Bellroy Transit Carry-On Review: Sustainable, Silent, and Sleek

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Bellroy Transit Carry-On Review: The sleek simplicity of a silent spinner

Confession time: I’m Team Hard-Shell, hooked on the sturdy, crush-proof protection that keeps my belongings safe. But I get the soft shell appeal, too—those flexible bags that let you stuff in just one more souvenir or squeeze into a tight overhead bin or storage space. 

Either way, finding a carry-on that perfectly balances durability, style, and function can feel like picking your next adventure from a world map. 

But don’t worry—I’ve done the legwork, testing and digging deep so you can focus on chasing horizons.

Unboxing: The first leg of an adventure

Like any unforgettable trip, the anticipation for the Bellroy Lite Carry-On builds the moment it arrives at my doorstep. 

The bag is delivered in a branded mailbox, embossed with Bellroy’s minimalist logo nodding to the brand’s Aussie roots. The tagline “Designed in Melbourne, Australia. Made to be carried all over the world.” speaks to my wanderlust, sparking excitement for the many journeys ahead.

Materials & craftsmanship: Sustainable strength in motion

When it comes to lightweight hard shell carry-ons, polycarbonate reigns supreme—but Bellroy is known to go the extra miles when it comes to materials.

The Transit Carry-On boasts a matte polycarbonate shell crafted from 80% post-consumer recycled material, striking a balance between durability and eco-consciousness.

Paired with a recycled polyester ripstop lining, it’s a nod to sustainability that resonates with conscious travelers who care about the planet as much as their packing list.

A handle on smooth travel…

When it comes to handling the small details of travel, Bellroy has a soft side. Forget flimsy plastic grips; the bag’s woven grab handles, on the top and side, are a tactile treat—soft yet sturdy, they turn hoisting the bag into an overhead bin or pulling it out of a car trunk into a moment of unexpected luxury. Made from a blend of recycled nylon and polyester, they feel much more comfortable to grip than the handles on most other carry-ons I’ve tested.

Aesthetic & design: The journey shines in subtle details

Available in four chic shades—Black, Chalk (white), Everglade (teal green), and Bronze—the Transit Carry-On is a masterclass in minimalist design. Its clean lines and matte finish exude quiet confidence, though it’s not trying to steal the spotlight. I wouldn’t say it is a standout design, but its simplicity makes it an easy choice.

Bellroy’s decision to forgo exterior pockets keeps the silhouette streamlined, encouraging you to pair it with a stylish sling or daypack for quick-grab essentials. The real design hero, though, is the impact bumpers. These curved reinforcements along the top and edges aren’t just functional (they prevent the cracks that plague lesser hardshells), they add a subtle, sculptural flair. Once you know their purpose, they’re less of a quirk and more of a quiet flex.

The exposed telescoping handle frame on the back might raise an eyebrow among fans of sleeker hardshells, but it adds a distinctive edge that sets it apart from the crowd.

It’s the kind of luggage that wouldn’t look out of place rolling through the most luxurious airport lounges or tucked under a coworking desk.

Functionality: Ready to roll with smooth, modern maneuverability

Let’s be real: navigating a bustling airport or dodging slow walkers on a city sidewalk is a test of patience. The Transit Carry-On makes it feel like a breeze with its effortless multi-directional maneuverability.

The wheels whisper and that is music to my ears.

Its four HINOMOTO Lisof® Silent Run wheels—coveted in the luggage world for their smooth, soundless ride—glide effortlessly across narrow airplane aisles, carpeted areas of airports, and hotel hallways and even uneven European cobblestones (yes, I tested them on the charmingly bumpy streets of Bruges, Belgium). These 360-degree spinners are primarily designed for the smoother terrain of urban environments, though. So if you’re tackling rugged terrain for miles, a two-wheeled softshell or backpack might be a better bet.

The custom-designed telescopic handle, with its push-button mechanism and three lockable height settings, adjusts to your stride—whether you’re statuesque or petite. I’m 1.67m (5’6″) and find the middle setting perfectly comfortable.

