Choosing the right backpack for traveling can be a game-changer, turning a potentially stressful experience into a smooth and enjoyable adventure. For those dedicated to traveling light and efficiently, or for individuals seeking a smaller, more manageable carry, the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Del Dia Travel Pack emerges as a top contender. This backpack isn’t just a bag; it’s a versatile travel companion designed to handle everything from quick weekend getaways to week-long explorations. After extensive testing and real-world use, we’ve found this backpack, combined with a small personal item, can replace the need for multiple travel bags and traditional luggage for many trips.
Why the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Stands Out Among Travel Backpacks
What makes the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L a standout choice in the crowded market of Backpacks For Traveling? It boils down to its exceptional blend of thoughtful design, durable construction, and user-friendly features. This backpack is engineered to be incredibly adaptable, fitting seamlessly into various travel scenarios.
Versatile Design for Every Traveler
The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L is truly a bag that can do it all. Its thoughtful design incorporates handles on three sides, ensuring easy grabbing from any angle, whether from an overhead bin or under a seat. A convenient handle pass-through feature allows you to securely attach it to rolling carry-on luggage, providing flexibility when navigating airports and transit hubs. Furthermore, Cotopaxi stands behind the quality of this travel backpack with a full lifetime warranty, a testament to its robust build and enduring design.
Ideal Carry-On Size
While the Allpa series comes in different sizes (28L, 35L, and 42L), the 35-liter version hits the sweet spot for most travelers. The 42L might become cumbersome when fully packed, and the 28L could feel a bit restrictive for longer trips. The 35L offers the perfect balance of capacity and portability, making it an excellent carry-on backpack that adheres to most airline size restrictions. Cotopaxi also offers a hip pack accessory designed to fit neatly into the Allpa’s top front compartment, a handy addition for travelers who appreciate extra organization and a convenient day bag.
Detailed Features of the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L
The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L isn’t just about size; its carefully considered features are what truly elevate it as a top choice among backpacks for traveling.
Robust and Durable Materials
Durability is paramount when it comes to travel gear, and the Allpa 35L doesn’t disappoint. Constructed from 100% recycled 840-denier ripstop nylon, the material feels remarkably strong, akin to a heavy-duty canvas but with a more pronounced weave. This robust fabric ensures the backpack can withstand the rigors of travel, whether you’re sliding it into overhead compartments or tossing it into the back of a vehicle. Adding to its resilience, the Allpa 35L includes a rain fly, a unique and valuable feature not commonly found in similar travel backpacks, offering extra protection against unexpected downpours.
Cotopaxi offers the Allpa with two back panel constructions: TPU-coated nylon for enhanced water resistance and classic nylon. While TPU provides additional water resistance, early versions experienced fabric breakdown. Cotopaxi has since updated the TPU fabric, and ongoing testing is evaluating the long-term durability of these newer bags.
Smart Organization and Clamshell Opening
Organization is key to efficient travel, and the Allpa 35L excels in this area. It features a clamshell design, similar to a suitcase, allowing it to open fully into two halves. This design facilitates easy packing and access to your belongings. One side features a deep main compartment, spacious enough for packing cubes or a week’s worth of clothing, secured with a zippered mesh flap. The opposite side offers further organization with a compartment for a medium-sized packing cube and two smaller, high-visibility pockets, ideal for easily locating smaller personal items. A stretch mesh pocket is also included for carrying a water bottle up to 1 liter, keeping hydration readily accessible.
Secure and Accessible Pockets
Security is a significant concern for travelers, especially in crowded areas. The Allpa 35L incorporates several security features without compromising accessibility. It includes side-access zippers, perfect for grabbing items on the go. One side zipper reveals a padded laptop compartment with a false bottom, safeguarding your computer from impact if the bag is dropped. The other side-access zipper leads to a “secret” pocket with a hidden zipper, providing access to the main compartment while maintaining discretion. Furthermore, all main compartment zippers are equipped with security loops, deterring opportunistic theft by preventing quick, unnoticed opening of the bag.
Comfortable Carry for Long Journeys
Comfort is paramount when you’re carrying your belongings on your back, sometimes for extended periods. The Allpa 35L is designed with comfortable carry in mind. Its hip belt, which can be stowed away when not needed, provides adequate support and weight distribution for comfortable wear, even when fully packed. Whether using the hip belt or not, the Allpa remains comfortable for long distances. The shoulder straps are thoughtfully contoured to accommodate various body types, including both broader and narrower chests, enhancing overall comfort for a wider range of users.
Minor Drawbacks
Capacity: 35 liters
Weight: 2 pounds 7 ounces
Main-compartment access: clamshell opening
Colors: assorted
While the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L is an exceptional travel backpack, it’s important to acknowledge a couple of minor considerations. For individuals with longer torsos (over 19 inches), the hip belt might sit slightly higher than ideal unless the shoulder straps are fully extended. This is a minor fit detail that might affect comfort for some users. However, this is not a dealbreaker for most, and the overall comfort and functionality of the backpack remain outstanding.
Conclusion
The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack stands out as a top-tier choice in backpacks for traveling. Its versatile design, robust materials, intelligent organization, security features, and comfortable carry make it an ideal companion for a wide range of travel styles and durations. Whether you are embarking on a weekend trip or a longer adventure, the Allpa 35L is well-equipped to handle your needs, offering a reliable and efficient way to carry your essentials. For travelers seeking a durable, organized, and comfortable carry-on backpack, the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L is undoubtedly a worthwhile investment.
