It’s my dream to become a digital nomad, working and travelling anywhere. While I can only travel for a few weeks in a year for now, I look for travelling gears that could make my life easier on the road.
Then I found the brand CabinZero. At first only few selections are available (Classics in different sizes).
By the time I saved up to buy a CabinZero bag, it was hard for me to choose.
What’s the Lucky Bag
After deliberation and countless time browsing online to wait for clearance, the wait is over.
I bought the CabinZero CLassic Plus 42L (Navy).
My colour of choice is black but it was sold out and waiting for it seems like forever.
Georgian Khaki is another option if only Navy wasn’t available. Navy won my wavering heart. The dark hue made me like it and forget the black version.
How Much is CabinZero
CabinZero is the most expensive bag I bought to date. Even the mid-sized Samsonite luggage I bought is only half its price.
I thought of letting you know of how much is the total cost so you wouldn’t be surprised like I was.
The Online Costs
I’m in Canada so when I browse online, I see the price in Canadian dollars.
CabinZero is made in UK and it’s an upside that customers can avail free worldwide delivery (for all orders above CA$ 55.00). Hurray!
Quick. Grab that credit card and order online.
But wait there’s more. I hate to say it but there’s a catch.
The Additional Cost
A customer must also pay import duties and taxes at checkout. How much did I pay for Classic Plus 42L?
Classic Plus 42L – CAD 165.00
Duties & Taxes – CAD 34.61
Shipping – Free
Total – CAD 199.61
Duties and taxes might be different depending on the delivery address. In less than a week, I received the bag in DHL packaging.
At least you now have an idea about additional cost.
If you don’t want to pay the additional cost to save, buy CabinZero in a store near you. Sorry Canucks. It’s not available in Canada. Your only option is to buy online.
Best Time to Buy
On Black Friday, I received an email from CabinZero about their minimalist bags that were going on sale. I went ahead to check how much a person can save.
If I am shopping for a bag, I would go for ADV 42L regardless of colour or the ADV Pro.
I also received an email on Cyber Monday. By now you should consider signing up for their newsletter to keep you in the loop of future deals and products.
Where Have I Been with My CabinZero Classic Plus 42L
I was waiting to use my bag before writing a review. And after travelling this summer I finally get to appreciate more my bag.
- Siem Reap, Cambodia
- Vancouver and Victoria in British Columbia
- Manila, Philippines (spent a night in Sofitel Hotel)
- Camping at Tunnel Mountain in Banff
This summer was the busiest I’ve ever been. I made it to Angkor Wat and Butchart Garden. Finally ticking off places in my bucket list.
I’m glad I have my reliable minimalist backpack with me.
Why I Like CabinZero
To be honest, at first I was disappointed with my bag. But it’s growing on me like my succulent.
1. The Size
The Classic Plus 42L is too big for my lean body. It covers all my back. A 32L would have been a better choice.
After several local and international travels in a span of six months, I realized that 42L is the right size. I’m not guilty anymore.
So much space for everything that I’ll need. From shoes, clothes, gadgets, and food. Later on, I’ll let you into tips on how I pack my stuff.
2. Less Pockets
I’m a pocket person. I want pockets for pants (for real) and backpacks.
The Classic Plus 42L has five pockets:
- Two side pockets
- Two pockets inside
- Front pocket
Do I need more? Yes. That’s what I thought.
Good thing CabinZero design stay true to its minimalist design. I don’t need more pockets. Instead, stuff has to be properly organized and prioritized.
With few pockets, I have less urge to keep on checking whether I forgot something or not, which likely none most of the time.
3. Wide Straps
At first I found it funny seeing myself in the mirror with those wide straps.
I’m lean so when I put it on my back, I look like I’m wearing a costume. Look a person inside a bag. Well, that maybe an exaggeration. A bit.
On my trips, the wide straps with cushion inside had proven its purpose. Though I’m carrying a heavy load on my back, my shoulders didn’t hurt unlike with my school backpack years ago.
The cushion saved my bony shoulders from pain especially in a long walk whenever I get confuse with Google Map.
Or the time when my friends and I roam around Vancouver while waiting to check in HI Vancouver Central.
Tip: Wear the waist strap to keep the bag close to your body for more stability and support. Your back carrying the heavy load will thank you immensely.
Guess what’s cool feature my bag has.
I can hide the straps in case I want to carry it through the top or side handles.
When not in use, I stash my bag inside a luggage with its straps hidden. It seems unnecessary but I like it that way. Neat fanatic.
4. YKK Zippers
The huge zippers make it easy to open the bag. If necessary, you can lock the bag and not worry of losing valuable stuff.
I didn’t have to lock my backpack unlike my checked-in luggage that travelled all way from Canada to the Philippines and back.
5. Tracking Device – Okoban
The Okoban tag is a feature I’ll unlikely use but it’s good to have.
I can’t imagine losing my bag with all of my stuff. What a tragedy. Stop. Or it might manifest.
Noooooo!!!
In the event that it does, whoever found my bag can contact me. Also I put a paper inside with my information. Don’t forget to sign up online on Okoban. Set it up as soon as you receive the bag.
I’m sure that I’ll found more advantages of having a CabinZero in my next adventures. Do you have a CabinZero bag? What do you love about it?
Packing Tips
More space. More temptation to fill it in. Just like a room isn’t it. A sofa here. A shelf for more knickknacks. Voila! A house for stuff; the people become an accessory.
That’s not how you would want to organize stuff in a travelling bag. You’ll need a packing cube. Many bloggers (including me) swear how this simple tool keep things in order.
Tip: I bought my packing cube in Dollarama. So far it hold up into four trips without incurring damage.
1. Categorize your stuff. Put your stuff inside the packing cube based on categories: clothing, toiletries, and medicine.
Put your water bottle inside the bag before stashing the bag up in the cabin. I kept mine on a side pocket and the water spilled out on the floor when I took it out. No harm was done. Except for a wet floor. Sorry.
2. Use Ziploc to seal liquid items. This will give you peace of mind that nothing will spill. I reuse Ziploc for all my travels; it’s easy to wash away soap and shampoo spill.
3. Keep the gadgets together. I’m still looking for a small bag for my gadgets: camera, power bank, portable Wifi, chargers, and tablet. I want to keep it all together so it’s easier to remove out of the bag during custom check at the airport.
My goal is to pack light in my next trips. So I’ll buy quality clothing that could serve different purpose. Washing clothes is another way to lessen what I pack.
Final Thoughts
If you want a minimalist backpack, I would recommend CabinZero. Take it to cities or rural destinations.
For hiking on the mountains with a chance of heavy rain, look for a waterproof, robust bag that can fit all the hiking or camping gear.
For anything else, the selection of CabinZero bags has a lot to offer. I subscribe to its newsletter and always surprise of new additions. I’m thinking of having a fanny pack but not sure if it will be comfortable. Might as well try one in a store before ordering online.
What is your favourite travel bag? What features are you looking for a versatile backpack?
Share Your Thoughts