Cabin Zero Classic Cabin Backpack 36L vs. Cabin Zero Classic Plus 42L
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Cabin Zero Classic Cabin Backpack 36L
| Capacity | 36 L |
| Weight | 0.7 kg |
| Dimensions | 45×31×20 cm |
| Airline fit | 95% |
| Price | $100 |
Feature by feature
| Cabin Zero Classic Cabin Backpack 36L | Feature | Cabin Zero Classic Plus 42L |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| 4 | Compression | 4 |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 1 | Opening | 1 |
| front | Passport | front |
| N | Passthrough | Y |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | hideable |
| N | Hip Belt | N |
| N | Sternum Strap | Y |
| Inside | ||
| 15in | Laptop | 15in |
| 2 | Main Compartments | 2 |
| N | Organizer | Y |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 1, side | Water Bottle Holder | 1, side |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 600 Denier Polyester | 600 Denier Polyester |
Cabin Zero Classic Plus 42L
| Capacity | 42 L |
| Weight | 1.2 kg |
| Dimensions | 54×35×20 cm |
| Airline fit | 87% |
| Price | $122 |
Key differences between the Cabin Zero Classic Cabin Backpack 36L and Cabin Zero Classic Plus 42L
- Luggage passthrough: No on the Cabin Zero Classic Cabin Backpack 36L; Yes on the Cabin Zero Classic Plus 42L.
- Backpack straps: Yes on the Cabin Zero Classic Cabin Backpack 36L; Hideable on the Cabin Zero Classic Plus 42L.
- Sternum strap: No on the Cabin Zero Classic Cabin Backpack 36L; Yes on the Cabin Zero Classic Plus 42L.
- Built-in organizer: No on the Cabin Zero Classic Cabin Backpack 36L; Yes on the Cabin Zero Classic Plus 42L.
Both have: compression straps, passport pocket, 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. 165 accept both. 14 accept only the Cabin Zero Classic Cabin Backpack 36L, and 0 accept only the Cabin Zero Classic Plus 42L.
Only the Cabin Zero Classic Cabin Backpack 36L fits
Air Tahiti, American Eagle, Belavia, Cayman Airways, easyJet, Etihad Airways, Gulf Air, Oman Air, Qatar Airways, Ravn Alaska, Regional Express, Royal Jordanian, Virgin Australia, WestJet.
Cabin Zero Classic Cabin Backpack 36L vs. Cabin Zero Classic Plus 42L: which should you pack?
The Cabin Zero Classic Plus 42L carries 6L more than the Cabin Zero Classic Cabin Backpack 36L (36L vs. 42L), while the Cabin Zero Classic Cabin Backpack 36L is the lighter pack at 0.7kg (vs. 1.2kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Cabin Zero Classic Cabin Backpack 36L fits 95% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the Cabin Zero Classic Plus 42L; if you want to travel lighter, the Cabin Zero Classic Cabin Backpack 36L is the better call.