I’m a destroyer of carry-on bags (5 in 5 years!). These are tips to keep in mind when buying a carry-on bag based on my mistakes, including a review of the Cabinzero Classic 44L Ultralight Carry-On Bag.
DISCLOSURE: I received this bag for free in exchange for a review and a share on social media. I did not send the review to CabinZero prior to publication. Please click for my disclosure policy.
Contents
- 1 Six month update:
- 2 My previous experiences with carry-on luggage
- 3 Carry-on bag #1: Cheap carry on luggage from Amazon
- 4 Carry-on bag #2: A weekend tote bag (Grand Tote) from Vera Bradley
- 5 Carry-on bag #3: A conventional rolling carry-on suitcase
- 6 Carry-on bag #4: Army backpack
- 7 Carry-on bag #5: CabinZero Classic 44L Ultra-Light Cabin Bag.
- 8 No extra cabin fees, even on restrictive budget airlines.
- 9 Soft and Squishable
- 10 What I fit inside my CabinZero bag for a 7 day trip. I used 3 CabinZero packing cubes.
- 11 25 Year Warranty.
- 12 Professional
- 13 Other Things to Know
- 14 What I didn’t like about the CabinZero bag
- 15 Have you traveled carry-on only?
Six month update:
The top handle of my CabinZero bag ripped off while traveling in Romania and within 1 week, I received a brand new CabinZero bag sent to me in Paris with free expedited shipping under their 25 year warranty terms after sending two photos. It was easy enough, however I really don’t like when things break on me.
My previous experiences with carry-on luggage
It’s been seven years since I got my first passport and went on my first trip solo. I’m on my second passport and my sixth carry-on bag. Most trips that I’ve taken have been carry-on only. Since then, I’ve learned a lot in terms of things to look for in a good travel backpack and packing more effectively.
Carry-on bag #1: Cheap carry on luggage from Amazon
When I bought a small travel duffel-bag, I got what I paid for: a cheap duffel bag that actually hurt my shoulder due to the thin plastic strap that did not distribute the weight equally. Definitely not the best carry on duffel bag for Europe to carry around for over a month.Â
Lesson 1: A good thick strap that distributes the weight equally and/or backpack straps with cushioning are important, otherwise your back/shoulders will hurt! Invest in a good bag that will last and that you don’t mind carrying with you.Â
Carry-on bag #2: A weekend tote bag (Grand Tote) from Vera Bradley
A friend gave me a large Vera Bradley weekend bag to use as a lightweight carry-on bag. Although it was a great carry on tote bag for car trips with friends, the inability to close the bag drove me crazy as my clothes/electronics would spill out at the worst times and I’d lose things in what seemed like a never-ending bucket.Â
Lesson 2: Â Zippers are important. Â Obvious, but important.
Lesson 3: Packing cubes are a lifesaver in terms of packing neatly and not losing your stuff in a larger carry-on bag! Packing cubes are a way of separating your items from each other, so you can set aside clothes that you’ll need for one day (in its entirety) without needing to dig through your bag! Perfect for not needing to unpack over and over.
Carry-on bag #3: A conventional rolling carry-on suitcase
Don’t get rolling carry-on luggage if you’re planning on backpacking through small Italian towns in Tuscany/Umbria…or simply anywhere in Europe that has cobblestone streets.
Almost a month of “backpacking” through Italy and Hungary with dragging my rolling suitcase around killed my suitcase. Â I also ended up paying extra baggage fees after as my carry-on would not fit the size requirements for Ryanair.Â
Lesson 4:Â Rolling carry-on bags don’t work well with cobblestones. Small travel backpacks work better for European cities.
Lesson 5:Â Avoid baggage fees on budget airlines by getting a carry-on bag that fits size requirements from the most restrictive airlines.
Carry-on bag #4: Army backpack
My husband swears by Army bags. It attracts unwanted attention as people assume that we’re American soldiers and/or really broke backpackers. Â
When I attended a work conference in Prague, I brought an army backpack, but I was the only one in a suit with a non-professional backpack and a couple people made negative comments about it. My laptop kept moving around as there was no padded pocket.Â
Lesson 6: If you travel for work, a professional looking backpack can go a long way and a padded laptop sleeve is useful for protecting your belongings.
Carry-on bag #5: CabinZero Classic 44L Ultra-Light Cabin Bag.
