Bellroy 30L Vs 38L– Capacity, Dimensions & Best Uses Compared

Choose 30L for daily and short trips; pick 38L for one-bag travel. The Bellroy 30L and 38L backpacks differ mainly in size and capacity, with the 38L offering more space for travel or heavier loads while the 30L stays more compact and easy to carry daily. The 30L is ideal for everyday use or short trips, fitting daily essentials and small tech gear without feeling bulky, whereas the 38L is better for overnights, carry-on travel, or heavier gear thanks to its larger volume and expanded storage. Both share similar build quality, organizational features, and comfort, so the best choice depends on how much you need to carry regularly.

Go 30L if: You travel light, want to fit under most airline seats, and use your travel bag as a daypack once you arrive.

• 👉 Check 30L Price on Amazon

Go 38L if: You’re traveling for a week or more, carry extra shoes, or want to maximize your overhead bin “carry-on” allowance.

👉 Check 38L Price on Amazon

If you are weighing bellroy 30l vs 38l, you are in the right place. I have packed, flown, and commuted with both sizes across many routes. This guide breaks down bellroy 30l vs 38l with clear tests, simple tips, and real use cases, so you can pick with confidence.

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What “30L” and “38L” mean in the Bellroy world

Bellroy does not always label a pack as 30L in the name, but the size tier exists. Many shoppers treat the Transit Backpack 28L as the bellroy 30l class, and the Transit Backpack Plus 38L as the 38L option. In some seasons, a Venture Travel Pack near 30L also shows up, but stock and names can vary by region.

For clarity in this bellroy 30l vs 38l guide, I compare Bellroy’s 28–30L tier against the 38L Plus. I stick to how they feel, pack, and carry. That way, the advice stands even if names shift.

A lightweight, smart 38L carry-on backpack with strong organization and comfort. The Lite 38L is a strong choice if you want a light, eco-conscious travel pack

Capacity and use cases: how much can you carry

The jump from 30L to 38L looks small on paper, but it feels big on your back. The 30L works for a laptop, daily carry, and a weekend bag. The 38L acts like a true one-bag for travel and can replace a small suitcase.

Here is how I use them in bellroy 30l vs 38l decisions:

• 30L for a three-day city trip with mild weather.
• 30L for commute plus gym gear and shoes.
• 38L for a five to seven-day trip with layers and a spare pair of shoes.
• 38L for one-bag travel when I need a jacket, tech kit, and gifts.

I can pack the 30L fast, with less urge to overpack. The 38L gives headroom, so it stays calm when I bring bulky items.

Comfort and carry: straps, support, and load feel

Comfort changes fast as load rises. In bellroy 30l vs 38l, the 30L wins for light, agile carry in a city. It hugs the back and feels neat on trains. The 38L is stable when full, thanks to a stronger frame and thicker straps.

What I feel in real use:

• 30L spreads weight fine up to about 9 to 10 kg.
• 38L handles 10 to 14 kg better due to denser foam and shape.
• 30L is easier to slip under a cafe chair or on your lap.
• 38L is better on long walks from gate to gate.

If you have a smaller frame, the 30L sits cleaner and moves with you. Taller carriers often prefer the 38L torso length when loaded.

Organization and access: pockets and packing style

Both sizes favor clean layouts, fast access, and a protected laptop zone. In bellroy 30l vs 38l, the 30L tends to use every pocket once you add gym shoes. The 38L leaves a buffer that keeps things tidy, even when you pack cubes.

Key notes I see often:

• 30L gives quick top access and a simple front pocket for small gear.
• 38L opens wider in many models and loves packing cubes.
• Both sizes hold a 15 or 16 inch laptop in a padded sleeve.
• External water bottle pockets are easier to use on the 38L when the bag is full.

If you hate rummaging, the 38L has more air between items. If you want a lean, daily layout, the 30L keeps you honest.

