The Bellroy Classic Backpack has been a constant companion of mine over the past five years. It’s been with me pretty much everywhere across the US, and it’s got the wear to prove it. Despite the beating it’s taken in all that time, it’s holding up strong to this day and I still trust it 100% to keep my iPad + daily essentials safe everywhere I go.

But I gotta say man, their new “Via” Backpack has me looking like the distracted boyfriend meme.

Similar to the Classic model, the Via is a well-made, commuter-friendly pack that sports a clean, minimalist look and offers maximum comfort for all-day wear. However, one area where they definitely improved with the Via is the new drop-down front panel that gives you easier access to the internal mesh zip pocket:

If you look closely, you’ll see they designed that pocket to open at a diagonal, so no matter if you have the front panel upright or folded down, the contents stay contained within the mesh as you unzip it. Pretty clever.

Aside from that, you’ve got the standard internal 16″ padded laptop sleeve, a built-in key clip, an external pocket up top (pictured below) for sunglasses or “secret stash” stuff, water-resistant zippers and fabric (made from 100% recycled materials!), padded shoulder straps, a rolled-edge webbing grab handle, and a contoured padded back panel.

Get this handsome and budget-friendly minimalist commuter for $129 on Amazon in your choice of Navy, Black, “Saltbush” (white/cream), or “Slate” (dark grey).

Posted By Chris Gonzales