The packs carry-on size allows for easy airport travel. GearJunkie may earn a small commission from affiliate links in this article. Yeah, it has a lot more compartments and space. Yes, Id like to get email from MEC. The Guarantee states that you can contact the company to help resolve any issues you have or replace products, but it doesnt say if there is a fee or what costs might be associated with that solution. This prevents deforming the computer sleeve, which makes sliding contents in and out difficult. In terms of functionality, comfort, and colorful looks, there is much to like about the Allpa. Cotopaxi provided the backpack, free of charge, for testing and review. Support us! Nice review, glad I found it. Read through our favorite expert-compiled gear for thru-hiking, backpacking, ultralight backpacking and more. It will fit a small bottle only. A portion of Cotopaxis yearly revenue is donated to the Cotopaxi Foundation. I recommend the 42-liter size for any big trips, as its a maximum carry-on size backpack. I personally never use backpacks in duffel mode and, to be totally honest, dont really see the point. Is this a good example of price gouging on their most popular bag? Padded backpack straps carry the load comfortably, and tuck away stowing in overhead bins. The main exterior zippers on the packs body feature a security loop. This piece of webbing spans the zipper coils and zipper pull in the closed position to help prevent casual theft. 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There are no small exterior pockets for easy storage of frequently used or needed items. To be honest, Cotopaxis attempt to add security features to this bag is weak. While the ballistic material makes the Allpa 35L more durable than a normal backpack, the overall durability of the pack is unlikely to hold up to the test of time. Your email address will not be published. The Del Da range is crafted with remnant fabrics and workers have complete creative control over the design. This ability to fit personal item dimensions is a huge deal to a freelance writer like me, drastically reducing travel expenses and maintaining profitability. But, as they say, you cant judge a book by its cover. Furthermore, the mesh is very prone to snagging or tearing. Size restrictions vary among airlines. The air mesh fabric on the back panel of the pack makes it somewhat breathable, and youll have less sweat to deal with than some other competitors on the market (but trust me, sweat still exists). you have reviewed every nook and corner features of backpack in a clear way..Thanks for your work! The shoulder straps are thick and fairly comfortable, while the waist belt is padded so it doesnt dig into your hips. But what was surprising is that, with careful packing, the Allpa qualifies as the free personal item on many airlines. Below is a zipped mesh compartment where Ive kept the backpack rain cover that is included with the Allpa 42. The Allpa 35L is a comfortable, thoughtfully-designed travel pack that makes it easy to organize your belongings on trips. Since Im extraordinarily lazy, this meant I never actually used them. I put the hip belt at its lowest height where it fit me comfortably. However, it also features tons of pockets, weatherproofing, and some fun accessories, not to mention adjustable compartments and up to 10 more liters of volume! With careful planning and packing, the wise traveler can avoid baggage fees even on the strictest airlines. Whether youre backpacking Europe or taking a weekend trip to the mountains, this bag will do the job. See details. Don't subscribe Its too bad, too, because Cotopaxi is a great brand and I love what they do. Finally, there is also the Allpa Del Dia range. The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack is the smallest bag in the Allpa line, ideal for carry-on travel. Upgrade your adventure today, and sign up to receive the best gear, tips and tricks weve got, straight to your inbox, totally free. In the top space, I chose to store my two books for this trip, the rather chunky Rough Guide to Spain and my thin copy of Heart of Darkness. Overall, Im impressed by the level of organization inside the Allpa, all without needing any extra accessories. One gives you quicky access to the main compartment, which is a neat little feature. Its carry-on size is nice for speedy traveling or a quick trip, but packing for more than a week seems virtually impossible. The only accessory this pack comes with is a rain cover. However, these mesh sleeves dont hold their shape very well which in turn allows your gear to shift or bounce around. The exterior TPU-coated, 1,000-denier polyester, 1,680-denier ballistic nylon is available in four colors. But with all that said, they still made a pretty great entry-level backpack thats suited to all kinds of different adventures. There are different bundles, though. Similar in concept, the Peak Design 45L pack is carry-on sized, and also has tuckable straps and a separate laptop compartment. You dont have to do this, but its a nice feature especially if traveling in theft-prone destinations. You can tell its the old one by looking at the water bottle pocket; if its an external bottle holder thats kind of awkwardly hanging by the side, its the old edition. There are no water bottle holders or organizational clips (unless you want to purchase those separately). Some of the stricter guidelines for personal items state they cant be backpacks. Get off the beaten path. If youre packing this light, its unlikely youre bringing extra shoes. Its a