I’ve been using the Bellroy Transit Workpack daily for about 3 weeks now to carry my stuff to and from work. It’s a 20L backpack that can hold up to a 16″ laptop. For the weekdays, I use the bag to carry devices to/from work, and to bring my lunch, coffee thermos, and other miscellaneous things on a daily basis. On the weekend, I use it to carry some camera gear, light jacket or vest, and to pick up small things when I’m out.
The Good
I’ve found that it fits well once the excess shoulder straps are tightened, and appreciate how the included clips hold down excessive straps on the shoulders. Once tightened the bag is nicely snug to my back. My normal weekday carry is a 13” laptop, iPad, lunch, water bottle, keys, miscellaneous small electronics, books or shoes, and sometimes a spare jacket. All of this fits easily and comfortably in the bag without it appearing stretched or overloaded.
On the weekend, I regularly use the bag to carry a compressible jacket or vest, various camera batteries, and to pick up small things to bring home.
A couple fun facts:
- You can easily fit two very large fresh-baked loaves of bread in the main compartment with no problems and they’ll come back in great condition with some room on the top of the main compartment for other baked goods, and
- The ‘tech sleeve’ in the laptop compartment can easily (and safely) hold a Fuji X100F and even when it has a hood attached to the lens.
During my time with the bag I’ve worn it through rain and heavy snow. While the zippers require a bit more force to pull than those on other backpacks, the same zippers (and material used in the backpack) means that water just flows off the bag. All of which is to say that my electronics and other valuables haven’t ever gotten wet. This includes in situations where I’ve accidentally set the bag down on very wet floors: not once has a drop of moisture gotten past the bag’s exterior.
The bag also stands on its own pretty well, so long as it’s not overly weighted in one direction or another and has at least a little bit of stuff in the main compartment. The pen loops in the front compartment are helpful and not something I realised were included in the bag when I bought it.
Finally, the backpack it light. I’ve been using a much heavier backpack every now and then for the past few years (my daily carry has been a messenger bag for several years) and I really can’t believe just how light and robust the Bellroy Transit Workpack is compared to either my backpack or messenger!
The Bad
There are a few relatively minor downsides to the bag. First, the front pouch: it’s not the most convenient for storing things, though I do appreciate the small ‘lip’ that’s used to keep some items from moving around.
Second, the key elastic being in one of the water bottle pouches makes it pretty impractical for how I use the bag. Also, getting a water bottle into the hidden side-holders can sometimes be a bit of a pain (bad) but once in the holder the liquid is kept away from stuff on the bag’s internal compartment (good!) and preserves the look of the bag (also good!).
Third, the Transit Workpack lacks a luggage pass through so if you wanted to put this on your luggage while moving through an airport you’re going to be out of luck.
Fourth, it has taken me a few months to figure out how to use the webbing straps that come with the bag. Until I have, the straps kept coming loose and I’d have to reset them every few days. This is really, really annoying and if there’s a flaw with the backpack it’s the idiotic strapping system the Bellroy has gone with.
Finally, if you weigh the bag down and are carrying it for a long period of time (defined as 3 hours) you really need to ensure the straps are at the right length and tightness to best allocate the weight. Doing otherwise will leave you with some very sore shoulders!
Purchasing
I bought my Transit Workpack from a local Toronto company, Te Koop. The shipping was prompt and engagement from staff has been excellent, with staff having reached out several times to confirm that I’m happy with the backpack as well as to inform me about any return policies should I need it retained. I’m very happy to have purchased my bag from them.
Concluding Thoughts
If you’re an office worker, or someone looking for a sleek and easy-to-pack backpack, then I’d recommend this for you.
Excited Pixels 