Choosing the right travel backpack can be overwhelming, especially when you’re looking for the perfect carry-on size. You need something durable, organized, comfortable, and secure enough to handle any journey, from weekend getaways to week-long adventures. After extensive testing and real-world travel, we’ve found the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Del Dia Travel Pack to be the best small carry-on travel backpack for most situations. This versatile bag is designed to simplify packing and travel, making it an ideal choice for light packers and those seeking a single, reliable travel companion.
Why the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Stands Out as a Top Carry-On Backpack
The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L isn’t just another backpack; it’s a thoughtfully designed travel solution. Its clamshell opening, robust build, and comfortable carry system set it apart from standard backpacks, making it a superior choice for air travel and beyond. This pack excels in organization, durability, and ease of use, addressing the key needs of modern travelers.
One Bag for Every Trip: Whether you’re a minimalist traveler or simply prefer to streamline your luggage, the Allpa 35L is designed to be your go-to bag. Its 35-liter capacity strikes a perfect balance, offering enough space for essentials without being cumbersome. Multiple grab handles and a luggage pass-through further enhance its travel-friendly design, allowing for easy maneuvering and integration with larger luggage systems. Backed by Cotopaxi’s lifetime warranty, this backpack is built to last, promising years of reliable service. For seasoned travelers, the Allpa 35L, combined with a personal item, can replace the need for multiple travel bags, simplifying packing and travel logistics.
Optimal Size Selection: Cotopaxi offers the Allpa in 28L, 35L, and 42L sizes, catering to different travel needs. However, our tests indicate that the 35L model hits the sweet spot. The 42L version tends to become heavy and less manageable when fully loaded, and its hip belt design could be more substantial. Conversely, the 28L might feel too compact for trips extending beyond a couple of days, and its internal organization may be excessive for shorter excursions. The 35L offers the ideal balance of capacity and portability, making it the Best Travel Backpack Carry-on size for most travelers. Cotopaxi also offers a compatible hip pack that fits neatly into the Allpa’s top front compartment, a useful accessory for travelers who appreciate having a smaller bag readily accessible.
Built to Endure: Durability is a key feature of the Allpa 35L. Constructed from 100% recycled 840-denier ripstop nylon, the bag’s material is reminiscent of tough canvas but with a more pronounced weave, ensuring it can withstand the rigors of travel. This robust material makes the Allpa equally suitable for overhead compartments and more rugged travel environments. A notable inclusion is the rain fly, a rare feature in carry-on travel backpacks, providing extra protection against the elements.
Cotopaxi utilizes both TPU-coated and classic nylon for the back panel of the Allpa. While TPU enhances water resistance, earlier versions experienced fabric degradation. Cotopaxi has since updated the TPU fabric to address this, and ongoing testing of the newer models will determine long-term durability.
The clamshell design of the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack, featuring a deep main compartment and smaller organizing sections, simplifies item separation.
Organized Packing for Stress-Free Travel
Organization is where the Allpa 35L truly shines. Its clamshell design mimics a suitcase, opening fully via a robust YKK zipper that runs along three sides. This suitcase-style opening allows the bag to lay flat, revealing two distinct packing compartments. The right side features a deep compartment capable of holding two large packing cubes or a substantial amount of clothing, secured by a zippered mesh flap. The left side offers space for another medium-sized packing cube behind a zippered flap, with two smaller, high-visibility pockets above, ideal for easily locating smaller personal items. A stretch mesh pocket accommodates a water bottle up to 1 liter, adding to the bag’s organizational versatility.
Secure and Accessible Design for Peace of Mind
Security and accessibility are paramount when traveling, and the Allpa 35L addresses both. Two side-access zippers provide convenient access to key items while on the move. One zipper reveals a padded laptop compartment with a false bottom, safeguarding your computer from impact. The other side-access zipper opens to a “secret” pocket with a hidden zipper, providing internal access to the main compartment for discreet retrieval of items. Furthermore, all main compartment zippers are equipped with security loops, effectively deterring opportunistic theft by preventing quick and unnoticed opening of the bag.
Comfortable Carry for Long Journeys
Carrying comfort is crucial for any travel backpack, and the Allpa 35L excels in this area. Its stowable hip belt provides adequate support and comfort when needed, and the bag remains comfortable to carry even without the hip belt engaged, making it suitable for extended wear. While individuals with longer torsos (over 19 inches) might find the hip belt sits slightly high unless shoulder straps are fully extended, the contoured shoulder straps are designed to fit a wide range of body types comfortably, accommodating both broader and narrower chests. This thoughtful strap design makes the Allpa a comfortable option for diverse users, noted particularly by female testers for its improved fit.
Minor Drawbacks
Capacity: 35 liters
Weight: 2 pounds 7 ounces
Main-compartment access: clamshell opening
Colors: assorted
While the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L is exceptional, it’s important to note minor considerations. Its 35-liter capacity, while ideal for many, might be limiting for travelers who tend to overpack. The clamshell opening, while excellent for organization, requires space to fully open the bag. However, these are minor trade-offs compared to the bag’s overall advantages as a top-tier carry-on travel backpack.
Final Verdict: The Ultimate Carry-On Travel Backpack
The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Del Dia Travel Pack stands out as the best travel backpack carry-on for its exceptional blend of organization, durability, security, and comfort. Whether you’re navigating airports, exploring cities, or embarking on outdoor adventures, this backpack is a reliable and versatile companion. Its thoughtful design and robust construction make it a worthwhile investment for anyone seeking a top-performing carry-on backpack that simplifies travel and stands the test of time. For travelers prioritizing efficiency and quality in their carry-on luggage, the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L is the clear winner.
