Bellroy Transit Backpack 16" Laptop Backpack with Compression Straps & Adjustable Sternum Strap - Ergonomic Contoured Back Panel & Organization Pockets - Perfect for Travel, Commuting & Business (Black)

After having had the Classic Backpack Plus for a number of years and having used it a ton I came to the point that I have finally outgrown the bag. Originally I wanted the Transit 28L but, it was either sold out or I had watched one too many YouTube reviews that complained about a feature or two. As soon as I made the decision to move on, I immediately went back to the Transit 28l. I have not traveled with it yet, but have practice packed it a few times and have used it for commuting. Like a bunch of reviews that are out there, I have found that the hidden water bottle pockets aren’t necessarily useless but they do take up too much space on the interior of the bag. If anything either just use one pocket for a water bottle and use the other as storage for something else or don’t carry anything bulky in them at all. As a non-minimalist packer (For a minimalist/ one bag traveler, I would recommend the 38L), I have found that the bag can easily hold three days of clothes (fresh top, bottom, undies and socks) as well as a pair of low top sneakers. Take away the shoes and you could easily gain another day or two of clothes. This of course also depends on the climate that you are traveling to and from. As far as storage and organization goes, there are not a ton of pockets or sleeves to get in the way. The front panel has a few inside zippered sleeves and a pocket on the exterior. The main compartment is just an open space perfect for using packing cubes. The “tech” area is a laptop sleeve and pocket for chargers and the like. Besides the water bottle pockets, everything else in this bag feels very well thought out and executed. Like all the other Bellroy products that I own and use this is a well made product made from sustainable materials with a premium look. I highly recommend this bag and all things Bellroy.** I have now officially travelled with the bag and here is my experience. Love it. As I suspected, using the water bottle pocket to actually hold a water bottle doesn’t work. The “hide it away” design causes it to take up interior space might work for disposable or collapsible bottle but not a reusable one. I ended up using it to hold my sunglasses with the hard case and left the other one empty. Depending on how you pack it and the airline (or where you sit on the plane), you might have an issue with it fitting under the seat in front of you. At the beginning of my first trip, I over packed this bag (I do that) and it wouldn’t fit under the seat so I tossed it in the overhead bin. Afterwards I re-organized and it fit perfectly.