wonderful idea, as it not only reduces waste but also makes each Allpa Del Dia backpack a one-of-a-kind. An externally accessible zipped compartment with internal pockets sits at the top of the front panel. Finally, there is a water bottle pocket on the side. Leave a commentYour email address will not be published. I've been curious about trying the Allpa since Cotopaxi's Indiegogo campaign in 2017. Ill get into this more shortly. This is definitely not a top choice for trips that involve visiting rainy or wet climates or a lot of outdoor activity in general. Now it is simply a stretchy sleeve thats part of the backpack itself and I like this design a lot more. In the front, there is a spacious compartment that goes down about a third of the height of the pack. I completely understand the allure of segregating your dirty laundry, but there are many more economic ways to do it. The Del Dia line of bags are all designed and manufactured by workers in the Philippines using 100% left-over and reused fabrics and materials. If youre trying to over-stuff your bag and take it on a long trip, I can pretty much guarantee that you wont be smiling for long. So I stuffed the shoulder straps and hip belt away after arriving at the airport and carried it by a side handle. There is one additional tiny pocket on the padded hip belt, but that is useless for anything other than chapstick or a (singular) key. This does also come with additional weight. You can read more about my editorial policies. Weighing in just under 3.5 pounds (1560 grams), the. Carry it with two hands or like a one handled suitcase. The features of the bag, individually, are all fantastic. Its large capacity makes it a good fit for multi-day to weeklong trips, depending on what's going to be packed. I put the Cotopaxi Taboche pack to the test during a training hike and a 2-day 45lb technical ascent of Mt. I find that the harness is quite good at distributing weight if you use the hipbelt. In-person, theyre pretty much neon orange, though I assume they fade a bit over time. Book your tickets and say goodbye to checked baggage fees. For more info, check out my full Peak Design 45L review. Cotopaxi is a company on a mission to make a positive global impact by alleviating poverty in certain parts of the world. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thanks for this post! At first, I loved the bold colors, the durable rubber on the outside of the pack and all the organization options made available by the interior mesh pockets. 2021. This is worth noting if youre wanting to wring every last gram out of their carry-on baggage allowance, but if youre not a hardcore minimalist packer you might be less concerned. I really value anything that is functional and lightweight because every ounce adds up when packing for a climbing weekend or a backpacking trip. Your email address will not be published. A padded slot to fit electronics or laptops, it may be partially or fully padded on each side. Thank you for supporting our mission! This 55L pack weighs 4lb 17oz and offers a comfortable cushioned frame, stylish colors and thoughtful interior and exterior storage for multi-day backpacking trips. Meanwhile, the original 35-liter size has just been refreshed with similar design features to the Allpa 42. The mesh pockets are great, but if you put a heavy item in one of the top pockets, the lack of structure means the top half of the bag will completely collapse onto the bottom half. I love this as Im not of average height (Im 1.94m or 64) so the hip belts, more often than not, end up nearer to my belly. Each of the outside zippers has webbing sewn at the top end as an anti-theft feature. Your engagement on this site allows us to bring you this content for free. If its not working out, you can return it (consumables, electronics, undergarments and swimwear excluded). Something to keep in mind is that many reviews on the web and on YouTube are still of the older version. Ive used other backpacks with security loops that you had to tie every time. I like the llama logo on the back (thankfully left without any text) and the fun colors used in all but one of the color variations available. TravelFreak is reader supported. Many of you have asked me to review the Cotopaxi Allpa backpacks. In 2012 I quit the daily grind for a life of travel. With an unclear product warranty (see below), I know I dont want to risk a couple of hundred dollars on mesh pockets and one zipper. The interior sections of the main compartment are all zippered mesh. The rear panel of the pack is made of air mesh to allow your back and shoulders to breath and more airflow to circulate. Despite many subdivisions, the contents remain instantly accessible and/or visible through a mesh window. Curious of your thoughts on the functional capacity, do they hold about the same amount? But, I hate to say itthat didnt last very long. is feeling a little let down by it. Quit Your Job: Eagle Creek Will Send You on Outdoor Sabbatical, Summit an 8,700-Foot Peak Overlooking El Capitn In Texas. This fabric-split section can stow both a laptop and tablet, and its easy to access your electronics while passing through airport security or while on the go. These have the same design but are made using pieces of repurposed remnant nylon. Zipper compartments on the inside allow for easy organization. It has a laptop, tablet, and smartphone sleeve. The laptop compartment is basically the size of the backpack itself. And if you need to haul more gear, it still functions as a maximum legal carry-on. And the interior is lined