This was posted 3 months 23 days ago, and might be an out-dated deal.

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Bellroy Melbourne Backpack (Black) $149 (RRP $249) Delivered @ Bellroy

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Features

  • Designated sleeve fits a 15” laptop
  • Clean, minimalist design
  • Side zipper splays open, letting you reach what’s inside without rummaging
  • Fold-top for easy, one-handed access
  • Custom MagSnap fasteners keep the bag securely closed, and open with a tug
  • Interior side wall pockets, and A5 document slip pocket
  • Quick-access soft-lined sunglasses pocket
  • Discreet external water bottle sleeve
  • Contoured adjustable shoulder straps and padded back panels
  • Made with durable, water-resistant recycled fabric, and premium, eco-tanned leather
  • Backed by our 3 year warranty
  • Internal Apple AirTag slip pocket

Also available on Amazon for same price

https://www.amazon.com.au/Bellroy-Melbourne-Backpack-Laptop-…

Related Stores

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closed Comments

  • +18

    Aw jeez I really shouldn’t… ah what’s another bag to add to the collection

    • +25

      One of us. One of us. One of us.

    • +3

      Been looking for a waterproof bag for commuting to / from work by bike. Only about a 20 minute / 10km commute.
      Don’t need to carry much. At most, 13” laptop and/or tablet. Lunch. Sometimes a small toiletry bag.
      Any recommendations from your collection? Or anyone in the thread who says this isn’t worth the money - what else is out there?

      I don’t mind spending the $$$ if it’s worth it.

      • +1

        I love my pd zip v2 20l , you could prob get away with the 15l version. I had planned to use it as an edc back pack, but honestly I’ve never spent that much money on a back pack until this - the damn thing is too nice to take out as an edc HAHA . Says it is weatherproof in the marketing but haven’t tried it out.

        I actually usually main a clamshell-ish style lowepro backpack these days. Bought it like 12 years ago when I was working in camera retail. Bit beat up now but flexible storage and doesn’t actually look like a camera bag like the lowpros usually do - not that I use it for camera stuff these days

        • Might need a bit bigger. I forgot I often need to bring clothes to work to change 😂
          Looks pretty, but not sure I can stomach the premium over a bag like the one posted. What makes it worth twice as much?

          • @ts13:

            What makes it worth twice as much?

            Ehh what can i say its a very well made, nicely designed and well-thought-out bag.
            Not ideal for hikes, but for commuting / edc i think its great.
            Very premium finish and the warranty is pretty good i feel - plenty feedback here and on reddit of good experiences even when the claim was more wear and tear than legit warranty.

      • +2

        I use Patagonia Black Hole backpack, it carries my everything from cameras and lenses, 14" laptop, to jackets and all the keys/phone/wallet everyday essentials depending on the day. It's lightweight but sturdy and it can fit easy in your luggage if you want to use a dedicated carry-on laptop/camera bag, and then change over to Patagonia for a low key street look. I've had mine for over five years and it hasn't skipped a beat apart from cosmetic colour fading. Oh and I bought mine off Gumtree for more than half the RRP.

        • pantagonia

          Been meaning to add their mini 1L black hole bum bag to my collection for ages.

        • +1

          I’ve had a 45L black, Patagonia black hole duffle for probably almost ten years. It’s actually what I’m currently using to commute. Don’t get me wrong, I love the thing and it has been around the world with me, but, there are some problems using it for daily commute at the moment.
          * It’s the old version without dedicated, padded backpack straps, so it isn’t the most comfortable thing to wear as a backpack.
          * The non-compartmentalised form is fantastic for weekend trips - just dump everything in. But for a regular commute where I know I will be carrying like, laptop/tablet, lunch, some toiletries, I think I would prefer to have a laptop sleeve and a few small compartments for small things like pens, earphones case, loose cables, odd tid bits, kind of like the posted Bellroy. I think a vertical style bag would suit me better.
          * It’s waterproof where it’s waterproof. But it’s also not. If it’s on my back, the bottom party of the bag is canvas and exposed. Makes me nervous to have electronics in there and be riding around. I don’t really want to use a bag cover.

