For travelers seeking the Best Backpack For Travel that balances durability, organization, and carry-on convenience, the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Del Dia Travel Pack stands out as a top contender. This robust and thoughtfully designed backpack is perfect for everything from quick weekend escapes to week-long adventures, offering a seamless travel experience for light packers and seasoned globetrotters alike. Its smart features and rugged construction make it a reliable companion for any journey.
The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Del Dia Travel Pack is truly a versatile “one-bag travel” solution. Its adaptability makes it an excellent choice for travelers dedicated to minimalist packing, or for those who simply prefer a more manageable load. Thoughtful handle placement on three sides ensures easy grabbing from any angle, and a luggage pass-through allows for convenient pairing with rolling carry-on luggage. Backed by a full lifetime warranty and demonstrating exceptional build quality, this backpack has proven its staying power. After extensive testing over six years, this single backpack, combined with a small personal item, has become the primary travel luggage, replacing numerous other bags.
While Cotopaxi offers the Allpa in 28-liter and 42-liter sizes, the 35-liter model hits the sweet spot. Testers found the 42-liter version could become cumbersome when fully loaded, suggesting a need for a more substantial hip belt at that size. Conversely, the 28-liter bag felt slightly restrictive and its organizational features seemed excessive for shorter trips. Cotopaxi also offers a hip pack designed to integrate seamlessly into the Allpa’s top front compartment, a useful addition for those who appreciate hands-free exploration while traveling.
Durability is a key aspect of the Allpa’s design. Constructed from 100% recycled 840-denier ripstop nylon, the material exhibits a robust canvas-like feel with a pronounced weave, ensuring it can withstand the rigors of travel. This backpack is equally at home in an overhead bin or the bed of a pickup truck. A rain fly is also included, a rare and valuable feature in travel backpacks, offering extra protection in inclement weather.
Cotopaxi utilizes either TPU-coated or classic nylon on the back panel of the Allpa. Both versions have been tested extensively. While TPU offers enhanced water resistance, earlier TPU coatings showed some degradation over time. Cotopaxi addressed this in their 2024 update, and ongoing testing is assessing the longevity of the new fabric.
Organization is where the Allpa truly excels as the best backpack for travel. The clamshell design, reminiscent of a suitcase, features a robust YKK zipper that fully opens the bag into two distinct halves. The right side provides a deep main compartment, easily accommodating two large packing cubes or the equivalent of half a suitcase of clothing, secured by a zippered mesh flap. The left side offers space for another medium packing cube behind a zippered flap, with two smaller, high-visibility pockets above for smaller essentials. A stretch mesh pocket accommodates water bottles up to 1 liter.
Security and accessibility are thoughtfully integrated. Two side-access zippers offer convenient access while on the move. One reveals a padded laptop compartment with a false bottom, protecting devices from impact. The other side zipper leads to a “secret” pocket, providing hidden access to the main compartment. Security loops on the main compartment zippers deter opportunistic theft by requiring zippers to be threaded through, adding a layer of peace of mind in crowded areas.
Carry comfort is paramount for any travel backpack, and the Allpa delivers. The stowable hip belt provides adequate support and comfort, even when the bag is fully loaded. The Allpa remains comfortable for extended wear, with or without the hip belt. Individuals with longer torsos (over 19 inches) might find the hip belt sits slightly high unless shoulder straps are fully extended. Notably, the contoured shoulder straps are designed to fit a wider range of body types, a feature appreciated by testers of various builds.
Minor Imperfections
Capacity: 35 liters
Weight: 2 pounds 7 ounces
Main-compartment access: clamshell opening
Colors: assorted
While the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L is arguably the best backpack for travel in its category, potential buyers should consider a couple of minor points. The 35-liter capacity, while ideal for many, might be limiting for extended trips requiring bulkier gear. Additionally, at 2 pounds 7 ounces, it’s not the absolute lightest option available, though this weight contributes to its overall durability and robust features.
In conclusion, the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Del Dia Travel Pack is an exceptional choice for anyone seeking the best backpack for travel. Its blend of durable construction, intelligent organization, comfortable carry, and security features make it a standout option for a wide range of travel styles and durations. Whether you’re navigating city streets or exploring remote trails, the Allpa 35L is a reliable and versatile companion that will enhance your travel experience.
