Is the Bellroy Totepack a travel game changer? We put it to the test

When you’re commuting for work or traveling on a short trip, having a reliable backpack can make all the difference.

After scouring the web in our search for a classic backpack we could call our own, we came across the perfect option: The Tokyo Totepack.

With a roomy capacity, innovative design and comfortable fit, it has a lot to offer. So, we wanted to put it to the test.

But did it live up to its expectations? Read on to find out!

Read more: Top backpacks for short and long getaways

We tested it

Tokyo Totepack

$199

$199 at Bellroy

$199 at Amazon

Specifications

• Material: Recycled fabric

• Capacity: 20 L

• Weight: 850 g

Pros & Cons

• Padded laptop sleeve

• Water-resistant fabric

• Fits laptops up to 15 inches

• On the pricey side

Referred to as a ‘subtle chameleon’, this piece of travel gear from Bellroy combines the best of both worlds: a tote bag and a backpack in one.

The result?

A versatile accessory that provides two carry modes and offers a host of features, all while maintaining a sleek and compact design.

So, if you’ve ever been stuck between a tote bag and a backpack, this just might be your next must-have accessory.

First impressions of the totepack

The first thing we noticed about the bag was its overall appearance. 

It has the stylish look of a tote bag with all the functional features you would expect from a backpack.

A classic warm gray colorway, soft webbed handles that are both secure and comfortable, ample interior and exterior pockets and a dedicated electronic compartment are just a few of the great features included with this bag.

When holding the bag, we also noticed that it has a slim frame that appears to hold its shape well when empty. While this does add a little bit of weight to the bag, it comes in useful for easy packing, protecting your contents from crushing and maintaining the bag's shape over time. So, we think it’s worth the tiniest bit of extra weight!

But what really stood out was how it strikes the perfect balance between casual and professional, making it an appropriate bag for all kinds of occasions. Whether it’s for business or leisure, it delivers.

In short, this bag is proof you don’t need to compromise on style for function — it has both in spades.

Design and features 

When it comes to a good backpack, ergonomics, function and practicality are all crucial ingredients. To see if the Bellroy backpack meets this criteria, we took a deep dive into its components.

Capacity

Featuring a 20-litre capacity, this backpack is more of a medium-sized bag, making it ideal for carrying daily, short trips or personal use. 

Shape-wise, it has a slim body with a deep interior that can carry smaller and larger items without causing your contents to crush inside or bulge outward. It’s pretty common for people to shy away from backpacks due to their typically bulky appearance; so, this sleek design was a nice touch. 

To see what could fit in the bag, we placed a 15-inch laptop inside a thick case, a flask with hot tea, a notebook, an umbrella, a water bottle, some snacks, as well as smaller items such as lip gloss and travel-sized hair brush inside it.  

The result?

Good news: Everything was neatly packed inside, the bag was easy to zip up, and most importantly, nothing was crushed or destroyed in the process, so we gave it a big thumbs up!

Comfort

The totepack was surprisingly comfortable to use, especially when compared to other travel accessories we’ve used in the past.

With other standard backpacks, the straps had to be adjusted continuously while walking, which was frustrating, especially when in a hurry. 

However, with the totepack, the padded straps made a noticeable difference. They stayed in place, sat comfortably on our shoulders and didn't feel heavy, even when fully loaded.

Now, that’s a BIG WIN for commuters. 

Function

This bag packs A LOT of features. To cut to the chase, here’s a quick rundown of its main components:

• Padded laptop sleeve for devices up to 16 inches

• Pop pockets for bottles, shoes or an umbrella 

• Padded shoulder straps that tuck away

• Vertical exterior pockets for easy access when on the go

• Nylon tote handles for comfort in hand

• Internal pockets for easy and quick organization 

Among their many features, there were a few that really stood out for us.

Its convertible nature (its key selling point) offers a great deal of flexibility when you're on the go, as you can choose from two different carry modes according to your comfort and convenience.

Plus, as a commuter who has experienced the much-dreaded accidental water spill in their bag, we also appreciate its innovative internal pockets for organization.

Together, its pop pockets and dedicated laptop sleeve are perfect for separating liquids from electronics such as laptops, tablets and phones.  

In terms of practicality, convenience and peace of mind, it delivers.

Price point

Currently available for $199, this toteback is on the more expensive side of travel accessories.

Having said that, with its level of comfort, durable construction, and selection of functional and practical features, all of which are backed by a three-year warranty, this bag should stand the test of time.

So, if you’re someone who regularly travels or commutes to work and needs an all-purpose backpack that you can count on for every kind of journey, this pick is a great investment.

Now, the big one — Does it pass the commute test?

To test the bag to its full potential, we carried it on our way to work which involved a journey of one bus and two trains during peak traffic periods.

Did it survive the journey? YES! 

With a full backpack and a long journey ahead, the travel accessory was quite comfortable to wear for up to over an hour and did not cause us any discomfort.

It contained all the essential items for the day, including a 15-inch Macbook laptop, charger, water bottle, hot flask, a notebook and some snacks, all of which fit neatly inside the bag without any building up or leaking.

We especially appreciated that we could easily switch from wearing it on our back to carrying it as a tote bag, especially when on a packed train. 

So, is the Bellroy backpack worth it?

Absolutely!

As a first-time user of a totepack bag, we can safely say that it made our commute a lot easier and more comfortable, which can make a huge difference in setting the tone for the day.

So, if you’re on the lookout for a backpack that is stylish, comfortable and practical, the Tokyo Totepack is certainly worth considering.

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Prices updated on 01/30/2023. We are not responsible for any changes to the prices mentioned above.