Bellroy Melbourne Backpack Navy

Minimalist design +1. Taking a big step from decades of using every day bags with lots of internal organisation and going simple. More people should. So liberating. The amount of comments I've had so far after only 4 days of using the bag is insane. Simply class.

A great professional backpack

I bought this for my spouse. He had used a Booq pack for several years and it was time to purchase a new backpack for work. He wasn’t sure about the colour, but the deep navy was even nicer IRL. Lots of pouches - all well positioned to maximize the storage without it feeling bulky. The magnetic closure on the top makes for easy access (but it’s strong enough that you don’t have to worry about it opening on its own). Overall, he is very very happy with his purchase.

Compact & Sleek

This backpack truly is compact and comfortably holds my laptop, thermos, a few books, and a mini umbrella. It's a good pick for a college student, or someone who travels light. The material is also very sturdy.

Good Minimalist Backpack for Work and School

I purchased this backpack as I will be going back to school.I hate rolltops and the regular zipper backpacks as I don't see the contents of my backpack quickly enough and would need to fish around to find something. I really wanted to get a peak design backpack but they are so expensive so I opted for this as an alternative when it went on sale.It is such a sexy looking backpack. From the pictures, the outside the material looks like felt but it's not. It's just textured (see pictures). I tested out the waterproofing and it won't save you from heavy downpour (but not a lot can anyway) but it will be adequate for light showers and rain.The backpack opens fully as I wanted but only one side has a zipper that opens up. This is not what I expected but I actually ... MoreI purchased this backpack as I will be going back to school.I hate rolltops and the regular zipper backpacks as I don't see the contents of my backpack quickly enough and would need to fish around to find something. I really wanted to get a peak design backpack but they are so expensive so I opted for this as an alternative when it went on sale.It is such a sexy looking backpack. From the pictures, the outside the material looks like felt but it's not. It's just textured (see pictures). I tested out the waterproofing and it won't save you from heavy downpour (but not a lot can anyway) but it will be adequate for light showers and rain.The backpack opens fully as I wanted but only one side has a zipper that opens up. This is not what I expected but I actually really like it. You are still able to see all the contents but since there are less openings, there's less chances of things being pickpocketed (more on this later).A few more things I like are the external waterbottle holder, which can be improved, and the fact that is lighter than it looks.Unfortunately, there are some design flaws. With the convenience of the magnetic closures comes with it some inconveniences.1. You cannot overfill this backpack. Like CANNOT. It won't let you. Otherwise the backpack won't close. And, with 18L, that can be a bit problematic. It quite literally is a minimalist backpack.2. It can be really easy for thieves to open. I have ADHD and am not aware of my surroundings most of the time so this is a bit of a concern for me. It definitely cannot be used as a travel backpack.Another con that isn't a deal breaker is the fact that the waterbottle holder pocket isn't stretchy and when you put a waterbottle, it pushes in instead and takes up space in the main compartment.Overall, I thought the backpack was well worth the price and although there are still somethings that can be improved, I am keeping it because it is what I was looking for.

Great bag

Great bag for the price. Bellroy always has quality products. Minimal and sleek design. Would reccomend.

Just right for work

very well-designed, well-made and comfortable to carry. I have a feeling I will use this for many years. I’m using this for work, for my laptop and some books that I was previously carrying in a tote. It was all too heavy, and now it feels like nothing on my shoulders. I wanted something that also looks nice and not too sporty, and this is perfect.

Pretty nice backpack

This is good one city backpack with a nice quality. But only one thing, its have a kind of weak magnet closure which won’t hold all the stuff in case of falling backpack down or something like that

Superb Backpack

Settled on the compact version of this bag. Comfortable to wear, plenty of inside pockets/compartments, looks very nice. Docked a star for two reasons: (1) the magnetic flap at the top doesn’t fully secure your belongings in the bag - it leaves two gaping holes on the left and right sides unfortunately allowing your things to fall out if the bag is placed on its side or upside down, a tighter seal would have been better; (2) the material of the bag attracts a lot of dust/lint - it’s a cloth-like material as opposed to the glossier, polyester materials used for typical backpacks.

Terrible closure ruins what could be a great pack

The Melbourne has a fatal flaw - it opens at the top at the slightest provocation. The magnetic clasps are so weak that the bag won’t stay closed if it’s more than half full. Even if it stays closed upright, turn the bag upside down or lay it on the side and the bag will deform enough to pop the magnets loose. I can’t imagine wearing this in the city - it’s a pick pocket’s dream.Which is a shame, since there’s a LOT to like about the bag. The side zip makes for quick access to the whole bag, which is great. Combining the top flap and the side zip make it easy to load and see everything within. The bag also has very good organization, and a nice hidden pocket for a wallet or passport. The water bottle pocket is a awesome, too.The fabric is nice too, even though ... MoreThe Melbourne has a fatal flaw - it opens at the top at the slightest provocation. The magnetic clasps are so weak that the bag won’t stay closed if it’s more than half full. Even if it stays closed upright, turn the bag upside down or lay it on the side and the bag will deform enough to pop the magnets loose. I can’t imagine wearing this in the city - it’s a pick pocket’s dream.Which is a shame, since there’s a LOT to like about the bag. The side zip makes for quick access to the whole bag, which is great. Combining the top flap and the side zip make it easy to load and see everything within. The bag also has very good organization, and a nice hidden pocket for a wallet or passport. The water bottle pocket is a awesome, too.The fabric is nice too, even though it might show dirt and lint a little too easily.If they replaced the magnets with something more secure - fidlocks, clasps, a zipper, something - it’d be a great bag, I think. But as is, it’s practically useless.

Trendy laptop backpack!

I bought this cute backpack to carry my laptop and lunch on my in-office days and it is perfect for the job.My only request would be to have the glasses pouch on the right side as opposed to on the left. I keep my work access card in it (and as I'm right handed) naturally take off the left strap first and then swing it over to my right side to reach into the bag. Having the pouch on the left side makes things a bit more cumbersome. Other than that, happy with my purchase!