CabinZero Classic Backpack

First impressions and the Ryanair sizer test

The first thing I thought when I picked up the CabinZero Classic backpack in the shop was "this is quality". I then took it straight on two long trips, using it full every day, and it was solid.

It packs a lot for a personal item and although the dimensions were exactly as advertised when I checked them with a measuring tape, I was a little doubtful that it would pass the sizer test. But at the airport, the CabinZero Classic fitted in the Ryanair sizer perfectly and without forcing it.

A simple but smart looking design that maximises packing space

Personally, I use packing cubes and organisers, so I never use the abundant extra pockets that most bags come with. The CabinZero is perfect for this, with a large main compartment, a zipped front pocket for documents and a couple of smaller inner front pockets.

This design allows you to fit as much as possible into your personal item allowance. It doesn't have a dedicated laptop compartment with its own zip, but this helps maximise what you can fit inside. For me, this isn't a requirement because I prefer to keep my laptop and other devices in the centre of the bag, cushioned between clothes packed in organisers.

This way, you can still easily access your laptop through the main zip. It does, however, have an elasticated inner sleeve which holds my 14" laptop nicely and stops it from moving around when using the bag unpacked.

Testing the CabinZero Classic backpack on longer trips

As you can see from the videos, the first trip I took this bag on was to the Algarve, where I managed to fit a few pairs of trousers, a few shirts and a jumper for the evenings into compression cubes.

On top of this, I packed the usuals like toiletries, my laptop, camera equipment and cables. I moved almost daily and walked a lot with it, including some long-distance walking, so I really put the CabinZero Classic to the test.

And it passed. Heavy use, heavy pulling on the zips, long walks, the Ryanair sizer and packing capacity. Everything.

Would I use the CabinZero Classic again?

I was so impressed with the CabinZero's quality, durability and capacity that I now use it as my main personal item and only bag for quick trips. Sometimes even for things like grocery shopping.

I have just used it as my small bag across three countries and two flights, and it worked perfectly. It is built for travel and is a bit large and out of shape for everyday use, but I have a laptop bag for that purpose. When I'm travelling, my main priority is maximum space, which this CabinZero backpack does perfectly.

And I can go to the airport confidently knowing that the CabinZero Classic fits in the Ryanair sizer as a personal item while packing 28 litres.