As someone who travels more than your average person, you’d think I’d be used to travelling light, but it’s something I struggle with. When Cabin Zero said they’d send me one of their bags to use (I went for the 44l version in Orange Chill Flags because I loved the design and I really needed something quite roomy) and I can honestly say it’s just as nice in person as in the photos.
I wanted to challenge myself to pack for Amsterdam (I went on a Minicruise with P&O Ferries and Mecca Bingo, post on that to follow) in just my Cabin Zero bag, without feeling like I was missing out on anything or wearing the same outfit for two nights running. So I also grabbed my packing cubes and set to work getting packed.
I wanted to have a different, a bit more dressy outfit for each evening (two) on the boat, a more practical, warmer outfit for the day in the city, and another outfit for the Sunday I was going home-mostly because I was supposed to be meeting a friend on my way back. I knew I needed to pack a pair of boots as the ones I wore to the boat were too high to wear walking around all day, and I also needed to fit my hair straighteners, my makeup bag, all of my skincare, my camera and two lenses, various chargers and my laptop. Well-I managed it!
Rolling all of my clothes (one pair of jeans, one jumper, three vest tops, two shirts, one long button up dress, a cropped long sleeved top as I wasn’t sure about the dress, underwear/socks/tights for three days and my pyjamas all fit into my medium travel cube. Laid across the bag this took up half of the room. My boots and hair straighteners went into the bottom, then a smaller travel cube containing my makeup bag and all of my skincase went next to them. On top I put a small travel cube bag with all of my chargers and adaptors, and my laptop went into the front pocket. I didn’t put a jacket in (though I could have) as I was wearing it, and I also didn’t put in the snacks I bought on my way to the boat (because I couldn’t be bothered to start unpacking and repacking) I put two bottles of water in there as well.
My bag was searched at customs because they could see it was heavy, and the travel cubes meant they didn’t make me unpack it fully-which was helpful. I was complimented on it on the way back through as well, unsurprising given it’s pretty striking in design. I managed to open my toner inside of my bag whilst in the queue and that leaked everywhere, but because of how I’d packed and the waterproof design it didn’t ruin the bag, and it only wet clothes that I’d worn and so needed washing anyway. I’m really impressed about that.
My only issue with the bag (and it’s not an issue with the bag, really, more with my packing!) is that because it’s a bit bigger and had room for extra boots, bottles of water and full sized bottles of skincare, it was heavy. I could carry it, and the thick straps made that far more comfortable, but I struggled. Next time I will be taking far less, and leaving some room at the top. Just because you have a decent sized bag, Laura, doesn’t mean you have to fill it!
Have you tried a Cabin Zero bag? I have a discount code for you if you’d like to, you can get 10% off for a month (until the 8th March) using code INSIDELAURASHEAD
*Cabin Zero sent me this bag in return for this post. All thoughts, words and opinions are my own.
Starlight and Stories says
I love the look of this, it looks perfect for storing all the things Mums need to take on any journey, that’s great that they didn’t make you unpack it all x
Ray says
This I’ve heard of their bags before and I’ve only ever seen raving reviews. It’s mad how roomy they are!
Kaye says
That’s a good looking bag, I’d never heard of them before but definitely one to consider for travelling. xo
Lisa says
Great idea. Not sure I’m that much of an organised packer to fit it all in 🙂
Tanita says
What a fab travel bag. I love the colour and the details. It looks like the perfect size, although I thin I would also struggle to fit everything in. xx
Lu Lovely says
I love the bag, it’s a great colour. I always pack far too much 🙂 Hope you enjoyed your cruise.