BellroyClassic Backpack Compact – (Laptop Bag, Laptop Backpack, 16L) - Black

It is a perfect size to sight seeing with, very functional. Lost a star because it doesn't have an external water bottle pocket and the phone pocket is a bit clunky.

I own 2 Tokyo Totes in 2 sizes, & owned the first edition 15 L Tokyo Tote. In fact, I am such a huge fan that when I did a “what’s in my bag, over 40 edition” on the Tokyo tote on my YouTube channel it has gotten over 15,000 views.(Like serious, Bellroy sponsor me 🙏 LOL😁 )Now, I am a girly girl, a mom, very much someone who works as an entrepreneur and loves the tech industry, I love wearing my skinny jeans, my chucks and a really comfortable Austin FC hoodie when I’m in my girly sporty mode , who loves going to a coffee shop to work.With that being said, I love a stylish backpack or bag. Very much into the minimalist look as it is timeless and classic and goes with everything.I have been wanting to find a Bellroy backpack that could basically replace my Tokyo tote as an every day carry simply because if one too many things go in my Tokyo tote, it will weigh heavily on my left shoulder.Between being a woman that carries a lot of things and having to also carry her own iPad, along with her toddlers iPad and toys, sometimes, yes, I was really hoping this 16 Liter could be my every day “purse” in between my Tokyo tote.I say I’m a girly girl, because when I first came across a Bellroy products, I really didn’t see much designed for women, but thank goodness I love black, and I’ve actually always loved men’s backpacks in messenger bags, because they always seemed to be made with better material and have more storage and function than most women’s backpacks or backpack pursesBecause it’s been hard finding that perfect hybrid between what looks like a backpack, but has slightly feminine enough features to know that that’s a woman’s backpack… The next thing I have really loved is Bellroy’s backpacks and how minimalist everything looks.I hate nothing more than gold hardware with clinky zippers an interior material that feels like satin, which is going to totally get ruined within a year, and flimsy structure.I certainly don’t want to also have a backpack that looks like a diaper bag.I love nothing more than hidden pockets hidden water bottle pockets and I really wanted to like this backpack. I thought it cane with a Hidden water bottle pocket but I don’t see it in this one.I also thought it came with a pen holder maybe I was looking at another video?The size of 16 L is perfect for what I’m looking for but what I can’t get over are the straps that are just digging into my arms. This is a dealbreaker for me since it is now officially not comfortable to wear despite the features I was hoping this bag could have.I feel the straps are just way way way too stiff. I don’t think it is anything that can loosen up quickly overtime but as you can see in my photo, just me even attempting to take a selfie has the straps severely digging into my shoulders.This is where I think again, Belroy is designing for men, not for women. (Still? Its almost 2023) I really don’t even think this backpack could be comfortable for a tween Boy to wear.This backpack, although at a 16 L would be considered a daypack, actually feels like a hiking backpack, not an everyday carry, which I also do not like. It’s got a super stiff backside.

Fits everything i need, looks decent, but it is pretty darn uncomfortable. I will be updating this review in a month or so to see if it needs a break in period

Cheap fabric.

Sent it back as soon as I got it. Way overpriced for what you get. Almost no organization and why too small for the price.

This backpack is the perfect size for day trips, one day school outings and any quick trip.