Why the Near Zero 60L Backpack Is a Traveler’s Dream When Flying

If you’re a frequent flyer who values flexibility, convenience, and packing space, the Near Zero 60L Backpack is your new best friend and perfect travel companion! Not only is it great for lightweight hiking gear, backpacking trips, and camping, you’ll want to make it your go-to for flying: Here’s why:

Fits Airline Restrictions (Really!)
The Near Zero 60L is designed to fit within the carry-on size limits of airlines like Southwest, and Frontier. Even though it offers a generous 60 liters of packing space, the soft, flexible design means it compresses easily to meet their carry-on standards. It slides into the TSA tray perfectly. 

Works for Stricter Airlines, Too
For airlines with tighter carry-on dimensions (like the common 22x14x8 requirement), we have found that The DEAN 60L still works. Thanks to its malleable material, it molds to the sizer (if you don’t overpack). The Near Zero team and many of our customers have flown with it on these airlines multiple times without problems, but every now and then you may get a supervisor who’s a stickler for exact measurements.

Smooth Sailing Through Security
One of the best things about this backpack is how easily it passes through TSA checkpoints. It fits right in the security tray—no awkward maneuvering or repacking needed. Less stress, more time for coffee before your flight. And if you need to access something quickly, unzip the top and pull out electronics, or other adventure gear, and get through TSA seamlessly.  

Airline Sizers Are Often Shared
Here’s a little insider tip: many airlines actually use the same carry-on sizer frames. So if your bag fits on Southwest or Frontier’s sizing tool, chances are it’ll fit on others that share the same setup (especially at airports that share the same airline terminal gates). 

The Verdict
If you’re looking for a versatile, travel-friendly backpack that balances capacity with compliance, the Near Zero 60L checks all the boxes. It’s roomy enough for a long weekend (or even a week if you pack smart), soft-sided enough to squeeze into tight sizers, and streamlined enough to breeze through TSA. Just keep in mind that while most airlines are forgiving, the occasional overzealous agent might challenge you—so pack thoughtfully and stay flexible.