Bellroy Transit Carry-On Review: Hard Shell Luggage with Organization

In a market of lots of hard shell carry-ons, it is hard to stand out. In this review, I’ll cover if Bellroy’s Transit Carry-On (which also comes in a Plus version, like many of their travel bags) really is different for a few unique features. Just by looking at it, it has a Bellroy-esque charm, and before I got mine, I’d heard murmurings of a few things that make it worth checking out.

Let’s see what the Bellroy Transit Carry-On is doing to take things up a notch from the average carry-on from an average brand.

The Score View detailed breakdown

Bellroy Transit Carry-On

4.35 / 5

Considering the price of the Transit Carry-On, I expected a superior product. Through using this suitcase on a handful of flights, I can attest to the functionality of the dual packing cube and compression system in the inside, which I haven't seen elsewhere.

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Key takeaways from this review

• The Bellroy Transit Carry-On scratches less easily than the competition because of the cool and textured matte finish.
• The interior includes a compression panel and built in packing cubes (that are optional to remove) to help keep items organized, but there are no special exterior pockets or access points.
• The 360-degree spinner wheels roll smoothly and are almost silent, which makes them feel elevated. The handle is unique in that the push button is on the bottom, not the top.
• Bellroy offers warranty coverage and (as Bellroy is a B Corp company) helps make the lifespan of this suitcase longer by offering replacement parts when they may need replacing.
• If you know Bellroy, you know the brand for premium materials, great design and craftsmanship and a commitment to quality. The Transit Carry-On reflects those things, and is a compact travel bag with a few unique touches.

Overview of the Bellroy Transit Carry-On

The Bellroy Transit Carry-On is part of Bellroy’s Transit collection, which focuses on travel essentials designed with thoughtful (and some newfangled) details. The Carry-On is a hard shell suitcase that meets standard airline carry-on dimension requirements. What’s different about it, and which kind of “Bellroy touches” does it include?

The matte textured finish on the Transit Carry-On resists scuffs better than others, which means it looks less beat up in the same amount of time other carry-ons take a beating from being jostled through transit.

It has a strong exterior with a slightly different design than what you’ll find on Away, Quince and Monos. It has nearly-silent 360-degree spinning wheels for superior rolling, and “exposed” telescoping handle with 3 height settings.

Inside, a compression panel with a flat-zip compartment help to maximize space, and the interior layout features a unique dual packing cube system. There are two snap-in built-in packing cubes of a medium and a smaller size, and they’re first-off, removable, and second, useful for compressing other things behind them.

This carry-on is not the most feature-packed suitcase on the market, and nor is it entirely groundbreaking. But, because it’s Bellroy, I know it’s a quality product (and the price reflects this). I think overall, it’s a carry-on for Bellroy superfans and for travelers who like to collect Bellroy products, whether it’s the Venture Sling or the Transit backpacks.

Main pros and cons

Here’s my gist of what’s new and worth looking at, and what you mind find lacking in the Transit Carry-On.

Pros

• Matte polycarbonate finish: The matte and slightly textured finish on the outside helps maintain a scuff-resistant appearance, helping this suitcase look new even when time has gone by.
• Smooth maneuverability: The 360-degree spinner wheels are, true to the name of HINOMOTO Silent Run wheels, nearly silent.
• Thoughtful interior organization: The zipper compression panel for separation and the interesting built-in packing cube compression design is nothing I’ve ever seen before.
• Adjustable handle: The telescoping handle adjusts to 3 comfortable heights for different travelers, and has an exposed look, at the back.
• TSA-approved locks: Combination locks provide security and peace of mind, especially if you need to check the suitcase.
• Quality construction: The materials and build quality match Bellroy’s reputation for thoughtful design and durability.
• Carry handles: The handy mesh-style top and side carry handles are STRONG, and they really work for a full lift, even when the carry-on is packed.

Cons

• No front-access compartment: Unlike some competitors like the LOJEL Cubo Small, there’s no front-access compartment for quick access to laptops or essentials during travel.
• Higher price point: The Transit Carry-On costs more than budget competitors like the Quince Carry-On Hard Shell Suitcase, though it offers new ideas like the built-in packing cubes.
• Limited size options: The standard size is the primary option, and the Plus is the larger version. Neither of them offer actual expandability.
• TSA lock on the side: To keep the minimal look, the TSA locks are on the side, rather than the top, and some travelers may not like this choice.

Have you seen my Bellroy brand review? This gives an overview of which features on the Transit Carry-On are very “Bellroy” and what you can expect in general from buying a Bellroy item.

Best features of the Bellroy Transit Carry-On

I’ll break down the features that stand out and explain why they matter for travel.

Matte and textured polycarbonate exterior

The matte finish is the standout feature for the Transit Carry-On. It has a slight texture, and it’s strong. It’s more solid-feeling (thicker?) than a few other cheaper hard shell carry-ons I’ve used in past years.

