Cabin Zero Varsity 26L vs. GORUCK GR1 26
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Cabin Zero Varsity 26L
| Capacity | 26 L |
| Weight | 0.44 kg |
| Dimensions | 40×30×16 cm |
| Airline fit | 98% |
| Price | $90 |
Feature by feature
| Cabin Zero Varsity 26L | Feature | GORUCK GR1 26 |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 4 | Opening | 1 |
| N | Passport | top |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| N | Hip Belt | N |
| N | Sternum Strap | N |
| Inside | ||
| Laptop | 17in | |
| 1 | Main Compartments | 3 |
| N | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| N | Water Bottle Holder | N |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 600D Polyester | 1000D Cordura |
Key differences between the Cabin Zero Varsity 26L and GORUCK GR1 26
- Opening: Top zip on the Cabin Zero Varsity 26L; Clamshell on the GORUCK GR1 26.
- Passport pocket: No on the Cabin Zero Varsity 26L; Top on the GORUCK GR1 26.
- Main compartments: 1 on the Cabin Zero Varsity 26L; 3 on the GORUCK GR1 26.
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. 169 accept both. 17 accept only the Cabin Zero Varsity 26L, and 0 accept only the GORUCK GR1 26.
Only the Cabin Zero Varsity 26L fits
Air Niugini, Air Tahiti, American Eagle, Belavia, easyJet, Etihad Airways, Gulf Air, LC Perú, Lion Air Group, Qatar Airways, Ravn Alaska, Regional Express, Spring Airlines, Virgin Australia, VivaColombia, Volaris, Wizz Air.
Cabin Zero Varsity 26L vs. GORUCK GR1 26: which should you pack?
The Cabin Zero Varsity 26L carries the same capacity as the GORUCK GR1 26 (26L vs. 26L), while the Cabin Zero Varsity 26L is the lighter pack at 0.44kg (vs. 1.5kg). 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.