THE TRANSATLANTIC MAGAZINE
THE TRANSATLANTIC MAGAZINE
In a world where everybody seems to travel – whether it's commuting, staycations, work trips or jetting off on holiday – we wanted to find the perfect bag for the job. Enter CabinZero with their collection of bags. With more options than I thought possible there's a bag for everyone, no matter what your style, preference or needs. This is actually the first review of two, putting the bag to the test for a long weekend in Bath via car, with a week-long trip to Edinburgh via plane to follow later in the year.
So, what exactly can £65 worth of bag get you? As it turns out, a lot! The Classic Cabin Backpack 44L impresses not just in quality and space but also usability. Weighing just 1lb 11oz (760g) this lightweight backpack lives up to its tag "a ready-for-anything carry-on with plenty of room for week-long trips". Not only is it incredibly spacious but added details set it apart. The padded side and top handles (in addition to the padded backpack straps) ensure versatility and are an added bonus for all ages, especially those with disabilities and/or body pain as you can rotate between carrying the backpack on your back, and one (or both!) of the external handles. Talking of details, the side handle has an innocuous black metal tag which is a handy tracker to prevent lost luggage! The size, 20.1" x 14.6" x 7.9" (51cm x 37cm x 20cm), not only fits most airline restrictions for cabin bags (CabinZero have a handy 'Airline Cabin Bag Guides' section on their product pages so you can check for the airline you use) but doubles up with the side handle to be almost a hybrid briefcase-come-suitcase that is easily portable.
The bag has a "clamshell" opening and the side compression straps release with buckle clips, something other brands often overlook, they're a breath of fresh air ensuring you can maximize space with ease when packing. Large, good quality lockable zips secure the main compartment, although you'll have to provide your own lock. Usability continues inside with two large pockets and a 17" laptop sleeve, all of which run the width of the bag. The top pocket is fronted with mesh while the bottom is made of the same coated fabric that lines the rest of the bag. The laptop sleeve does what it says on the tin, however the space is flexible and you can use some creativity when packing. Just for a long weekend away I didn't need too many items, but I found the laptop sleeve to be a great place to keep my paracetamol and spare shoes! Alternatively, my sandals could've been in the solid inner pocket or even the large external pocket on the front of the bag that occupies ¾ the width of the bag and the whole height, offering a really large, usable space with quick access. Despite me chucking in items I probably wouldn't need for the weekend but did "just in case" I still had large spaces yet to be filled, showing just how much you can pack – especially if you use packing cubes and the compression straps! CabinZero say the bag is designed to be "self-standing for easy access, space-saving, and protection from dirt" which is great, though I found it had a tendency to fall towards the side of the internal pockets. However this could've been the fault of my packing and I think with some rejigging of items it would've had better center of gravity and stood by itself!
Externally, the fabric is advertised as being water-resistant and abrasion-resistant. Currently there are 18 color choices available for the Classic Cabin Backpack ranging from demure and non-obscure to exuberant and fun. Think blacks and blues to hot pinks and lilacs! A nice touch is that the internal fabric color matches the outside, so the bags feel cohesive and each one brings something different.
The bags come in 3 sizes: 28L for under-seat travel, 36L for 5+ day cabin travel, and 44L for 7+ day maximum sized cabin travel. The aforementioned internal and external color cohesion extends to the trio of sizes, creating an opportunity to build a collection of smart, aesthetically pleasing yet completely practical travel bags.
We're not the only ones to like them. CabinZero have just won a King’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade — an honor personally approved by His Majesty The King, and the most prestigious official UK business accolade.
