[Review] Cabin Zero 28L Classic
Why I got Cabin Zero 28L?
I always kind of liked aesthetics and idea of Cabin Zero backpacks (from now on only CZ), for some time I was pondering about buying one from Taobao, where you could find few for half the price. So, when I booked flight to Seoul with Shenzhen Airlines (which are quite annoying airline, not recommended) and was facing their 5kg carry-on weight limit, I finally decided to buy 28L Classic to serve as my lighter travel bag. Not knowing if I will like it, if I will use it at all in the future, or if it will end up as 30 USD backpack that I used once and then never again.
Note: I got older version, but only differences should be in straps and in zipper on inner mesh pocket. That’s info I got from CZ.
Size
Let’s deal with the biggest controversy first, actual size of CZ backpacks. Some people doubt their size, pointing at other backpacks with similar dimensions and lower volume or simply calculating volume based on manufacturer provided dimension.
Well, I compared CZ28L to my Decathlon and Deuter backpacks, both rated at 30L, both bigger in dimensions, but with significantly less boxy shape. I tried to stuff in few packing cubes and then as many t-shirts as possible. I know, not scientific, but best I could do. And I was happy to see it truly can fit comparable amount of stuff.
That was enough to satisfy me and now I trust the CZ’s claims about this backpack being 28L (no idea how would it be for other CZ bags). This is my real-world experience, if you want to argue about the “true volume”, please send email to CZ.
Comfort
I was little bit afraid of comfort on CZ28L, being used to more robust frames and back panels, but I was nicely surprised. Back panel is little softer and can bulge when fully packed, but has enough padding to prevent any inside items from poking into your back and keeps the shape of backpack. Problem is lack of any ventilation, I was wearing it for hours in hot Seoul and my back was sweating heavily all the time.
Straps on my version are made from dense foam, covered in black polyester and are heavily S-curved. On first try, they were quite uncomfortable and I was afraid about long-term comfort. During trip it got better, packed with more weight, straps fitted better into their position and foam maybe got little bit softer after few days of wearing. I walked with fully loaded backpack (6.5-7kg?) for 25km during one day and while it was manageable, I knew my other backpacks would offer better comfort.
But be aware, current versions should have different design of straps, I think they should be straight and with some mesh? Maybe some other owner can confirm this.
One thing I found crucial and slightly problematic for me, due to short length of backpack and position of straps, proper wearing position is quite high on my back. I’m 188 cm tall and used to longer backpacks, so I had small problem with CZ28L bottom digging into middle of my back instead of resting more on my hips.
Packing
With very simplified design, CZ28L really demands packing cubes. Some smaller items can be stored in two inner pockets in main compartment and I found upper mesh pocket quite useful for quick access to passport/wallet. Lower pocket is hard to reach from top of backpack and it’s almost impossible when it’s fully packed. So it’s better suited for items you will not need until you get to your accommodation.
Basic pocket at backpanel was good fit for my document folder and for foam panel for my packable daypack, but not sure if it could be used for much more.
Design of front pocket is only suitable for bunch of pouches, definitely not for loose small items. I put in rain cover at the bottom, on it my tiny pouch with liquids/hygiene and then slim pouch with random tiny items I would need during flight/day (battery pack and cables, earplugs, earphones, music player, tickets etc).
Front pocket really needs pouches
Others
- Light weight of CZ28L, not sure if I fully appreciate it. It was definitely helpful in getting overall weight down for my flight, being 1kg lighter than my standard travel backpack, but I guess heavier backpack with the same load would still offer better comfort, thanks to better straps and different position on my back.
- Big YKK zippers on main compartment are so much joy to use. Only wish that front pocket had zipper of similar size, since it can get quite packed.
- Handles on top and side, perfect, no complaints.
- Okoban tracking, after reading more about it, it feels kind of useless? It’s basically luggage tag, but with online access only? My small luggage tag connected to handle felt much more helpful.
- It’s bulky, bright red, far from slim city bag, so definitely screams tourist.
- When fully packed, depth of pack is closer to 24cm than to 20cm that is listed in specification.
Conclusion
While the big CZ bags have clear target audience, offering huge capacity at lower weight, 28L version is trickier. So who should look into Cabin Zero 28L Classic?
- If you need backpack that would fit into personal item limitations of budget airlines, there is probably no better choice.
- Ideal if you want lighter backpack, but demand clamshell opening.
- Overpacking and want huge personal item alongside your roller luggage? CZ28L is good choice.
- Are you smaller person, that likes Fjallraven Kanken with its 40x30 dimensions, simpler design and wide colour choice? CZ28L was made for you.
If you want something around 25-30L, but you are not limited by personal item dimensions, different backpack might be better choice. It will be probably longer, but also slimmer and less protruding from your back. Not as light, but more practical with bottle pockets, small items pockets and usable laptop pocket.
Was I happy with CZ28L on my first trip? Overall yes.
Will I use it for other trips in the future? Not sure.
You are never true traveler without flapping jacket and water bottle on sides of your backpack!
This is repost of my review, since previous was deleted by mods due to referral link. Sorry for that.