and has contrasting trim. A 42-liter bag to me feels almost too big to do carry that way. I saw another review complain about these, but count me as a fan. I would have needed at LEAST a picture of a woman wearing one. The Patagonia Black Hole Duffel Bag 60L ($129) is a durable, versatile duffel bag for the weekend adventurer. Jeremy Scott Foster is an adventure-junkie, gear expert and travel photographer based in Southern California. What Im reviewing here is the 42-liter size in the Allpa range, which was newly launched in late 2019. Our team of experts is bringing you best camping gear reviews and buying guides. The frameless suspension systems back panel, contoured shoulder straps, and hip belt are all non-removable. On one right side shown below, you have a large space behind a mesh window. Maybe its worth submitting a customer question on its Amazon.com page. When I first saw this bag, I was immediately soldso I just had to get my hands on it to see if it would live up to my expectations. Youre comparing backups that fill two different uses. The newer generation of Allpas comes with several design upgrades. While hard for me to weigh in on (sorry, Im only 55), this is probably something people above average height should take into consideration. It seems like the Allpa has a place for just about everything, with cleverly sectioned space separated by built-in zippered mesh and pockets for smaller things. It is available as a standalone backpack, as well as with accessories ($210) and with accessories and Cotopaxi's Batac Del Da daypack ($250). While the money does not go directly to a charity or a community, the website does state that the mission of the foundation is to aid the impoverished and ensure the company can continue its sustainability and local/world improvement initiatives. Thank you! Replies to my comments. It organized all necessary items and carried them comfortably. I found that I often opened the wrong pocket, even when I thought really hard about which zipper to use. Winner! The Allpa pack has two transport configurations: shoulder straps like a backpack, or reinforced handles like a suitcase. Sign up for blog updates and juicy travel inspiration! That said, Cotopaxi is brand I know, love and trust, so I feel certain their customer service would fix any issues you might encounter. I guess the plus side here is that your bag will be easy to recognize in a crowd. Its lightweight design is great, but the lack of structure or internal frame makes the Allpa line seem uncomfortable for hiking, carrying odd-shaped equipment, or taking long trips. The real mind-boggling price difference is in comparison to the nearly identical 35L Del Dia travel pack which is $20 cheaper than the regular 35L pack! Cotopaxi made sure the 35L travel pack was sized perfectly for carry-on travel, meaning you can skip airport lines and baggage carousels. Mesh Laundry Bag: Again very self-explanatory, and again, seemingly unnecessary. You can compare the two editions in detail here. This pack isnt the greatest at handling heavy loads. With only six total compartments, the Allpa 35L travel pack is not the ideal tool for prime organization. The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack ($190) is a thoughtfully-designed travel backpack built to withstand years of use. Its clean lines and bold, simple colors make it one of the most stylish bags out there! Would you be able to make a guess as to whether or not it might be able to squeeze? For example--intending to open the laptop sleeve, I accidentally found the shortcut zipper to the inside of the bag. While this bag is about average in price compared to other highly rated 35-40L carry-on travel backpacks, I am ranking the Allpa 35L travel backpack lower than average based on the pricing of other bags in the Allpa line and the quality of the bag itself. Better, an internal compression system and personal item outer dimensions mean airline passengers will save on extra baggage costs. But so does an SUV, and since I dont have a family of 4, I dont need an SUV. While this and two smaller interior mesh pockets are great for organization and small item organization, those three pockets are all you have for non-bulky items. If youre looking for something sleeker or better suited for shorter trips, consider the Allpa 35 instead. Here I aim to inspire others to travel more by sharing honest travel guides from around the world. Both the 50L and 70L bags, which are very similar in design to the 35L one, are less expensive than the 35L travel pack. With no visible front zippers, this bag is quite attractive with clean exterior lines. Biolite was kind enough to send me their new Campstove for testing and review. This colorful carry-on backpack comes from a responsible producer focused on sustainability and poverty alleviation, donating 1% of revenues through its Cotopaxi Foundation. Youll probably be OK especially given the XPS doesnt have a screen bezel Cotopaxi probably doesnt want to say it supports 17 as there are ones with some very chonky screens out there . Glad you found this review useful Cynthia! 