I felt it was time to invest in a carry-on bag that had good reviews, looked professional, included a good warranty, and was comfortable. I ended up reading about CabinZero’s bags and wanted to see how it measured up.Â
CabinZero is a British producer of lightweight, ethically produced carry-on bags that are sized for budget airlines and those who love to travel without checking a bag. The Classic 44L costs 70 Euros.
No extra cabin fees, even on restrictive budget airlines.
I brought my CabinZero bag to Romania where I road tripped, went climbing, and had the worst luck that I’ve ever had during traveling, including getting denied boarding for a flight.
After hours of stress, I managed to buy two separate budget flights on Europe’s most restrictive budget airlines in terms of carry-on size limits on the following morning in order to get home. I didn’t end up paying ANY baggage fee.(My aunt who had a standard carry-on luggage that was okay for a different airline had to pay an extra baggage fees.)
Soft and Squishable
It’s squishable (and fits on Ryanair!), so when the flight attendant asks you if it will fit in the bin; it will. This aspect drove my husband crazy as things often moved around in the bag.
What I fit inside my CabinZero bag for a 7 day trip. I used 3 CabinZero packing cubes.
- Travel Adapter.
- Camera Charger.
- Sneakers and a pair of flats.
- Underwear/socks.
- 2 Pairs of Jeans.
- Go-Pro.
- Rock climbing helmet (clipped to exterior)
- Water bottle (clipped to exterior)
- Climbing Harness.
- Toiletries.
- DSLR Camera.
- Sweater.
- Fleece jacket.
- Hair
straightener . - Pajamas.
- 1 Workout Outfit (Shirt/Sweatpants).
- 5 shirts.
25 Year Warranty.
It comes with a
he Okoban tracker is already used by thousands of airports, so if you leave your bag at the airport or on a plane, it will be very easy to get your bag back. I had to use my warranty as the bag broke after six months of usage.
Professional
The minimalistic exterior does not give away that you’re carrying your valuables inside the bag.
Other Things to Know
Colors of the CabinZero bags: The CabinZero Classic 44L comes in over 18 colors, so if you’re not fond of the original grey CabinZero as shown above, you can buy a CabinZero bag in pink, red, green, or black! There are different styles, including a Military style 44L, a vintage style 44L, and an urban style 42L meant for commuters.
Weight:760 grams
Dimensions:Â Fits 55 x 40 x 20 cm [Same size as Ryanair’s maximum carry-on size!]Â
Composition, Outer: Waterproof polyester, Lining: Polyester
What I didn’t like about the CabinZero bag
It lacked a strap across the chest for trekking. We took our CabinZero bag on a rock climbing and hiking adventure in Turda Gorge (Romania). It was a bit difficult as it moved as there wasn’t a hip-strap to keep the bag in place.Â
It did hold our gear at least, but I tend to use an army backpack/day pack for hiking/climbing as it wasn’t ideal. I only use this bag for city day trips as it’s not intended for hiking. My husband’s biggest issue with the bag is that things move around too much within the bag.Â
Click to purchase your CabinZero backpack.
This looks like such a functional bag! Love it. I have to admit, I only travel with hand luggage if I´m either flying back home to my parents (where i have extra clothes and all other things) or if I´m going away for a weekend. What do you do with the toiletries? Do you take everything in small sizes (under 100ml) or buy as soon as you land?
I mostly carry 100ml although for longer trips, I’ll buy it when I get there if it’s something that isn’t a specialty item that I think I’ll struggle with finding abroad. I’ve asked at the check-in booth if they need extra space in the cabin (almost always the case!), so I was able to check my carry-on for free to ensure that a specialty toiletry don’t get taken away (in the case of the expensive mosquito spray that I bought for Borneo) even if the bag fits the dimensions for carry-on.
This sounds like an awesome bag! It almost looks too small to be a 44L, but the best bags cleverly hide/distribute the bulk. Definitely going to take a further look since I’m (almost) in the market for a new bag!
I really didn’t feel like the chest strap was a deal breaker after going hiking with it since I found it didn’t slip off my shoulders much–and minimally moved. 🙂
Forget the bag…those Romania pics!! Lol. Seriously though, I appreciated this review. I agree about rolling bags in Europe. I haven’t yet found a good long term backpack….I will definitely consider this one. However, what do you think about using it for 3 months?
wow I never thought of asking that at the check-in! I actually thought it would be impossible, but I guess they really do have a problem with the space in the overhead compartments. Will remember this thanks 😉
Hey Emily, thanks for reading. I used to feel that way although my husband has been a PRO at teaching me (it’s all about the rolling). Packing cubes are awesome since you can apportion out your clothes so you can just put all the clothes for X Day that you’ll need (aka PJs and underwear) in one box, so you don’t need to go through your whole bag trying to find one thing. It also means you don’t need to unpack as often. I definitely recommend it! Thanks for reading, Karen
Great tips on choosing a carry-on! Since I started travelling solo I also started just using a carry-on and it’s SO liberating! And I have a Cabin Zero bag too and it’s the best!