It’s not completely scratch-proof, but it hides wear better than glossy finishes. Why does this matter? Well, scratches and scuffs are bound to happen, and if they don’t wipe off, they make a suitcase look bruised and bashed up. With the Transit Carry-On, the exterior is built to hide this type of roughing up.

Smooth-rolling wheels

The 360-degree spinner HINOMOTO Lisof wheels roll smoothly on anything, even if it’s carpet or bad sidewalks in NYC. Inside in the airport, they are nearly silent, so there are no janky wheel sounds.

The wheels feel stable and don’t wobble when the suitcase is fully loaded. This matters when you’re navigating crowded airports or uneven surfaces. The smooth rolling also reduces strain on your arm and shoulder compared to two-wheel designs.

Interior organization

I think this is where the Bellroy Transit Carry-On hits home. The most interesting thing I’ve found about it is the packing cube structure in the inside that I have not seen elsewhere in the carry-on industry.

Basically, the right side (upon opening) features two built-in packing cubes. They are also removable. They hook in with a hook-and-loop style fastening. Both have zippers, and both work to compress what is packed under them, whether it is loose clothing items or more packing cubes that are flatter.

The left side has a zip-around (3/4 of the way) compression pocket, with a zipper pocket on it. This is useful for documents, print-outs or something like a tablet.

Adjustable telescoping handle

The handle adjusts to comfortable heights for different sizes of travelers. It feels solid when extended and doesn’t wobble or feel flimsy. Something specific to this carry-on is that the base of the handle is exposed on the backside, rather than hidden in.

The handle material feels comfortable to grip, even during longer walks through airports and while waiting in a taxi line. The bottom-press release button barely takes getting used to and it’s a nice and refreshing change.

What I don’t like as much

As a frequent carry-on traveler, here is an honest assessment of the limitations and trade-offs that I feel from the Transit Carry-On.

No front-access compartment

Unlike some competitors (Away and Quince), the Transit Carry-On doesn’t have a front-access compartment for quick access to laptops or essentials. This means you need to open the main compartment to access anything like your tech or your tablet. It makes it feel just a dab more basic.

If quick access to tech or documents is important to you, consider alternatives like the LOJEL Cubo Small Carry-On, which has a magnetic front-access compartment designed specifically for laptops and essentials.

Higher price point

The Transit Carry-On costs more than other hard shell carry-ons from popular brands. I think with this Bellroy suitcase, you’re paying for some premium Bellroy features, and those have to matter to you.

You’re paying for the HINOMOTO wheels, the built-in packing cubes, the B Corp status of Bellroy (which is very important to me, personally) and the commitment to quailty through Bellroy’s offer of replacing parts over the years if they break.

If price is your primary concern, options like the Quince Carry-On Hard Shell Suitcase offer similar functionality at a lower price point.

Limited tech protection

This carry-on does not feature any pull-out “tech” pocket, nor any specific laptop cases or sleeves inside. Consider, though, that the fact that it’s more basic inside, and completely durable on the outside, means that your tech inside stays protected through your choice of tech bags for travel and laptop sleeves. Might I even recommend the Bellroy Tech Kit for this purpose?

Dimensions and capacity

The Bellroy Transit Carry-On starts at the 21” size, much like lots of carry-ons I own. This is airline-approved on most of the airlines in the world for carry-on size.

Inside, I can fit packing for a five-day trip or so (or longer, if I am going to be doing laundry). Of course, I’m taking a daypack or personal item on the flight with me as well, and that’s still packing light.

Materials and construction

The Bellroy Transit Carry-On uses a matte polycarbonate hard shell for its casing. This uses 80% recycled materials.

One gripe I have is that the exterior zipper and its zipper casing are only water-resistant, not water-proof. Keep this in mind if you think you may wind up outside with no shelter from a storm.

Care and maintenance

I’ve tried to clean scuffs on carry-ons over the years, and you basically need a scuff remover block or a damp cloth with some soap. Scrub here and there, and you might be able to get scratches off. Deep scratches are something that is just going to have to stick around, though.

The inside lining is not removable, and should be spot-cleaned. Keep this in mind if you plan to carry on or pack anything that has the potential to leak, like wine or other souvenirs.

Warranty information

Two great things about the Transit Carry On and its “Plus” cousin are that a) they benefit from the 10-year Bellroy Warranty and 2) Bellroy offers “Fix-it Kits” that help fix and replace parts on their suitcases, as a standout commitment to sustainability! Instead of EVER trashing your Bellroy Carry-On, commit to fixing it or replacing a single part that can make it work like new.

This is one of my favorite aspects of this Bellroy product, and I think it makes it stand out against the competition. It circles back to Bellroy being a certified B Corp, meaning the company as a whole has a commitment to environmental practices.

Shipping and returns

Bellroy products ship free (check the exact product, but the Transit Carry-On does!) and there are 30-day returns.

Accessories and add-ons

Bellroy makes great accessories! Check out our review of the Bellroy Tech Kit or a backpack to stack on the suitcase handles from the Transit Collection, which indlues all of Bellroy’s best bags for travel.

