For those who prioritize efficiency and mobility in their travels, the right carry-on can make all the difference. Among the myriad of options, the Knapsack Travel Bag stands out as a versatile and practical choice. If you’re seeking a single bag to handle everything from weekend getaways to week-long adventures, the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Del Dia Travel Pack emerges as a top contender. This durable and thoughtfully designed backpack isn’t just a bag; it’s a travel companion built for organization, comfort, and resilience.
Why the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L is a Top Knapsack Travel Bag Choice
The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L isn’t just another backpack; it’s engineered to be the quintessential knapsack travel bag for modern explorers. Its standout feature is its ability to function as a complete travel solution, negating the need for cumbersome suitcases or multiple bags. Ideal for travelers committed to packing light or those who prefer a more manageable carry, the Allpa 35L boasts strategically placed handles on three sides, ensuring effortless grab-and-go convenience from any angle. A luggage handle pass-through further enhances its versatility, allowing seamless integration with rolling carry-on luggage. Backed by a full lifetime warranty and exceptional build quality, this bag is designed to endure. Years of rigorous testing have proven that the Allpa 35L, complemented by a personal item, can effectively replace almost every other travel bag in your collection.
Size Matters: Why 35L is the Sweet Spot for a Travel Knapsack
Cotopaxi offers the Allpa in various sizes, including 28-liter and 42-liter versions, but the 35-liter model hits the sweet spot for most travelers seeking a knapsack travel bag. The larger 42-liter variant, when fully packed, can become cumbersome and lacks a sufficiently robust hip belt for heavier loads. Conversely, the 28-liter option might feel restrictive for trips extending beyond a couple of days, with internal organization that feels slightly excessive for shorter durations. The 35-liter Allpa provides the perfect balance of capacity and portability, making it an ideal knapsack travel bag for diverse travel scenarios. Cotopaxi also offers a hip pack designed to integrate seamlessly into the Allpa’s front top compartment, a handy addition for those who appreciate having essentials readily accessible.
Built to Last: Robust Materials for the Demanding Traveler
Durability is paramount in a reliable knapsack travel bag, and the Allpa 35L excels in this aspect. Constructed from 100% recycled 840-denier ripstop nylon, the bag’s material feels akin to heavy-duty canvas but with a more pronounced weave, promising resilience against wear and tear. This robust construction ensures the Allpa is equally at home in overhead compartments and the back of rugged vehicles. Adding to its resilience is an included rain fly, a unique and invaluable feature not commonly found in other bags in its category, providing extra protection against the elements for this knapsack travel bag.
Cotopaxi offers the Allpa with two back panel constructions: TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) coated nylon for enhanced water resistance and classic nylon. While TPU offers superior water resistance, earlier TPU coatings had durability issues. Cotopaxi has addressed this in updated versions, and ongoing testing will determine the long-term performance of the new fabric.
Alt text: Close-up of the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L knapsack travel bag clamshell design, showcasing the organized compartments.
Organization is Key: Clamshell Design for Efficient Packing
One of the most appreciated features of the Allpa 35L as a knapsack travel bag is its clamshell design. This suitcase-style opening, facilitated by a robust YKK zipper system, allows the bag to open fully into two distinct halves, simplifying packing and access. The right side features a deep main compartment capable of accommodating two large packing cubes or a substantial amount of clothing, secured by a zippered mesh flap. The left side offers space for an additional medium-sized packing cube behind another zippered flap, complemented by two smaller, high-visibility pockets ideal for organizing smaller personal items. A stretch mesh pocket, capable of holding a 1-liter water bottle, adds further practicality to this well-organized knapsack travel bag.
Security and Accessibility: Peace of Mind on the Go
Security is thoughtfully integrated into the Allpa 35L knapsack travel bag without compromising accessibility. Two side-access zippers provide convenient access to specific compartments while on the move. One side reveals a padded laptop compartment with a false bottom, safeguarding your device from impact. The other side zipper opens to a discreet “secret” pocket with hidden access to the main compartment. For enhanced security, main compartment zippers are equipped with security loops, deterring opportunistic tampering and providing peace of mind in crowded environments, a vital feature for any travel knapsack.
Comfort in Carry: Designed for Extended Wear
Comfort is paramount when choosing a knapsack travel bag, especially for extended travel days. The Allpa 35L features a hip belt that provides adequate support and can be conveniently stowed away when not needed. Whether utilizing the hip belt or not, the Allpa remains comfortable even when carried for long durations. The shoulder straps are contoured to accommodate various body shapes, a design improvement particularly noted and appreciated by female testers, ensuring a comfortable and secure fit for a wide 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 knapsack travel bag, potential buyers should note its 35-liter capacity and weight, which are standard for bags in this category. The clamshell opening, while excellent for organization, differs from traditional top-loading backpacks. These points are minor considerations within an otherwise outstanding travel companion.
Final Verdict: The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L – Your Ideal Knapsack Travel Bag
The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Del Dia Travel Pack stands out as a top-tier knapsack travel bag, perfectly blending durability, organization, security, and comfort. Its thoughtful design and robust construction make it an ideal choice for a wide spectrum of travelers, from weekend adventurers to globetrotters. If you seek a reliable, versatile, and comfortable knapsack travel bag that can handle the rigors of travel while keeping your belongings organized and secure, the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L is an investment that will undoubtedly enhance your travel experiences.