Now that we live in Spain, we love being able to take full advantage of the cheap flights around Europe! But one thing we hate is how a €20 flight can suddenly become a €60 flight if you want to bring a carry-on bag. Like, the ones that go in the overhead bin. For two people, round trip, that can be the difference between spending €80 on flights and €240 on flights.
After using my PacSafe bag for a few personal-item-only trips, and feeling like it was a bit too small, I made the switch to the CabinZero Classic Cabin Backpack… and I fell in love!
My Favorite Personal-Item Backpack: CabinZero
CabinZero Classic Cabin Backpack 28L Features:
✅ Underseat guaranteed for budget airlines
✅ Front-loading clamshell opening (packs like a suitcase)
✅ Laptop sleeve for travel days + remote work
✅ Side compression straps for slim profile
✅ Quick-access front pocket
Which CabinZero Backpack Size Is Best?
CabinZero currently offers backpacks in four sizes: 28L, 32L, 36L, and 42L. You can filter and sort on their website based on what type of bag you’re looking for — you can even shop by “airline” or “bag function” if you want to ensure you’ll pass the gate agent’s inspection of your personal item bag size. In fact, CabinZero makes a guarantee that your backpack will be approved as a personal item/underseat bag for your trip. On their website, they state:
CabinZero backpacks are the perfect bag for under-seat cabin allowances on most airlines, even low-cost ones. The CabinZero Underseat Bags fit major airlines’ personal item bag descriptions, including Ryanair, Delta, Spirit, and many more.
But this statement only applies to the 28L bag, not the other sizes. For that reason, I recommend the 28L to anyone who wants to avoid the risk factor.
I personally have the 36L bag, and I’ve used it as a personal-item only bag on about 10-15 trips by now on several different airlines — including EasyJet, RyanAir, and WizzAir — without any issues. I’ve never been asked to put it in the bag sizer. However, I always make sure it isn’t completely filled to the brim so it still has some squish-ability. 😉
For me, it’s worth the risk to be able to bring a bit more. But if you want to be extra safe, the 28L option is guaranteed.
Who is a CabinZero Bag a Great Fit For?
CabinZero bags might not be the right fit for everyone. But I recommend CabinZero — whether it’s a 28L or 36L — if you’re a traveler who…
- hates paying for a carry-on
- hates paying for a checked bag
- is able to pack light
- isn’t traveling with any liquids larger than 100 mL
- prefers traveling with only one bag
- travel frequently with budget airlines
On the other hand, a CabinZero bag might not be a great fit for you if…
- you travel with bulky equipment (i.e. camera gear)
- you have items that need some sort of internal frame structure for safekeeping
- you’re a business traveler who needs your clothes to not get wrinkly
Comparing CabinZero Bags as Personal Item Travel Backpacks
Besides the Classic Cabin Backpack, which is what I have and have discussed the most, there are also two other types of bag styles offered by CabinZero: the Military Backpack, and the Classic Tech Backpack. Here’s how they compare.
Note: The table above only compares the 28L size bags, but the Military Backpack is also offered in 36L.
While I love my CabinZero Classic Cabin Backpack in 36L, I might choose the Classic Tech Backpack in 28L if I were to buy again. The Classic Tech line wasn’t offered when I bought mine, and it’s a little annoying having to fully unzip my backpack and reach all the way into the back to get my laptop out when I go through airport security. Having an external laptop sleeve would mean that I don’t have to slightly unpack when putting my laptop in or getting it out. The water bottle holder would also be nice.
But I suppose that’s the trade-off with me having the 36L bag — it doesn’t have either of those features, but I’m still able to get it to fit under the seat in front of me.
Three Trips Where I’ve Packed Only My CabinZero Bag as My Personal Item Travel Backpack
My cute CabinZero bag!
1. Four Days in Cardiff, Wales; January 2025
Airline: RyanAir
Weather: Bloody freezing
I’ll admit that we were slightly insane to go to the UK in January, but we did it anyway. For such a short trip, I felt confident that I could pack everything I needed in just a personal item — all I needed was a couple of sweaters, two pairs of pants, my big puffy coat, and a hat.
2. One Week in Ireland & Northern Ireland; June 2025
Airline: RyanAir
Weather: Mild and rainy
I had never tried to use only my CabinZero bag for such a long trip before, but we were going on a road trip across Ireland & Northern Ireland with friends — and I knew car space was limited. So I grabbed a couple space/vacuum bags and wayyy overpacked, but was still able to fit everything in the bag!
3. Nine Days in Naples, Italy; October 2025
Airlines: EasyJet and WizzAir
Weather: Mild and rainy
It was another situation where I couldn’t stomach paying the carry-on bag fees, so I decided to pack only my CabinZero bag for my longest trip yet. I knew I would be with my family and they wouldn’t judge me for being an #outfitrepeater. Again, the space bags were my friend. And I always carry or wear my rain jacket so its bulkiness doesn’t add to my bag size.
My Packing List: CabinZero Bag Personal Item Travel Backpack
Keep in mind that this is my packing list for the 36L CabinZero bag; a 28L will hold less.
Clothing
- 1-2 casual shirts
- 1 sweater
- 1-2 pairs of pants
- 1 rain jacket or coat
- 1 pair of sneakers
- 2-3 pairs of socks
- 3-7 pairs of underwear
Remember: You will be wearing some of these clothes on your travel day, so I recommend wearing/carrying the bulkiest stuff.
Travel Necessities
- Passport
- Wallet
Electronics
- Laptop & charger
- Kindle
- Bose headphones
- Phone charger & cord
- Portable charger
Personal Care
- Contact lenses and travel contact solution
- Glasses and case
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- 4 travel-sized skin & hair care products
- 1 washcloth
- Small makeup bag
- Makeup remover wipes
- Solid shampoo & conditioner bars
- Lume deodorant
- Medication + prescriptions
Frequently Asked Questions About CabinZero Bags
What are the CabinZero Bag sizes?
CabinZero offers bags in the following sizes: 28L, 32L, 36L, and 42L.
Are CabinZero Bags good?
Yes, CabinZero Bags are one of the best backpacks on the market when it comes to personal-item travel backpacks. The exact features depends on the size and model of backpack that you buy — for example, not all models come with a hip strap, which means the shoulder straps could be tiring if your bag is heavy, and not all sizes are guaranteed to fit under the seat in front of you.
Are CabinZero Bags waterproof?
According to CabinZero, all their bags are treated with a water-resistant coating, though certain models are specifically designed for more extreme water resistance (Military backpacks) or waterproofing (dry bags).
Is CabinZero good for RyanAir?
CabinZero guarantees that all their 28L bags will qualify as a personal item (underseat bag) on RyanAir flights, as well as other budget airlines such as EasyJet, WizzAir, and Jet2.
Are CabinZero Bags worth it?
In my opinion, CabinZero Bags are totally worth it as your personal-item travel backpack. It’s been so convenient to only have to carry one bag, and I feel like it’s easy to make efficient use of the space available. I would definitely recommend CabinZero bags to anyone looking for the perfect personal-item travel backpack!
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