This looks awesome for those of us who want to keep to carry-ons only (raising my hand for the Carry On Club!) It’s SO much easier to navigate foreign countries with minimal luggage, especially the kind you can strap to your body and carry!
I haven’t tried backpacking yet. But it might be a good idea, it’s never too late, so maybe after I turn 30, I do a backpacking tour 🙂 Your article is a very good set of advises. Will save it 🙂
25 year warranty? That is such an amazing program, and environmentally friendly too! The concept of the built-in tracker is such a great add-on. Why don’t all bags have this?!
I’ve been reading good things about this bag! For shorter trips (a couple weeks) I always prefer carry on but airlines seem to be getting pickier and pickier and changing sizes. Such a pain! Good to know this one fits the recent requirements!
I wish I hadn’t just ‘invested’ in a cheap rucksack that’s supposedly cabin bag size for a 4 month plus trip round South America hahaha. I was toying with the CabinZero actually, but just didn’t have the budget for it. I hope my cheaper one holds out and if not I’ll be getting a CabinZero next!
Awesome tips!!! I am (almost) due for a new carry on… I can’t seem to unattach from my north face backpack I’ve had since high school. Haha. I’ll definitely take a look into this bag!
…also amazing pics!!!!
You had me at 25 year warranty! haha.
It’s so hard to find good travel gear that will hold up to the elements. This sounds like the ultimate carry-on for backpackers 🙂
I am super impressed by how much you were able to fit in this bag! I love that it’s lightweight, too, so that even if you fill it with a bunch of stuff, it won’t be super heavy. We only ever travel with one carry-on per person, and thanks to our camera bag counting as one of our carry-ons, we always have to fit two people’s stuff into one carry-on for a whole trip. Definitely not easy!
This is a nice looking bag! I have an ebags motherloader, which is awesome and the only complaint I have about it is that it can hold SO much, that it’s easy to overload it and it gets pretty heavy fast. So I wonder how this one would feel loaded up and carrying around all day. I’ll keep it in mind if I’m ever in need of another bag 🙂 Good review!
Ok you have totally sold me!! I’ve been looking for a bag with lots of pockets and that will fit on budget airlines (I learned my lesson the hard way not to test them…), so I will definitely be looking into CabinZero! 🙂
That bag looks incredible! I always use a cabin suitcase but really struggled with it travelling around Italy and getting on and off trains!
This is exactly the post I needed right now! I need to find a new carry-on backpack for my boyfriend and the whole warranty for the Cabin Zero bag sounds ideal! I may even need to trade it my camera bag for that bag, myself.
This looks like such an awesome pack! I’m on the hunt for a practical but stylish bag and I think this one makes the cut. Love that it’s carry-on sized!!
Wish I’d known about this before I left a month ago! Although I do need something a bit bigger at the moment I’ll definitely bear this in mine for my Europe trip next time round! I love that it’s a single colour and not too in your face when so many of them are multicoloured and BRIGHT!
This looks like such a useful and good quality backpack. Hopefully this one will last longer than your previous four! I think it’s worth paying a little more for extra quality. I bought a cheap backpack for my first backpacking trip and after 3 months it was practically falling apart. I’m much happier with the one I have now that I spent a little more for.
I was just looking for a carry on bag when I found your article. I will seriously consider buying this one. Seems like a great bag.
This backpack looks pretty legit! I’m in the market for a new one so glad I stumbled across it!
I have one too! Love it. Use it for road trips, domestic travel and well all the travel! Even when I recently moved home too.
I’ve been looking for a new bag so this is very timely, I love that it has a 25 year warranty and tracker, wow! (Also, your photos are gorgeous.)
Love this post! I have a CabinZero bag and LOVE it. I might need to get another one. 🙂
HaHa! I killed my rolling suitcase after several trips in Europe but Italy did it in :)))
I usually do use my laptop back up (has compartments and fits low-cost carriers) but when we needed more (still fits low-cost ) we would have taken the rolling suitcase.
I am in bad need of a better carry on and this looks awesome 🙂