Travel Backpack Review: Classic 28L Bag by CabinZero

Before leaving on our year-long adventure around the world, I found myself looking for the perfect day pack. I read many reviews, saw lots of photos and scoured websites until I found a brand that really stood out to me: CabinZero. There were several things about these packs that I loved, but sometimes what you read isn’t what you get. Luckily, that is not the case with CabinZero.

About CabinZero:

I’m a big fan of knowing more about a brand before working with or purchasing from them and CabinZero is just an all around cool brand. CabinZero got its beginnings from a traveler – you know a travel product is good when a well-seasoned traveler designs it! Creator Neil Varden traveled through India on three separate trips starting in 1993 and had backpack issues on each trip. They gave out, were uncomfortable, too big, etc. Fast forward to 2010 and he finally had the opportunity to have this lightweight, cabin sized (perfect for budget airline travel) pack. The brand’s name, in fact stands for Cabin-Sized, Zero Hassle: CabinZero!

 Neil puts each design to the test in the best way he possibly could: he travels with them. If he finds them comfortable and durable all while still looking cool! Also, all bags have a 10 year warranty when you purchase them, which you can extend for free to 25 years by simply liking their Facebook Page. I love a brand that stands behind their products. Enough back story, though, I want to introduce you to my Thailand-inspired Lipe Blue 28L bag.

Not only is the history of the pack and the founder cool, but they’re committed to social responsibility. I love standing behind products that are committed to making the world a better place. CabinZero pays their employees + sewers fair wages, they’re committed to limiting their environmental impact and they support charitable organizations. I love it!

The CabinZero Classic 28L Cabin Sized Bag:

I chose this backpack because for the most part I was looking for a day/weekend pack. You know, something that I could take on a hike, take to a cafe for work or throw a couple day’s worth of supplies and head out without have to take my big pack with me. So, the 28L was the perfect size. I have personally found three main functions for this CabinZero pack and I want to review them for each one.

The Perfect Carry-On:

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Although this is a backpack it also has handles on the side and back which are ultra convenient when pulling your bag out from under a seat or from an overhead bin.

This is a big part of what this back was designed for, after all. The 28L bag is pretty no-nonsene. It’s one large main compartment on the inside and a zip on the front that can hold a few things (I think it’s perfect for an extra pair of shoes or rain jacket). There are two zip pockets inside the main compartment that are perfect for a those easy-to-reach items you might need on a flight or in the airport. Like sunglasses, some extra cash, etc.

While this CabinZero bag is only 28L, it fits a shocking amount of things because the main compartment is so open! I fit 14 tops, 10 pairs of undies, a thicker scarf, a swimsuit, a pair of denim shorts, pjs and a pair of leggings and still had a decent amount of room to spare! Plus, that’s without using space-saving packing cubes!

The Perfect Work Bag:

Being a travel blogger means I get to work from anywhere! While this is amazing and fun, it also means that I have to carry my “office” around with me. When I want to work in a coffeeshop or anywhere else, I need the perfect bag to get me and my equipment from point A to point B. This bag checks off all the lists for that for me. It has a computer sleeve to hold my MacBook in place and it still has plenty of room for all my other gear like my camera, chargers, notebook + journal and more! If I’m walking, I love using the small zipper inside the main compartment as my purse as well. It holds necessities like a little bit of cash, my phone and sunglasses perfectly.

The Perfect Bag For An Adventure:

This was the most important part for me. I needed a bag that I could take anywhere and everywhere. I didn’t want to write this review before I had done just that. In the last month my CabinZero bag has been on a dock overlooking a river, taken trains across Thailand, gone biking through archaeological sites and even climbing up waterfalls. I’ve put it to the test, and it has passed for me. I love that the exterior of the bag is made from waterproof polyester, so I don’t have to be worried about sweat or an unexpected shower to ruin everything in my bag. Plus, these handles are super cushy which means it’s much more comfortable than other packs.

Extra Special Things I Love About the 28L CabinZero Bag:

Lockable Zipper – I love that it’s super easy to lock my pack. These lockable zippers are built right in. (Locks are not included).

The Computer Sleeve – I love being able to safely + easily carry my MacBook to all the places I travel.

The Waterproof Exterior – Perfect for adventures, of course!

The Built-In Global Luggage Tracker – Each CabinZero bag has these trackers that you simply register (yes, it’s free!) and should you lose your CabinZero bag someone can simply jump online and report it missing.

The Space – It’s truly amazing what all you can fit into such a small, wearable pack.

Things I Wish Were on My CabinZero Bag:

There are really only two things that I really feel are missing from this pack. First of all, I wish that there was a water bottle holder on the outside of the pack. I hate having to open my pack to get a drink, especially on super active days. The second thing I would change is the lack of small, exterior pockets. I know it’s safer to have you belongings inside that lockable space, sometimes it’s just convenient to be able to grab something quickly.

Now, Here’s a CabinZero Gift For You:

CabinZero gave me a great opportunity to share with my readers if you use this promo code CZFORTHELOVEOFWANDERLUST you can get 10% off your entire CabinZero purchase. I’ve carried a lot of cheap backpacks throughout my travels across 50 states + 21 countries, and I won’t make that mistake again. I can tell that this is one I’m going to enjoy carrying for years to come!

The 10% promo code is valid from November 1 – 30, 2017, so get yours now!

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Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase a CabinZero pack through For the Love of Wanderlust, you will help me stay on the road + keep my site running at no additional cost for you.

Although I received a complimentary backpack from CabinZero, all opinions are, as always, my own.