CabinZero Classic 36L vs. Waterfield Pro Executive Laptop Backpack
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
CabinZero Classic 36L
| Capacity | 36 L |
| Weight | 0.7 kg |
| Dimensions | 44×30×21 cm |
| Airline fit | 76% |
| Price | $60 |
Feature by feature
| CabinZero Classic 36L | Feature | Waterfield Pro Executive Laptop Backpack |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| Y | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 0 | Opening | 4 |
| N | Passport | N |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| N | Hip Belt | N |
| N | Sternum Strap | N |
| Inside | ||
| 15in | Laptop | 15in |
| 2 | Main Compartments | 2 |
| N | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| N | Water Bottle Holder | N |
| N | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| lining: polyesterouter: waterproof polyester | 1050 Denier black Ballistic nylon/ Full-grain leather accents |
Waterfield Pro Executive Laptop Backpack
| Capacity | 25.5 L |
| Weight | 1.41 kg |
| Dimensions | 41.91×34.29×17.78 cm |
| Airline fit | 93% |
| Price | $350 |
Key differences between the CabinZero Classic 36L and Waterfield Pro Executive Laptop Backpack
- Compression straps: Yes on the CabinZero Classic 36L; No on the Waterfield Pro Executive Laptop Backpack.
- Opening: Other on the CabinZero Classic 36L; Top zip on the Waterfield Pro Executive Laptop Backpack.
- Water resistant: No on the CabinZero Classic 36L; Yes on the Waterfield Pro Executive Laptop Backpack.
Both have: 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. 140 accept both. 3 accept only the CabinZero Classic 36L, and 36 accept only the Waterfield Pro Executive Laptop Backpack.
Only the CabinZero Classic 36L fits
Cayman Airways, Regional Express, Virgin Australia.
Only the Waterfield Pro Executive Laptop Backpack fits
Air Baltic, Air China, Air Malta, Air Serbia, Air Seychelles, Air Tahiti, Asiana Airlines, ATA Airlines, Belavia, Blue Air, Bulgaria Air, China Eastern, easyJet, Emirates Airlines, Enter Air, flybe, 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.
CabinZero Classic 36L vs. Waterfield Pro Executive Laptop Backpack: which should you pack?
The CabinZero Classic 36L carries 10.5L more than the Waterfield Pro Executive Laptop Backpack (36L vs. 25.5L), while the CabinZero Classic 36L is the lighter pack at 0.7kg (vs. 1.41kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Waterfield Pro Executive Laptop Backpack fits 93% 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 CabinZero Classic 36L is the better call.