2022 | All Rights Reserved, Company registration number: 06866013 | VAT number: GB 865368680. The sturdiest part of the bag is the compression straps and hip belt. In other words, you cant buy the shoe bag separately, but you can buy it with the laundry bag and the water bottle sleeve. Wearing it using just the shoulder straps has also been a comfortable option. Unless your bag is filled up completely, this shell can look a bit puffy. Shipping to Canada was over $80 and most of Europe was higher than that. For more, see site policies. I love how easy it is to organize and see all the things I've taken on a trip when using this bag. The slotted back panel on the Allpa 35L pack allows the shoulder and hip straps to be unclipped and completely tucked away beneath the panel, creating a sleek and smooth piece of luggage. They listed the Peak, if you need to pack a FULL suitcase into your backpack, but I dont want anything to do with that monster. Although it probably wasnt a design objective, the Allpa also saved me tons of money in baggage fees. On the other side is essentially an integrated travel organizer. But if you need your bag to be more understated such as for business travel then there is also an entirely black version. This takes just a second or two. You can usually find him on the trail, on the road, jumping from bridges or hustling on his laptop working to produce the best travel and outdoors content today. One of my favorite things when trying new gear out is discovering the thoughtful touches that the designers have included, and the Allpa definitely exceeds my expectations in this area. I like putting a light jacket and toiletries near this opening for easy access in the airport/plane. Just to be sure, check with your carrier for their specific restrictions. In a pinch? I think these anti-theft loops would do a good job of making it difficult for someone to go unnoticed doing the same. I like the PD because it collapses down to 35Lthe same size as the Allpa. Overall, the Cotopaxi Allpa line definitely targets millennials with its clean lines and bold, simple colors. We go "Off the Map" to find new roads and epic adventures. Unfortunately, I just dont think this bag was their greatest creation. This bag is floppy at best, and unless its completely packed, it doesnt maintain its structure. All of this sounds great until you realize that the amount donated to these nonprofits and companies ends up being a mere $55,000 of their estimated $5.5 million yearly revenue. The outer shell is a medium-darkish blue, while the rest of the pack nudges slightly towards teal. But if youre still sold on the Allpa, you can use the button below to get more info from the official Cotopaxi website. Tortuga Outbreaker vs. Cotopaxi even donates 1% of its annual revenues to the Cotopaxi Foundation, which awards grant money to nonprofit organizations and is ultimately aimed at helping underprivileged communities around the world. Its made using colourful panels of repurposed nylon ripstop, meaning that no two look the same. Interior mesh compartments also do not hold their shape well and seem to rip or tear rather easily. Depending on the color, the material can appear shiny, making it look a little too cheap for my liking (and this is not a cheap bag), but certain colors hide this sheen fairly well. The company Cotopaxi is named after a volcano in Ecuador, and you can see this reflected in their bright Andean-inspired style. Join the movement and help us #diversifyoutdoors. But for those focused on a lightweight bag and light packing, these straps are about as comfortable as it gets. I have in the past caught a pickpocket trying to open my non-Allpa backpack by very gently and gradually opening the zipper over a minute's time or so. One more interesting aspect is the zippers, nearly all of which have a security closure. The place Canadians trust for outdoor advice. There is an externally accessible laptop sleeve with an internal divider on the back panel. We'll be fair about it. The secret sauce lies in the rectangular shape of the bag as well as two internal compression straps in the largest internal compartment. Five zippered mesh pockets give you places to organize and store all of your items, and the mesh is easier to wash and dry than alternative fabrics would be in case of internal spills or leaks. The Allpa feels comfortable to wear. I had some concerns about the relatively small patch of velcro that it attaches with, but have had no problems with this in practice. The one element thats probably love-it-or-hate-it is the TPU-coated 1000D outer polyester shell. Essentially a carry-on duffel bag with five interior pockets, this 35L pack is nothing special and this reviewer (hi!) If you want my personal suggestion, skip the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Pack and try the Peak Design 45L Travel backpack instead. While no warranty is explicitly stated for any product, you can find a Good Guarantee Section listed on their website. The suspensions back length isnt adjustable, but it fit my 6-foot-tall, 165-pound frame well. However, when looking at the bag holistically, it feels like the features dont integrate with each other very well. The interior mesh pockets are easily torn, and heavy or bulky items will wear on both the mesh and zipper of the interior pockets, specifically the large compartment which essentially could have half of your total backpacks weight pressed against it. The loops on the quick access compartments are a lot wider letting you secure them more quickly, while the loop on the main compartment (shown above) is tighter and a bit more fiddly. Theyre also surprisingly lightweight, comfortable right out-of-the-box and stylish! Nothing extra. The location of all access points into the main compartment of the pack. While the exterior of the Cotopaxi backpack is made of TPU-coated polyester and ballistic nylon, there is no interior structural support (or back supports for heavy packs), essentially making this bag an unsupported clamshell.