Bellroy Lite Belt Bag Review

Bellroy is continuing to release ‘Lite’ gear using lightweight materials that won’t bog you down as much while traveling. Though there isn’t a non-Lite version of this sling, there are a few that we can compare it to, most notably the Venture Hip Pack (1.5L) and the popular lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag (1L). Will the materials and weight of the Bellroy Lite Belt Bag make this a worthy travel companion, or will we be left wanting more space to stow gear? Let’s find out.

External Components

At the time of writing, there are three materials to choose from when selecting your sling: Dura Lite Nylon, Dura Lite Ripstop, and Diamond Ripstop. We have the Dura Lite Ripstop model on hand, which has a unique checkerboard colorway that we dig. All three utilize recycled materials and are leather-free, which is a good shout, sustainability-wise. The materials are durable, lightweight, and highly water resistant. In a light rain, don’t think twice. If it’s pouring, you (and your gear) will survive for a while, but it’s best to head for cover if the weather outlook doesn’t look good.

The zippers are from YKK, one of the best brands in the business regarding zippered closures. The track has a PU coating, which helps keep water out of the main compartment and away from your gear. The pull on the main compartment is simple but effective and purple, which is fun. Tabs on either end of the track assist you in opening and closing the zipper and can be used to lock it in place when closed.

The buckle on the strap is magnetic and crafted by Woojin. We have a ton of experience with these and have found them to be some of the best non-standard closures in the business. If you haven’t used the magnets before, they take some getting used to, but they rarely pop open when you don’t want them to. We’ve had no issues with this particular copy, which is a good shout. The placement of the buckle close to the bag makes it so that it won’t rest on your back when you’re wearing a backpack with the sling, which shows Bellroy’s close attention to detail when designing their bags.

Depending on how you wear it, this can impact range-of-motion issues for some users. Our primary tester has problems with flexibility in their right arm, and when the sling is on your front, it can be challenging for them to get to the buckle to undo it, as it’s on your left shoulder. Sometimes, lifting the sling over your head is easier, but that isn’t always possible. This issue won’t be a problem for the general public, but it is worth noting for anyone with arm or shoulder injuries.

All in all, there isn’t a ton going on around the exterior of the Bellroy Lite Belt Bag. There’s a logo on the front, which stands out but is small and looks sleek. The letters are raised, which is fun to run your fingers over.

Fit Notes

The back panel lacks padding and aeration; however, that doesn’t mean it isn’t comfortable. It’s a small enough sling that it doesn’t need much, though a lack of breathability will cause sweat on warmer days. Even completely packed out, the sling’s 1.8-liter capacity isn’t enough to cause much discomfort due to a lack of padding. We wouldn’t have minded if it were there, but we don’t miss it much, either.

Whatever you stow inside the sling’s back pocket becomes the back panel, so it’s essential not to place strangely-shaped items here. Think a passport or a phone, not a bouncy ball or giant jawbreaker candy.

The strap lacks padding or aeration, but we feel similarly about that as we do the back panel. You simply can’t fit enough gear inside the sling for it to matter. The strap is soft and comfortable on your skin, and there’s a strap keeper to ensure that everything stays organized. The small elastic piece has grippy material inside, so it doesn’t slide around. This makes it harder to adjust, but helpful once you get the strap at a length that works for your body.

When completely packed out with heavy gear (think tech), you may experience the strap digging in slightly. Though it isn’t ideal, it isn’t enough reason not to use the sling.

Inside The Sling

There are just two compartments; however, for a 1.8L sling, that’s not half bad.

The back pocket has a standard pull, which is handy, as you don’t feel it against your body while wearing the sling. There’s no organization inside here, but we prefer it that way. It is a solid place to stow your phone, wallet, passport, folded map, or other flat items that won’t make you uncomfortable pushing through the back panel. As mentioned, we wouldn’t place any non-flat gear here, as it’ll push into you while you’re wearing the sling.

The main compartment doesn’t have much going on, though it has some organization. First up is a key leash, which is handy for people constantly misplacing one of the most essential things in their lives. It’s long enough to reach outside the pocket but not long enough to reach all kinds of door locks. It can get tangled under your gear, which can be frustrating, but it does its job. The clip is plastic and easy to use, which is a nice feature, though we worry about its long-term durability.

On the front side, there’s a mesh pocket with two openings. The one on the left is larger than the right so that you can stash larger items through this opening. The design reminds us of a one-strapped wrestling singlet a la Frank Reynolds in “The Gang Wrestles for the Troops.” “Always Sunny” references aside, this pocket is a solid spot to stow smaller gear, like headphones or other small tech. There isn’t much room inside the compartment, but finding gear here is easier than in the rest of the space, as there isn’t as much space to comb.

With no other organization, everything else is yours to work with. You can’t fit a ton of gear here, but you can fit your daily essentials or enough for a side mission, like a GoPro, point-and-shoot camera, small battery bank, charging cables, etc.

The Bellroy Lite Belt Bag is a solid option for travelers who want just a smidge more room than is available in slings like the Venture Hip Pack, Moment MTW Mini Fanny Sling, and the lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag. This will likely only mean a single extra piece of gear or the ability to bring your full-size battery bank; however, for some travelers, that might be all you need.