It is relatively lightweight yet packs a punch.

At 3.1kg (6.8lbs), it’s not the lightest hardshell I have tested (Horizn Studios’ H5 Essential takes that crown), but it’s still nimble enough to keep you moving without breaking a sweat. Every gram counts when you’re dodging airline weight limits, and this bag leaves plenty of room for your overpacking tendencies.

With a 34L capacity, it’s sized to fit most international carry-on restrictions, sliding neatly into overhead bins. (Pro tip: always check your airline’s website to avoid a last-minute gate-check surprise.) 

For those needing a bit more space, the Transit Carry-On Plus stretches capacity for more generous airline limits but may not pass muster with stricter budget carriers.

Replaceable parts for an irreplaceable travel companion.

What sets this carry-on apart is its commitment to longevity. Bellroy’s Fix-it Kits let you replace wheels, handles, locks, or packing cells in under 10 minutes—a rarity in the world of carry-ons. This repairability not only extends the bag’s life but also aligns with its eco-friendly ethos. While I haven’t tested the kits myself (the bag’s too new!), this feature is a game-changer for travelers who want a bag that grows with them.

What fits inside

The Transit Carry-On opens clamshell-style, lying flat for easy packing. Each side is exactly half of the carry-on with internal organization that’s part permanent, part portable.

The back half of the bag features Bellroy’s signature “packing cells”—removable packaging cubes (one small, one large)—secured with toggle attachments, acting as dividers to keep clothes and essentials organized.

It’s a thoughtful—if mildly gimmicky—departure from standard compression straps or mesh panels, but it could have gone a step further with hanging cubes for use in hotel rooms.

The cubes maximize structure, but if you’re a Tetris-level packer, they can eat up space unless used strategically.

The other side offers a spacious mesh drop-in zone and a zipped sleeve perfect for a laptop or flat items.

It’s a versatile setup that caters to both the hyper-organized and the “just toss it in” crowd, though overpackers might wish for a touch more flexibility. 

For those who prefer to maximize every inch of space, it would have been nice to have a backup divider when not using the built-in packing cells.

Care & maintenance: Built to endure, easy to refresh

Maintaining the Transit Carry-On is a breeze. Wipe down the polycarbonate shell with a damp cloth to keep it looking sharp, and spot-clean the woven handles and lining as needed. The water-resistant zipper and durable materials mean it can handle the occasional spill or drizzle without fuss.

Price

It’s not cheap, but it’s also not extravagantly priced like some designer-label luggage with half the functionality.

At USD $299, the Transit Carry-On strikes a sweet spot between quality and affordability. 

It’s backed by a 10-year warranty covering material and workmanship faults under normal use—solid, though not quite the lifetime coverage some brands offer. The replaceable parts, however, add value, ensuring this bag can roll through years of adventures without breaking the bank (or your heart).

Alternatives: More travel companions

We’ve shortlisted two viable alternatives to the Bellroy Transit Carry-On if you’re looking for something else.

Horizn Studios

For a lighter hard-shell companion, explore the Horizn Studios H5 Essential. This Berlin-crafted carry-on, made with 100% vegan polycarbonate, blends sleek durability with eco-conscious design, offering smooth four-wheel maneuverability and a lifetime warranty.

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

Bellroy

If you prefer a soft-sided, two-wheel option, Bellroy’s Lite Carry-On is a more relaxed yet equally travel-savvy cabin bag. Its recycled ripstop nylon exterior and water-resistant finish make it a lightweight, eco-friendly alternative, perfect for minimalist adventurers navigating urban journeys.

Check our hands-on Bellroy Lite Carry-On review to see how they compare.

Where to buy the Bellroy Transit Carry-On?

The Bellroy Transit Carry-On is available on Bellroy’s official website, on Amazon and select retailers. Buying direct from the brand however ensures you’re getting the latest colors and the full range of support.