Bellroy Melbourne Backpack (18L) Review (1 Week of Use)

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[@maxwellhallel]

This is why I love that y'all do real-world testing over 2+ weeks. I've seen two other reviews from places that I can tell don't, and neither of them talked about the magnet issue - and that makes sense, because it wouldn't be readily apparent unless you're actually using it.
Kind of like you said too, I'm surprised this didn't come up in Bellroy's own testing (maybe they didn't have as much because of COVID?); it feels out of character for them to mess up on something so big.

[@lgear]

I bought one of these today, it arrived just in time for a trip. Lucky me. I packed some shoes, a shirt, laptop and notepad and it was unusable, kept popping open. Kept emptying more and more things until it was a laptop and a toothbrush and still popping open. Ended up having to quickly dump my neatly prepared stuff into another bag to make a train... not happy

[@misstubbie1313]

Hi, my two cents. I just purchased the Compact 12L version, and after one week of use by me, it has yet to open accidentally. Granted, I don't carry a LOT of stuff nor do I pack it all the way to the top. My theory is that since it is slightly narrow, the magnets are more closely placed, therefore making the whole upper flap more tightly closed. That's an explanation I came up with anyway

[@PackHacker2]

Thanks for sharing your detailed insights 😃
-Eric

[@CeeMKE]

Nice looking bag but I need more security in my bags. Anyone can just come along and flip that top open and peek/reach inside. Should have put a zipper under that flap so it would keep things from falling out when those magnets fail and gives one extra layer of security for quick pick pockets

[@retrovelcro]

I like how you say 'Melbourne' like an Aussie. Too bad the magnets aren't grippy enough. Dig the look of this one.

[@georgesgurescu163]

I have the same exact problem and Bellroy said that I should carry less in the backpack.. I guess that's what they meant by "surprising storage" on their website..
Highly disappointed.
I hope the next generation has Fid-Lock magnetic snaps to keep it closed like on the Studio backpack..

[@jaredweiman2987]

lol
>Magnets are too weak
>Have you tried carrying less stuff?

[@triplejtrust]

I really really loved this backpack. But the closing mechanism has ruined everything for me as someone who always carries a lot through the day. It’s the most unpractical thing ever...

[@cal7447]

I got the impression that like they've lost their way since the Apex line. Like your beverage crossing that line turning from tasteful to "this is probably good but i can't really tell cause i'm so drunk"

[@hq789]

Love the look of this but obviously it’s not fit for purpose - does anyone know any other bags that look like this but actually work?

[@jaredweiman2987]

I love Bellroy, but their bags really are hit or miss. There's not much in between.

[@gempass]

Would've been a perfect bag if they made the zipper all the way under the flap....

[@kalvin.]

Always choose a bag with zippers. Or a substantial way of securing the opening like a G hook.

[@senpairag88]

I like Cobra buckles.

[@FrantaBina701]

Bellroy, style over function. Big pass on this one.

[@user-ud3yw9dw8j]

really useful - thanks. I won't be buying!

[@PackHacker2]

Thanks for watching! 😃
-Eric

[@joshuachambers9464]

Welp, add this to the list of bags I'd never buy.

[@Robert-lu3wc]

Magnets as closures on your backpack? Yeah, that's a big no from me.

[@RealMuperSan]

Wow, very bad functional problem

[@hazdrinhaziq6253]

First!