Last updated: 25 June 2023
As frequent weekend travellers we’re always searching for the perfect bag. Lately I’ve been looking for something that will suit a dual purpose. Forgoing a hard carry case and replacing it with lightweight cabin luggage in a backpack-style bag that could double as a day pack. Enter CabinZero.
They kindly sent us a bag to road test throughout our recent adventures around the globe. I opted for a navy Classic 44L which is unisex in both colour and style. That way, I don’t have to carry it all the time 😉
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Look, Feel & Function
CabinZero have gone to a lot of effort in their R&D when designing this range. A functional rectangle shape and the size, measuring 51 x 36 x 19 cm, it’s perfectly compliant with those pesky budget airline restrictions on cabin luggage.
Our CabinZero has YKK zippers running end to end, meaning the bag opens like a suitcase, making it super easy to access your gear and find things at the bottom of your bag without having to pull everything out. These zips can also be easily secured with a lock (not included) for added security.
The feature of a zippered pocket on the outside is ideal for airport security. Large enough to take an iPad and your plastic bag of toiletries, this means quick and easy access to your items at the security queue. Always helpful for those last minute packing moments when you realise that you’ve forgotten to pack something. If this is you then you might be interested in our post on the essential items that you always forget when packing.
All CabinZero bags feature a built-in global luggage tracker, powered by Okoban. Simply register the unique tag sewn into the bag along with your details on the website so in the off-chance you or the airline lose the bag, you can be quickly reacquainted with it.
Weighing 0.7kg, the bag is incredibly lightweight and is an ideal for the over packer. The flexible waterproof fabric means you can fit more in it than a conventional hard case carry bag and also make the most of your baggage weight allowance and items that are bulky and light can be easily accommodated in the spacious lined interior.
I found myself quickly becoming a big fan of the dual padded handles. With one on top and one on the side, it handling very easy. In and out of overhead bins on aircraft or simply picking it to carry it.
The all important padded shoulder straps make the CabinZero bag comfortable to wear. However at capacity, the weight distribution proves a challenge. The addition of a chest strap it would help redistribute the weight and have less strain on the lower back region.
Remembering this is just a cabin bag, not a hiking bag, so in keeping with airline imposed restrictions you shouldn’t be putting more than 10kg in it anyway.
What’s Missing?
In short, not a whole lot. But there are a few things that I noticed while testing out the CabinZero Classic.
If you want to use the CabinZero as a dual purpose, initially as lightweight cabin luggage and also as a day bag, then the addition of a water bottle holder on the side is required. I never travel without a bottle and it’s always risky having it roll around inside the bag along with my expensive electronic items. An easy access and upright elasticised mesh pocket would be handy.
As mentioned above, a chest strap would be useful for those times when the bag is heavy and full as this would help distribute the weight.
The cavernous style is great and large enough to fit a travel tripod but I needed somewhere secure to stash my keys. I allocated the meshed zip pocket inside for something else so another mini zip secured pocket for keys and small important items would be practical.
To ensure everything is kept neat and tidy I’d recommend using packing cubes to make the most of the ample space. We like these ones but in reality, any are fine.
The Verdict
The CabinZero 44L Classic is a great choice for both short travel trips, and also an alternative to a carry on wheelie bag over European cobblestone streets. I found it to be incredibly lightweight and the dimensions are cabin luggage airline compliant and it does come in an array of colours.
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Disclaimer: We received this bag from CabinZero for review purposes. All photos and opinions are 100% our own. Some of the links in this blog post are affiliate links. At no cost to you, we earn a small commission when you click on them and make a purchase. It helps keep the lights on at Roaming Required and we thank you for your support.
I do love my CabinZero bag – but I agree that a few extra features like the waist strap and more zippered pockets would be good. It’s the ideal size for a long weekend and I’ve used mine so much in the past year!
I do love the red colour of your CabinZero. Really stands out, it’s easy to find you in a crowd!
Cracking review, Roma! And love the fact you chose a unisex colour – definitely the clever way to go 😉 x
Why thank you Emily! Unisex colour is perfect so we can share the carrying duties, but if you’re wanting something girly there are more feminine colours available or ones with a strong travel theme, flags included!