A Gold-Standard EDC Pack Brand Is Disrupting Another Major Bag Category

Bellroy already makes some of the best everyday carry backpacks, slings and more. Now the Aussie brand is taking aim at travel.

By Sean Tirman

Published May 2, 2025

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Updated May 2, 2025

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Regarding EDC and commuter bags, Bellroy is a gold-standard brand. The Aussie outfit’s blend of clean, minimalist style and functional, material substance has earned it a rock-solid reputation.

Now, the brand’s trying to combine its expertise in versatility, reliability and durability with a new bag category: travel-ready carry-ons. The Bellroy Luggage collection has launched with three bags — two hard-sided and one soft-sided — aiming to disrupt the industry.

Bellroy hard-sided luggage with two models — Bellroy’s hard-sided Transit Carry-On comes in two sizes: standard (34L) and Plus (39L).

Travel is hard, so are these bags

Technically speaking, the brand’s hard-sided bags are under the same model umbrella. As such, the Bellroy Transit Carry-On and Bellroy Transit Carry-On Plus share far more similarities than differences.

Let’s start with what sets them apart. The standard Transit Carry-On (34 liters) is sized to meet international carry-on standards, while the Transit Carry-On Plus (39 liters) is a bit larger, intended for those who need a bit more space and are okay with the possibility of having to check the bag.

Bellroy hard-sided luggage open on bed with model storing clothing — The hard-sided carry-ons are incredibly durable but also have internal organization to increase their utility.

Beyond that, they’re identical, even down to their quartet of colorways. However, that’s a good thing, as the bags are designed to be better in every way than most of the existing offerings in the same price range.

The bags’ exteriors are made from a combination of (mostly recycled) polycarbonate (the same material as bulletproof glass), TPU and aluminum, lending them plenty of impact and scratch resistance. Other elements are made from polypropylene thermoplastic, nylon and ABS (the same material found in Swiss Army Knife handle scales).

The wheels, handles, lock and packing cells are all removable and replaceable, helping to extend the potential lifespan of these bags for years and years.

They also feature tough telescoping handles (with three height settings), water- and abrasion-resistant YKK Racquet Coil zippers, removable packing cells, Hinomoto Lisof Silent Run omnidirectional wheels and more.

Best of all, the wheels, handles, lock and packing cells are all removable and replaceable, helping to extend the potential lifespan of these bags for years and years.

Bellroy Lite carry-on with model outdoors — The Lite Carry-On is like Bellroy equipped an excellent travel backpack with wheels, a frame and a handle.

On the softer side

While the Transit Carry-Ons are geared toward durability, they launched alongside another bag geared specifically toward being as lightweight and maneuverable as possible. The Bellroy Lite Carry-On isn’t quite as durable, but the tradeoff is versatility and lightness.

All of [Bellroy’s] luggage has undergone rigorous testing to ensure lifespans of at least a decade.

Unlike its siblings, this roller bag’s construction consists mainly of (mostly recycled) nylon, recycled polyester, aluminum and propylene thermoplastic. As such, while it has an impressive 38-liter capacity, it weighs under five pounds, meaning you can maximize how much you pack in it.

Like its siblings, the Lite Carry-On has a three-height telescoping handle and internal packing cells for organization. Similarly, its handle and wheels are replaceable.

Bellroy Lite carry-on open on bed with equipment around it — This bag is exceptionally lightweight, so you can pack more stuff without hitting those weight limits.

But there are also differences. For instance, this bag has rollerblade-inspired TPU wheels for smooth gliding, as well as an easily accessible laptop pocket to make getting through security simpler.

The brand has also made a lofty claim: all of its luggage has undergone rigorous testing to ensure lifespans of at least a decade.