          • @ts13: Fair enough! You have one, so you know what it's about so no more comments from me :)

            • @CODY-19: Actually - I’m conflating the black hole duffel with the backpack. In my mind, the duffels were the only black hole items.
              The price looks right, but the reviews seem very unimpressed with the new materials (I assume you have the old one - same material as my duffel, which is great). Will have to do some comparisons with other models. Thanks!
              I’m not sure I personally find it that attractive, compared to the Bellroy, or other models such as the Boundary Supply Errant referred to below. Although it would be nice to grow my Patagonia family… the free repairs thing is great.

              • +1

                @ts13: Mine is about 6 years old, so not sure what has changed over time, single zipper for the main pocket with a long string is easy to grab and open, the zippers are high quality as mine never caught on anything or got stuck or opened from the middle. Two bottle holders on either size, occasionally I put my lenses in there for easier swaps when needed. The materials have held up really well, considering used it every day since day one. One other advantage from materials point of view is it doesn't trap dirt and sand, as it's easy to shake out or wipe away if needed. Only negative thing I can think of is inside of the bag colour is same as outside, so if you have dark coloured bag it's hard to find things inside like keys if you drop them. Also like poster below, mine has developed a slump after a few years lol, so it doesn't stay upright when it's empty. And lastly, if you carry precious electronic equipment, it goes without saying that a minimal bag with little side padding will not protect your stuff from a fall unless you pad the bag with other aftermarket options. Hope that helps you somewhat!

        • +1

          I have the blackhole and I hate it as much as I love it unfortunately. The zipper design is terrible and causes me to always unzip the wrong pocket. Also if you put anything into the top pocket it won't sit up and topples forward. In the end I got sick of it and have ditched it for a crumpler bag. I'll still do longer trips with my blackhole, but day to day it is a huge pain in the arse. Mine is a few years old so they might have changed the design.

      • Would love some suggestions on this too for bike commuters!

        I was looking at the Osprey Radial which was great for sweaty backs, I just wish it was completely waterproof except for the waterproof sleeve it has.

        I commute 17km each way 3 times a week, carry a laptop, iPad, clothes, lunch, few other tech accessories all inside a Herschel 25l backpack. It gets stinky easily as I sweat so much with it on my back!!!

        • +3

          Bike rack plus panniers for the win.

          • @prolo: My road bike will never have panniers!!! Just me sacrificing comfort over looks.

        • Last time I needed a pack I wanted an osprey radial but ended up getting a tropos, radials were hard to find at a good price at the time. 3 years later it's got a bit of wear but in good condition.

          • Sweatiness: the mesh leaves my back almost sweat free, better than the deuter backpack I had before; I cycle in my work clothes so its handy. The straps still leave big sweaty patches but not sure that can be avoided.
          • Waterproofing: imperfect but water resistant. If I'm going to be out in medium or heavy rain for 10+ minutes I'd put a cover on.
          • Stinkiness: haven't noticed any, never washed it.
          • Other: Works fine as a daypack but if you're hiking, remember to reattach any waist or chest straps you removed because they annoyed you

          I've put about 100km/week of commuting into it for 3 years, I'm guessing the radial will be similar build quality and design choices.

          • @slimpickings: Really good insights, thanks! I was looking at a tropos well over a year ago, can’t remember why I decided on the radial more.

            I just can’t believe how expensive just a backpack can be 😭.

        • +1

          I highly recommend the Henty bags (Australian company) for your requirements. Great quality and different options available for your requirements. I have 2 of their bags, the Travel Brief and the CoPilot Messenger Canvas.
          https://henty.cc/product-category/commuter/

      • I've had a Boundary Supply Errant since they did the Kickstarter for it, must have been 5+ years now. It's been my daily commuter/carry-on for all of my travel, and it still looks almost brand new. It's pricey (~AUD$400) but it's going to be an instant buy when (if?) this one ever dies on me.

