Nomatic McKinnon Cube Pack vs. Cabin Zero Varsity 26L
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Nomatic McKinnon Cube Pack
| Capacity | 21 L |
| Weight | 0.6 kg |
| Dimensions | 45×34×19 cm |
| Airline fit | 95% |
| Price | $125 |
Feature by feature
| Nomatic McKinnon Cube Pack | Feature | Cabin Zero Varsity 26L |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 4 | Opening | 4 |
| N | Passport | N |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| N | Hip Belt | N |
| Y | Sternum Strap | N |
| Inside | ||
| N | Laptop | |
| 1 | Main Compartments | 1 |
| N | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| N | Water Bottle Holder | N |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| Nylon | 600D Polyester |
Cabin Zero Varsity 26L
| Capacity | 26 L |
| Weight | 0.44 kg |
| Dimensions | 40×30×16 cm |
| Airline fit | 98% |
| Price | $90 |
Key differences between the Nomatic McKinnon Cube Pack and Cabin Zero Varsity 26L
- Sternum strap: Yes on the Nomatic McKinnon Cube Pack; No on the Cabin Zero Varsity 26L.
Both have: backpack straps, water resistant.
Which airlines take each bag as a carry-on
We checked both bags against the carry-on size limits of 189 airlines. 179 accept both. 0 accept only the Nomatic McKinnon Cube Pack, and 7 accept only the Cabin Zero Varsity 26L.
Only the Cabin Zero Varsity 26L fits
Air Niugini, LC Perú, Lion Air Group, Spring Airlines, VivaColombia, Volaris, Wizz Air.
Nomatic McKinnon Cube Pack vs. Cabin Zero Varsity 26L: which should you pack?
The Cabin Zero Varsity 26L carries 5L more than the Nomatic McKinnon Cube Pack (21L vs. 26L), while the Cabin Zero Varsity 26L is the lighter pack at 0.44kg (vs. 0.6kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Cabin Zero Varsity 26L fits 98% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the Cabin Zero Varsity 26L; if you want to travel lighter, the Cabin Zero Varsity 26L is the better call.