Build quality and weather protection

Bellroy uses recycled woven fabrics with a tight weave and smooth touch. The coatings resist light rain, and zippers are shielded. In the bellroy 30l vs 38l match, build feels equal. The bigger pack can take more scuffs since it meets more curbs and bins.

Practical notes from trips:

• Light rain is fine, but I still use a dry bag for cables.
• Stitching holds up well under load on both sizes.
• Leather trims are low profile and do not shout.

If you live in a wet city, add a rain cover for the 38L when you walk a lot. The larger face catches more water on long slogs.

Size, fit, and airline rules

Airline rules can be tricky. In bellroy 30l vs 38l, the 30L clears most carry-on checks with ease. The 38L is still carry-on on many airlines, but it sits closer to the limit in height and depth. Soft bags help since they compress.

Simple tips that work:

• Do not overstuff the 38L if you fly budget carriers.
• Use two to three cubes and leave the last two liters free.
• Keep tech heavy items high and close to your back.

On buses and trains, the 30L slides into tight footwells. The 38L prefers overhead racks.

Real-world tests and lessons learned

I have used the 30L for city hops, two to three nights, and daily gym runs. It feels neat in crowds. It stands up on its base and glides through turnstiles. I never feel I am dragging a suitcase behind me.

With the 38L, I do week-long trips with a jacket, trail shoes, and a spare sweater. It takes more space on my shoulders, but the comfort pays off when I walk across terminals. My lesson in bellroy 30l vs 38l is simple: size your bag to the longest loads you carry often, not the rare trip.

Buying decision guide: bellroy 30l vs 38l

Use this quick flow to pick the right size:

• Choose 30L if you commute daily and travel light on weekends.
• Choose 30L if you are under 5’7 and want a low-profile look.
• Choose 38L if you want one-bag travel for five to seven days.
• Choose 38L if you pack bulky items like shoes, a Dopp kit, and a light jacket.

More checks for bellroy 30l vs 38l:

• Work gear only, plus gym once a week: 30L.
• Camera body with two lenses and cubes: 38L.
• Tech heavy, lots of cables and drives: 38L for easier layout.
• Urban cyclist who hates sway: 30L for tighter control.

Bellroy alternatives if you sit between 30L and 38L

Sometimes the best answer is the middle path. If you are stuck on bellroy 30l vs 38l, look at near sizes in the lineup. A 26 to 28L travel or work pack can hit the sweet spot for many.

Good reasons to try the in-between:

• You want lean carry but need more than a daypack.
• You fly often on strict airlines and value smaller depth.
• You prefer less visual bulk in meetings.

Frequently Asked Questions of bellroy 30l vs 38l

Is the 38L too big for daily use?

It can be, if you carry just a laptop and a hoodie. Many people prefer 30L for daily use and keep 38L for travel.

Does the 30L fit a 16 inch laptop?

Most Bellroy packs in this range fit modern 15 to 16 inch laptops. Check the listed device sleeve size before you buy.

Is the 38L carry-on compliant?

It fits within many carry-on rules when not overstuffed. Always check your airline, since depth and weight rules vary.

Which size is better for packing cubes?

The 38L works better with two or three medium cubes and still has space. The 30L can take one or two small cubes for best access.

How much heavier is the 38L?

The 38L is a bit heavier due to more structure and foam. The weight gain is worth it if you pack more than 10 kg often.

Will the 30L handle gym shoes and work gear?

Yes, but it gets full fast. Use a slim shoe bag and keep bulky layers at home on office days.

Which size is better for smaller frames?

The 30L sits closer to the body and looks cleaner on smaller frames. The 38L suits taller users or those who carry more gear.

Conclusion

Both sizes shine, but they serve different days. If you live in the city, commute often, and take short trips, the 30L stays nimble and easy to manage. If you want one-bag travel for longer runs, or you pack more layers and tech, the 38L is the right move.

Pick the size that fits your most common week, not the rare trip. Ready to decide between bellroy 30l vs 38l? Share your use case in the comments, and subscribe for more hands-on travel gear guides.