        • Damn. Looks sexy. Currently 25% off, so $199 USD on their website so, $303 AUD, excl shipping. Will look into it.
          I feel the same way about Acaia Lunar Coffee Scale :’) pricey - but if it died, I’d buy another one tomorrow. It’s done almost nine years now!

      • Ive been tempted by the blackhole 25L.
        Also wanting to bike commute with 14 in laptop, lunch, office clothes and shoes.

        Though i do have use of a change room locker

      • honestly i might push you to looking at panniers - even if its a short ish commute, one of my best ever purchases is the ortlieb panniers that go onto bike rack. =/

      • 30km/h commuting speed, you're killing it

      • +1

        I highly recommend the Henty bags (Australian company) for your requirements. Great quality and different options available for your requirements. I have 2 of their bags, the Travel Brief and the CoPilot Messenger Canvas.
        https://henty.cc/product-category/commuter/

      • Bellroy tends to have little mesh/airflow for your back, so you might sweat a bit more than with more bike focussed bags. That said, I have the Bellroy classic plus (which has some vertical airflow), which I use in Brisbane's climate for a 9km (up hill in the morning) and it's been fine. Probably depends on how intensive your ride though.

      • its hard to find a bag that you like that are equally waterproof or weather resistant.

        its best if you just buy a rain cover. just make sure you get a rain cover that has velcro straps as usually the ones with drawstrings are not strong enough (blown by the wind when on a bike)

      • Check out https://craftcadence.com/products/craft-cadence-backpack-30-…

        I've got the 30L and it's great how much you can fit in. The 21L is more minimalist and may suit you better, great bags!

      • +1

        @ts13
        I have a Targus Citygear which I think is the best backpack I have used.
        Small, compact and waterproof and only $100.
        I use it for a 15" laptop and a bunch of other stuff and works fine but is a smidge tight.
        Lasting well and comfortable.

        https://tinyurl.com/5wxr3xwv

    • Classic Backpack (or CB Plus) would be a much better option.
      Melbourne model has a top flap, not ideal for commute really. Classic has a proper zip.

  • +4

    student beans for an extra 15% discount = $126.65
    And don't forget shopback 5.4% cashback

    • How do we get student beans

    • Shopback doesn't work with Student Beans discounts, does it?

  • +3

    honestly, over rated, returning mine!

  • +3

    The straps seem to get twisted through the buckles with Bellroy. Very annoying

  • +2

    These are not worth the price tag.

  • +4

    I bought this one 5 years ago and it's still going strong. Use it 5 days a week for laptop and office gear. Very happy with it, and would go Bellroy again in future.

    https://bellroy.com/products/classic-backpack-plus

    • +1

      Yeah I have the classic backpack plus as well. But a version from a few years ago. Still going strong.

    • I have the smaller version and love the bag.

    • +1

      Their 'Classic' range is awesome, mine is from 2019, I love it. Other backpacks are so so, tried a few models and probably won't recommend any.

  • +7

    Seems like another "minimalist" overpriced backpack that trades functionality for looks.

    Probably more water resistant, but I'd take more pockets and compartments over one giant one any day.

    • +1

      agreed. i have a bellroy tokyo totepack. it can hardly fit anything inside and straps always loosen up

      • +1

        I have a xd design bobby hero backpack that costs like 180 bucks. I hardly ever use it because it's so impractical. The 20-30 dollar Aldi backpack is so much better and much more convenient. It's my go to backpack now.

    • hiking day packs or nothing. They keep my back cool.

      • Any reccomendation for one?

        • +1

          Osprey packs have a kind of supported netting which creates a layer between back and backpack. Its fantastic, and strong - mines still in top condition after years of admittedly urban use. Not the one I have but shows the feature: https://www.paddypallin.com.au/osprey-downburst-26l-daypack-… bit more exy than they once were.

        • +1

          Look at duter and the ones I listed, then google best cycling backpack plenty of good brands (but won't be Ozbargainer prices)

        • @gakko @G-rig thanks for the reccomendations! I'll have a look. Prices are a bit high but could be worth it in the end.