Who it’s for

The Bellroy Transit Carry-On is a good fit for travelers who:

• Value thoughtful design details (built-in packing cube compression systems) and high quality materials
• Want a hard shell suitcase that resists scratches and scuffs better than others
• Prefer super smooth-rolling wheels and a unique handle
• Don’t need front-access compartments for quick tech access and are happy to use their own laptop sleeve
• Are willing to pay a premium for design and quality

Who it’s not for

The Transit Carry-On might not be the best choice if you:

• Need quick access to laptops or essentials during travel (consider alternatives with front-access compartments)
• Are looking for the lowest price point (budget alternatives offer similar functionality)
• Need expandable capacity for return trips, in which case I’d recommend a Quince carry-on
• Prefer soft-sided luggage with more organizational features

Comparison with similar products

Here's how this product compares to similar options. Use this table to find the best of the bunch!

Here’s how the Transit Carry-On compares to similar products:

Versus LOJEL Cubo Small

The LOJEL Cubo Small offers a front-access magnetic compartment for quick laptop access, which is highly specific to this suitcase, along with the ability to expand. What the Bellroy Transit Carry-On has going for it is the matte finish that resists scratches better.

Versus Quince Carry-On Hard Shell Suitcase

The Quince Carry-On offers similar functionality at a lower price point. Many consider it to be a ‘dupe’ of the Away suitcase. Both use polycarbonate construction and 360-degree spinner wheels. The Bellroy Transit Carry-On’s matte finish is a differentiator, but the Quince offers better value if price is your primary deciding factor.

Versus Away Carry-On

The Away Carry-On is a popular alternative with similar features. The Transit Carry-On’s matte finish resists scratches better than Away’s glossy options, but Away offers more size and color options. Both are well-constructed, so the choice comes down to design preferences and price.

Where to buy

The Bellroy Transit Carry-On is available directly from Bellroy’s website. Check the product page for current availability, color options and shipping information. Some colors are already sold-out!

Bellroy occasionally offers sales, so check the website for current pricing and deals!

Final verdict

The Bellroy Transit Carry-On is a premium carry-on that at first glance doesn’t seem extra special, but the interior organization is the biggest unique finding in my list.

The main trade-offs are the higher price point compared to budget alternatives and the lack of a front-access compartment found on some competitors. Bellroy’s carry-on also does NOT have expansion, and it doesn’t have weatherproofed zippers.

You will probably want it if you are already a fan of Bellroy products, trust that their 10-year warranty will be worth it in the long run and you value that they can provide replacement parts to extend the life of the product.

If you need front-access compartments or are looking for the lowest price, consider alternatives like the LOJEL Cubo Small or Quince Carry-On. But if you want Bellroy’s design touches and a matte finish that maintains its appearance over time, the Transit Carry-On will definintely pack in utility with the compressible packing cube system inside.

Detailed score breakdown

Bellroy Transit Carry-On

4.35 / 5

Considering the price of the Transit Carry-On, I expected a superior product. Through using this suitcase on a handful of flights, I can attest to the functionality of the dual packing cube and compression system in the inside, which I haven't seen elsewhere.

Maneuverability & handling

90%

Excellent ease of use with smooth-rolling 360-degree spinner wheels that glide nicely, even on carpet and sidewalks. Overall, the wheels are one of the smoother types I've used in luggage, and the suitcase has good balance, even when packed half-full.

Organization & access speed

88%

Good organization with compression panels and interior pockets that help store small things I don't want to lose. Accessing anything in the suitcase interior requires opening up the entire thing.

Materials & build quality

92%

Bellroy promises quality, and this carry-on matches my expectation. The hard shell exterior casing is more "satiny" than other suitcases I'd compare it to, and scratches don't show up too overtly.

Weather resistance

86%

The exterior hard shell keeps everything inside dry, as you'd expect, which helps protect against any rain. I want to note, though, that the outside zippers are not weatherproofed (rather, they are water resistant).

Tech pocket & external access

76%

There's basic protection for tech items inside, but I'd recommend using first, a tech case, and second, a padded laptop sleeve, to give proper protection to expensive work equipment or photography products. No dedicated laptop sleeve.

Handle & wheel quality

90%

Good carry options with 360-degree spinner wheels, telescoping handle and top and side carry handles. The wheels roll smoothly and the handle adjusts to comfortable heights for different users.

Capacity & packing efficiency

90%

Good packability that meets standard airline carry-on requirements. I pack it using the compression panels, which help maximize space, and that's after putting in my set of packing cubes.

Versatility for different trip types

86%

Versatile carry-on that works for short trips and is chic for business travel. The matte finish resists scuff marks more effectively than suitcases from cheaper brands, and the minimal design means it's not going to have a look that goes out of style.

Overall value for price

80%

It's clear that Bellroy's thoughtful design touches and quality materials make this carry-on worth its price. It's a solid investment for travelers who want a chic and minimal carry-on with a promise of durability, and a suitcase worthy of business travel use.

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