Cotopaxi Allpa Travel Pack Review: Lives Up To The Hype?
Are you tired of wrestling with bulky suitcases through crowded airport terminals? Do you dream of traveling light without sacrificing the essentials?
The Cotopaxi Allpa Travel Pack might just be your new best friend on every adventure. This colorful, durable backpack has captured the hearts of travelers worldwide, but does it live up to the hype?
Let’s dive into an honest review that will help you decide if this travel companion deserves a spot on your next journey.
Key Takeaways
- Capacity Options: The Allpa series comes in multiple sizes including 28L, 35L, and 42L. The 35L version strikes the perfect balance between space and airline carry on compliance, measuring 22 x 12 x 10 inches.
- Built Like a Tank: Constructed from 840 denier TPU coated nylon and ballistic ripstop nylon at the bottom, this pack can handle serious abuse. The materials provide excellent water resistance while keeping the weight surprisingly manageable.
- Comfort First Design: Features air mesh shoulder straps, padded hip belt, and a contoured back panel that distributes weight evenly. Perfect for long airport walks or quick city explorations after you land.
- Organization Heaven: Includes dedicated laptop compartment (fits up to 16 inch MacBook Pro), multiple internal pockets, clamshell opening design, and exterior water bottle pocket. Everything has its place.
- Unique Personality: Available in vibrant color combinations, especially the Del Dia versions where no two bags are exactly alike. Made from upcycled materials, so you’re making an eco conscious choice too.
What Makes the Cotopaxi Allpa Stand Out
The travel backpack market feels crowded these days. Every brand claims they’ve created the perfect bag. But the Cotopaxi Allpa Travel Pack brings something different to the table. This isn’t just another black backpack that looks like everyone else’s.
The first thing people notice about the Allpa is its personality. The Del Dia versions feature bold, multicolored designs using repurposed materials. Each bag tells its own story through unique color combinations. You’ll never lose sight of your bag on the luggage carousel.
But pretty colors mean nothing if the bag can’t perform. Cotopaxi built the Allpa with serious travelers in mind. The construction quality immediately stands out when you handle the pack. The zippers glide smoothly even when the bag is stuffed full. The fabric feels substantial without being heavy or stiff.
Build Quality and Materials
Let’s talk about what makes this bag tough enough for serious travel. The exterior uses 840 denier TPU coated nylon on the main body. This material offers excellent protection against water and abrasion. The bottom panel uses ballistic ripstop nylon for extra durability where the bag gets the most abuse.
The TPU coating gives the fabric a slightly rigid feel. Some travelers worry this makes the bag look stiff or plasticky. In practice, the material breaks in nicely after a few trips. It also provides superior weather protection compared to standard nylon backpacks.
The zippers deserve special mention. Cotopaxi uses YKK zippers throughout the bag. These lockable zippers open and close smoothly even when you’ve packed the bag to capacity. The main clamshell zipper wraps around three sides of the pack without any catching or snagging.
Comfort and Carrying Experience
A travel backpack needs to feel good on your back. You might carry it through multiple airport terminals or navigate cobblestone streets in European cities. The Allpa delivers solid comfort even when fully loaded.
The shoulder straps feature thick padding and an aggressive curve. This design helps the straps hug your shoulders naturally. A sliding sternum strap keeps everything stable and prevents the straps from sliding off your shoulders.
The hip belt helps distribute weight away from your shoulders. Smaller travelers will appreciate how the belt takes pressure off their back. Taller travelers might find the belt doesn’t sit on their hips quite right. The good news is you can tuck the hip belt behind the back panel when you don’t need it.
The back panel provides generous padding. Air mesh keeps your back from getting too sweaty during longer carries. The padding is thick enough that you won’t feel your laptop or other items pressing against your back.
Storage and Organization
The 35L Allpa gives you plenty of room for a week long trip. The clamshell opening makes packing and unpacking incredibly easy. You can lay the bag flat and see everything at once. No more digging through a top loading bag trying to find that one shirt at the bottom.
The main compartment features mesh dividers that keep your clothes organized. You don’t necessarily need packing cubes, though they still help. The mesh stretches to accommodate extra items when you need to squeeze in one more souvenir.
Inside you’ll find three zippered pockets. A large pocket on the left side can hold bulkier items like hoodies or a toiletry bag. A medium pocket provides extra organization. A smaller pocket up top keeps toiletries within easy reach for TSA checkpoints.
The laptop compartment sits against your back. It provides excellent protection with padding on all sides and a generous false bottom. The compartment easily swallows a 16 inch MacBook Pro. A 13 inch laptop or tablet fits in the secondary sleeve.
The front exterior pocket offers quick access to everyday items. Throw in your passport, phone charger, snacks, and other items you need to grab quickly. An admin panel inside helps organize smaller accessories. There’s even a key leash so you don’t lose your house keys during your trip.
Top 3 Alternatives for Cotopaxi Allpa Travel Pack
Water Resistance Performance
The Allpa provides good water resistance but isn’t fully waterproof. The TPU coated nylon on the exterior shell beads water nicely in light rain. The bottom panel’s ballistic nylon also resists moisture well.
However, the zippers aren’t waterproof. Heavy rain can allow water to seep through the zipper lines into the main compartment. The laptop compartment stays protected better than the main storage area. If you travel somewhere with frequent downpours, consider packing a rain cover or using dry bags for electronics.
