Tom Bihn Daylight vs. Cabin Zero Varsity 26L

Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.

Tom Bihn Daylight

Front facing view of the Tom Bihn Daylight
Capacity16.5 L
Weight0.8 kg
Dimensions44×31×13 cm
Airline fit95%
Price$85

Feature by feature

Tom Bihn DaylightFeatureCabin Zero Varsity 26L
Storage
N Compression N
None Expanded Capacity None
4 Opening 4
N Passport N
N Passthrough N
Carry
Y Backpack Y
Y Hip Belt N
N Sternum Strap N
Inside
15in 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
Ultralight 400d Halcyon/420d nylon ripstop exterior/ 525 denier 2x2 bluesign® Ballistic nylon exterior 600D Polyester

Cabin Zero Varsity 26L

Front facing view of the Cabin Zero Varsity 26L
Capacity26 L
Weight0.44 kg
Dimensions40×30×16 cm
Airline fit98%
Price$90

Key differences between the Tom Bihn Daylight and 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 Tom Bihn Daylight, 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.

Tom Bihn Daylight vs. Cabin Zero Varsity 26L: which should you pack?

The Cabin Zero Varsity 26L carries 9.5L more than the Tom Bihn Daylight (16.5L vs. 26L), while the Cabin Zero Varsity 26L is the lighter pack at 0.44kg (vs. 0.8kg). 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.