Written by Lisa Baker
When it comes to travelling light, finding the perfect carry-on can feel like an endless search – and we certainly found the perfect 28L Carry-On in our recent review of the CabinZero 28L – but what if you need a larger bag? Well, we checked out it’s bigger brother, the CabinZero Classic Cabin Backpack 44L in Sage Forest – and that just might end the search once and for all. Designed with both city breaks and long-haul adventures in mind, this clever backpack blends style, strength and space in a way that’s hard to beat – and it’s perfect for digital nomads like me. That may give a clue as to why the brand recently won a Kings Award for Innovation.

A Surprising Amount of Space
On a recent midweek trip, I was amazed at just how much the CabinZero could hold. As someone who works when away midweek, I needed to balance work gear and travel gear and the larger bag held the lot with ease. I managed to pack a laptop, two large tablets (ipad 12″ and Samsung 14″), a spare i-phone, multiple chargers, four outfits, a picnic blanket, PJs, a full toiletries kit with full-sized bottles, two towels and swimming gear—and there was still space to spare. Its suitcase-style opening makes packing simple, and everything stayed neat and accessible throughout the journey. It also offered enough pockets to give easy access to important items.
I wasn’t flying this week, but this cabin bag would allow me to take all my tech in the cabin, as it’s not allowed in the hold.

Lightweight Yet Durable
At just 760g, this backpack is far lighter than most carry-on bags of its size, yet it doesn’t compromise on durability. Built from rugged 600D polyester with a water-resistant coating and reliable YKK zippers, it’s tough enough to handle the demands of travel without weighing you down – and as a tiny 5ft 1ins editor, despite being very full and tech-heavy with devices, the bag was comfortable for me to carry.
Travel-Smart Features
The CabinZero has been designed with modern travellers in mind. Highlights include:
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A dedicated laptop sleeve for peace of mind.
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Top and side handles for easy lifting in tight spaces.
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Side compression straps to keep everything compact.
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A handy front pocket for quick access items.
Add to this the Okoban tracking tag for lost-and-found protection and a 10-year warranty (extendable to 25 years), and you know this is luggage built to go the distance.
Stylish and Practical
The Sage Forest colourway is understated but eye-catching, making it versatile for any trip—whether you’re heading to a business meeting in the city or hiking coastal paths. It ticks the boxes for carry-on regulations, meaning you can skip the check-in queue and head straight to your gate. It’s great that I also have it’s little brother, the 28L bag, in the same colour – it’s helped me carry essentials while hiking to the top of Pen y Fan for charity – and fits under the cabin seat, meaning I can take both bags on longer trips.
Verdict
The CabinZero Classic Cabin Backpack 44L is one of those rare travel essentials that lives up to the promise. Spacious, lightweight, stylish, and built to last, it makes travel simpler and more enjoyable. For frequent flyers and weekend adventurers alike, this is a bag that delivers freedom with every trip.
👉 Check out the CabinZero Classic Cabin Backpack 44L – Sage Forest