Bellroy Lite Carry-On Review: Backpack Vibes, Luggage Moves

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Bellroy Lite Carry-On Review: Traveling light—in style and footprint

Unboxing: The start of your journey

Like the most unforgettable trips, the Bellroy Lite Carry-On arrives with a quiet thrill of anticipation. Nestled in a branded box embossed with Bellroy’s minimalist logo—a subtle nod to its Aussie roots—unboxing it feels like the first step of a bold new journey.

The box reads, ‘Designed in Melbourne, Australia. Made to be carried all over the world,’ hinting at the adventures ahead. This carry-on feels as ready for the road as I am.

Materials & craftsmanship: Built for the long-haul

Reliable and relaxed: It’s soft where it counts, and tough where it matters. 

Let’s clear something up right away: not all soft-sided luggage is created equal.

Some feel like fabric-wrapped hard shells, stiff and structured. Others, like the Bellroy Lite Carry-On, embrace a lightweight, backpack-like style.

Inspired by Bellroy’s Lite line, this bag is malleable, compressible, and forgiving. I’ve squeezed it into narrow train racks, stuffed it into tiny storage spaces, and packed it tight without resistance. It’s like the wheeled cousin of that trusty backpack you’ve hauled everywhere for years.

Given the ‘Lite’ in its name, we had high expectations for this carry-on’s lightweight design.

And it delivers.

At just 2.1 kg, the Bellroy Lite Carry-On is among the lightest rolling bags I’ve tested. The outer shell, made from 100% recycled ripstop nylon (mine in sleek black), feels thin—but not fragile. It has that subtle toughness, like high-end outdoor gear. The recycled polyester lining, crafted from recycled plastic water bottles, feels light but long-lasting.

The YKK zippers keep the mechanism dry and prevent water from sneaking into the main compartment. While the base panel’s abrasion-resistant coating laughs off curbside scuffs.

While the shell is soft, the wheels are anything but delicate.

Inspired by inline skates, their large circumference and rubber construction promise agility and impact resistance.

I rolled this bag across cracked pavements and cobblestones with zero complaints. 

Aesthetic & design: Like your favorite backpack… on wheels

It’s a roller bag, yes—but at first glance, it looks like a slightly oversized day backpack without straps. 

Bellroy’s design philosophy strips away the unnecessary while obsessing over what matters, and the Lite Carry-On is no exception.

Its soft, slouchy silhouette feels approachable—more “weekend escape” than “corporate boardroom.” No gloss, no rigid shell, no flashy logos, just clean lines and understated style in three shades: Black, Ash (light grey), and Clay (terracotta).

The design is low-key and laid-back. It’s relaxed without feeling overly outdoorsy, but it’s not for everyone. Heading to a luxury hotel or client meeting? Its casual aesthetic might seem too laid-back. Need to protect delicate gear? The soft shell offers less structure than hard-sided options. But for versatile, modern travelers, this bag’s easygoing energy hits the mark.

Functionality: Travel light, roll smooth

Soft, flexible, and agile, the Lite Carry-On is perfect for fast, light travel. No wrestling with rigid rollers here—it slips into train bins, cabs, and overhead compartments with ease. 

It is durable, flexes with your journey and still holds its own.

The two-wheel design needs a bit more guidance than a four-wheeler, stopping when tilted vertical. 

But those inline-skate-inspired wheels? 

Absolute champs.

They’re surprisingly smooth and sturdy, the kind that make you forget you’re pulling a bag at all. They glided over airport escalators, cracked sidewalks, and cobblestones like a dream.

The custom-designed telescopic handle feels ergonomic, with a smooth shape and an underside button that’s easy to press. It locks at three heights, suiting petite and tall travelers alike.

It retracts into a zipped section for a sleek profile, keeping things snag-free in storage.

Top and side carry handles make lifting effortless, though they aren’t the most comfortable for longer carries.

Compact but capable—you’ll be surprised what fits.

With a 38L packing capacity and volume (510 × 345 × 230 mm, including wheels), it’s carry-on compliant for most airlines (but it’s always better to double check specific airlines rules). It fits enough for a few days’ worth of clothes, tech, and essentials, while its compressibility is a game-changer for tight spaces.

There’s plenty of easy access without needing to open the whole bag.

