For travelers seeking the Best Backpacks For Travel that combine durability, organization, and comfort, the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Del Dia Travel Pack stands out as a top contender. This versatile bag is designed to be your ultimate travel companion, whether you’re embarking on a weekend getaway or a week-long adventure. Its thoughtful design and robust construction make it an excellent choice for anyone dedicated to packing efficiently and traveling light.
The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L isn’t just another backpack; it’s a meticulously crafted travel solution. With handles on three sides, grabbing it from any angle is a breeze, and the luggage handle pass-through seamlessly integrates with your rolling carry-on luggage. Backed by a full lifetime warranty and built to last, this backpack has proven its reliability over six years of rigorous testing, becoming a go-to travel bag that often replaces the need for multiple luggage pieces. Pair it with a personal item, and you’re set for almost any journey.
While Cotopaxi offers the Allpa in 28-liter and 42-liter sizes, the 35-liter version hits the sweet spot for most travelers. The 42-liter option can become cumbersome when fully loaded, and the 28-liter might feel restrictive for longer trips. The 35L provides the perfect balance of space and portability. For those who appreciate extra organization, Cotopaxi also offers a hip pack that fits snugly into the Allpa’s top front compartment, adding another layer of convenience for on-the-go essentials.
Durability is a cornerstone of the Allpa’s design. Constructed from 100% recycled 840-denier ripstop nylon, the material boasts a robust, canvas-like feel with a distinct weave. This backpack is equally at home in an overhead bin or the back of a pickup truck, ready to withstand the rigors of travel. Adding to its resilience, the Allpa includes a rain fly, a unique and valuable feature not commonly found in other travel backpacks in its class, providing extra protection against the elements.
Cotopaxi offers the Allpa with two back panel options: TPU-coated nylon for enhanced water resistance and classic nylon. While TPU offers added water protection, earlier versions experienced fabric breakdown. Cotopaxi addressed this in the updated 2024 model, and ongoing testing is evaluating the long-term durability of the improved fabric.
Organization is where the Allpa truly excels. The clamshell design, featuring a robust YKK zipper, allows the backpack to open wide like a suitcase. The right side offers a deep main compartment, ideal for packing cubes and clothing, secured by a zippered mesh flap. The left side provides space for additional packing cubes and two smaller, high-visibility pockets for smaller items. A stretch mesh pocket conveniently accommodates a water bottle up to 1 liter.
Security and accessibility are also well-considered in the Allpa’s design. Two side-access zippers offer on-the-go convenience. One reveals a padded laptop pocket with a false bottom for added protection, while the other leads to a “secret” pocket with hidden zipper access to the main compartment. Security loops on the main compartment zippers deter opportunistic theft, providing peace of mind while navigating busy travel hubs.
Comfort is paramount when choosing the best backpacks for travel, and the Allpa delivers. The stowable hip belt provides excellent support when needed, and the backpack remains comfortable even for extended wear, with or without the hip belt. However, taller individuals (over 19-inch torsos) might find the hip belt sits slightly high unless the shoulder straps are fully extended. The contoured shoulder straps are a standout feature, designed to comfortably fit various body types, a detail particularly appreciated by female testers.
Minor Considerations
- Capacity: 35 liters
- Weight: 2 pounds 7 ounces
- Main Compartment Access: Clamshell opening
- Colors: Assorted
While the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack might have a few minor considerations, such as its capacity and weight, its overall design, durability, and organizational features firmly establish it as one of the best backpacks for travel available today. It’s a versatile, reliable, and comfortable choice for a wide range of travel styles and durations.
