issues with the overhead. It’s also great for a road trip as you aren’t doing that much walking around. Felt good handling it and what not.
The Bad
Some design choices here were made, and I am sure that’s to be able to differentiate from their more premium offerings.
No water bottle pocket will be seen as a con by some so I’ll list that here. No laptop sleeve will be seen as a con to many more. It’s not the first time I’ve dealt with that on a duffel, as it’s quite common. So if you’re a duffel veteran, this won’t be an issue. If you’re a digital nomad that doesn’t like to use a separate laptop case - this might be a dealbreaker for you and you might want to pony up for the Weekender Plus if budget isn’t a concern.
The snaps on the ends, while they do work as described - I found myself accidentally unsnapping them while grabbing or using the bag. And look, this is admittedly a first world problem. It’s just something I noted with the actual usage of the bag.
The size, but hear me out. You might not realize it until you start trying to pair back your luggage - but 45L is a LOT of space. Now, if you’re good then it allows for a relaxing time and a luxurious amount of space. If you’re not, well a bag this size with no backpack straps can get heavy real quick. So, mind what and how much you’re putting in here if you plan on using it with one hand carry.
The Improvement Requests for the Bellroy Classic Weekender Duffel
Not a ton to really request in a “classic” kind of duffel - but one thing I’d like to see is Bellroy springing for some aquaguard zippers. Would help if you’re stuck in some weather, though I don’t think most people’s style of carry with this bag will involve much unprotected walking. Might though.
Maybe try and find a way to get a 13in laptop sleeve in the outside pocket. Prob adds to the weight, but would be a fun task for their designers.
Packing The Bellroy Classic Weekender
Close Up of the Looma Weave for the Fabric Nerds
Not a whole lot to get into with you here - this is a 45L duffel which means if you’re an experienced traveler and even more, an experienced Onebagger - this is cavernous and probably won’t need to fill this by any means. But, it provides options and allows you to easily fit things on the way back! Use packing cubes, because duffels don’t have any form of organization so that will be up to you. If you’re not up to speed on those, here you go: Packing Cube Tips for Travel.
As always, I would pack for 5 days here. Then, do laundry at your hotel/hostel/sink/shower - however it is that you do it. If you don’t, consider options for laundry when you travel. For me, it’s worth the expense, even at hotels due to the lighter pack and the convenience of the service. But, small items are always easy to wash in your room.
A 45L duffel is big enough to pretty much cover most scenarios outside of very specialized needs (like lots of equipment). A space-dump like this is an open canvas.
Final Thoughts On My Bellroy Classic Weekender Review
Another Bellroy product review down the hatches. So how would I wrap this up?
I’d say that for those looking for a duffel but don’t want to spend the too high - this is a great compromise between sustainable style (This is a “voting” with your wallet kind of thing; I know not everyone wants to do that) that is frankly still below most of the premium options in price. It does this while still being pretty feature rich, color rich, and frankly having outstanding build as well.
In fact, considering its weight being lighter than its Plus cousin, I would recommend this over the higher priced option in the lineup. How’s that for honesty? This is a great bag. And while I like the extra features of the more premium version, I don’t think any are a deal breaker in terms of missing out. A price difference of 100 USD is nothing to scoff at - it’s a lot. And I think even with that price difference you’re still getting a lot of bag here. And continuing my string of honesty (I’m nothing without that, eh?) - this one is going to stay in my personal stable. I love the color, really like the org, and the quality is fantastic. The design aspects are thoughtfully placed and implemented per usual with Bellroy.
So if you’re in the market for a duffel, and ESPECIALLY if you’re looking for a more preppy, professional vibe vs. the minimalist backpack (the Aers of the world) or outdoorsy duffel (the Patagonia’s or Osprey’s) - I think you’re going to really like what this has to offer.
Now, lack of a water bottle holder (but, it’s a duffel…) might hurt some. Same with no laptop sleeve. For me? On a pure play duffel bag? I don’t think it’s an issue. My stuff was very well protected and you can just use a laptop sleeve then put it in the main compartment.
They sell directly from their website and have good, speedy shipping:
Wander more - and wander smarter everyone.
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