Timbuk2 Never Check Expandable Backpack vs. Cabin Zero Gap Year 28L
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Timbuk2 Never Check Expandable Backpack
| Capacity | 25 L |
| Weight | 1.2 kg |
| Dimensions | 48×29×15 cm |
| Airline fit | 93% |
| Price | $210 |
Feature by feature
| Timbuk2 Never Check Expandable Backpack | Feature | Cabin Zero Gap Year 28L |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| 2 | Compression | 2 |
| 28L | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 0 | Opening | 1 |
| front | Passport | front |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| N | Hip Belt | N |
| removable | Sternum Strap | N |
| Inside | ||
| 15in | Laptop | 15in |
| 3 | Main Compartments | 3 |
| Y | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 1, side | Water Bottle Holder | 1, side |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 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 Timbuk2 Never Check Expandable Backpack and Cabin Zero Gap Year 28L
- Opening: Other on the Timbuk2 Never Check Expandable Backpack; Clamshell on the Cabin Zero Gap Year 28L.
- Sternum strap: Removable on the Timbuk2 Never Check Expandable Backpack; No on the Cabin Zero Gap Year 28L.
- Built-in organizer: Yes on the Timbuk2 Never Check Expandable Backpack; No on the Cabin Zero Gap Year 28L.
Both have: compression straps, passport pocket, backpack straps, laptop sleeve, water bottle pockets, water resistant.
Which airlines take each bag as a carry-on
We checked both bags against the carry-on size limits of 189 airlines. 175 accept both. 0 accept only the Timbuk2 Never Check Expandable Backpack, and 11 accept only the Cabin Zero Gap Year 28L.
Only the Cabin Zero Gap Year 28L fits
Air Tahiti, American Eagle, easyJet, Gulf Air, LC Perú, Lion Air Group, Ravn Alaska, Spring Airlines, VivaColombia, Volaris, Wizz Air.
Timbuk2 Never Check Expandable Backpack vs. Cabin Zero Gap Year 28L: which should you pack?
The Cabin Zero Gap Year 28L carries 3L more than the Timbuk2 Never Check Expandable Backpack (25L vs. 28L), while the Cabin Zero Gap Year 28L is the lighter pack at 0.7kg (vs. 1.2kg). 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.