Bellroy Venture Travel Pack 26L Review: A Detailed Look
The Bellroy Venture Travel Pack 26l might feel familiar within Bellroy’s extensive collection. Beyond sharing the “Venture” name with numerous other bags from the brand, its visual aspects could easily lead to it being overlooked. However, it incorporates unique features that we appreciate, and its resemblance to other models doesn’t detract from its capability as a travel backpack.
Side view of the Bellroy Venture Travel Pack 26L highlighting its profile and zippers
Designed as a travel backpack, it boasts impressive organization with multiple compartments and pockets, ensuring ample space for your gear during packing. It even includes an extra tote bag for potential overflow items. Furthermore, the use of high-quality fabrics and hardware delivers the premium feel that Bellroy is renowned for.
External Components
A sense of déjà vu is understandable for anyone who spends time examining the Venture Travel Pack 26L. Bellroy has built upon existing designs, incorporating familiar aesthetic elements from other bags in their lineup. The distinct head-and-body separation is reminiscent of their Lite Ready Pack, while the zippers extending fully to the base for a peel-away opening bring to mind the Apex Backpack. This isn’t a criticism of the design; the backpack maintains a sleek appearance. However, it does tend to blend in with Bellroy’s other offerings rather than standing out visually.
Front view of the Bellroy Venture Travel Pack 26L in Jet Black, showing the Element Coated Nylon fabric
The Jet Black colorway reviewed here was the only option available at the time of testing. It’s an excellent choice if you prefer an understated look, though it perhaps too effectively conceals the presence of three different fabrics used. The front panel features what Bellroy describes as Element Coated Nylon, treated with a water-based wax resin and polyurethane coating. Despite the mention of “wax,” the texture is more akin to a slick TPU finish than a Fjallraven-style feel.
The side panels have a more textured, familiar feel, which we strongly believe is Baida nylon. The bottom fabric closely resembles the Canva Ripstop used on the Venture Ready Pack, suggesting it’s the same material. Using ripstop fabric specifically on the bottom, an area prone to scraping, might seem counterintuitive. However, the Venture Ready Pack, made entirely of the same material, proved durable during our tests. Similarly, the base of the Venture Travel Pack remained pristine after two weeks of use, so this isn’t a major concern.
Close-up of the ripstop material used on the bottom of the Bellroy Venture Travel Pack 26L
Beyond the fabrics, the exterior of the Venture Travel Pack is relatively minimalist. The reliable YKK-branded zippers feature paracord pulls finished with heat-shrink material, adding a subtle outdoorsy touch. The zippers are notably reverse coil and/or AquaGuard-style, with some protected by zipper garages to further prevent moisture and debris entry. Four loops are strategically placed near corners, allowing for accessory attachment.
A low-profile grab handle is located at the top. It sits quite flat and is somewhat obscured from the front, making it easy to overlook, though it is present. Its flatness makes it a bit challenging to hook onto bathroom stall hooks, but not impossible, particularly because of its rearward position.
Detail of the YKK zipper and paracord pull on the Bellroy Venture Travel Pack 26L
The harness system is straightforward for a travel backpack, lacking advanced features like load lifters or a hip belt. It consists of standard shoulder straps with relatively thin padding. However, the straps’ width helps compensate by distributing weight effectively. Their softened inner edges prevent uncomfortable digging into the skin. A sternum strap, mounted on a sliding rail for fine adjustments, provides added security and fit customization.
Overview of the harness system and back panel on the Bellroy Venture Travel Pack 26L
The back panel is slightly more padded than the shoulder straps, offering a consistency similar to memory foam. Large cross-shaped air channels enhance breathability considerably. A luggage strap is integrated into the horizontal air channel, allowing the backpack to be secured onto rolling luggage handles.
Fit Notes
Bellroy Venture Travel Pack 26L worn by two different individuals to show backpack fit and sizeLeft: Eric Hergenreder, Height: 6’0″ (183 cm), Torso: 18.5” (47 cm) | Right: Lauren Maternowski, Height: 5’6” (168 cm), Torso: 16.5” (42 cm)
The back panel features a noticeable curvature, especially near the top where it feels almost perched on the shoulders. This contributes to a comfortable fit. However, the panel’s length is somewhat tall, which might cause it to rest near the tailbone for individuals with shorter torsos. Despite this, the overall length of the bag is less than its side profile might suggest, as the bottom extends further out than the back panel that sits against your back.
Close-up view of the back panel curvature and top of the shoulder strap on the Bellroy Venture Travel Pack 26L
Critiques regarding the Venture Travel Pack’s carry comfort are minimal. Subtle design elements, such as the air channel gaps and the sternum strap’s effectiveness in pulling weight forward, are noticeable. Overall, the modest harness system adequately supports the bag, which isn’t surprising given its relatively compact 26-liter capacity.
Inside The Backpack
The top “brain” area of the Bellroy Venture Travel Pack 26l houses a zippered compartment designed for quick access to everyday carry items. Unlike a simple dump pocket, this section includes internal partitioning via a central gusset. This gusset divides the compartment into roughly equal halves and prevents the front from collapsing completely. The opening is notably generous, as is the pocket’s overall volume. We appreciate that this pocket expands outwards, avoiding encroachment on the main compartment’s space.