An external pocket provides quick access to passports, phones, or boarding passes, while a key clip keeps keys secure and easy to find.

One small catch: The external pocket shares space with the internal liner pocket, so overpacking can cause a bulge. 

Inside, the Lite Carry-On is a masterclass in organization without overcomplicating things.

The main compartment opens suitcase-style, with the right side offering deep packing space and the left acting as a lid with smart segmentation. 

The internal packing cells and large drop-in section make it easy to play Tetris with your gear, keeping everything exactly where you left it.

A shallow liner pocket is perfect for cables, chargers, or underwear you don’t want flashing at security. Below it, a mesh pocket handles socks, tees, or anything you want visible at a glance. 

There is a dedicated flat-item section for rummage-free access to your laptop through security. It fits my 15-inch MacBook Pro without a protective sleeve, but IMO the lack of padding in a soft-shell bag feels risky.

The base is structured and stable. A rest bar doubles as a lower grab handle, letting the bag stand upright on its own with a sturdy, grounded feel.

Who is it best for: Easy-going, eco-conscious explorers

This bag isn’t for hard-shell loyalists who rely on the rugged protection of polycarbonate rollers or the smooth glide of four-wheel spinners—Bellroy’s hard-sided options are better suited for that. The Lite Carry-On is made for seasoned travelers who value lightweight gear, flexible space-saving design, and a more relaxed style. Whether you’re off on a spontaneous weekend getaway or navigating a multi-city itinerary, it flexes with your plans.

Care & maintenance: Keeping it road-ready

I like this kind of bag—the kind you don’t need to baby. It’s built for the road, ready to handle whatever comes its way. Give it a quick refresh, and it’s good to go, again and again.

To care for your Bellroy Lite Carry-On, wipe mild marks with a damp cloth. For stubborn stains, use dishwashing liquid—avoid powder detergents, fabric softeners, or bleach. Never apply soap directly; dissolve it in water first, then gently work it into the stain with a damp cloth or sponge, being careful not to rub too hard to protect the water-repellent coating. Finish by wiping thoroughly with a clean, damp cloth to remove all detergent residue, repeating if needed to preserve the fabric’s performance.

Price

At $269 USD, the Lite Carry-On isn’t exactly a budget find—but I get what I’m paying for.

The materials are premium and recycled, the design is smart, and Bellroy’s build quality speaks for itself.

It skips the bells and whistles; it has what I need, nothing I don’t. And that’s worth something. 

What really sets it apart for me is the self-repair mindset. The wheels and telescopic handle—those high-wear parts—are actually designed to be easily fixed at home.

Bellroy’s Fix-it Kits let you swap them in under 10 minutes. I haven’t had to replace anything yet—the bag’s still relatively new—but that’s the idea, and I like knowing the option’s there. It’s a rare feature in luggage, and it speaks to Bellroy’s commitment to creating a travel companion for the long haul.

Alternatives: Explore more travel companions

More from Bellroy

If you’re after something sleeker and with a bit more structure, the Bellroy Transit Carry-On might be more your style. It’s a hard-shell case that’s built for smooth, quiet travel—seriously, those wheels glide like a dream. The shell’s made from 80% recycled polycarbonate and has reinforced bumpers, so it can take a few knocks without stressing you out. You can learn more in the Bellroy Transit Carry-On review.

Prefer to travel light—literally? The Bellroy Lite Travel Pack (30L) keeps the same easygoing, eco-friendly vibe as the Lite Carry-On, just without the wheels. It’s great when you want to stay agile and hands-free, whether you’re navigating busy streets or hopping on a train.

Horizn Studios

If sleek and sustainable is your thing, Horizn Studios might be worth a look. They’re based in Berlin and all about 100% vegan materials and thoughtful design. Their luggage feels solid, looks sharp, and is built to last—with a lifetime warranty to back it up. I love that they focus on repair and circularity too, so your bag stays in rotation, not in a landfill.

We have a dedicated Horizn Studios H2 Essential review if you want to learn more.

Where to buy Bellroy Lite Carry-On?

You can grab the Bellroy Lite Carry-On directly from the brand’s official website—it’s the best place to check out all the color options, current pricing, and their full travel lineup. If you’re into smart, travel-ready EDC gear, it’s definitely worth a scroll.