GORUCK GR1 21 vs. Cabin Zero Gap Year 28L
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Feature by feature
| GORUCK GR1 21 | Feature | Cabin Zero Gap Year 28L |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | 2 |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 1 | Opening | 1 |
| top | Passport | front |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| N | Hip Belt | N |
| N | Sternum Strap | N |
| Inside | ||
| 15in | Laptop | 15in |
| 3 | Main Compartments | 3 |
| N | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| N | Water Bottle Holder | 1, side |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| Dyneema Composite Fabric (CT9Hw6/blkwov6) | 600D polyester |
Cabin Zero Gap Year 28L
| Capacity | 28 L |
| Weight | 0.7 kg |
| Dimensions | 39×30×20 cm |
| Airline fit | 98% |
| Price | $110 |
Key differences between the GORUCK GR1 21 and Cabin Zero Gap Year 28L
- Compression straps: No on the GORUCK GR1 21; 2 on the Cabin Zero Gap Year 28L.
- Passport pocket: Top on the GORUCK GR1 21; Front on the Cabin Zero Gap Year 28L.
- Water bottle pockets: No on the GORUCK GR1 21; 1, side on the Cabin Zero Gap Year 28L.
Both have: backpack straps, laptop sleeve, water resistant.
Which airlines take each bag as a carry-on
We checked both bags against the carry-on size limits of 189 airlines. 178 accept both. 0 accept only the GORUCK GR1 21, and 8 accept only the Cabin Zero Gap Year 28L.
Only the Cabin Zero Gap Year 28L fits
Air Tahiti, Gulf Air, LC Perú, Lion Air Group, Spring Airlines, VivaColombia, Volaris, Wizz Air.
GORUCK GR1 21 vs. Cabin Zero Gap Year 28L: which should you pack?
The Cabin Zero Gap Year 28L carries 7L more than the GORUCK GR1 21 (21L vs. 28L), while the Cabin Zero Gap Year 28L is the lighter pack at 0.7kg (vs. 0.9kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Cabin Zero Gap Year 28L fits 98% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the Cabin Zero Gap Year 28L; if you want to travel lighter, the Cabin Zero Gap Year 28L is the better call.