I don't have the classic but do have the mini.
To me the advantages of the mini are it'll pack into a satchel type day bag, having said that though I find it great at carving bowls and spoon blanks I find myself reaching for my small forest axe more often than not as the longer handle isn't that big a problem to choke when roughing out and lends itself to better firewood prep with the longer reach. As you say it's just a case of swapping the side satchel for a backpack which is also more usefull to cart home the blanks ready for finishing.
Just my 2p, hope it helps