Timbuk2 Blink vs. Cabin Zero Gap Year 28L
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Feature by feature
| Timbuk2 Blink | Feature | Cabin Zero Gap Year 28L |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| Y | Compression | 2 |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 0 | Opening | 1 |
| front | 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 |
| 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 Blink and Cabin Zero Gap Year 28L
- Compression straps: Yes on the Timbuk2 Blink; 2 on the Cabin Zero Gap Year 28L.
- Opening: Other on the Timbuk2 Blink; Clamshell on the Cabin Zero Gap Year 28L.
Both have: passport pocket, 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. 166 accept both. 1 accept only the Timbuk2 Blink, and 20 accept only the Cabin Zero Gap Year 28L.
Only the Timbuk2 Blink fits
Great Lakes Airlines.
Only the Cabin Zero Gap Year 28L fits
Air Niugini, Air Tahiti, American Eagle, Belavia, easyJet, Etihad Airways, Gulf Air, LC Perú, Lion Air Group, Oman Air, Qatar Airways, Ravn Alaska, Regional Express, Royal Jordanian, Spring Airlines, Virgin Australia, VivaColombia, Volaris, WestJet, Wizz Air.
Timbuk2 Blink vs. Cabin Zero Gap Year 28L: which should you pack?
The Cabin Zero Gap Year 28L carries 4L more than the Timbuk2 Blink (24L vs. 28L), while the Timbuk2 Blink is the lighter pack at 0.7kg (vs. 0.7kg). 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 Timbuk2 Blink is the better call.