The top quick-access 'brain' pocket of the Bellroy Venture Travel Pack 26L showing the internal gusset
Internal organization within this pocket extends further. A liner pocket on the left is suitable for a passport, while the right side features two pen slots. The main partitioned areas are wide enough to accommodate items like a Kindle, though closing the zipper over one can be a bit tight.
Cleverly hidden just below the seam of the “brain” compartment is another zippered pocket. Its purpose? Initially, we thought it was just a subtly placed, tight drop pocket. It actually contains a folded 15-liter tote bag made from ripstop fabric. It’s a simple, no-frills tote intended for carrying extra items. Bellroy explicitly suggests it for “overflow,” like souvenirs bought at the end of a trip when primary packing space is exhausted – a thoughtful and practical addition.
Hidden zippered pocket on the Bellroy Venture Travel Pack 26L containing the included 15L tote bag
Alternatively, if the tote isn’t needed, this hidden pocket serves as a secure place for important documents like a passport or cash, given its discreet location and secure closure. The zipper is self-locking, preventing accidental opening when the pull tab is folded down.
On the left side of the bag is a water bottle pocket, uniquely designed with a zipper closure. This aligns with Bellroy’s emphasis on clean aesthetics and symmetry; a traditional open mesh pocket might disrupt the sleek lines. The zippered pocket is quite spacious internally, though it does have capacity limits. For instance, a 24-ounce Owala bottle fits snugly, and taller bottles would press against the zipper.
Zippered water bottle pocket on the Bellroy Venture Travel Pack 26L with a 24oz bottle inside, showing tight fit
Admittedly, this zippered style isn’t our preferred design for a water bottle pocket due to the need for quick access to hydration. Unzipping it each time is inconvenient, especially while wearing the backpack on the go. Furthermore, the clean look comes at the cost of internal space, as the pocket bulges into the main compartment.
On the opposite side, there’s another quick-access pocket. This one lacks internal organization, meaning contents tend to settle at the bottom. Disappointingly, the key leash inside is also long enough for keys to sink to the base even when attached. However, the paracord leash itself feels more substantial and higher quality than the ribbon-style leashes sometimes used by Bellroy.
Quick-access zippered pocket on the Bellroy Venture Travel Pack 26L showing deep storage and key leash
The entire front panel of the bag can be fully opened by unzipping completely around the perimeter. This wide, peel-away access is highly beneficial when packing larger items or organizing with packing cubes and pouches within the main compartment. For everyday use, however, partially unzipping just below the brain compartment’s seam provides a top-loader style opening, which is perfectly adequate for quickly retrieving items while moving.
Inside the main compartment, further organization options are available. Far from being a basic bucket space, the front side features two zippered mesh pockets. We found the lower one useful for smaller clothing items like socks and underwear, while the upper one was convenient for tech accessories due to easier reach. An additional zippered mesh pocket is located on the right side, suitable for accessories like a packable hat, buff, or gloves.
Main compartment of the Bellroy Venture Travel Pack 26L fully open, revealing internal mesh organization pockets
At the back of the main compartment is a laptop sleeve capable of holding a 16-inch MacBook Pro. While we often prefer a separate laptop compartment on larger backpacks to avoid interference from other packed items, the main compartment’s wide opening makes access relatively easy, minimizing this concern. Directly in front of the laptop sleeve is a document sleeve, which can be used for a tablet or even a travel keyboard for those needing extra workspace on the go.
The overall 26-liter volume isn’t exceptionally large, positioning it more as a backpack for weekend trips or extended day trips rather than a direct substitute for rolling luggage. Nevertheless, strategic packing, including the use of compression cubes, allows for a significant amount of gear to fit, facilitated by the wide main compartment opening. A built-in hold-down strap is a practical addition, helping to compress and secure packed items.
The main compartment of the Bellroy Venture Travel Pack 26L packed with travel gear and packing cubes
A minor drawback of the main compartment is its rounded floor, which causes the bag to tip over easily when attempting to stand it upright. While the rounded shape does provide some extra space, partially compensating for the inward bulge of the water bottle pocket, it is worth noting if bag stability when placed on a surface is a priority for you.
Conclusion
The Bellroy Venture Travel Pack 26L distinguishes itself through thoughtful internal organization and the use of premium materials, despite sharing design cues with other Bellroy bags. Its various pockets, including a dedicated “brain” pocket, hidden tote pocket, and multiple internal mesh compartments, provide ample options for segmenting gear. The build quality is high, featuring durable fabrics and reliable YKK zippers. While the 26-liter capacity is best suited for shorter trips, the ability to open the main compartment wide aids packing efficiency. Considerations include the non-standard zippered water bottle pocket design and the bag’s tendency to tip when placed on its base. Ultimately, the Bellroy Venture Travel Pack 26L is a well-crafted and highly organized option for travelers seeking a comfortable and capable carry-on sized backpack.