For typical travel situations, the water resistance works great. Your gear stays dry walking through light rain or placing the bag on damp surfaces. Just don’t expect it to survive getting caught in a monsoon without extra protection.
Airline Compatibility
The 35L Allpa measures 22 x 12 x 10 inches. These dimensions fit comfortably within most airline carry on requirements. You can confidently bring this bag on domestic and international flights without worrying about gate checks.
The bag won’t fit under most airline seats as a personal item when fully packed. It needs to go in the overhead bin. If you want something that fits under the seat, consider the 28L version instead.
The 42L version pushes the limits of carry on size. Some budget airlines might flag it as too large. The 35L gives you the best combination of capacity and airline compliance.
Weight and Packability
Empty, the Allpa 35L weighs around 3.3 pounds. That’s reasonably light for a travel backpack with this much structure and padding. It’s not ultralight, but the durability and comfort features justify the weight.
When not in use, the bag doesn’t pack down small. The structured design means it maintains its shape. This makes it less ideal as a daypack you’d stuff into a larger bag. But that structure also means the bag stands up on its own and maintains its organization.
Value and Price Point
The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L typically retails around $215 to $225. That places it in the mid to upper price range for travel backpacks. You’re paying for quality materials, thoughtful design, and ethical manufacturing practices.
Cotopaxi is a certified B Corporation. They focus on sustainable production and giving back to communities. Part of your purchase price supports their charitable initiatives. If ethical consumption matters to you, this adds value beyond just the physical product.
The bag should last for years of regular travel. The construction quality and materials can handle serious use. Many travelers report their Allpa packs looking nearly new after dozens of trips.
Who Should Buy the Cotopaxi Allpa
This pack works great for weekend warriors and frequent travelers alike. It’s ideal if you want to travel carry on only for trips up to two weeks. The organization features help keep your gear tidy even when living out of the bag.
Digital nomads appreciate the excellent laptop protection and the ability to access gear quickly. The comfortable carry system makes it suitable for walking through cities or light hiking to reach accommodations.
Travelers who value sustainability and ethical production will appreciate Cotopaxi’s mission driven approach. The unique Del Dia color combinations appeal to people who want their gear to express personality.
Who Might Want Something Different
If you need absolute maximum capacity, the 42L might serve you better. Some travelers find the 35L limiting for longer trips or colder climates requiring bulkier clothes.
Ultralight travelers might find the Allpa too heavy. If you count every ounce, lighter options exist with less structure and padding.
Budget conscious shoppers can find cheaper alternatives. The Allpa’s price reflects its quality and ethical production, but you can get decent travel backpacks for less money.
Care and Maintenance Tips
The durable materials make the Allpa easy to maintain. Wipe down the exterior with a damp cloth to remove dirt and stains. The TPU coating prevents most stains from setting in permanently.
Spot clean the interior with mild soap and water. Avoid machine washing as it can damage the structure and coatings. Let the bag air dry completely before storing to prevent mildew.
The zippers benefit from occasional cleaning. Use a soft brush to remove dirt from the zipper teeth. This keeps them sliding smoothly for years.
Store the bag in a cool, dry place when not in use. Keep it loosely packed rather than completely compressed to maintain the shape and padding structure.
Common Questions Answered
Is the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L carry on approved?
Yes, the Allpa 35L fits within standard carry on dimensions for most airlines worldwide. The 22 x 12 x 10 inch size complies with TSA requirements and works for domestic and international flights. You should have no problems bringing it in the cabin on major carriers.
Can the Allpa 35L fit under an airplane seat?
When fully packed, the Allpa 35L typically won’t fit under most airplane seats. It’s designed as an overhead bin bag. If you need something that fits under the seat as a personal item, consider the smaller Allpa 28L or Allpa Mini 20L versions.
How much can you fit in the Allpa 35L?
You can comfortably pack clothes for one to two weeks depending on your packing style. The bag holds several shirts, pants, undergarments, a jacket, shoes, toiletries, and still has room for a laptop and other electronics. Using packing cubes helps maximize the space.
Is the Cotopaxi Allpa waterproof?
The Allpa is water resistant but not fully waterproof. The TPU coated exterior repels light to moderate rain effectively. However, the zippers aren’t waterproof, so heavy downpours can allow water inside. The laptop compartment offers better water protection than the main compartment.
What’s the difference between Allpa regular and Del Dia?
Del Dia versions use repurposed materials in unique color combinations. Each Del Dia bag is one of a kind with different color panels and zippers. Regular versions come in standard solid color options. Both versions share the same construction quality and features.
Does the Allpa work for hiking?
The Allpa can handle light day hikes and urban exploration. However, it’s designed primarily as a travel backpack rather than a technical hiking pack. It lacks features like hydration bladder compatibility, load lifters on the 35L, and hiking specific organization. For serious hiking, consider a dedicated hiking backpack.
Final Verdict: The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack delivers excellent performance for carry on travel. It combines durability, comfort, and thoughtful organization in a package that stands out from the crowd. The price reflects quality materials and ethical production practices. If you want a reliable travel companion that will last for years, the Allpa deserves serious consideration. Its vibrant personality and practical design make every trip a little more enjoyable.