  • You get what you paid for. At this price, you get a combination of style and practicality. Definitely an improvement over OZBs favourite Dell backpacks.

  • would love to have this bag, but i have soo many darn bags. bags still with tags collecting dust :(
    Bellroy, Tumi, Coach, etc…

    • I’ll take your Tumi one off you :)

  • In need of a new bag for work and this might fit the bill nicely. The messenger style laptop bag does my shoulders in!

  • +7

    I was excited at first, then in doing my research, I saw that Tom from Pack Hacker (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F_iMegivE2w) had an issue with the bag popping open unintentionally really easily. That is a big show stopper issue for me.

    • +1

      you would think they have addressed the issue by now. that video is 3 years old

      • +6

        I have this bag and the magnetic closer pops open too easy if it’s overfilled or you’ve got something that’s an odd shape. Wouldn’t recommend it.

      • Product quality only gets worse, it doesn’t improve.

        • I realised it!
          Complete CRAP

    • Get the Classic backpack

  • Nah, done confuse a good brand with a good bag.
    I bought Aer city a month back, great for my specific needs but no longer on sale.

    • How much did you get the Aer City Pack for? Looks like you can get decent prices on Aer gear via Amazon JP.

      • 210

        • Where did you get it for that?

  • Would recommend osprey's work/city/commuter focused bags instead

  • +2

    Would not reccomend this bag. Anything remotely bulky/light jogging (e.g to catch a tram) will pop the magnetic cover right open.

    • +1

      Why ?why? why did I miss your comment?

  • Same price on Amazon.

  • +2

    I bought a belroy classic a couple of years ago and the friggin straps kept coming loose, it was ridiculous. Support sent me these “webbing keepers” - little clips that grab the straps and add friction - but that only slowed the issue down, and didn’t prevent it. Especially annoying as breaking into a sudden run would send the straps completely loose. A co worker of mine has the same issue with his Bellroy bag as well).

    I love the design of the Bellroy bags, especially the pockets which are really thoughtfully designed. But they couldn’t get the basics right.
    Honestly I’d just go with Herschel, Crumpler or a more recent Samsonite bag (I’ve used an old one with the same issue, but I daily a new one that is perfect) if you can get them on sale.
    Always check the second hand marketplace because bags lose value hard.

  • +1

    Looks like a fashion accessory more than anything else

    • -2

      It looks like quite a functional bag that is also actually decent looking, so isn't that a positive attribute?

      • +2

        I don't mind Bellroy stuff, but they tend to move more towards that cool fashion type stuff and away from functionality. The "tug to open" function on the main compartment seems pretty insecure, I looked at one of their other bags in a store and wasn't blown away by it either.

        I think I'll stick to Crumpler, while some of their stuff can border on ugly most of their kit is pretty functional.

        • +1

          Spot on

        • Yeah those bellroy bags look like a little kids port that hipster dufus' would take their MacBooks in to the NY cafes..

  • +1

    Avoid.

    Another design that jumped on the trend of adding magnetic closures for the minimalistic look without any proper thought behind the purpose of a magnetic closure. Opens way to easily and isn't secure at all.

    • -1

      You are right. Moreover it looks so cheap

  • -1

    Nor sure why this is close to $250
    SUCH a loucy design.
    Magnetic closure gives an unsecured feeling.
    It is not even worth $50 IMHO.
    Crumpler is better value at this price point.
    I have initiated a return

  • I won a very nice backpack on OzB years ago, it's an Aer.

    It's great for different compartments for laptop, cables and pockets for bits. However it is slightly rigid, meaning I can't get my lunch containers in flat at the bottom.

    I am looking at a Crumpler for my new commute bag

    • +1

      I absolutely love Aer. I currently have their Commuter Brief 2 and City Pack Pro and I seriously cannot find anything that outdoes them.

  • +3

    $157 Standard RRP at Officeworks - Just saying…

    https://tinyurl.com/ytmkw5yc

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