Timbuk2 Blink vs. CabinZero Classic 36L
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Feature by feature
| Timbuk2 Blink | Feature | CabinZero Classic 36L |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| Y | Compression | Y |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 0 | Opening | 0 |
| front | Passport | N |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| N | Hip Belt | N |
| N | Sternum Strap | N |
| Inside | ||
| 15in | Laptop | 15in |
| 3 | Main Compartments | 2 |
| N | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| Water Bottle Holder | N | |
| Y | Water Resistant | N |
| Material | |
| lining: polyesterouter: waterproof polyester | |
CabinZero Classic 36L
| Capacity | 36 L |
| Weight | 0.7 kg |
| Dimensions | 44×30×21 cm |
| Airline fit | 76% |
| Price | $60 |
Key differences between the Timbuk2 Blink and CabinZero Classic 36L
- Passport pocket: Front on the Timbuk2 Blink; No on the CabinZero Classic 36L.
- Main compartments: 3 on the Timbuk2 Blink; 2 on the CabinZero Classic 36L.
- Water resistant: Yes on the Timbuk2 Blink; No on the CabinZero Classic 36L.
Both have: compression straps, backpack straps, laptop sleeve.
Which airlines take each bag as a carry-on
We checked both bags against the carry-on size limits of 189 airlines. 133 accept both. 34 accept only the Timbuk2 Blink, and 10 accept only the CabinZero Classic 36L.
Only the Timbuk2 Blink fits
Air Baltic, Air China, Air Malta, Air Serbia, Air Seychelles, Asiana Airlines, ATA Airlines, Blue Air, Bulgaria Air, China Eastern, Emirates Airlines, Enter Air, flybe, Great Lakes Airlines, Icelandair, InselAir, Juneyao Airlines, Luxair, Meridiana Fly, Nordwind Airlines, Royal Brunei Airlines, Ryanair, S7, Shandong Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, Sun Express, TAP Air Portugal, TAROM, Tianjin Airlines (A320 & E190), TUI, Ukraine International, VIM Airlines (Closed), Volotea, Xiamen.
Only the CabinZero Classic 36L fits
American Eagle, Etihad Airways, Gulf Air, Oman Air, Qatar Airways, Ravn Alaska, Regional Express, Royal Jordanian, Virgin Australia, WestJet.
Timbuk2 Blink vs. CabinZero Classic 36L: which should you pack?
The CabinZero Classic 36L carries 12L more than the Timbuk2 Blink (24L vs. 36L), while the Timbuk2 Blink is the lighter pack at 0.7kg (vs. 0.7kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Timbuk2 Blink fits 88% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the CabinZero Classic 36L; if you want to travel lighter, the Timbuk2 Blink is the better call.